Zone

Crossword Answer — July 20, 2026

Hint

Think of a space defined by boundaries and purpose! 📏

Answer

Tap each tile or show full answer below

WaPo Crossword

Monday, July 20, 2026

By Rena Cohen · Edited by Patti Varol

Tap a square to reveal a letter.

Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.

WaPo Crossword Clues

Across

  1. 1Scouting mission, briefly
  2. 6Assent nonverbally
  3. 9Blue-green hue
  4. 13Greeting at a luau
  5. 14Identical
  6. 15Organ with bronchioles
  7. 16Nickname for Hollywood
  8. 18Meaty spread
  9. 19Meh
  10. 20"Tastes great!"
  11. 21__ to go: full of enthusiasm
  12. 22Sanction for running a red light
  13. 26Hopelessly stuck
  14. 28Peruvian capital
  15. 29One-named "Dancing on My Own" singer
  16. 30Astonish
  17. 32Pepper partner
  18. 36Comm. used by many CODAs
  19. 37Collections with cups and saucers, or a phonetic description of 16-, 22-, 49-, and 60-Across
  20. 40Fish eggs
  21. 41Require
  22. 43Tears
  23. 44Secures with a key
  24. 46King of the Norse pantheon
  25. 48Many a chart-topping song
  26. 49"Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers," e.g.
  27. 54Express feelings
  28. 55Approves
  29. 56Like a plump red strawberry
  30. 59Org. with a phonetic alphabet
  31. 60"Magic Tree House" subject
  32. 63Gender-neutral pronoun
  33. 64Zone
  34. 65Gaming giant
  35. 66Back talk
  36. 67Frying vessel
  37. 68Gets soupy, as ice cream

Down

  1. 1Sewer scurriers
  2. 2Pixar film about a boy who meets aliens
  3. 3British police officer
  4. 4"Whoops, my bad"
  5. 5Scottish denial
  6. 6Tennis star Osaka
  7. 7Texter's "Coming!"
  8. 8Cozy room
  9. 9Pack animals known for spitting
  10. 10Elementary subatomic particle
  11. 11Loosen, as a knot
  12. 12Representative
  13. 14Double __ Oreo
  14. 17Uber competitor
  15. 21Outer edge
  16. 23Mom's sister
  17. 24"Blue's __": Nick Jr. show
  18. 25Add color to
  19. 26Tehran's country
  20. 27Rudolph's red body part
  21. 30Exceptionally kind person
  22. 31Baking qty.
  23. 33Biggest competitor
  24. 34Trickster of the Norse pantheon
  25. 35Midterm, e.g.
  26. 38Shallowest Great Lake
  27. 39Opening in a spatula
  28. 42Nylabones, squeak balls, and the like
  29. 45Do surgery
  30. 47Payable now
  31. 48Soft "Hey, you!"
  32. 49Camp shelters
  33. 50Biggest city in the Cornhusker State
  34. 51Parts of a scale
  35. 52People celebrated internationally every March 8
  36. 53Furniture chain founded in Sweden
  37. 57Cheeky
  38. 58Yale students
  39. 60Alternative to bottled, in a restaurant
  40. 61Golden yrs. fund
  41. 62Aries animal

