Crossword Answer
"Mambo Birdland" Grammy winner Puente
He swayed to the rhythm of Latin music! 🎶
Click a tile to reveal each letter, or show the full answer below.
Friday, July 17, 2026
By Alex Rossell Hayes & Brian Callahan · Edited by Patti Varol
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Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.
WaPo Crossword Clues
Across
Down
Crossword clues, hints, and answers
Across
- 1. Agreeing (with) — Answer: SIDING. Hint: When you're on someone's team, you might be doing this in their favor! 🤝
- 7. Unleash (on) — Answer: SIC. Hint: Let them go with a mischievous command! 😈
- 10. Chemically quiet — Answer: INERT. Hint: Think about elements that don't react much in the lab! 🔬
- 15. Rocker Dee — Answer: SNIDER. Hint: This rock star is known for his wild hair and powerful voice! 🎸
- 16. "Industry" network — Answer: HBO. Hint: This premium channel is known for its original series and films, often featuring dramatic storytelling. 📺
- 17. Levi's Stadium player — Answer: NINER. Hint: This team's colors are red and gold, and they call the Bay Area home! 🏈
- 18. Vague advice for space travelers worried about black holes? — Answer: AVOIDAVOID. Hint: When in doubt, steer clear of danger! 🚀
- 20. Prickly plants — Answer: CACTI. Hint: These desert dwellers know how to thrive in dry conditions! 🌵
- 21. Green prefix — Answer: ECO. Hint: Think about a term often associated with sustainability and the environment! 🌍
- 22. Folk icon Joan — Answer: BAEZ. Hint: This singer is known for her powerful voice and activism in the 60s folk scene! 🎤
- 23. Washed-out — Answer: PALLID. Hint: Think of a word that describes a face lacking color or brightness! 😌
- 24. Espresso froth — Answer: CREMA. Hint: Think of the rich, velvety layer that crowns your favorite coffee drink! ☕
- 26. Air travel that's the fifth-best option? — Answer: PLANEPLANE. Hint: What do you call a flying machine that can be seen twice? ✈️
- 28. Element of many English breakfast blends — Answer: ASSAMTEA. Hint: This strong and malty brew often comes from a region in India known for its tea plantations! ☕
- 30. Sci-fi beings — Answer: ETS. Hint: Think of extraterrestrial visitors from beyond our world! 🌌
- 31. Vehicle with sliding doors — Answer: VAN. Hint: Think of a roomy ride that’s perfect for family trips! 🚐
- 32. Waver — Answer: TEETER. Hint: When you can't decide, you might find yourself moving back and forth! 🤔
- 33. Group of badgers — Answer: CLAN. Hint: Think of a close-knit family pack, but not necessarily human! 🦡
- 35. Part of R&R — Answer: REST. Hint: After a long day, it's vital to take a break and recharge! 🛌
- 36. "My job is ranking people on a scale of 'miffed' to 'downright furious'"? — Answer: IRATEIRATE. Hint: Think of someone who assesses emotions on a scale of annoyance! 😡
- 39. Catchall gp. — Answer: MISC. Hint: Think of a term that encompasses a variety of things all in one place! 📦
- 42. Bad-mouth — Answer: DISS. Hint: When you speak negatively about someone, you might be doing this! 💬
- 43. "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" singer — Answer: MONROE. Hint: Think of a classic Hollywood actress known for her iconic beauty and charm! 💖
- 47. Sun Devils sch. — Answer: ASU. Hint: This university's spirited team is known for their fiery mascot! ☀️
- 48. Snag — Answer: GET. Hint: To acquire something you want, you often have to make a move to snag it! 🎯
- 49. Treble-makers? — Answer: TWEETERS. Hint: These chirpy social media users often share their thoughts in short bursts! 🐦
- 51. Juliet's response when her love asks what city is as eternal as their bond? — Answer: ROMEOROMEO. Hint: Think of a city that's known for its ancient history and romance! ❤️
- 54. Colorful South Asian dresses — Answer: SARIS. Hint: These elegant garments often feature intricate designs and vibrant hues, making them a staple in festive celebrations! 🌺
- 55. Running groups? — Answer: SLATES. Hint: Think about what you might use to jot down names for a sporty gathering! 📝
- 56. Aphrodite's son — Answer: EROS. Hint: He's known for causing hearts to flutter! 💘
