WaPo Crossword Answers Today
Saturday’s Daily
By Kyle Dolan · Edited by Patti Varol
Across
- 1Kitchen drawer?AROMA
- 6FollowOBEY
- 14Economic justice topicLIVINGWAGE
- 17Forest formations with mythological associationsFAIRYRINGS
- 18CruxMEAT
- 20Group in Mercury's orbit?QUEEN
- 25Tightens, perhapsRETIES
- 28Down for drama?FOURTH
- 29StuffITEMS
- 33ReceiveGREET
- 34OfflineIRL
- 35Threw a pity party, perhapsCRIED
- 38NephricRENAL
- 39Coin bearing a bearTOONIE
- 40Bear claw, e.g.PASTRY
- 41VolunteerSIGNON
- 43Some bookmarksSITES
- 44"Find out"GOASK
- 46Mercury, for oneGOD
- 49Nursing spotTEAT
- 50"Perfectly reasonable"ICANSEEWHY
- 53Clue in evolutionary historyMARKERGENE
- 54Cobbler's toolRASP
- 55AroundORSO
- 56Maker of the One SL speakerSONOS
Down
- 1__ RomeoALFA
- 2Filmmaker JohnsonRIAN
- 4Bygone orbiterMIR
- 5"All clear?"ANYQUESTIONS
- 6Boo-boosOWIES
- 7CurseBANE
- 8Spaetzle, e.g.EGGNOODLE
- 9"Uh-huh!"YES
- 10SettlesCOMESTOREST
- 11One may be taken on a dateBREATHMINT
- 12Shift workers?GEARS
- 13Kalshi actionsBETS
- 15Some baitGRUBS
- 21Party poppersFIRECRACKERS
- 22"Cock-a-doodle-doo!"TIMETOGETUP
- 24Vibed onDUG
- 25FixesRIGS
- 28Word in Beaufort readingsFORCE
- 30Setting for some on-line orders?DININGCAR
- 31CloseNEAR
- 40DatedPASSE
- 42Coat put on in the kitchen?PANKO
- 43Verb in a polenta recipeSTIR
- 45Sticks in the waterOARS
- 47"Gah!"OHNO
- 48Top jobs?DYES
- 51Team challengeEGO
Crossword clues, hints, and answers
Across
- 1. Kitchen drawer? — Answer: AROMA. Hint: Think of what a kitchen might “draw” out into the air while dinner cooks. 🍳
- 6. Follow — Answer: OBEY. Hint: Do what an authority or rule tells you to do. 👮
- 10. NYC venue whose final show featured Patti Smith — Answer: CBGB. Hint: Think of the legendary downtown Manhattan punk club whose farewell performance was led by Patti Smith. 🎸
- 14. Economic justice topic — Answer: LIVINGWAGE. Hint: It asks whether a full-time worker can afford basic necessities. ⚖️
- 16. Willie who broke the NHL's color barrier — Answer: OREE. Hint: This trailblazing hockey player made history as the NHL’s first Black player. 🏒
- 17. Forest formations with mythological associations — Answer: FAIRYRINGS. Hint: These natural rings in forest clearings were once said to mark where magical beings danced. 🍄
- 18. Crux — Answer: MEAT. Hint: Think of the essential substance or central point of the matter. 🎯
- 19. Useful element in making connections — Answer: AND. Hint: This tiny linking word brings two ideas or people together. 🔗
- 20. Group in Mercury's orbit? — Answer: QUEEN. Hint: Think of the band led by Freddie Mercury, not a celestial squadron. 🎤
- 21. Causes of spiraling, at times — Answer: FEARS. Hint: They can send your thoughts into an anxious downward loop. 😰
- 22. Their feet may have claws — Answer: TUBS. Hint: Think of a bathroom fixture whose ornate supports can resemble animal talons. 🛁
- 23. Writers commissioned for tributes — Answer: ODISTS. Hint: Think of poets hired to compose celebratory odes. ✍️
- 25. Tightens, perhaps — Answer: RETIES. Hint: Secures something again, perhaps a pair of shoelaces. 👟
- 28. Down for drama? — Answer: FOURTH. Hint: Think of the stage installment that comes after the opening trio of acts 🎭
- 29. Stuff — Answer: ITEMS. Hint: Think of the general word for assorted things or belongings. 🧺
- 30. Chrysler that won the 1978 Motor Trend Car of the Year Award — Answer: DODGEOMNI. Hint: This compact Chrysler sibling earned Motor Trend’s top honor in 1978. 🚗
- 33. Receive — Answer: GREET. Hint: Welcome someone warmly when they arrive. 👋
- 34. Offline — Answer: IRL. Hint: Think of connecting face-to-face rather than through a screen. 📴
- 35. Threw a pity party, perhaps — Answer: CRIED. Hint: A self-focused bout of tears might fit this reaction. 😢
- 36. Feature of HAL 9000 in "2001: A Space Odyssey" — Answer: SENTIENCE. Hint: This chilling computer is more than a calculator—it has an awareness of its own existence. 🤖
- 38. Nephric — Answer: RENAL. Hint: This adjective describes something related to the kidneys. 🫘
- 39. Coin bearing a bear — Answer: TOONIE. Hint: This Canadian two-dollar coin proudly features a polar bear in its design. 🐻❄️
- 40. Bear claw, e.g. — Answer: PASTRY. Hint: It’s a sweet baked treat you might enjoy with coffee. 🥐
