Climbing guides

Crossword Answer — July 17, 2026

Answer

These skilled mountaineers often help adventurers reach new heights! 🏔️

WSJ Crossword

Friday, July 17, 2026

By Aaron Ullman · Edited by Mike Shenk

Tap a square to reveal a letter.

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

WSJ Crossword Clues

Across

Down

  1. 106Wore

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Newman and Oldman, e.g. — Answer: ACTORS. Hint: Think of those who bring characters to life on screen! 🎭
  2. 7. Dries out, say — Answer: STALES. Hint: When food loses its freshness over time, it often becomes less appealing! 🌾
  3. 13. Request with clasped hands — Answer: PLEASE. Hint: A polite way to ask for something, often said with a hopeful heart! 🙏
  4. 19. “So true!” — Answer: WORDUP. Hint: This phrase often expresses agreement or validation in a lively conversation! 🎉
  5. 20. Separate the grain from the chaff — Answer: THRESH. Hint: It's all about getting to the good stuff! 🌾
  6. 21. Request with a proffered fist — Answer: POUNDIT. Hint: Think about a way to ask for something while using a bit of force! 👊
  7. 22. Motile cell — Answer: AMOEBA. Hint: Think of a tiny creature that can change shape and move around in water! 🦠
  8. 23. “No Woman, No Cry” genre — Answer: REGGAE. Hint: Feel the rhythm of the islands and let the good vibes flow! 🌴
  9. 24. Pros pretending to be amateurs, e.g. — Answer: RINGERS. Hint: Sometimes these people slip into games for a little extra fun! 🎭
  10. 25. *“Why so quiet?” — Answer: KITTENGOTYOURTONGUE. Hint: Ever wonder what might leave you speechless? 🤐
  11. 28. Letter after Delta — Answer: ECHO. Hint: In the Greek alphabet, it's right after the third letter! 📬
  12. 29. Gem from Down Under — Answer: OPAL. Hint: This stunning stone is often associated with Australia and is known for its vibrant play of colors! 💎
  13. 30. Muted hue — Answer: PASTEL. Hint: Think of soft colors that feel gentle and light! 🎨
  14. 31. Hand on a hacienda? — Answer: MANO. Hint: Think about the Spanish word for hand and a cozy home! 🏡
  15. 34. *Belabor a settled subject — Answer: BEATADEADFOAL. Hint: Sometimes, it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie instead of going over old ground! 💤
  16. 40. Hung in folds — Answer: DRAPED. Hint: Think of how fabric looks when it gracefully falls down! 🏳️
  17. 42. Abuela’s abode — Answer: CASA. Hint: Think of a cozy place where family gathers and stories are shared! 🏡
  18. 43. Sport with training stables called “heya” — Answer: SUMO. Hint: Think of a sport that involves large athletes and some serious wrestling in Japan! 🥋
  19. 44. *Person of interest? — Answer: LOANPUP. Hint: Think of a furry companion who might be a part of your finances! 🐶
  20. 45. Brother in Genesis — Answer: ABEL. Hint: He had a famous sibling and a rather unfortunate fate in the early chapters of a sacred book. 🥺
  21. 47. AOL chats — Answer: IMS. Hint: Think about quick messages exchanged between friends in an online setting! 💬
  22. 50. Meditative practice — Answer: ZEN. Hint: It's all about finding your inner calm and simplicity! 🧘‍♂️
  23. 51. Kimono tie — Answer: OBI. Hint: This stylish accessory is essential to keep traditional Japanese attire secure! 🎌
  24. 52. Roman roadway — Answer: STRADA. Hint: Think of the Italian word for a street that carries history! 🛣️
  25. 54. *Farewell tour — Answer: CYGNETSONG. Hint: Think of a gentle melody that signifies a goodbye, often associated with a graceful exit. 🎶
  26. 58. Lo-cal — Answer: LITE. Hint: This word often describes low-calorie options that are still delicious! 🥗
  27. 60. Major Wall St. index — Answer: DJIA. Hint: Think of a stock market benchmark that's often quoted in the news! 📈