- 58. Thai neighbor — Answer: LAO. Hint: Think of the country that shares a border with Thailand and has a similar culture! 🇱🇦
- 59. Places for soaks — Answer: BATHS. Hint: Think of where you might unwind with some bubbles! 🛁
- 60. Helpful draw when trying to play a Q word in Scrabble? — Answer: UTILEUTILE. Hint: Think of something that provides assistance or serves a purpose in your word game! 🎲
- 63. Pair of hearts? — Answer: ATRIA. Hint: Think of the chambers in your heart! ❤️
- 64. Enthusiast — Answer: FAN. Hint: This person is always cheering from the sidelines! 🎉
- 65. Tickled — Answer: AMUSED. Hint: Feeling light-hearted and giggly can often leave you in this delightful state! 😄
- 66. Show emotion — Answer: REACT. Hint: How do you respond to something that surprises or moves you? 🤔
- 67. Estadio cheer — Answer: OLE. Hint: A lively expression often shouted in sports to show enthusiasm! 🎉
- 68. Most easygoing — Answer: LAXEST. Hint: Think of the state of being relaxed and carefree! 😌
Down
- 1. Org. with a "Get Ready for Baby" page — Answer: SSA. Hint: This organization helps you prepare for a new addition to the family! 👶
- 2. Multiplication, to division — Answer: INVERSE. Hint: Think of the opposite operation when it comes to math! ➗
- 3. Bishop's domain — Answer: DIOCESE. Hint: Think about where a bishop oversees their community! ⛪
- 4. Hard to translate, in a way — Answer: IDIOMATIC. Hint: Sometimes, phrases don't mean what they say! 🤔
- 5. Nancy Drew's boyfriend — Answer: NED. Hint: He's the trusty sidekick who often helps Nancy solve mysteries! 🕵️♂️
- 6. Snag — Answer: GRAB. Hint: Think of a quick motion to take hold of something! ✋
- 7. Slip-ons lack — Answer: SHOELACES. Hint: What keeps your favorite footwear snugly on your feet? 👟
- 8. Third-largest of the Balearic Islands — Answer: IBIZA. Hint: This island is famous for its nightlife and beautiful beaches! 🌴
- 9. Fish oil source — Answer: COD. Hint: This popular fish is a staple in both dinner plates and health supplements! 🐟
- 10. Like LOL, but not haha — Answer: INCAPS. Hint: When you want to express laughter without spelling it out, this might be your go-to! 😂
- 11. Horan of One Direction — Answer: NIALL. Hint: This Irish singer is often called the cute one from a boy band! ☘️
- 12. Lesotho, for one — Answer: ENCLAVE. Hint: It's a landlocked area entirely surrounded by another country! 🌍
- 13. Organ parts with rods and cones — Answer: RETINAS. Hint: Think about the light-sensitive layers in your eyes that help you see! 👀
- 14. Aquaman's staff — Answer: TRIDENT. Hint: This three-pronged weapon is often seen in mythology and associated with the sea! 🌊
- 19. __ pen — Answer: VAPE. Hint: This portable device can help you enjoy your favorite flavors without the smoke! 💨
- 23. Honey or sugar — Answer: PETNAME. Hint: What sweet moniker do you call someone special? 🍭
- 24. Feline — Answer: CAT. Hint: This playful companion often purrs and loves to chase strings! 🐱
- 25. Pt. of USA — Answer: AMER. Hint: Think of a term that represents the land of the brave and the free! 🇺🇸
- 27. Far from far — Answer: NEAR. Hint: Sometimes you're closer than you think! 🥰
- 29. Goods people — Answer: TRADERS. Hint: Think of those who exchange items for profit! 💼
- 34. Scope rival — Answer: LISTERINE. Hint: Think of a mouthwash that freshens your breath and competes in the dental care aisle! 🦷
- 35. Wedding attire, for some — Answer: RENTALTUX. Hint: Need to dress sharp for that special day without the commitment? 🎩
- 37. "Mambo Birdland" Grammy winner Puente — Answer: TITO. Hint: He swayed to the rhythm of Latin music! 🎶
- 38. Low digits? — Answer: TOES. Hint: Don't forget to count those little guys at the end of your feet! 🦶
- 39. Milky Way kin — Answer: MARSBAR. Hint: This sweet treat shares its name with the red planet! 🍫
- 40. Silo — Answer: ISOLATE. Hint: Sometimes, you just need to put some space between you and the noise. 🏡
- 41. Indonesian island crossed by the equator — Answer: SUMATRA. Hint: This large island is known for its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife! 🌴
- 44. Bring up again — Answer: RERAISE. Hint: Sometimes you need to increase the stakes when discussing a topic, right? 🎲
