WSJ Crossword Answers - Aug 2
For a Song
By Mike Shenk · Edited by Mike Shenk
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WSJ Crossword Clues
Across
Down
Crossword clues, hints, and answers
Across
- 1. Spot for a castaway — Answer: ISLET. Hint: Think of a tiny island where someone stranded might wash ashore. 🏝️
- 6. Salami seller — Answer: DELI. Hint: Look for the kind of shop counter where sliced meats and cheeses are sold. 🥪
- 10. Healthy salad green — Answer: KALE. Hint: This leafy superfood is a go-to for smoothies and hearty salads 🥗
- 14. Starts the bidding — Answer: OPENS. Hint: Makes the first offer in an auction or negotiation. 🔨
- 15. Sharif of “Doctor Zhivago” — Answer: OMAR. Hint: Think of the Egyptian actor who portrayed the title doctor in the classic film adaptation 🎬
- 16. Yoked animals — Answer: OXEN. Hint: These sturdy farm animals often work in pairs to pull a plow 🐂
- 17. Pricey Japanese beef — Answer: WAGYU. Hint: Think of the famously marbled beef prized by gourmets and raised in Japan. 🥩
- 18. The Flintstones’ pet — Answer: DINO. Hint: Fred and Wilma’s lovable prehistoric companion 🦕
- 19. Clarinet part — Answer: REED. Hint: Think of the thin strip that vibrates to give this woodwind its voice 🎶
- 20. “Yes, And?” singer — Answer: ARIANAGRANDE. Hint: This pop superstar turned a punctuation-filled title into a confident anthem. 🎤
- 23. Pickleball court sight — Answer: NET. Hint: It divides the court and politely blocks low-flying shots. 🏓
- 24. Pint in a pub — Answer: ALE. Hint: A classic fermented drink you might order at the bar 🍺
- 25. Two-point throw in horseshoes — Answer: LEANER. Hint: In horseshoes, this two-point toss scores when the shoe rests against the stake without making a ringer. 🐴
- 29. Moody rock genre — Answer: EMO. Hint: This genre often expresses deep feelings and emotions through its music. 🎸
- 30. Sewing line — Answer: SEAM. Hint: Where two pieces of fabric meet, a neat row of stitches keeps them together 🧵
- 32. Egg cells — Answer: OVA. Hint: Tiny female reproductive cells doing the job of a single egg 🥚
- 33. “Little Bit of Love” singer — Answer: DWIGHTTWILLEY. Hint: Think of the power-pop artist behind this catchy 1970s tune. 🎵
- 36. Field unit — Answer: ACRE. Hint: It measures a patch of farmland, not a sports team’s lineup. 🌾
- 38. Fleming who created James Bond — Answer: IAN. Hint: Think of the British novelist who gave the world its most famous spy. 🕵️
- 39. Galley tools — Answer: OARS. Hint: These help a crew propel a boat by hand. 🚣
- 40. “Stupid Girl” singer — Answer: SHIRLEYMANSON. Hint: Think of the distinctive frontwoman of Garbage, whose band sang this cheeky ’90s hit. 🎤
- 45. Snaky fish — Answer: EEL. Hint: This slippery swimmer looks more like a serpent than a typical fish. 🐍
- 46. “Make it snappy!” letters — Answer: ASAP. Hint: This brisk abbreviation means “as quickly as possible.” ⚡
- 47. Play division — Answer: ACT. Hint: A theatrical performance is often divided into one of these sections 🎭
- 48. Largest federation of unions in the U.S. — Answer: AFLCIO. Hint: Think of the nationwide labor organization that brings many American unions under one umbrella. 🤝
- 50. Fragrant conifer — Answer: FIR. Hint: Think of the evergreen tree whose fresh, resinous scent fills the forest and holiday season. 🌲
- 51. Attorney’s org. — Answer: ABA. Hint: This professional group represents lawyers and helps shape legal standards ⚖️
- 54. “All I Know” singer — Answer: ARTGARFUNKEL. Hint: This vocalist is best known for his partnership with Paul Simon before stepping into the spotlight alone 🎤
- 58. Popular swab — Answer: QTIP. Hint: A familiar cotton-tipped bathroom helper, often used for careful cleaning. 🧼
- 61. Otherwise — Answer: ELSE. Hint: Think of a word meaning “in another way” or “if not.” 💡
- 62. Idaho’s capital — Answer: BOISE. Hint: Think of the Gem State’s largest city and center of government 🏛️
- 63. Use a 33-Down — Answer: BORE. Hint: Think of what a drill does to wood, or what a dull speaker does to a listener. 🛠️
- 64. Brownish red — Answer: RUST. Hint: Think of the earthy color you might see on old iron or autumn leaves. 🍂
- 65. Bury — Answer: INTER. Hint: This verb means to place someone in a grave or put something underground. ⚰️
- 66. Walk of Fame symbol — Answer: STAR. Hint: Think of the celestial shape honored on Hollywood’s famous sidewalk ⭐
- 67. Longings — Answer: YENS. Hint: These are strong desires for something you deeply want. 💭
- 68. “Keen!” — Answer: NEATO. Hint: A cheerful way to say something is impressively cool or delightful! 😎
Down
- 1. Hawkeye — Answer: IOWAN. Hint: Think of what you’d call someone from the state whose teams are the Hawkeyes. 🏈