  28. 62. Disney boss until 2005 — Answer: EISNER. Hint: This entertainment mogul was a key player at Disney for years, making magic happen! 🎥
  29. 63. “Real mature, guys, real mature!”...and advice for making the starred answers make sense — Answer: LETSBEADULTSABOUTTHIS. Hint: It's time to grow up and tackle things with a serious mindset! 🌱
  30. 71. Large-scale ousters — Answer: PURGES. Hint: Think about political clean-ups that lead to significant changes! 🗳️
  31. 72. Conjugation target — Answer: VERB. Hint: Think about the action words we use in sentences! 📖
  32. 73. First-rate — Answer: AONE. Hint: Think of a perfect score that makes you feel on top of the world! 🌟
  33. 74. *Tribunals that are complete shams — Answer: JOEYCOURTS. Hint: Think of a notorious character known for making a mockery of justice! ⚖️
  34. 78. French region bordering Germany and Switzerland — Answer: ALSACE. Hint: Think of a picturesque wine region that's known for its charming half-timbered houses! 🍷
  35. 82. Traders’ place — Answer: PIT. Hint: Where buyers and sellers come together to exchange goods and bargains! 🤝
  36. 83. Sounds of hesitancy — Answer: UHS. Hint: Think of the sounds you make when you're unsure about something! 🤔
  37. 84. Org. that issues nine-digit IDs — Answer: SSA. Hint: Think of a government agency that helps you with your identity! 📄
  38. 85. “That’s a bummer” — Answer: PITY. Hint: Sometimes you express this feeling when someone shares disappointing news. 😢
  39. 87. *Warm embraces — Answer: CUBHUGS. Hint: Picture those sweet, cuddly moments with a tiny bear! 🐻
  40. 89. Guac and queso — Answer: DIPS. Hint: Perfect for a snack party, these creamy delights bring flavor to chips! 🍽️
  41. 91. Not rot — Answer: KEEP. Hint: Think about something you would do to ensure it stays fresh! 🥦
  42. 93. Person giving ick vibes — Answer: CREEPO. Hint: Ever met someone who makes your skin crawl? 🕵️‍♂️
  43. 94. *“Chillax, dude!” — Answer: DONTHAVEACALF. Hint: When things get too heated, sometimes you just need to breathe and relax! 😎
  44. 100. Sicilian postcard subject — Answer: ETNA. Hint: Think of the towering giant that smokes and rumbles! 🌋
  45. 101. Depends — Answer: RELIES. Hint: Think about who or what you trust to support you! 🤝
  46. 102. Monet medium — Answer: OILS. Hint: Think of the buttery substance that brings paintings to life! 🎨
  47. 104. Morse sounds — Answer: DAHS. Hint: Think about the rhythmic patterns that signal messages in dots and dashes! 📡
  48. 108. *Inhibition to talking — Answer: TADPOLEINONESTHROAT. Hint: Sometimes, words get stuck when you're feeling shy! 🐸
  49. 113. Casey at the bat, in the 1922 World Series — Answer: STENGEL. Hint: Think of a legendary baseball manager who earned fame in the Big Apple! ⚾
  50. 115. Tires out completely — Answer: DOESIN. Hint: This phrase suggests reaching the end of your stamina, almost like being drained to the last drop! 🥤
  51. 116. Run into the ground — Answer: OVERDO. Hint: When you go too far with something, you might just take it a bit too far! 🤭
  52. 117. Snappy remarks — Answer: ZINGERS. Hint: These witty comments really pack a punch! 💥
  53. 118. Still in the drafts folder — Answer: UNSENT. Hint: Sometimes these messages never make it to the inbox! 📧
  54. 119. Villain in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” — Answer: GASTON. Hint: Think of the overly confident suitor who's always bragging about his strength! 💪
  55. 120. Certify — Answer: ATTEST. Hint: Think about a formal declaration that confirms something is true! ✅
  56. 121. Collect salary, in Monopoly — Answer: PASSGO. Hint: In the game of Monopoly, you often stop to earn some cash when you land on a specific space! 💸
  57. 122. Pump figure — Answer: OCTANE. Hint: Think about what fuels your engine's performance! ⛽

