Simple, as a rocket

Crossword Answer — July 22, 2026

Answer

Think of a straightforward launch without any complexity! 🚀

WSJ Crossword

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

By Mike Shenk · 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

  1. 1Diet target
  2. 5Heating option
  3. 8Like rawhide bones
  4. 14Brand once marketed as “the great national temperance beverage”
  5. 16State of southern Mexico
  6. 17Leap while snowboarding
  7. 18Millionth of a meter
  8. 19“Whine Up” singer DeLuna
  9. 20River past Balmoral Castle
  10. 22“So Big” writer Ferber
  11. 23Help the chef
  12. 25“The Caretaker” playwright
  13. 27“The Hound of the Baskervilles” setting
  14. 28Nicole Kidman’s co-star in 2001’s “Birthday Girl”
  15. 32Lends support
  16. 33Title before Fox or Rabbit
  17. 34Curling need
  18. 35Smelter supply
  19. 36Faith Hill song “Take Me ___ Am”
  20. 37Nondairy milk option
  21. 39Quote the raven?
  22. 40Henhouse sight
  23. 42Stout-bodied fish
  24. 44Sgt.’s superior
  25. 45“You missed your opportunity”
  26. 47Wasatch Range tribe
  27. 48Hold back
  28. 49Harbor, say
  29. 50Choose not to sip
  30. 53“Patience ___ virtue”
  31. 54Cannes companion
  32. 55“Oil my arms, please, oil my elbows” speaker
  33. 57It folds down for a passenger (and an instruction for how to treat several Down answers)
  34. 62Mysterious
  35. 63Simple, as a rocket
  36. 64Creatures
  37. 65Go a round
  38. 66Treat for a chickadee

Down

  1. 1Media monitor, for short
  2. 2Mauna ___
  3. 3Opera division
  4. 4Producers of pastries
  5. 5Acquired
  6. 6Green with Grammys
  7. 7“Sexy” Beatles girl
  8. 8Astronomer’s sighting
  9. 9Yes, in Yokohama
  10. 10Book bit
  11. 11City section
  12. 12Bus. sch. subject
  13. 13Comical Carvey
  14. 15Topper
  15. 21Between stops
  16. 23“The A.B.C. Murders” sleuth
  17. 24Drive in Beverly Hills
  18. 25Numbers on tags
  19. 26Marco Polo’s heading
  20. 27Their name for New Zealand is Aotearoa
  21. 28Common undergrad deg.
  22. 29Pinpoint
  23. 30Peevishly sulking
  24. 31Small amphibians
  25. 36Dispenser of dollars
  26. 38Teddy’s neighbor on Mount Rushmore
  27. 41Summation signs, in math
  28. 43Worked
  29. 44Ark-measuring units
  30. 46Needle sources
  31. 49Band boosters
  32. 50Wild guess
  33. 51Undercover cop’s wear
  34. 52Cuzco people
  35. 54Visa rival, familiarly
  36. 56Crumb bearer
  37. 58Italian count’s start
  38. 59Gold, to chemists
  39. 60“We Bring Good Things to Life” advertiser, once
  40. 61Visitor in a 1982 Spielberg movie

