WaPo Crossword Clues & Answers - Jul 18

Saturday’s Daily

By Ricky J. Sirois · Edited by Patti Varol

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WaPo Crossword Clues

Across

Down

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Doctrines — Answer: DOGMATA. Hint: These are the official beliefs set by a church or organization. 📜
  2. 8. Incomplete Wikipedia article — Answer: STUB. Hint: Think of something that’s just getting started and needs more information! 📝
  3. 12. 1990s sketch comedy show — Answer: INLIVINGCOLOR. Hint: This show brought a vibrant mix of comedy and talent to the forefront in the 90s! 🎭
  4. 15. PBS series hosted by librarian Mychal Threets — Answer: READINGRAINBOW. Hint: This colorful show encourages kids to explore the world of books and imagination! 📚
  5. 17. Lemon juice? — Answer: GAS. Hint: Think about what happens when you mix something with a sour twist! 🍋
  6. 18. Javelin — Answer: SPEAR. Hint: This pointy projectile is often thrown in sports and hunting! 🏹
  7. 19. Strong suit — Answer: ASSET. Hint: Think of what you bring to the table that gives you an advantage! 💪
  8. 21. Conditional word — Answer: ELSE. Hint: Think about words that help create alternatives in a statement! 🔄
  9. 23. Senior — Answer: OLDER. Hint: Think of someone with more years under their belt! 👴
  10. 25. Mother of Apollo and Artemis — Answer: LETO. Hint: This goddess is a figure of motherhood and often associated with a certain island. 🌊
  11. 26. Shaping tool — Answer: LATHE. Hint: This machine spins to carve cylindrical objects with precision! 🛠️
  12. 28. Tillamook's state — Answer: OREGON. Hint: This state is famous for its cheese and beautiful coastline! 🧀
  13. 30. Blast — Answer: BALL. Hint: Think of something round that can really take off! ⚽
  14. 32. "Am I free to go?" — Answer: AREWEDONE. Hint: Consider what you might say when you’ve completed a task! 🎤
  15. 34. Complex trap — Answer: WEB. Hint: Think of something that entangles and can be quite intricate! 🕸️
  16. 35. Nail salon brand — Answer: OPI. Hint: This brand is known for its vibrant nail colors and clever names! 💅
  17. 37. Gen __ — Answer: XER. Hint: Think of a popular way to generate something in the tech world! 💻
  18. 38. __ États-Unis — Answer: LES. Hint: Think about how to refer to the United States in French! 🇫🇷
  19. 39. Recklessly — Answer: HEADFIRST. Hint: Dive in without hesitation! 🏊
  20. 42. Has a summer job? — Answer: ADDS. Hint: Think about what someone might do when they have more free time in the sunny months! ☀️
  21. 44. Recently — Answer: OFLATE. Hint: Think about a phrase that describes something happening in the not-so-distant past! 🕰️
  22. 45. Birds paraded on Saint Stephen's Day in Ireland — Answer: WRENS. Hint: These small, lively birds are often seen flitting about gardens, especially on special occasions! 🐦
  23. 47. Pressing need — Answer: IRON. Hint: Think of a household item that gets hot and helps smooth out wrinkles! 🔥
  24. 48. Hardship — Answer: TRIAL. Hint: Think of a challenging experience that tests your resilience! 🔍
  25. 50. Grow friendlier — Answer: THAW. Hint: When the ice melts, things get a lot cozier! ❄️
  26. 54. Squeals — Answer: SINGS. Hint: When you express happiness through melody, you might just let out a joyful tune! 🎶
  27. 56. __ nerve — Answer: OPTIC. Hint: Think about the nerve that plays a crucial role in your vision! 👀
  28. 58. Like — Answer: ALA. Hint: Think of the word often used in phrases that denote similarity or comparison! 😉
  29. 59. "Regardless of what you think ... " — Answer: BELIEVEITORNOT. Hint: This phrase often challenges your perspective and encourages open-mindedness! 🤔
  30. 62. "I deserved that" — Answer: SERVESMERIGHT. Hint: This phrase often reflects a sense of justice or karma when something was anticipated. ⚖️
  31. 63. "Do-Re-Mi" figure — Answer: DEER. Hint: Think of a friendly animal that can sometimes be found in the woods! 🦌
  32. 64. Spanish wives — Answer: ESPOSAS. Hint: In Spanish, this word means both 'wives' and something that can hold you back! 🔒