Down

  1. 1. Up, in a way — Answer: AWAKE. Hint: It's the state you're in when you're no longer dreaming! 🌅
  2. 2. Strip for laughs — Answer: COMIC. Hint: Think of humor that might come from a funny character or a funny story! 😂
  3. 3. Loyalty that’s pledged, quaintly — Answer: TROTH. Hint: Think of a promise made in love, often heard in wedding vows! 💍
  4. 4. Choral verse from Sophocles’ “Antigone” — Answer: ODETOMAN. Hint: Think of a poetic form often sung in harmony, especially in ancient Greek dramas! 🎶
  5. 5. Yokel — Answer: RUBE. Hint: Think of a country bumpkin who's a bit out of place in the city! 🌾
  6. 6. Reach across — Answer: SPAN. Hint: Think about how far you can stretch or bridge something! 🌉
  7. 7. Barbershop tool — Answer: STROP. Hint: Think of something that keeps a razor sharp for those perfect trims! ✂️
  8. 8. What a generous diner might pick up — Answer: THETAB. Hint: Imagine a kind soul covering the bill for friends at dinner! 🍽️
  9. 9. Diamond pattern — Answer: ARGYLE. Hint: This classic pattern often features in stylish socks and sweaters! 🧦
  10. 10. Toy brand with theme parks — Answer: LEGO. Hint: Think of colorful building blocks that inspire creativity and fun! 🧱
  11. 11. Brother in Genesis — Answer: ESAU. Hint: Think of a sibling rivalry that dates back to ancient times! 👬
  12. 12. Climbing guides — Answer: SHERPAS. Hint: These skilled mountaineers often help adventurers reach new heights! 🏔️
  13. 13. Journey’s beginning — Answer: POINTA. Hint: Think of where every adventure starts! ✈️
  14. 14. Sprang forward — Answer: LUNGED. Hint: Think of a sudden movement that involves strength and urgency! 💨
  15. 15. Swallows — Answer: ENGULFS. Hint: Think of a way to consume something completely, as if it's disappearing! 🌊
  16. 16. “Zip-___-Doo-Dah” — Answer: ADEE. Hint: This cheerful phrase captures a carefree spirit and a hint of optimism! 🌞
  17. 17. P.G. Wodehouse title — Answer: SIR. Hint: Think of a title often given to a gentleman in stories of English high society! 🎩
  18. 18. Crop circle makers, supposedly — Answer: ETS. Hint: Some believe these beings are behind unexplained phenomena in the skies! 👽
  19. 21. Writing that isn’t well versed? — Answer: PROSE. Hint: Think of the form of writing that flows freely without a specific rhythm or rhyme! ✍️
  20. 26. Complimentary coverage, briefly — Answer: GOODPR. Hint: A positive term often used to describe media coverage! 📰
  21. 27. “There it is!” — Answer: TADA. Hint: A celebratory exclamation when revealing something amazing! 🎉
  22. 32. Coding creations — Answer: APPS. Hint: Think of handy tools on your phone that make life easier! 📱
  23. 33. Neither masc. nor fem. — Answer: NEUT. Hint: Think of a term often used to describe something that doesn't lean towards one gender or the other! ⚖️
  24. 35. Outstanding service — Answer: ACE. Hint: This term is often used to describe someone who excels at what they do! 🌟
  25. 36. Flaky mineral — Answer: TALC. Hint: This soft mineral is often found in baby powder! 🍼
  26. 37. Athens aperitif — Answer: OUZO. Hint: This Greek spirit is often enjoyed with a side of meze. 🍶
  27. 38. “So true!” — Answer: AMEN. Hint: This word is often said in agreement during prayers or speeches! 🙏
  28. 39. Marked with a macron, say — Answer: LONG. Hint: Think about how you might describe something that takes up more space than usual! 📏
  29. 40. “The Many Loves of ___ Gillis” (classic sitcom) — Answer: DOBIE. Hint: This sitcom features a young man navigating love and life with a rather unique name! 💖
  30. 41. Bonnie with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award — Answer: RAITT. Hint: Think of a talented singer known for her bluesy voice and slide guitar skills! 🎸
  31. 44. Sprawl — Answer: LOLL. Hint: Sometimes, it's nice to just relax and take it easy on a comfy surface! 🛋️
  32. 45. Tweak, say — Answer: ADJUST. Hint: Sometimes all it takes is a little change to make things just right! 🔧
  33. 46. Can opener? — Answer: BAIL. Hint: It's a helpful tool for preventing things from overflowing! 🛟
  34. 47. “You are ___ much trouble!” — Answer: INSO. Hint: Sometimes a playful way to express frustration! 😄
  35. 48. Course listing — Answer: MENU. Hint: Think of what you might check to see what’s on the table tonight! 🍽️
  36. 49. Editor’s notation — Answer: STET. Hint: When you want to undo a correction, this Latin term might come in handy! 📝
  37. 53. Venomous snake — Answer: ADDER. Hint: This slithery creature may not be the best friend in the wild! 🐍
  38. 55. Checkup frequency, perhaps — Answer: YEARLY. Hint: This term often describes how often you should see the doctor for a thorough assessment! 🩺