- 2. Tire in the trunk — Answer: SPARE. Hint: It’s the backup wheel waiting in your car for an unexpected flat. 🛞
- 3. For real, informally — Answer: LEGIT. Hint: A casual way to say something is genuine or truly happening. 👍
- 4. One-named Irish singer — Answer: ENYA. Hint: Think of the Irish vocalist famous for dreamy, layered music and a single memorable stage name 🎶
- 5. Destructive wave — Answer: TSUNAMI. Hint: A powerful ocean surge caused by an undersea disturbance can devastate coastlines. 🌊
- 6. Steer clear of — Answer: DODGE. Hint: Think of giving something a wide berth rather than facing it head-on. 🚧
- 7. Dubai leader — Answer: EMIR. Hint: Think of the traditional title held by Dubai’s ruler. 👑
- 8. Turner of Hollywood — Answer: LANA. Hint: Think of the glamorous classic-film star who appeared in The Postman Always Rings Twice 🎬
- 9. Rule without exceptions — Answer: IRONLAW. Hint: Think of a completely unyielding principle—one that allows no exceptions. ⚙️
- 10. Seoul’s peninsula — Answer: KOREA. Hint: Think of the East Asian peninsula where Seoul sits, with a northern and southern half 🗺️
- 11. Woodsman’s tool — Answer: AXE. Hint: A classic hand tool for chopping firewood in the forest 🪵
- 12. Director Spike — Answer: LEE. Hint: This filmmaker is known for socially conscious films like Do the Right Thing and BlacKkKlansman. 🎬
- 13. Terminate — Answer: END. Hint: Bring something to its final point or bring it to a close 🛑
- 21. Sleep like ___ — Answer: ALOG. Hint: Picture the famously motionless sleeper compared to a chunk of firewood. 🪵
- 22. Moore of “G.I. Jane” — Answer: DEMI. Hint: Think of the actress who starred opposite Patrick Swayze in “Ghost.” 🎬
- 26. Pitcher Ryan — Answer: NOLAN. Hint: Think of the legendary fireballer whose first name is also shared by a blockbuster filmmaker. ⚾
- 27. At any time — Answer: EVER. Hint: Think of a word meaning “whenever” or “at some point.” ⏰
- 28. Tampa baseballers — Answer: RAYS. Hint: This Florida team plays its home games near Tampa Bay ⚾
- 29. Water pitcher — Answer: EWER. Hint: This old-fashioned vessel is made for pouring drinks at the table. 🏺
- 30. Envelope stick-on — Answer: STAMP. Hint: It helps your letter travel through the mail without needing a ticket. 📬
- 31. Sicilian peak — Answer: ETNA. Hint: Think of a famous volcano that might give you a warm reception! 🌋
- 33. Shop tool — Answer: DRILL. Hint: A handy workshop tool for making holes in wood or metal. 🔧
- 34. “Howdy!” — Answer: HIYA. Hint: A cheerful, informal greeting for someone you’re glad to see 🤠
- 35. Robber’s haul — Answer: LOOT. Hint: What a thief might grab during a successful heist 🏴☠️
- 36. Cruising — Answer: ASEA. Hint: Picture yourself traveling across the ocean, not on land. 🌊
- 37. Restaurant VIP — Answer: CHEF. Hint: This kitchen star creates the menu and leads the culinary team. 👨🍳
- 41. Hibernation spot — Answer: LAIR. Hint: A sheltered animal hideaway for sleeping through the cold months 🐻
- 42. Mysterious lore — Answer: ESOTERY. Hint: Think of obscure, insider knowledge known mainly to a select few. 🔮
- 43. Ingenuous person — Answer: NAIF. Hint: Think of someone innocent, trusting, and a bit unsophisticated. 🙂
- 44. Wash before surgery — Answer: SCRUBIN. Hint: It’s what a surgical team does to get sterile before entering the operating room. 🧼
- 49. Bank heist, for example — Answer: CAPER. Hint: Think of a mischievous escapade, often with a playful or criminal twist 😏
- 50. Worries — Answer: FRETS. Hint: Feels uneasy or concerned about something 😟
- 51. Japanese dog — Answer: AKITA. Hint: This loyal, powerful breed shares its name with a prefecture in northern Japan. 🐕
- 52. Persistently trouble — Answer: BESET. Hint: To keep troubling or harassing someone persistently is to do this. 🐝
- 53. Oldsmobile’s last model — Answer: ALERO. Hint: This compact sedan was the final vehicle to wear the Oldsmobile badge. 🚗
- 55. Model-making need — Answer: GLUE. Hint: It holds tiny pieces together when you’re building a miniature masterpiece. 🧩
- 56. Org.’s kin — Answer: ASSN. Hint: Think of a compact abbreviation for an organized group. 🤝
- 57. Minimal amount — Answer: NONE. Hint: Think of the empty quantity—there isn’t any to count. 🫥
- 58. NFL passers — Answer: QBS. Hint: These gridiron leaders are best known for throwing the ball downfield 🏈
- 59. Young one — Answer: TOT. Hint: A very small child, often said with affection. 👶
- 60. Nest egg option, for short — Answer: IRA. Hint: Think of a compact retirement savings account. 🐣
Here are the WSJ Crossword answers for Sunday, August 2, 2026 — every solution for that day's Wall Street Journal 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 August 2?” 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 WSJ Crossword answers page.
