WaPo Crossword Clues & Answers - Jul 21

Tuesday’s Daily

By Kinan Alsheikh · Edited by Patti Varol

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WaPo Crossword Clues

Across

  1. 1Prattles on
  2. 5Bay Area sch.
  3. 9Uninspiring
  4. 14Mapa of "Ugly Betty"
  5. 15"New Rules" and "New Love" singer Dua
  6. 16Twisted humor
  7. 17Shampoo for horses as well as humans
  8. 19Honeycomb units
  9. 20Neither partner
  10. 21Future atty.'s exam
  11. 23Southeast Asian language
  12. 24Meatless Chinese noodle dish
  13. 29Hullabaloo
  14. 30Light __ feather
  15. 31Product labels
  16. 32Private aid gp.
  17. 33Sure winner
  18. 36"The Theory of Everything" Best Actor Oscar winner
  19. 42Not asea
  20. 43Poem of praise
  21. 45Former House Speaker Nancy
  22. 48Due-in hr.
  23. 51Crank (up)
  24. 52Tender salad greens
  25. 56"The Lord of the Rings" beast
  26. 57Move for one's co., say
  27. 58Olive extract
  28. 59Capone cohort Frank
  29. 61Principal draw on fight night, or an apt title for this puzzle
  30. 66"OK, that was dishonest"
  31. 67Ritz-Carlton competitor
  32. 68Tops with frosting
  33. 69Ride a bike
  34. 70"Auld Lang __"
  35. 71Every __ and cranny

Down

  1. 1Thanksgiving tuber
  2. 2__ carte menu
  3. 3Writing tool
  4. 4All-too-public argument
  5. 5Marathons longer than 26.2 miles, familiarly
  6. 6U.S. intel org.
  7. 7Tell all, as gossip
  8. 8Untrue
  9. 9Beckham also known as Posh Spice
  10. 10"__ we there yet?"
  11. 11Wind-borne allergen
  12. 12Embedded, as tiles
  13. 13High-end vacuum cleaners
  14. 18The "N" of N.B.
  15. 22"Tuesdays With Morrie" writer Mitch
  16. 24Vehicle for movers
  17. 25Microsoft web browser
  18. 26Yummy
  19. 27Iraq port city
  20. 28Plenty of
  21. 34__ of the woods mushrooms
  22. 35More quirky
  23. 37Entryway
  24. 38Without losing one's cool
  25. 39Renée __ Goldsberry of "Girls5eva"
  26. 40Sushi seaweed
  27. 41Biblical garden
  28. 4441-Down woman
  29. 45Relating to sound
  30. 46In a creepy way
  31. 47Acid type built up during high-intensity exercise
  32. 49Nickname for Canada's $2 coin
  33. 50French friend
  34. 53"Battlestar Galactica" actor Edward James __
  35. 54Like hand soap
  36. 55Singing brother of Simon and Theodore
  37. 60No. on a resume
  38. 62Airbnb alternative
  39. 63__-friendly
  40. 64Opposite of paleo-
  41. 65Sound of disapproval