  39. 56. Nascar driver Ty — Answer: GIBBS. Hint: Think of a well-known racing family in the sport! 🏁
  40. 57. Mlle, in Madrid — Answer: SRTA. Hint: In Spanish, this title is used for a young lady or miss! 👩
  41. 59. Spot — Answer: ESPY. Hint: Keep your eyes peeled to catch a glimpse! 👀
  42. 61. Off-road ride, for short — Answer: ATV. Hint: This four-wheeled vehicle is perfect for navigating tough terrains! 🏞️
  43. 64. Tampa Bay gridders — Answer: BUCS. Hint: These guys are known for their pirate-themed swagger on the field! 🏴‍☠️
  44. 65. Amorous archer — Answer: EROS. Hint: This mythological figure can make anyone fall in love with a single shot of his arrow! 🏹
  45. 66. Water, to Juan — Answer: AGUA. Hint: Think about how you say 'water' in Spanish! 🌊
  46. 67. Passenger’s assignment — Answer: SEAT. Hint: Where you settle in for the journey! 🪑
  47. 68. Excite — Answer: HOPUP. Hint: Think of how a lively mood can make someone feel thrilled! 🎉
  48. 69. Mandy’s role in “The Princess Bride” — Answer: INIGO. Hint: This character is famous for seeking revenge and has a memorable line about his name! 🗡️
  49. 70. Becomes firm — Answer: SETS. Hint: Think about what you do when you establish your position or stance! 💪
  50. 74. Ashley of the “Divergent” movies — Answer: JUDD. Hint: Think of a last name that's often associated with a famous face in Hollywood! 🎬
  51. 75. Only state that doesn’t share any letters with “mackerel” — Answer: OHIO. Hint: Think of the Buckeye State, famous for its college football! 🏈
  52. 76. “The Pat McAfee Show” carrier — Answer: ESPN. Hint: This network is a go-to for sports fans and often features lively commentary! 🏀
  53. 77. Contractor’s detail — Answer: SPEC. Hint: Think about the specific requirements and guidelines that guide a project! 📄
  54. 79. What keycards provide — Answer: ACCESS. Hint: Think about what you need to enter a restricted area! 🔑
  55. 80. Snappy — Answer: CURT. Hint: Think of a quick response that might come off as a bit brusque! 😏
  56. 81. “Desire Under the Elms” protagonist — Answer: EBEN. Hint: Think of a character who struggles deeply with family and longing in a classic play. 🎭
  57. 86. Many a microbrew — Answer: IPA. Hint: A hoppy favorite among craft beer enthusiasts! 🍺
  58. 88. Whiplash protection — Answer: HEADREST. Hint: It's the cushy support that keeps your noggin safe during a bumpy ride! 🚗
  59. 90. “That’s funny...” — Answer: STRANGE. Hint: When something makes you chuckle unexpectedly, it's often a bit odd! 😂
  60. 91. Boat backbone — Answer: KEEL. Hint: Think of what keeps a sailboat steady beneath the waves! ⛵
  61. 92. Became less intense — Answer: EASEDUP. Hint: When things calm down, they often take a step back. 🌤️
  62. 95. Yard lines? — Answer: HEDGES. Hint: Think of ways to keep your garden looking sharp! 🌳
  63. 96. “A Taste of Honey” trumpeter — Answer: ALPERT. Hint: Think of a famous musician known for his smooth brass sounds! 🎺
  64. 97. Bowed Baroque instruments — Answer: VIOLS. Hint: These string instruments from the past have a unique shape and a rich, warm sound! 🎻
  65. 98. Unfetters — Answer: LOOSES. Hint: Think about what you do when you set someone free! 🕊️
  66. 99. Alternative to jailing — Answer: FINING. Hint: Sometimes, a price tag is more effective than a prison cell! 💸
  67. 103. Played slowly — Answer: LENTO. Hint: Think of a musical term that means to take it easy and enjoy the moment! 🎶
  68. 105. It comes from the heart — Answer: AORTA. Hint: This large artery delivers blood throughout the body, a vital pathway! ❤️
  69. 106. Wore — Answer: HADON. Hint: Think about something you once put on in the past! 🕰️
  70. 107. Michelangelo medium — Answer: STONE. Hint: Think about the solid material that helped sculpt some of the most famous art! 🗿
  71. 108. Outdoor wedding rental — Answer: TENT. Hint: This portable structure can create a cozy atmosphere for your special day! 🎉
  72. 109. The Gaels of the NCAA — Answer: IONA. Hint: This team hails from New Rochelle, New York, and is known for its strong basketball program! 🏀
  73. 110. Capone nemesis — Answer: NESS. Hint: Think of a legendary creature often associated with a lake! 🐉
  74. 111. Nation between Benin and Ghana — Answer: TOGO. Hint: This small West African nation is known for its palm-lined beaches and vibrant markets! 🌴
  75. 112. Climate control acronym — Answer: HVAC. Hint: This industry abbreviation helps keep your home comfortable year-round! 🌬️
  76. 113. “I Hate U” R&B artist — Answer: SZA. Hint: This artist smoothly blends emotions into catchy melodies! 🎶
  77. 114. Tufted bird — Answer: TIT. Hint: Think of a small, cheerful bird known for its distinctive hairstyle! 🐦