- 41. Volunteer — Answer: SIGNON. Hint: Agree to take part by adding your name to the roster. ✍️
- 42. Result of productive talks — Answer: PACT. Hint: Successful discussions can lead to a mutually agreed deal 🤝
- 43. Some bookmarks — Answer: SITES. Hint: Think of the online destinations you save for later. 🔖
- 44. "Find out" — Answer: GOASK. Hint: Get the information you need by posing a question. 🤔
- 46. Mercury, for one — Answer: GOD. Hint: Think of the Roman pantheon: Mercury belongs to this divine category. 🏛️
- 49. Nursing spot — Answer: TEAT. Hint: It’s where a baby animal goes to nurse from its mother. 🍼
- 50. "Perfectly reasonable" — Answer: ICANSEEWHY. Hint: A friendly way to agree that someone’s point makes complete sense. 👍
- 52. Some Indigenous Canadians — Answer: INNU. Hint: These Indigenous people are traditionally associated with Labrador and eastern Quebec. 🪶
- 53. Clue in evolutionary history — Answer: MARKERGENE. Hint: Look for a genetic signpost that helps scientists trace ancestry and change over time. 🧬
- 54. Cobbler's tool — Answer: RASP. Hint: A rough-edged hand tool helps a shoemaker shape and smooth leather with ease. 🛠️
- 55. Around — Answer: ORSO. Hint: Think of an estimate that means approximately rather than exactly. 🔄
- 56. Maker of the One SL speaker — Answer: SONOS. Hint: This audio brand is known for sleek, wireless speakers that fill your home with music. 🔊
Down
- 1. __ Romeo — Answer: ALFA. Hint: Think of the Italian carmaker whose name pairs with Romeo. 🚗
- 2. Filmmaker Johnson — Answer: RIAN. Hint: Think of the director behind Knives Out and Star Wars: The Last Jedi 🎬
- 3. Poet frequently referenced in "Don Quixote" — Answer: OVID. Hint: This ancient Roman poet is best known for his myth-filled *Metamorphoses*. 📜
- 4. Bygone orbiter — Answer: MIR. Hint: Think of the former Soviet space station that hosted crews in orbit. 🛰️
- 5. "All clear?" — Answer: ANYQUESTIONS. Hint: A teacher might ask this to check whether anything remains unclear. 🤔
- 6. Boo-boos — Answer: OWIES. Hint: Small injuries that might need a bandage or two 🩹
- 7. Curse — Answer: BANE. Hint: Think of a persistent source of trouble or misery. 😈
- 8. Spaetzle, e.g. — Answer: EGGNOODLE. Hint: This German comfort-food side is a chewy noodle made from egg-rich dough. 🍜
- 9. "Uh-huh!" — Answer: YES. Hint: It’s a cheerful way to agree or confirm something. 👍
- 10. Settles — Answer: COMESTOREST. Hint: Think of what happens when something stops moving and finds a stable position. 🛋️
- 11. One may be taken on a date — Answer: BREATHMINT. Hint: A little freshener can help before getting close to someone 😊
- 12. Shift workers? — Answer: GEARS. Hint: These mechanical helpers transfer motion and keep machinery moving smoothly ⚙️
- 13. Kalshi actions — Answer: BETS. Hint: They’re what you place on a prediction market when you think you know the outcome 🎯
- 15. Some bait — Answer: GRUBS. Hint: These wriggly little larvae can tempt a fish while hiding in the soil. 🪱
- 21. Party poppers — Answer: FIRECRACKERS. Hint: These festive noisemakers turn celebrations into little bursts of sound and light. 🎉
- 22. "Cock-a-doodle-doo!" — Answer: TIMETOGETUP. Hint: This rooster’s morning call is a cheerful reminder that bedtime is over. 🐓
- 24. Vibed on — Answer: DUG. Hint: A retro way to say you really enjoyed or understood something. 😎
- 25. Fixes — Answer: RIGS. Hint: Think of setting up or adjusting equipment so it’s ready to work. 🔧
- 26. Peut-__: French "perhaps" — Answer: ETRE. Hint: Complete the familiar French phrase for “perhaps” with the infinitive meaning “to be.” 🇫🇷
- 27. Animated superhero series featuring the voice of Tara Strong — Answer: TEENTITANS. Hint: This action-packed cartoon follows a team of young heroes who battle villains and learn to work together 🦸
- 28. Word in Beaufort readings — Answer: FORCE. Hint: It describes the strength of the wind on the Beaufort scale. 🌬️
- 30. Setting for some on-line orders? — Answer: DININGCAR. Hint: Think of a place where a meal request might be placed while traveling by rail. 🚆
- 31. Close — Answer: NEAR. Hint: Think of being just a short distance away. 📍