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Prattles on — Answer: YAPS. Hint: Think of a small dog that's always chatting away! 🐶
  2. 5. Bay Area sch. — Answer: UCSF. Hint: This university is renowned for its medical and health sciences programs in the Golden State! 🏥
  3. 9. Uninspiring — Answer: VAPID. Hint: Think of a word that describes something lacking liveliness or energy! 🌫️
  4. 14. Mapa of "Ugly Betty" — Answer: ALEC. Hint: This character has a flair for fashion and a memorable personality! 👔
  5. 15. "New Rules" and "New Love" singer Dua — Answer: LIPA. Hint: This pop star's last name sounds like a dance move! 💃
  6. 16. Twisted humor — Answer: IRONY. Hint: Think of where sarcasm and unexpected twists collide! 😂
  7. 17. Shampoo for horses as well as humans — Answer: MANENTAIL. Hint: This product keeps both your mane and tail looking fabulous! 🐴
  8. 19. Honeycomb units — Answer: CELLS. Hint: Think of the tiny compartments where sweet gold is stored! 🍯
  9. 20. Neither partner — Answer: NOR. Hint: Think of a word that links negative options together! 🤔
  10. 21. Future atty.'s exam — Answer: LSAT. Hint: This test is a must for those aiming to attend law school! 📚
  11. 23. Southeast Asian language — Answer: LAO. Hint: This language is spoken in a country known for its stunning waterfalls and the mighty Mekong River! 🌊
  12. 24. Meatless Chinese noodle dish — Answer: VEGETABLELOMEIN. Hint: Think of a tasty noodle dish that's packed with colorful veggies! 🍜
  13. 29. Hullabaloo — Answer: ADO. Hint: Think of a commotion that makes some noise! 🎉
  14. 30. Light __ feather — Answer: ASA. Hint: Think of something that is both delicate and airy! ☁️
  15. 31. Product labels — Answer: BRANDS. Hint: Think about what names make products stand out in the market! 🏷️
  16. 32. Private aid gp. — Answer: NGO. Hint: Think about organizations that operate without government intervention to help those in need! 🤝
  17. 33. Sure winner — Answer: SHOOIN. Hint: Think of a phrase that suggests something is bound to happen and sounds like a foot-related term! 👟
  18. 36. "The Theory of Everything" Best Actor Oscar winner — Answer: EDDIEREDMAYNE. Hint: This talented actor made waves playing a celebrated physicist in a heartwarming biopic! 🎥
  19. 42. Not asea — Answer: ONLAND. Hint: Think about where you'd be if you weren't surrounded by water! 🌍
  20. 43. Poem of praise — Answer: ODE. Hint: Think of a lyrical tribute that celebrates something special! 🎶
  21. 45. Former House Speaker Nancy — Answer: PELOSI. Hint: This California politician has a strong presence in U.S. politics and made history as the first female Speaker of the House! 🏛️
  22. 48. Due-in hr. — Answer: ETA. Hint: When you're waiting for someone to arrive, you'll want to know their expected arrival time! ⏰
  23. 51. Crank (up) — Answer: REV. Hint: Give it some extra energy to boost your ride! ⚡
  24. 52. Tender salad greens — Answer: HEARTSOFROMAINE. Hint: Think of a crispy green that adds a lovely touch to any salad! 🥗
  25. 56. "The Lord of the Rings" beast — Answer: ORC. Hint: This creature is often found lurking in the shadows of Middle-earth, ready for battle! ⚔️
  26. 57. Move for one's co., say — Answer: RELO. Hint: It's a common term when changing your home base, especially for a job! 🏡
  27. 58. Olive extract — Answer: OIL. Hint: This slippery substance is often found in kitchens and is great for dressing salads! 🥗
  28. 59. Capone cohort Frank — Answer: NITTI. Hint: He was a key player in the Chicago mob scene alongside a notorious gangster. 🕵️
  29. 61. Principal draw on fight night, or an apt title for this puzzle — Answer: MAINEVENT. Hint: It's the big show everyone wants to see! 🎉
  30. 66. "OK, that was dishonest" — Answer: ILIED. Hint: When you admit to bending the truth, you might use this word! 🤫
  31. 67. Ritz-Carlton competitor — Answer: OMNI. Hint: Think of a luxury hotel brand that also offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere! 🏨
  32. 68. Tops with frosting — Answer: ICES. Hint: Think about a sweet treat that often adorns cakes and cookies! 🍰
  33. 69. Ride a bike — Answer: CYCLE. Hint: It's all about two wheels and pedaling your way through life! 🚴‍♂️
  34. 70. "Auld Lang __" — Answer: SYNE. Hint: This traditional Scottish song is often sung at New Year's celebrations! 🎉
  35. 71. Every __ and cranny — Answer: NOOK. Hint: Think of a cozy corner where one might hide away. 🛋️

