WaPo Crossword Answers Today

Tuesday’s Daily

By Rena Cohen · Edited by Patti Varol

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Across

  1. 1Colorful violet kinPANSY
  2. 6Suga and Jung Kook's bandBTS
  3. 9"__ the Cat": children's book seriesPETE
  4. 13Give a speechORATE
  5. 14Atty.'s titleESQ
  6. 15And others, in a bibliographyETAL
  7. 16Highly sensitive personEMPATH
  8. 18Kitchen deputySOUSCHEF
  9. 20Old Russian rulerTSAR
  10. 21Bothers greatlyEATSAT
  11. 23__-Wan KenobiOBI
  12. 24Thigh muscles, familiarlyQUADS
  13. 26Exposes, in a wayRATSON
  14. 28Treat that may be dipped in dulce de lecheCHURRO
  15. 30Indiana University basketball coach MorenTERI
  16. 31FlexiblePLIANT
  17. 32Amusement park time-saverFASTPASS
  18. 36Former first lady BidenJILL
  19. 37Winter migration directionSOUTH
  20. 39Tried's partnerTRUE
  21. 40"Hear me out ... "SOLISTEN
  22. 42Woodwind section playerOBOIST
  23. 44Norse god of thunderTHOR
  24. 45Two-door carsCOUPES
  25. 46NeatenTIDYUP
  26. 49Many shelter dogsMUTTS
  27. 50AstonishmentAWE
  28. 51Soft drink brand with a "lymon" logoSPRITE
  29. 53Creative solutionHACK
  30. 57Spinning toyPINWHEEL
  31. 59"Are you serious?"REALLY
  32. 61"Let It Go" singerELSA
  33. 62Genetic transcription moleculeRNA
  34. 63Thread holderSPOOL
  35. 64Snow day rideSLED
  36. 65Daughter's brotherSON
  37. 66Canine command akin to "drop it"LETGO

Down

  1. 1Expert concerned with feet?POET
  2. 2Octopus octetARMS
  3. 3Auto parts giant that shares a name with a California wine valleyNAPA
  4. 4Aspiring actor's assetSTARQUALITY
  5. 5So farYET
  6. 6One-upsBESTS
  7. 7General __ chickenTSOS
  8. 8Trustworthy sortSQUARESHOOTER
  9. 9Delt neighborPEC
  10. 10Shared ideologyETHOS
  11. 11Martial arts-based fitness regimenTAEBO
  12. 12Like Santa's helpersELFIN
  13. 17Intensely shocking eventsHEARTSTOPPERS
  14. 19One end of a mazeSTART
  15. 22RuckusADO
  16. 25Spot where there's no trouble brewing?URN
  17. 27Peak physical condition, or a feature of 4-, 8-, and 17-DownTIPTOPSHAPE
  18. 28Advertising awardCLIO
  19. 29Biker's challengeHILL
  20. 30Skin art, for shortTAT
  21. 31Sleepover attire, familiarlyPJS
  22. 32EnjoyableFUN
  23. 33Grammy winner India.__ARIE
  24. 34Puzzle (out)SUSS
  25. 35Group of reps at the gymSET
  26. 38Above, in classic odesOER
  27. 41"Be quiet!"SHUSH
  28. 43"Having said that ... "BUT
  29. 45Minor injuryCUT
  30. 46CassettesTAPES
  31. 47"Count on me"IWILL
  32. 48Quite thickDENSE
  33. 492026 Winter Olympics host cityMILAN
  34. 52"The Biggest Little City in the World"RENO
  35. 54TonsALOT
  36. 55Drain blockageCLOG
  37. 56Offspring of Leia and HanKYLO
  38. 58Crumple (up)WAD
  39. 60Course for some intl. studentsESL