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Scouting mission, briefly — Answer: RECON. Hint: This term often refers to gathering information ahead of an operation! 🕵️‍♂️
  2. 6. Assent nonverbally — Answer: NOD. Hint: It's a simple gesture that shows agreement or understanding! 👍
  3. 9. Blue-green hue — Answer: AQUA. Hint: Think of a refreshing color often seen in tropical waters! 🌊
  4. 13. Greeting at a luau — Answer: ALOHA. Hint: Think of the warm welcome you might receive in Hawaii! 🌺
  5. 14. Identical — Answer: SAME. Hint: When two things are exactly alike, they're often described as this! 🔄
  6. 15. Organ with bronchioles — Answer: LUNG. Hint: This vital organ helps you breathe and exchange gases! 🌬️
  7. 16. Nickname for Hollywood — Answer: TINSELTOWN. Hint: Think of the glitzy nickname that sparkles with celebrity magic! ✨
  8. 18. Meaty spread — Answer: PATE. Hint: Think of a savory delight often enjoyed on crackers or bread! 🍞
  9. 19. Meh — Answer: SOSO. Hint: Sometimes, it’s just okay and nothing more! 😐
  10. 20. "Tastes great!" — Answer: YUM. Hint: This expression is often used when something is delicious! 😋
  11. 21. __ to go: full of enthusiasm — Answer: RARIN. Hint: Think of a phrase that captures a feeling of eagerness and excitement! 🚀
  12. 22. Sanction for running a red light — Answer: TRAFFICTICKET. Hint: Ignoring a red light can lead to a pricey reminder! 🚦
  13. 26. Hopelessly stuck — Answer: INARUT. Hint: Imagine being in a tough spot with no way out! 😅
  14. 28. Peruvian capital — Answer: LIMA. Hint: Think of a city famous for its delicious cuisine and rich history in South America! 🍽️
  15. 29. One-named "Dancing on My Own" singer — Answer: ROBYN. Hint: This Swedish pop star is known for her catchy tunes and unique style! 🎤
  16. 30. Astonish — Answer: STUN. Hint: This word can describe the feeling you get when something leaves you speechless! 😲
  17. 32. Pepper partner — Answer: SALT. Hint: This duo brings out the best in each other on your dining table! 🧂
  18. 36. Comm. used by many CODAs — Answer: ASL. Hint: Think of the language often used by the deaf community! 🤟
  19. 37. Collections with cups and saucers, or a phonetic description of 16-, 22-, 49-, and 60-Across — Answer: TEASETS. Hint: Think of where you might find a charming set for tea time! 🍵
  20. 40. Fish eggs — Answer: ROE. Hint: Think of a delicacy often served on blinis or as a garnish! 🎣
  21. 41. Require — Answer: NEED. Hint: Sometimes, we just can't do without something important! 🥺
  22. 43. Tears — Answer: RIPS. Hint: When something is pulled apart, it can cause a bit of a mess! 🧨
  23. 44. Secures with a key — Answer: LOCKS. Hint: Think about what you do to a door when you want to keep it closed! 🔑
  24. 46. King of the Norse pantheon — Answer: ODIN. Hint: This god is associated with wisdom, poetry, and war in Norse mythology. 🦉
  25. 48. Many a chart-topping song — Answer: POPHIT. Hint: Think of catchy tunes that get everyone singing along! 🎶
  26. 49. "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers," e.g. — Answer: TONGUETWISTER. Hint: This playful phrase is a real mouthful! 😜
  27. 54. Express feelings — Answer: EMOTE. Hint: Let your heart speak through actions and gestures! 🎭
  28. 55. Approves — Answer: OKS. Hint: It's a simple way to give the green light! 👍
  29. 56. Like a plump red strawberry — Answer: RIPE. Hint: Think about the perfect time to enjoy your favorite fruits! 🍓
  30. 59. Org. with a phonetic alphabet — Answer: NATO. Hint: This organization helps with communication in the military and has a unique way to spell things out! 📡
  31. 60. "Magic Tree House" subject — Answer: TIMETRAVEL. Hint: Think about adventures that take you to different eras! ⏳
  32. 63. Gender-neutral pronoun — Answer: THEY. Hint: Think of a word that works for a group or an individual without specifying gender! 🌈
  33. 64. Zone — Answer: AREA. Hint: Think of a space defined by boundaries and purpose! 📏
  34. 65. Gaming giant — Answer: ATARI. Hint: This company brought you classic arcade games like 'Pong' and 'Asteroids'! 🎮
  35. 66. Back talk — Answer: SASS. Hint: Sometimes a little attitude can spice up a conversation! 😏
  36. 67. Frying vessel — Answer: PAN. Hint: Think of what you might flip an omelet in! 🍳
  37. 68. Gets soupy, as ice cream — Answer: MELTS. Hint: When the temperature rises, this creamy treat can lose its cool! 🍦