- 32. How much scrolling is done — Answer: IDLY. Hint: This describes scrolling done casually, with nothing particular to accomplish. 🙂
- 37. Producer on seven U2 albums — Answer: ENO. Hint: Think of the avant-garde producer famous for ambient music who worked repeatedly with U2. 🎛️
- 40. Dated — Answer: PASSE. Hint: Something described this way is no longer fashionable or current. 🕰️
- 41. Italian home of the world's oldest bank — Answer: SIENA. Hint: Think of the Tuscan city famous for its fan-shaped central square and centuries-old banking legacy 🏦
- 42. Coat put on in the kitchen? — Answer: PANKO. Hint: Think of the light, crispy breadcrumb coating that gives fried foods extra crunch. 🍞
- 43. Verb in a polenta recipe — Answer: STIR. Hint: This is what you do to keep the cornmeal smooth and lump-free. 🥄
- 45. Sticks in the water — Answer: OARS. Hint: These help rowers propel a boat forward 🚣
- 46. Longtime "PBS News Hour" anchor Ifill — Answer: GWEN. Hint: This respected journalist co-anchored the evening news program and moderated political debates. 🎙️
- 47. "Gah!" — Answer: OHNO. Hint: A brief cry of frustration or dismay 😩
- 48. Top jobs? — Answer: DYES. Hint: These jobs might involve giving someone’s hair a fresh new shade 💇
- 50. Letters expressing personal thoughts — Answer: IMO. Hint: A casual shorthand people use before sharing their personal viewpoint 💭
- 51. Team challenge — Answer: EGO. Hint: This team challenge is really about whose pride comes out on top. 🏆
Recent WaPo Crossword Answers
The last 7 days of solutions
Looking for today's Washington Post Crossword answers? The full solution to today's puzzle — dated August 8, 2026 — is at the top of this page, updated the moment the new grid goes live. The WaPo crossword is a free daily 15×15 with fair, conversational cluing, played by millions online. Whether you're checking a finished grid, unlocking one stubborn square, or want the whole answer key, every across and down solution is listed below.
Full WaPo Crossword answer list for today
Every clue from today's grid next to its solution — the same answers as the board above, in one plain list you can scan without tapping.
Across
| # | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kitchen drawer? | AROMA |
| 6 | Follow | OBEY |
| 10 | NYC venue whose final show featured Patti Smith | CBGB |
| 14 | Economic justice topic | LIVINGWAGE |
| 16 | Willie who broke the NHL's color barrier | OREE |
| 17 | Forest formations with mythological associations | FAIRYRINGS |
| 18 | Crux | MEAT |
| 19 | Useful element in making connections | AND |
| 20 | Group in Mercury's orbit? | QUEEN |
| 21 | Causes of spiraling, at times | FEARS |
| 22 | Their feet may have claws | TUBS |
| 23 | Writers commissioned for tributes | ODISTS |
| 25 | Tightens, perhaps | RETIES |
| 28 | Down for drama? | FOURTH |
| 29 | Stuff | ITEMS |
| 30 | Chrysler that won the 1978 Motor Trend Car of the Year Award | DODGEOMNI |
| 33 | Receive | GREET |
| 34 | Offline | IRL |
| 35 | Threw a pity party, perhaps | CRIED |
| 36 | Feature of HAL 9000 in "2001: A Space Odyssey" | SENTIENCE |
| 38 | Nephric | RENAL |
| 39 | Coin bearing a bear | TOONIE |
| 40 | Bear claw, e.g. | PASTRY |
| 41 | Volunteer | SIGNON |
| 42 | Result of productive talks | PACT |
| 43 | Some bookmarks | SITES |
| 44 | "Find out" | GOASK |
| 46 | Mercury, for one | GOD |
| 49 | Nursing spot | TEAT |
| 50 | "Perfectly reasonable" | ICANSEEWHY |
| 52 | Some Indigenous Canadians | INNU |
| 53 | Clue in evolutionary history | MARKERGENE |
| 54 | Cobbler's tool | RASP |
| 55 | Around | ORSO |
| 56 | Maker of the One SL speaker | SONOS |
Down
| # | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | __ Romeo | ALFA |
| 2 | Filmmaker Johnson | RIAN |
| 3 | Poet frequently referenced in "Don Quixote" | OVID |
| 4 | Bygone orbiter | MIR |
| 5 | "All clear?" | ANYQUESTIONS |
| 6 | Boo-boos | OWIES |
| 7 | Curse | BANE |
| 8 | Spaetzle, e.g. | EGGNOODLE |
| 9 | "Uh-huh!" | YES |
| 10 | Settles | COMESTOREST |
| 11 | One may be taken on a date | BREATHMINT |
| 12 | Shift workers? | GEARS |
| 13 | Kalshi actions | BETS |
| 15 | Some bait | GRUBS |
| 21 | Party poppers | FIRECRACKERS |
| 22 | "Cock-a-doodle-doo!" | TIMETOGETUP |
| 24 | Vibed on | DUG |
| 25 | Fixes | RIGS |