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. Diet target — Answer: FLAB. Hint: Think about what many aim to reduce when trying to get fit! 🏋️‍♂️
  2. 5. Heating option — Answer: GAS. Hint: Think about a common fuel source used to cook or warm your home! 🔥
  3. 8. Like rawhide bones — Answer: CHEWED. Hint: Think about what happens to treats after a pup gets their paws on them! 🐶
  4. 14. Brand once marketed as “the great national temperance beverage” — Answer: COCACOLA. Hint: This fizzy drink has a storied history and was once seen as a healthier alternative! 🥤
  5. 16. State of southern Mexico — Answer: OAXACA. Hint: This vibrant region is known for its rich culture and delicious cuisine! 🌮
  6. 17. Leap while snowboarding — Answer: CATCHAIR. Hint: Get ready to catch some air while you ride the slopes! 🏂
  7. 18. Millionth of a meter — Answer: MICRON. Hint: Think tiny, as in a measurement smaller than a millimeter! 🐜
  8. 19. “Whine Up” singer DeLuna — Answer: KAT. Hint: This pop star shares her name with a feline friend! 🐱
  9. 20. River past Balmoral Castle — Answer: DEE. Hint: Think of a Scottish river that shares its name with a common term for a beloved companion! 🌊
  10. 22. “So Big” writer Ferber — Answer: EDNA. Hint: Think of a female author known for her strong characters and a Pulitzer Prize winner! 📚
  11. 23. Help the chef — Answer: PREP. Hint: Think about the tasks that make cooking easier before the main event begins! 🍳
  12. 25. “The Caretaker” playwright — Answer: PINTER. Hint: This playwright is known for his unique style and often explores themes of human relationships and language. 🎭
  13. 27. “The Hound of the Baskervilles” setting — Answer: MOOR. Hint: Think of vast, open landscapes often found in mysterious tales! 🌾
  14. 28. Nicole Kidman’s co-star in 2001’s “Birthday Girl” — Answer: BENCHAPLIN. Hint: He shares a last name with a famous silent film star known for his mustache and bowler hat! 🎩
  15. 32. Lends support — Answer: AIDS. Hint: Think of something that helps you through tough times! 🤝
  16. 33. Title before Fox or Rabbit — Answer: BRER. Hint: This title often appears in classic tales featuring clever characters, think Southern folklore! 🐰
  17. 34. Curling need — Answer: STONE. Hint: It's a heavy object that slides across the ice in a popular winter sport! 🥌
  18. 35. Smelter supply — Answer: ORE. Hint: What do you dig for to get metals? 🪨
  19. 36. Faith Hill song “Take Me ___ Am” — Answer: ASI. Hint: This song title hints at a longing for a specific time zone! 🌍
  20. 37. Nondairy milk option — Answer: OAT. Hint: This creamy alternative often comes from a grain you might enjoy in breakfast! 🌾
  21. 39. Quote the raven? — Answer: CAW. Hint: This bird's call might be what Edgar Allan Poe would approve of! 🐦
  22. 40. Henhouse sight — Answer: ROOST. Hint: Where birds settle down for the night and take a load off! 🐦
  23. 42. Stout-bodied fish — Answer: CHUB. Hint: This fish shares its name with a common term for a stocky person! 🐟
  24. 44. Sgt.’s superior — Answer: CAPT. Hint: Think of a rank that comes before a major promotion! 🎖️
  25. 45. “You missed your opportunity” — Answer: ITSTOOLATE. Hint: When the clock strikes too late, regret often follows! ⏰
  26. 47. Wasatch Range tribe — Answer: UTES. Hint: Think of a Native American tribe from the mountainous region of Utah! 🏔️
  27. 48. Hold back — Answer: IMPEDE. Hint: Think about what might slow you down when you're trying to move forward! 🚧
  28. 49. Harbor, say — Answer: ABET. Hint: It’s a word often used when you support or aid someone, especially in a tricky situation! 🤝
  29. 50. Choose not to sip — Answer: SWIG. Hint: Sometimes it's better to just let it be, even if it looks tempting! 🍹
  30. 53. “Patience ___ virtue” — Answer: ISA. Hint: Think of a common saying that emphasizes the importance of waiting! ⏳
  31. 54. Cannes companion — Answer: AMI. Hint: This French word means 'friend' and is often used for a buddy! 👫
  32. 55. “Oil my arms, please, oil my elbows” speaker — Answer: TINMAN. Hint: This character from a classic tale is in need of a little lubrication! 🤖
  33. 57. It folds down for a passenger (and an instruction for how to treat several Down answers) — Answer: JUMPSEAT. Hint: Think of an extra seat that helps accommodate more passengers in vehicles! ✈️
  34. 62. Mysterious — Answer: ARCANE. Hint: Think of something shrouded in mystery and not easily understood! 🔍
  35. 63. Simple, as a rocket — Answer: ONESTAGE. Hint: Think of a straightforward launch without any complexity! 🚀
  36. 64. Creatures — Answer: BEASTS. Hint: Think of wild and untamed beings that roam the earth! 🐾
  37. 65. Go a round — Answer: BOX. Hint: It's what you do when you're trying to avoid a hit in a sport! 🥊
  38. 66. Treat for a chickadee — Answer: SUET. Hint: Think of a high-energy snack that birds love to munch on! 🐦