Down

  1. 1. Sewer scurriers — Answer: RATS. Hint: These clever little critters often scavenge in urban areas, always on the move! 🐀
  2. 2. Pixar film about a boy who meets aliens — Answer: ELIO. Hint: Imagine a young boy embarking on an intergalactic adventure with some out-of-this-world friends! 🚀
  3. 3. British police officer — Answer: CONSTABLE. Hint: Think of a title for a law enforcer in the UK! 🚔
  4. 4. "Whoops, my bad" — Answer: OHSORRY. Hint: When you realize you made a mistake, this phrase often follows! 😅
  5. 5. Scottish denial — Answer: NAE. Hint: In Scotland, you might hear this word instead of 'no'! 🇬🇧
  6. 6. Tennis star Osaka — Answer: NAOMI. Hint: This athlete is known for her powerful serve and has won multiple Grand Slam titles! 🎾
  7. 7. Texter's "Coming!" — Answer: OMW. Hint: You're on your way to meeting up soon! 🚗
  8. 8. Cozy room — Answer: DEN. Hint: Think of a snug hideaway where you might curl up with a good book! 📚
  9. 9. Pack animals known for spitting — Answer: ALPACAS. Hint: These fluffy friends are famous for their quirky behavior and luxurious wool! 🦙
  10. 10. Elementary subatomic particle — Answer: QUARK. Hint: Think of the building blocks of protons and neutrons, tiny particles that pack a big punch! 🔬
  11. 11. Loosen, as a knot — Answer: UNTIE. Hint: Think of what you do to a shoelace when you're ready to take off your shoes! 🎀
  12. 12. Representative — Answer: AGENT. Hint: Think of someone who acts on behalf of another—often in a secretive way! 🤫
  13. 14. Double __ Oreo — Answer: STUF. Hint: This word describes what makes those cookies extra tasty! 🍪
  14. 17. Uber competitor — Answer: LYFT. Hint: This ride-hailing service shares a name with a popular type of movement! 🚗
  15. 21. Outer edge — Answer: RIM. Hint: Think of the boundary that frames the whole picture! 🖼️
  16. 23. Mom's sister — Answer: AUNT. Hint: This relative often spoils you with love and treats! 😊
  17. 24. "Blue's __": Nick Jr. show — Answer: CLUES. Hint: Think of a beloved canine detective who helps kids solve mysteries! 🐾
  18. 25. Add color to — Answer: TINT. Hint: Sometimes you need to give a little splash to brighten things up! 🎨
  19. 26. Tehran's country — Answer: IRAN. Hint: Think of the nation known for its rich history and ancient empires! 🇮🇷
  20. 27. Rudolph's red body part — Answer: NOSE. Hint: This part helps guide the way, especially on foggy nights! 🦌
  21. 30. Exceptionally kind person — Answer: SAINT. Hint: Think of someone known for their goodness and generosity! 😊
  22. 31. Baking qty. — Answer: TSP. Hint: A little measure can go a long way in the kitchen! 🥄
  23. 33. Biggest competitor — Answer: ARCHRIVAL. Hint: Think of someone who always aims to outdo you in the game! 🥇
  24. 34. Trickster of the Norse pantheon — Answer: LOKI. Hint: This mischievous deity often stirs up trouble among the gods! 🔮
  25. 35. Midterm, e.g. — Answer: TEST. Hint: Think of something you take to measure knowledge! 📚
  26. 38. Shallowest Great Lake — Answer: ERIE. Hint: This lake shares its name with a vibrant city in Pennsylvania! 🌊
  27. 39. Opening in a spatula — Answer: SLOT. Hint: It's the perfect place for flipping your favorite breakfast treat! 🍳
  28. 42. Nylabones, squeak balls, and the like — Answer: DOGTOYS. Hint: What does your furry friend love to chew on and play with? 🐾
  29. 45. Do surgery — Answer: OPERATE. Hint: This action often happens in an operating room! 🏥
  30. 47. Payable now — Answer: DUE. Hint: It's something you might owe right at this moment! 💰
  31. 48. Soft "Hey, you!" — Answer: PSST. Hint: A gentle way to get someone's attention without being too loud! 🤫
  32. 49. Camp shelters — Answer: TENTS. Hint: You might find these cozy spaces pitched under the stars! ⛺
  33. 50. Biggest city in the Cornhusker State — Answer: OMAHA. Hint: This city is known for its vibrant arts scene and was the birthplace of a famous billionaire investor! 🌽
  34. 51. Parts of a scale — Answer: NOTES. Hint: Think of sounds that make music come alive! 🎶
  35. 52. People celebrated internationally every March 8 — Answer: WOMEN. Hint: This day honors the strength and achievements of half the world's population! 🌍
  36. 53. Furniture chain founded in Sweden — Answer: IKEA. Hint: This popular store is known for its ready-to-assemble furniture and Swedish meatballs! 🪑
  37. 57. Cheeky — Answer: PERT. Hint: This word describes a playful and impudent attitude, often with a touch of sass! 😏
  38. 58. Yale students — Answer: ELIS. Hint: These bright minds hail from a prestigious university! 🎓
  39. 60. Alternative to bottled, in a restaurant — Answer: TAP. Hint: Think about the source of refreshing beverages that flow freely! 💧
  40. 61. Golden yrs. fund — Answer: IRA. Hint: Think of a way to save for retirement that sounds like a three-letter abbreviation! 💰
  41. 62. Aries animal — Answer: RAM. Hint: This animal is often associated with strength and determination! 🐏

The answer to “Zone” in the The Washington Post crossword is AREA — a 4-letter word. This clue ran in the The Washington Post crossword on July 20, 2026, a Monday puzzle, at 64-Across. 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.

“Zone” answer

AREA (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 AREA.

Why the answer is AREA

Think of a space defined by boundaries and purpose! 📏

When else has “Zone” 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 20, 2026 (this puzzle) → AREA. We haven't indexed an earlier appearance of this exact clue yet.

More clues from the WaPo Crossword crossword on July 20, 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.

Want every clue in one place? The full The Washington Post answer list for July 20, 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 Monday 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 “Zone”?

The answer is AREA, a 4-letter word. It appeared in the The Washington Post crossword on July 20, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Zone”?

4 letters: AREA.

Where did this clue appear?

In the The Washington Post crossword on July 20, 2026 (a Monday puzzle), at 64-Across.

Can “Zone” 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 20, 2026 is on the WaPo Crossword answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

NYT Crossword Answers NYT Mini Crossword Answers WaPo Crossword Answers — Jul 20 Wordle Hint Today Connections Hint Today Strands Hint Today Quordle Hint Today Contexto Hint Today Jumble Answers Today 7 Little Words Answers Crossclimb Answers