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Colorful violet kin — Answer: PANSY. Hint: This cheerful garden flower is a close relative of the violet and comes in many bright hues. 🌸
  2. 6. Suga and Jung Kook's band — Answer: BTS. Hint: This South Korean pop group features the singers named in the clue. 🎶
  3. 9. "__ the Cat": children's book series — Answer: PETE. Hint: Think of the groovy blue cat starring in a popular series of upbeat children’s books. 🐱
  4. 13. Give a speech — Answer: ORATE. Hint: Think of a formal way to express your thoughts aloud! 🎤
  5. 14. Atty.'s title — Answer: ESQ. Hint: This honorific may follow a lawyer’s name in formal writing. ⚖️
  6. 15. And others, in a bibliography — Answer: ETAL. Hint: This scholarly abbreviation politely signals that the list continues beyond the named authors. 📚
  7. 16. Highly sensitive person — Answer: EMPATH. Hint: Someone who readily picks up on other people’s feelings might fit this description. 💛
  8. 18. Kitchen deputy — Answer: SOUSCHEF. Hint: Think of the chef’s trusted second-in-command who helps run the kitchen. 👨‍🍳
  9. 20. Old Russian ruler — Answer: TSAR. Hint: Think of a title for a monarch in Russia before the revolution! 👑
  10. 21. Bothers greatly — Answer: EATSAT. Hint: Think of a verb meaning to irritate or trouble someone deeply. 😣
  11. 23. __-Wan Kenobi — Answer: OBI. Hint: Complete the famous Jedi’s name before “-Wan.” 🌌
  12. 24. Thigh muscles, familiarly — Answer: QUADS. Hint: A casual gym term for the muscles on the front of your upper legs 💪
  13. 26. Exposes, in a way — Answer: RATSON. Hint: Reveals someone’s wrongdoing to others, perhaps 🕵️
  14. 28. Treat that may be dipped in dulce de leche — Answer: CHURRO. Hint: Think of a cinnamon-sugar pastry that’s especially tasty dunked in caramel-like sauce. 🍩
  15. 30. Indiana University basketball coach Moren — Answer: TERI. Hint: Think of the Hoosiers’ women’s basketball coach’s first name 🏀
  16. 31. Flexible — Answer: PLIANT. Hint: Think of something that can bend or adapt easily without breaking 🤸
  17. 32. Amusement park time-saver — Answer: FASTPASS. Hint: What lets you bypass the long line for a popular ride? 🎢
  18. 36. Former first lady Biden — Answer: JILL. Hint: Think of the educator and author who served as first lady during Joe Biden’s presidency 📚
  19. 37. Winter migration direction — Answer: SOUTH. Hint: When winter arrives, many birds and travelers head toward warmer climates. 🧭
  20. 39. Tried's partner — Answer: TRUE. Hint: Think of the dependable companion often paired with “tried.” 🤝
  21. 40. "Hear me out ... " — Answer: SOLISTEN. Hint: This playful prompt asks for your attention before the speaker continues. 👂
  22. 42. Woodwind section player — Answer: OBOIST. Hint: This musician plays a double-reed instrument known for its distinctive, expressive tone 🎶
  23. 44. Norse god of thunder — Answer: THOR. Hint: This legendary figure wields a mighty hammer and is well-known in comic books and films! ⚡
  24. 45. Two-door cars — Answer: COUPES. Hint: These stylish automobiles skip the rear doors and often favor a sporty silhouette. 🚗
  25. 46. Neaten — Answer: TIDYUP. Hint: Put everything in its proper place for a cleaner look. 🧹
  26. 49. Many shelter dogs — Answer: MUTTS. Hint: These lovable pooches are mixed-breed rather than pedigreed dogs. 🐶
  27. 50. Astonishment — Answer: AWE. Hint: This feeling can leave you speechless in the presence of something extraordinary. 😲
  28. 51. Soft drink brand with a "lymon" logo — Answer: SPRITE. Hint: Think of the refreshing lemon-lime soda with a playful, magical-sounding name. 🥤
  29. 53. Creative solution — Answer: HACK. Hint: A clever workaround can solve the problem when the usual approach feels too rigid. 💡
  30. 57. Spinning toy — Answer: PINWHEEL. Hint: This colorful toy twirls when you blow on it or catch a breeze. 🌬️
  31. 59. "Are you serious?" — Answer: REALLY. Hint: A skeptical reaction asking whether someone truly means it. 🤨
  32. 61. "Let It Go" singer — Answer: ELSA. Hint: This Frozen heroine belts out the movie’s most famous anthem. ❄️
  33. 62. Genetic transcription molecule — Answer: RNA. Hint: This molecule carries DNA’s instructions to the cell’s protein-making machinery. 🧬
  34. 63. Thread holder — Answer: SPOOL. Hint: It keeps sewing thread neatly wound and ready to use. 🧵
  35. 64. Snow day ride — Answer: SLED. Hint: A simple runner that makes snowy hills extra fun 🛷
  36. 65. Daughter's brother — Answer: SON. Hint: Think of the male child in the same family as a daughter. 👦
  37. 66. Canine command akin to "drop it" — Answer: LETGO. Hint: A firm instruction telling a dog to release whatever it’s holding 🐶