| 26 | Peut-__: French "perhaps" | ETRE |
| 27 | Animated superhero series featuring the voice of Tara Strong | TEENTITANS |
| 28 | Word in Beaufort readings | FORCE |
| 30 | Setting for some on-line orders? | DININGCAR |
| 31 | Close | NEAR |
| 32 | How much scrolling is done | IDLY |
| 37 | Producer on seven U2 albums | ENO |
| 40 | Dated | PASSE |
| 41 | Italian home of the world's oldest bank | SIENA |
| 42 | Coat put on in the kitchen? | PANKO |
| 43 | Verb in a polenta recipe | STIR |
| 45 | Sticks in the water | OARS |
| 46 | Longtime "PBS News Hour" anchor Ifill | GWEN |
| 47 | "Gah!" | OHNO |
| 48 | Top jobs? | DYES |
| 50 | Letters expressing personal thoughts | IMO |
| 51 | Team challenge | EGO |
Today's Washington Post Crossword answers
Today's solution appears above, laid out clue by clue — every Across answer followed by every Down answer, exactly as the grid reads. Because a full crossword shares so many crossings, one wrong letter can block a whole corner, so we list each answer separately: reveal only the one you need and keep solving the rest yourself. The grid is confirmed and refreshed daily as soon as the puzzle is published.
What is the Washington Post Crossword?
The Washington Post Crossword is the paper's free daily puzzle — a classic American 15×15 on weekdays (larger on Sunday), played at washingtonpost.com/games/crossword. It's known for fair, conversational cluing and approachable themes: a solid everyday solve that sits neatly between a quick mini and the toughest end of the NYT week. Millions of solvers treat it as a weekday habit, which is why a single tricky clue can send people hunting for just that one answer without spoiling the rest of the grid.
How the WaPo Crossword compares to other dailies
It shares the same 15×15 shape as the big American dailies, with its own editorial voice:
| WaPo | NYT (main) | LA Times | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grid size | 15×15 (larger Sunday) | 15×15 (21×21 Sunday) | 15×15 (larger Sunday) |
| Difficulty | Accessible, fair | Ramps to a hard Saturday | Accessible, smooth |
| Cost | Free online | Games subscription | Free online |
| Clue style | Conversational themes | Heavy wordplay, misdirection | Fair, playful themes |
Tips for solving the WaPo Crossword
- Crack the theme early. Long theme answers often share a twist — spotting it hands you several entries at once.
- Start with the fill-in-the-blanks. They're the quickest points and flood the grid with crossing letters.
- Trust the crossings. A clue you can't get alone usually falls once its crossing words are in place.
- Watch the endings. Plurals end in S, past-tense answers in ED — free letters once you notice the clue's tense.
- Use the solver for one answer. Our crossword solver reveals a single clue's answer from your known letters, without spoiling the rest.
Browse past Washington Post Crossword answers
Every previous WaPo Crossword is archived on this page by date, with its full across and down solutions — handy for checking yesterday's grid or one you set aside. The archive updates automatically each day, so it stays complete without spoiling the current day. Stuck on a single clue, our crossword solver will reveal just that answer.
Browse more puzzles on the crossword solver, or use it to crack any clue from any publication.
Frequently asked questions
What are today's Washington Post Crossword answers?
The full Across and Down solution for today's puzzle (August 8, 2026) is listed at the top of this page, updated as soon as it's released.
Is the Washington Post Crossword free?
Yes — it's free to play online each day at washingtonpost.com/games/crossword, and our answers and clues are free too.
How do I see just one answer without spoiling the rest?
Each answer is listed separately, so you can reveal only the clue you're stuck on and keep solving the rest of the grid yourself.
How is the WaPo Crossword different from the WaPo Mini?
The daily crossword is a full 15×15 (larger on Sunday); the Mini is a tiny speed puzzle. Same publisher, different size and solve time.
Where can I find past Washington Post Crossword answers?
Every previous puzzle is in the archive on this page, listed by date with full solutions, updated automatically each day.