- 45. Colorful songbirds — Answer: ORIOLES. Hint: These vibrant birds are known for their striking plumage and melodious tunes! 🎶
- 46. Sourdough starter? — Answer: ESS. Hint: Think about what you need to begin your bread adventure! 🍞
- 48. Charges — Answer: GOESAT. Hint: When money moves from one place to another, it often... 📈
- 50. Product removed by shear force? — Answer: WOOL. Hint: Think of a cozy material that comes from sheep! 🐑
- 52. Value system — Answer: ETHIC. Hint: Consider what guides your decisions and actions in life! 🤔
- 53. Heavy __ — Answer: METAL. Hint: Think of a genre of loud music that often has powerful guitar riffs! 🎸
- 57. Shut tight — Answer: SEAL. Hint: What do you do to keep something safe and secure? 🤫
- 60. Sci-fi craft — Answer: UFO. Hint: Look to the skies for something that's often spotted but rarely confirmed! 👽
- 61. Thurman of "Gattaca" — Answer: UMA. Hint: Think of a famous actress known for her role in a sci-fi movie about genetic engineering! 🎬
- 62. Philly summer hrs. — Answer: EDT. Hint: Think about the time zone that keeps things on track during those warm months! ⏰
The answer to “"Mambo Birdland" Grammy winner Puente” in the The Washington Post crossword is TITO — a 4-letter word. This clue ran in the The Washington Post crossword on July 17, 2026, a Friday puzzle, at 37-Down. If it's the entry standing between you and a clean grid, that's the word you need — and below you'll find why it fits, plus links to the day's other clues if more than one square is giving you trouble.
“"Mambo Birdland" Grammy winner Puente” answer
TITO (4 letters)
Reveal the solution one letter at a time with the tiles above if you'd rather nudge yourself toward it than see the whole word at once. Just want it outright? The answer is TITO.
Why the answer is TITO
He swayed to the rhythm of Latin music! 🎶
When else has “"Mambo Birdland" Grammy winner Puente” appeared?
The Washington Post reuses clues across dates, sometimes with a different answer depending on the grid. Here's where this exact clue has shown up before, and what the answer was each time — handy if you landed here from a puzzle on another date.
July 17, 2026 (this puzzle) → TITO. We haven't indexed an earlier appearance of this exact clue yet.
More clues from the WaPo Crossword crossword on July 17, 2026
Stuck elsewhere in the grid? Here are some of the crossing and nearby clues from the same puzzle — tap any for its answer and explanation.
- "My job is ranking people on a scale of 'miffed' to 'downright furious'"? → IRATEIRATE
- Bad-mouth → DISS
- Snag → GET
- Juliet's response when her love asks what city is as eternal as their bond? → ROMEOROMEO
- Low digits? → TOES
- Part of R&R → REST
- Catchall gp. → MISC
- Wedding attire, for some → RENTALTUX
Want every clue in one place? The full The Washington Post answer list for July 17, 2026 is on that day's grid page, and today's live WaPo Crossword answers are always one tap from the today page.
About the WaPo Crossword
The Washington Post Crossword is a classic American daily 15×15 (larger on Sunday), free to play online and known for fair, conversational cluing. This page covers a Friday puzzle. Theme answers and mid-length fill trade places in importance; when a theme clue stalls you, a confirmed crossing entry usually breaks the corner open.
Frequently asked questions
What is the answer to “"Mambo Birdland" Grammy winner Puente”?
The answer is TITO, a 4-letter word. It appeared in the The Washington Post crossword on July 17, 2026.
How many letters is the answer to “"Mambo Birdland" Grammy winner Puente”?
4 letters: TITO.
Where did this clue appear?
In the The Washington Post crossword on July 17, 2026 (a Friday puzzle), at 37-Down.
Can “"Mambo Birdland" Grammy winner Puente” have a different answer?
Yes — The Washington Post sometimes reuses a clue with a different solution to fit the grid. The answers we've recorded for each date it appeared are listed above when available.
Where can I find the rest of this day's WaPo Crossword answers?
The full grid for July 17, 2026 is on the WaPo Crossword answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.