Down

  1. 1. Media monitor, for short — Answer: FCC. Hint: This organization ensures the airwaves are safe and sound for everyone! 📻
  2. 2. Mauna ___ — Answer: LOA. Hint: This giant Hawaiian volcano is known for its massive size and is a great place for stargazing! 🌋
  3. 3. Opera division — Answer: ACT. Hint: Think of a segment in a performance that showcases talent! 🎭
  4. 4. Producers of pastries — Answer: BACKERS. Hint: These supporters help bring delicious treats to life! 🍰
  5. 5. Acquired — Answer: GOAT. Hint: Think of a term often used for someone who has reached the pinnacle of their field! 🐐
  6. 6. Green with Grammys — Answer: ALI. Hint: This legendary fighter was known for his charisma and multiple accolades! 🥇
  7. 7. “Sexy” Beatles girl — Answer: SARDINE. Hint: She may not be the first fish you think of, but she's definitely got a groove! 🐟
  8. 8. Astronomer’s sighting — Answer: COMETH. Hint: A famous phrase about something approaching from the sky has a poetic twist! 🌌
  9. 9. Yes, in Yokohama — Answer: HAI. Hint: A friendly way to say 'yes' in Japanese! 🇯🇵
  10. 10. Book bit — Answer: EXCERPT. Hint: This piece of a text gives you a sneak peek into the storyline! 📖
  11. 11. City section — Answer: WARD. Hint: Think of a part of a city that often represents a neighborhood or district! 🏙️
  12. 12. Bus. sch. subject — Answer: ECON. Hint: This subject helps you understand money, markets, and how we make choices! 💰
  13. 13. Comical Carvey — Answer: DANA. Hint: This funny guy is known for his impressions and was a star on SNL! 😂
  14. 15. Topper — Answer: CHAP. Hint: This playful term is often used for a dapper gentleman! 🎩
  15. 21. Between stops — Answer: ENCROUTE. Hint: Think about the route taken when traveling from one place to another! 🗺️
  16. 23. “The A.B.C. Murders” sleuth — Answer: POIROT. Hint: This famous detective is known for his little grey cells and a penchant for order! 🕵️‍♂️
  17. 24. Drive in Beverly Hills — Answer: RODEOS. Hint: Think of a popular shopping area where you might see luxury cars cruising by! 🛍️
  18. 25. Numbers on tags — Answer: PERICLES. Hint: Think of a famous Athenian leader known for his contributions to democracy! 🏛️
  19. 26. Marco Polo’s heading — Answer: EAST. Hint: Think of the direction you’d travel to find the land of the rising sun! 🌅
  20. 27. Their name for New Zealand is Aotearoa — Answer: MAORI. Hint: These indigenous people have a rich culture and deep connections to the land. 🌿
  21. 28. Common undergrad deg. — Answer: BBS. Hint: It’s a degree often associated with business and management studies! 🎓
  22. 29. Pinpoint — Answer: LOCATE. Hint: Find exactly where something is hiding! 📍
  23. 30. Peevishly sulking — Answer: INAPET. Hint: When someone is feeling grumpy and uncooperative, they might just be acting this way. 😒
  24. 31. Small amphibians — Answer: NEWTS. Hint: These little creatures often have a very interesting life cycle! 🐸
  25. 36. Dispenser of dollars — Answer: ATOM. Hint: Think about the smallest unit of currency and its impact on the economy! 💰
  26. 38. Teddy’s neighbor on Mount Rushmore — Answer: ABE. Hint: Think of a famous president known for his stovepipe hat! 🎩
  27. 41. Summation signs, in math — Answer: STIGMAS. Hint: In math, they often represent a total in a clever way! ➕
  28. 43. Worked — Answer: HADAJOB. Hint: Think of a phrase that describes completing a task successfully! 💼
  29. 44. Ark-measuring units — Answer: CUBISTS. Hint: Think of a movement that emphasizes geometric shapes and forms in art! 🎨
  30. 46. Needle sources — Answer: OPINES. Hint: When you express your thoughts or beliefs, you might be sharing your take on things! 🗣️
  31. 49. Band boosters — Answer: AMPS. Hint: These devices can crank up the volume for your favorite tunes! 🎶
  32. 50. Wild guess — Answer: STAB. Hint: Taking a shot in the dark can lead to surprising outcomes! 🎯
  33. 51. Undercover cop’s wear — Answer: WIRE. Hint: Think of what helps keep a detective's mission discreet! 🤫
  34. 52. Cuzco people — Answer: INCA. Hint: They were known for their impressive architecture and vibrant culture in ancient Peru! 🏛️
  35. 54. Visa rival, familiarly — Answer: AMEX. Hint: This famous card is often seen as the blue alternative to its red competitor! 💳
  36. 56. Crumb bearer — Answer: ANT. Hint: Tiny creatures that carry food back to their homes can be quite busy! 🐜
  37. 58. Italian count’s start — Answer: UNO. Hint: In Italy, it's often the first thing you say in a game! 🎲
  38. 59. Gold, to chemists — Answer: EAU. Hint: Think of how chemists might refer to a drink that’s both refreshing and essential! 💧
  39. 60. “We Bring Good Things to Life” advertiser, once — Answer: AGE. Hint: Think of a time when this slogan was all about innovation! 🕰️
  40. 61. Visitor in a 1982 Spielberg movie — Answer: TET. Hint: Think about a lovable extraterrestrial who just wanted to phone home! 🚲

The answer to “Simple, as a rocket” in the Wall Street Journal crossword is ONESTAGE — a 8-letter word. This clue ran in the Wall Street Journal crossword on July 22, 2026, a Wednesday puzzle, at 63-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.

“Simple, as a rocket” answer

ONESTAGE (8 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 ONESTAGE.

Why the answer is ONESTAGE

Think of a straightforward launch without any complexity! 🚀

When else has “Simple, as a rocket” 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 22, 2026 (this puzzle) → ONESTAGE. We haven't indexed an earlier appearance of this exact clue yet.

More clues from the WSJ crossword on July 22, 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 22, 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 Wednesday 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 “Simple, as a rocket”?

The answer is ONESTAGE, a 8-letter word. It appeared in the Wall Street Journal crossword on July 22, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Simple, as a rocket”?

8 letters: ONESTAGE.

Where did this clue appear?

In the Wall Street Journal crossword on July 22, 2026 (a Wednesday puzzle), at 63-Across.

Can “Simple, as a rocket” 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 22, 2026 is on the WSJ answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

NYT Crossword Answers NYT Mini Crossword Answers WSJ Answers — Jul 22 Wordle Hint Today Connections Hint Today Strands Hint Today Quordle Hint Today Contexto Hint Today Spotle Hint Today Pips Hint Today Jumble Answers Today 7 Little Words Answers