Down

  1. 1. Expert concerned with feet? — Answer: POET. Hint: Think of someone who works with poetic feet rather than human ones. 📚
  2. 2. Octopus octet — Answer: ARMS. Hint: Think of the eight flexible limbs an octopus uses to explore its surroundings. 🐙
  3. 3. Auto parts giant that shares a name with a California wine valley — Answer: NAPA. Hint: Think of the auto-parts retailer that shares its name with a famed Northern California wine region. 🍷
  4. 4. Aspiring actor's asset — Answer: STARQUALITY. Hint: It’s the charisma and talent that can make a newcomer shine on screen. 🎬
  5. 5. So far — Answer: YET. Hint: Up to this point, but the story isn’t over yet 😉
  6. 6. One-ups — Answer: BESTS. Hint: Outdoes the competition in a contest or challenge 🏆
  7. 7. General __ chicken — Answer: TSOS. Hint: Think of the classic Chinese takeout dish named after a historical military leader. 🍗
  8. 8. Trustworthy sort — Answer: SQUARESHOOTER. Hint: Think of someone honest, dependable, and always playing it straight. 🎯
  9. 9. Delt neighbor — Answer: PEC. Hint: This chest muscle sits right beside the shoulder’s deltoid. 💪
  10. 10. Shared ideology — Answer: ETHOS. Hint: A group’s common set of values and beliefs fits this clue. 🧭
  11. 11. Martial arts-based fitness regimen — Answer: TAEBO. Hint: This energetic workout blends martial arts moves with aerobic exercise. 🥊
  12. 12. Like Santa's helpers — Answer: ELFIN. Hint: Describes the small, magical workers helping Santa at the North Pole 🎄
  13. 17. Intensely shocking events — Answer: HEARTSTOPPERS. Hint: These are so startling they might make your pulse skip a beat. 😱
  14. 19. One end of a maze — Answer: START. Hint: It’s the point where your winding journey begins. 🧭
  15. 22. Ruckus — Answer: ADO. Hint: Think of a noisy commotion or lively disturbance. 🎉
  16. 25. Spot where there's no trouble brewing? — Answer: URN. Hint: Think of a small vessel that might hold a warm drink, rather than a brewing dispute. ☕
  17. 27. Peak physical condition, or a feature of 4-, 8-, and 17-Down — Answer: TIPTOPSHAPE. Hint: Think of a cheerful phrase for being in excellent physical form—and a playful description of those referenced entries. 💪
  18. 28. Advertising award — Answer: CLIO. Hint: This trophy honors standout creativity in the advertising world. 🏆
  19. 29. Biker's challenge — Answer: HILL. Hint: A two-wheeled rider may need extra power to conquer this uphill obstacle 🚴
  20. 30. Skin art, for short — Answer: TAT. Hint: A brief term for decorative ink on the body. 🎨
  21. 31. Sleepover attire, familiarly — Answer: PJS. Hint: Think of the comfy sleepwear you might pack for a night at a friend’s place. 💤
  22. 32. Enjoyable — Answer: FUN. Hint: A lively way to describe something that brings a smile and good vibes 😄
  23. 33. Grammy winner India.__ — Answer: ARIE. Hint: Think of the Grammy-winning soul singer whose stage name follows the country India with a period. 🎶
  24. 34. Puzzle (out) — Answer: SUSS. Hint: Think of a casual verb meaning to figure something out or investigate it closely. 🕵️
  25. 35. Group of reps at the gym — Answer: SET. Hint: A batch of repetitions you complete before taking a break at the gym 💪
  26. 38. Above, in classic odes — Answer: OER. Hint: Look for a poetic, old-fashioned way to say “above.” 🏛️
  27. 41. "Be quiet!" — Answer: SHUSH. Hint: A gentle command asking someone to lower their voice 🤫
  28. 43. "Having said that ... " — Answer: BUT. Hint: This phrase signals a contrast or qualification to what came before. 🔄
  29. 45. Minor injury — Answer: CUT. Hint: A small break in the skin, often caused by something sharp, is this. 🩹
  30. 46. Cassettes — Answer: TAPES. Hint: These portable music formats use magnetic strips wound between two reels. 🎶
  31. 47. "Count on me" — Answer: IWILL. Hint: A reassuring promise that someone can be relied on 🤝
  32. 48. Quite thick — Answer: DENSE. Hint: Not sparse or airy, but packed closely together 📚
  33. 49. 2026 Winter Olympics host city — Answer: MILAN. Hint: Think of the stylish Italian city co-hosting the Games with a nearby mountain resort. 🏔️
  34. 52. "The Biggest Little City in the World" — Answer: RENO. Hint: Think of a Nevada city known for big-city energy despite its famously tiny nickname. 🏙️
  35. 54. Tons — Answer: ALOT. Hint: When you have more than enough, you might say you have this! 😄
  36. 55. Drain blockage — Answer: CLOG. Hint: A pipe’s frustrating obstruction can cause water to back up. 🚰
  37. 56. Offspring of Leia and Han — Answer: KYLO. Hint: This troubled son of two beloved space heroes later chose the dark side. 🌌
  38. 58. Crumple (up) — Answer: WAD. Hint: Think of what you might do to paper before tossing it away. 🗑️
  39. 60. Course for some intl. students — Answer: ESL. Hint: It helps students from abroad strengthen their English communication skills. 📚