Down

  1. 1. Thanksgiving tuber — Answer: YAM. Hint: This sweet and vibrant root vegetable is often found on your holiday table! 🥔
  2. 2. __ carte menu — Answer: ALA. Hint: Think of a menu that offers choices without restrictions! 🍽️
  3. 3. Writing tool — Answer: PEN. Hint: This handy instrument helps you express your thoughts on paper! 🖊️
  4. 4. All-too-public argument — Answer: SCENE. Hint: Think of a dramatic moment that catches everyone's attention! 🎭
  5. 5. Marathons longer than 26.2 miles, familiarly — Answer: ULTRAS. Hint: Think of those extreme races that push you beyond the usual limits! 🏃‍♂️
  6. 6. U.S. intel org. — Answer: CIA. Hint: This agency is known for gathering secrets and has three letters! 🕵️‍♂️
  7. 7. Tell all, as gossip — Answer: SPILL. Hint: When you can't keep a secret any longer, it's time to let it all out! 💬
  8. 8. Untrue — Answer: FALSE. Hint: When something doesn't match reality, you might say it's not what it seems! 🤔
  9. 9. Beckham also known as Posh Spice — Answer: VICTORIA. Hint: This iconic figure is not only known for her pop career but also for her fashion empire! 👗
  10. 10. "__ we there yet?" — Answer: ARE. Hint: This is a common phrase heard on long car trips! 🚗
  11. 11. Wind-borne allergen — Answer: POLLEN. Hint: It's what flowers release to make your nose sneeze! 🌼
  12. 12. Embedded, as tiles — Answer: INLAID. Hint: Think of a decorative way to set pieces into a surface for a stylish look! ✨
  13. 13. High-end vacuum cleaners — Answer: DYSONS. Hint: These sleek devices are often seen as the luxury choice for keeping your floors spotless! 🧹
  14. 18. The "N" of N.B. — Answer: NOTA. Hint: This term signals an important note to remember! 📜
  15. 22. "Tuesdays With Morrie" writer Mitch — Answer: ALBOM. Hint: This author shares profound life lessons with a professor in a beloved memoir. 📚
  16. 24. Vehicle for movers — Answer: VAN. Hint: Think of a common ride for transporting your things from one place to another! 🚐
  17. 25. Microsoft web browser — Answer: EDGE. Hint: This browser helps you navigate the web with a sleek design! 🌐
  18. 26. Yummy — Answer: GOOD. Hint: Think about something that makes food delightful! 😋
  19. 27. Iraq port city — Answer: BASRA. Hint: This city by the Shatt al-Arab has a rich history and is known for its trade! 🌊
  20. 28. Plenty of — Answer: MANY. Hint: When you have a large number of something, you might say you have a lot of it! 🎉
  21. 34. __ of the woods mushrooms — Answer: HEN. Hint: This term refers to a type of chicken, but here it’s something you might find in nature! 🍄
  22. 35. More quirky — Answer: ODDER. Hint: Think of something that stands out as unusual or different! 🤪
  23. 37. Entryway — Answer: DOOR. Hint: It's what you turn to step inside, often marked by a frame! 🚪
  24. 38. Without losing one's cool — Answer: INSTRIDE. Hint: Take challenges in your stride, keeping a steady pace! 😌
  25. 39. Renée __ Goldsberry of "Girls5eva" — Answer: ELISE. Hint: This name shares its vibe with a classic song about a girl with a beautiful heart! 🎵
  26. 40. Sushi seaweed — Answer: NORI. Hint: This edible seaweed is a favorite wrapping for your favorite rolls! 🍣
  27. 41. Biblical garden — Answer: EDEN. Hint: Think of a paradise mentioned in ancient texts! 🌳
  28. 44. 41-Down woman — Answer: EVE. Hint: Think of the first woman in a famous story! 🌳
  29. 45. Relating to sound — Answer: PHONIC. Hint: Think about how we describe different sounds in terms of their qualities! 🎶
  30. 46. In a creepy way — Answer: EERILY. Hint: Sometimes it feels like you're not alone, even when you are! 👻
  31. 47. Acid type built up during high-intensity exercise — Answer: LACTIC. Hint: Think of what your muscles produce when they're working hard! 🏋️
  32. 49. Nickname for Canada's $2 coin — Answer: TOONIE. Hint: This coin might make you think of a beloved animated character! 🎥
  33. 50. French friend — Answer: AMIE. Hint: In French, this term refers to a female companion or buddy! 🇫🇷
  34. 53. "Battlestar Galactica" actor Edward James __ — Answer: OLMOS. Hint: This actor shares a last name with a type of bird known for its impressive flight! 🦅
  35. 54. Like hand soap — Answer: FOAMY. Hint: Think of the bubbly lather that makes washing your hands a delight! 🧼
  36. 55. Singing brother of Simon and Theodore — Answer: ALVIN. Hint: This chipmunk is known for his high-pitched voice and playful antics! 🎤
  37. 60. No. on a resume — Answer: TEL. Hint: Think of the number that connects you to opportunities! 📞
  38. 62. Airbnb alternative — Answer: INN. Hint: Think of a cozy place to rest your head while traveling! 🏨
  39. 63. __-friendly — Answer: ECO. Hint: Think green and sustainable when considering how to describe something that supports the environment! 🌍
  40. 64. Opposite of paleo- — Answer: NEO. Hint: Think of a modern twist on ancient things! 🆕
  41. 65. Sound of disapproval — Answer: TSK. Hint: A classic expression to show you're not impressed! 🙄

Here are the Washington Post Crossword answers for Tuesday, July 21, 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 21?” 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 21, 2026

The full solution for the July 21 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 Tuesday, July 21.

Hints for the July 21 puzzle

Not ready for the full answer? Here are lighter, spoiler-free nudges for that day's grid, above the solutions. The July 21 Washington Post Crossword was a classic Tuesday 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 21, 2026?

Every answer for the Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Washington Post Crossword is listed at the top of this page — the confirmed grid as published that day.

Where can I find today's Washington Post Crossword answers?

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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