The answer to Climbing guides in the Wall Street Journal crossword is SHERPAS — a 7-letter word. This clue ran in the Wall Street Journal crossword on July 17, 2026, a Friday puzzle, at 12-Down. 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.

Climbing guides” answer

SHERPAS (7 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 SHERPAS.

Why the answer is SHERPAS

These skilled mountaineers often help adventurers reach new heights! 🏔️

When else has “Climbing guides” appeared?

Wall Street Journal 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 17, 2026 (this puzzle) → SHERPAS. We haven't indexed an earlier appearance of this exact clue yet.

More clues from the WSJ crossword on July 17, 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 Wall Street Journal answer list for July 17, 2026 is on that day's grid page, and today's live WSJ answers are always one tap from the today page.

About the WSJ Crossword

The Wall Street Journal Crossword is a free daily 15×15 (larger for the end-of-week themed grid), edited by Mike Shenk and known for clean, fair cluing with a business and finance streak. This page covers a Friday puzzle. The WSJ also runs a contest (meta) crossword whose answer hides inside the finished grid, so its long theme entries tend to carry extra weight. Locking one confirmed mid-length answer usually opens the crossings around it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “Climbing guides”?

The answer is SHERPAS, a 7-letter word. It appeared in the Wall Street Journal crossword on July 17, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Climbing guides”?

7 letters: SHERPAS.

Where did this clue appear?

In the Wall Street Journal crossword on July 17, 2026 (a Friday puzzle), at 12-Down.

Can “Climbing guides” have a different answer?

Yes — Wall Street Journal 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 WSJ answers?

The full grid for July 17, 2026 is on the WSJ answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.