Recent WaPo Crossword Answers

The last 7 days of solutions

WaPo Crossword 10 August 2026WaPo Crossword 9 August 2026WaPo Crossword 8 August 2026WaPo Crossword 7 August 2026WaPo Crossword 6 August 2026WaPo Crossword 5 August 2026WaPo Crossword 4 August 2026

Looking for today's Washington Post Crossword answers? The full solution to today's puzzle — dated August 11, 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

#ClueAnswer
1Colorful violet kinPANSY
6Suga and Jung Kook's bandBTS
9"__ the Cat": children's book seriesPETE
13Give a speechORATE
14Atty.'s titleESQ
15And others, in a bibliographyETAL
16Highly sensitive personEMPATH
18Kitchen deputySOUSCHEF
20Old Russian rulerTSAR
21Bothers greatlyEATSAT
23__-Wan KenobiOBI
24Thigh muscles, familiarlyQUADS
26Exposes, in a wayRATSON
28Treat that may be dipped in dulce de lecheCHURRO
30Indiana University basketball coach MorenTERI
31FlexiblePLIANT
32Amusement park time-saverFASTPASS
36Former first lady BidenJILL
37Winter migration directionSOUTH
39Tried's partnerTRUE
40"Hear me out ... "SOLISTEN
42Woodwind section playerOBOIST
44Norse god of thunderTHOR
45Two-door carsCOUPES
46NeatenTIDYUP
49Many shelter dogsMUTTS
50AstonishmentAWE
51Soft drink brand with a "lymon" logoSPRITE
53Creative solutionHACK
57Spinning toyPINWHEEL
59"Are you serious?"REALLY
61"Let It Go" singerELSA
62Genetic transcription moleculeRNA
63Thread holderSPOOL
64Snow day rideSLED
65Daughter's brotherSON
66Canine command akin to "drop it"LETGO

Down

#ClueAnswer
1Expert concerned with feet?POET
2Octopus octetARMS
3Auto parts giant that shares a name with a California wine valleyNAPA
4Aspiring actor's assetSTARQUALITY
5So farYET
6One-upsBESTS
7General __ chickenTSOS
8Trustworthy sortSQUARESHOOTER
9Delt neighborPEC
10Shared ideologyETHOS
11Martial arts-based fitness regimenTAEBO
12Like Santa's helpersELFIN
17Intensely shocking eventsHEARTSTOPPERS
19One end of a mazeSTART
22RuckusADO
25Spot where there's no trouble brewing?URN
27Peak physical condition, or a feature of 4-, 8-, and 17-DownTIPTOPSHAPE
28Advertising awardCLIO
29Biker's challengeHILL
30Skin art, for shortTAT
31Sleepover attire, familiarlyPJS
32EnjoyableFUN
33Grammy winner India.__ARIE
34Puzzle (out)SUSS
35Group of reps at the gymSET
38Above, in classic odesOER
41"Be quiet!"SHUSH
43"Having said that ... "BUT
45Minor injuryCUT
46CassettesTAPES
47"Count on me"IWILL
48Quite thickDENSE
492026 Winter Olympics host cityMILAN
52"The Biggest Little City in the World"RENO
54TonsALOT
55Drain blockageCLOG
56Offspring of Leia and HanKYLO
58Crumple (up)WAD
60Course for some intl. studentsESL

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:

WaPoNYT (main)LA Times
Grid size15×15 (larger Sunday)15×15 (21×21 Sunday)15×15 (larger Sunday)
DifficultyAccessible, fairRamps to a hard SaturdayAccessible, smooth
CostFree onlineGames subscriptionFree online
Clue styleConversational themesHeavy wordplay, misdirectionFair, 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 11, 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.

NYT Crossword Answers NYT Mini Crossword Answers Wordle Hint Today Connections Hint Today Strands Hint Today Quordle Hint Today Contexto Hint Today Spotle Hint Today Minute Cryptic Answer Today Pips Hint Today Jumble Answers Today 7 Little Words Answers