Down

  1. 1. Expression of grief — Answer: DIRGE. Hint: A song played at a sad occasion can really set the mood. 🎶
  2. 2. Youngest Oscar winner — Answer: ONEAL. Hint: This talented star made history at a very young age! 🌟
  3. 3. Part of a frame job? — Answer: GLASS. Hint: Think about what often protects what's inside a frame! 🖼️
  4. 4. Just OK — Answer: MID. Hint: Think of a term that balances between good and bad! ⚖️
  5. 5. Dollar alternative — Answer: AVIS. Hint: Think of a popular car rental company that's not quite as expensive! 🚗
  6. 6. Second-rate — Answer: TINPOT. Hint: Think of something that might be considered less than impressive or of poor quality! 🥴
  7. 7. Capellini — Answer: ANGELHAIR. Hint: This pasta is as delicate as a whisper and often twirls on your fork like a dream! 🍝
  8. 8. Alarm — Answer: SCARE. Hint: This feeling might wake you up in the middle of the night! 😱
  9. 9. French pronoun — Answer: TOI. Hint: Think of a casual way to address someone directly in French! 🇫🇷
  10. 10. Pinkie-side bone — Answer: ULNA. Hint: It's the bone opposite your thumb that helps in wrist movement! 🦴
  11. 11. Gravity-powered racer — Answer: BOBSLED. Hint: This is a thrilling winter sport where teams glide down icy tracks! 🏂
  12. 13. Equipment that may level the playing field — Answer: GRADER. Hint: Think of something that helps make surfaces equal for better gameplay! ⚖️
  13. 14. Copper alloy popularized by its use in Fabergé eggs — Answer: ROSEGOLD. Hint: This shiny metal blend is often associated with luxury and elegance in jewelry. 💍
  14. 16. Wipes brand — Answer: WETONES. Hint: This brand is known for keeping things clean and fresh, especially on the go! 🧼
  15. 20. Vocal qualities — Answer: TONES. Hint: Consider what makes a song sound rich and full! 🎶
  16. 22. Lens opening? — Answer: ELL. Hint: Think about the way a lens can let light in when it's wide open! 🌟
  17. 24. Sports reporter Holly — Answer: ROWE. Hint: This reporter shares her name with a common type of waterway! 🌊
  18. 27. Up in the air — Answer: ALOFT. Hint: Think of something that floats high above the ground! 🌤️
  19. 29. Played over — Answer: RERAN. Hint: This word describes what you do when you watch a show again! 📺
  20. 30. Barbecue option — Answer: BEEFRIB. Hint: For a smoky flavor, think of a favorite meat grilled to perfection! 🍖
  21. 31. Snacks for sea otters — Answer: ABALONES. Hint: These tasty treats are often found in shells and are a favorite underwater delicacy! 🐚
  22. 33. Leeway for a test-taker — Answer: EXTRATIME. Hint: Think about what might help you stretch your deadline during an exam! ⏳
  23. 34. Start of some "Jeopardy!" responses — Answer: WHOIS. Hint: It's a common way to phrase a question when you want to know someone's identity! 🤔
  24. 36. Neoplasticism pioneer Mondrian — Answer: PIET. Hint: Think of a Dutch artist known for his grid-based compositions! 🎨
  25. 40. Offered as an inducement — Answer: DANGLED. Hint: Think of something tempting you can't resist! 🎣
  26. 41. App gestures — Answer: SWIPES. Hint: Think of a quick movement you might make on your screen! 📱
  27. 43. Setting not observed by most of Arizona: Abbr. — Answer: DST. Hint: Think about the time change that not everyone in Arizona follows! ⏰
  28. 46. Ruling classes — Answer: ELITES. Hint: Think of those at the top of the social ladder! 👑
  29. 49. Opportunity on Mars, e.g. — Answer: ROVER. Hint: Think of a vehicle that explores new horizons, especially on another planet! 🚀
  30. 51. Chills — Answer: HANGS. Hint: When something is suspended in the air, it might give you those spine-tingling vibes! 😮
  31. 52. Word in many Polynesian languages — Answer: ALOHA. Hint: This word embodies greetings, love, and goodbyes in paradise! 🌺
  32. 53. Los Angeles neighborhood where many Walter Mosley novels are set — Answer: WATTS. Hint: Think of a place in LA that's known for its cultural impact and history. 🌆
  33. 55. Royal address — Answer: SIRE. Hint: A term of endearment for a kingly figure! 👑
  34. 57. Business org. — Answer: CORP. Hint: Think about a common term for a company or a legal entity in the business world! 🏢
  35. 60. Anticipatory period — Answer: EVE. Hint: Think of the time just before a big celebration! 🎉
  36. 61. Duran Duran album with the hit "Hungry Like the Wolf" — Answer: RIO. Hint: This vibrant South American city shares its name with a famous album! 🌆

Here are the Washington Post Crossword answers for Saturday, July 18, 2026 — every solution for that day's 15×15 puzzle, listed at the top of this page. Whether you're catching up on a puzzle you missed, settling a “what was the answer on July 18?” question, or checking a grid you finished that day, the complete clue-by-clue solution is right here. Looking for today's puzzle instead? Head to our live Washington Post Crossword answers page.

Washington Post Crossword answers for July 18, 2026

The full solution for the July 18 Washington Post Crossword is shown above, laid out clue by clue — every Across answer followed by every Down answer, exactly as that day's grid read. Each answer is listed separately, so you can check just the clue you were stuck on and leave the rest. This is the confirmed grid as published on Saturday, July 18.

Hints for the July 18 puzzle

Not ready for the full answer? Here are lighter, spoiler-free nudges for that day's grid, above the solutions. The July 18 Washington Post Crossword was a classic Saturday 15×15 — fair, conversational cluing with a theme that often unlocks several long answers at once. Use the hints for the trickiest corners, then reveal the answers above only if you need them.

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Frequently asked questions

What were the Washington Post Crossword answers on July 18, 2026?

Every answer for the Saturday, July 18, 2026 Washington Post Crossword is listed at the top of this page — the confirmed grid as published that day.

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Today's live puzzle is on our Washington Post Crossword answers today page, updated the moment each new grid goes live.

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