WSJ Crossword answers for August 2, 2026
The full solution for the August 2 WSJ 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 Sunday, August 2.
Full WSJ Crossword answer list for August 2, 2026
Every clue from the August 2 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 | Spot for a castaway | ISLET |
| 6 | Salami seller | DELI |
| 10 | Healthy salad green | KALE |
| 14 | Starts the bidding | OPENS |
| 15 | Sharif of “Doctor Zhivago” | OMAR |
| 16 | Yoked animals | OXEN |
| 17 | Pricey Japanese beef | WAGYU |
| 18 | The Flintstones’ pet | DINO |
| 19 | Clarinet part | REED |
| 20 | “Yes, And?” singer | ARIANAGRANDE |
| 23 | Pickleball court sight | NET |
| 24 | Pint in a pub | ALE |
| 25 | Two-point throw in horseshoes | LEANER |
| 29 | Moody rock genre | EMO |
| 30 | Sewing line | SEAM |
| 32 | Egg cells | OVA |
| 33 | “Little Bit of Love” singer | DWIGHTTWILLEY |
| 36 | Field unit | ACRE |
| 38 | Fleming who created James Bond | IAN |
| 39 | Galley tools | OARS |
| 40 | “Stupid Girl” singer | SHIRLEYMANSON |
| 45 | Snaky fish | EEL |
| 46 | “Make it snappy!” letters | ASAP |
| 47 | Play division | ACT |
| 48 | Largest federation of unions in the U.S. | AFLCIO |
| 50 | Fragrant conifer | FIR |
| 51 | Attorney’s org. | ABA |
| 54 | “All I Know” singer | ARTGARFUNKEL |
| 58 | Popular swab | QTIP |
| 61 | Otherwise | ELSE |
| 62 | Idaho’s capital | BOISE |
| 63 | Use a 33-Down | BORE |
| 64 | Brownish red | RUST |
| 65 | Bury | INTER |
| 66 | Walk of Fame symbol | STAR |
| 67 | Longings | YENS |
| 68 | “Keen!” | NEATO |
Down
| # | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawkeye | IOWAN |
| 2 | Tire in the trunk | SPARE |
| 3 | For real, informally | LEGIT |
| 4 | One-named Irish singer | ENYA |
| 5 | Destructive wave | TSUNAMI |
| 6 | Steer clear of | DODGE |
| 7 | Dubai leader | EMIR |
| 8 | Turner of Hollywood | LANA |
| 9 | Rule without exceptions | IRONLAW |
| 10 | Seoul’s peninsula | KOREA |
| 11 | Woodsman’s tool | AXE |
| 12 | Director Spike | LEE |
| 13 | Terminate | END |
| 21 | Sleep like ___ | ALOG |
| 22 | Moore of “G.I. Jane” | DEMI |
| 26 | Pitcher Ryan | NOLAN |
| 27 | At any time | EVER |
| 28 | Tampa baseballers | RAYS |
| 29 | Water pitcher | EWER |
| 30 | Envelope stick-on | STAMP |
| 31 | Sicilian peak | ETNA |
| 33 | Shop tool | DRILL |
| 34 | “Howdy!” | HIYA |
| 35 | Robber’s haul | LOOT |
| 36 | Cruising | ASEA |
| 37 | Restaurant VIP | CHEF |
| 41 | Hibernation spot | LAIR |
| 42 | Mysterious lore | ESOTERY |
| 43 | Ingenuous person | NAIF |
| 44 | Wash before surgery | SCRUBIN |
| 49 | Bank heist, for example | CAPER |
| 50 | Worries | FRETS |
| 51 | Japanese dog | AKITA |
| 52 | Persistently trouble | BESET |
| 53 | Oldsmobile’s last model | ALERO |
| 55 | Model-making need | GLUE |
| 56 | Org.’s kin | ASSN |
| 57 | Minimal amount | NONE |
| 58 | NFL passers | QBS |
| 59 | Young one | TOT |
| 60 | Nest egg option, for short | IRA |
Hints for the August 2 puzzle
Not ready for the full answer? Here are lighter, spoiler-free nudges for that day's grid, above the solutions. The August 2 Wall Street Journal Crossword was a Sunday puzzle, which matters more than it does at most papers: the WSJ runs a clean 15×15 midweek, a larger themed grid at the end of the week, and a Friday contest puzzle whose real answer hides inside the finished grid. Editor Mike Shenk keeps the cluing fair rather than punishing, so a stuck corner usually breaks open on one confirmed crossing. Use the hints for the trickiest clues, then reveal the answers above only if you need them.
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Frequently asked questions
What were the WSJ Crossword answers on August 2, 2026?
Every answer for the Sunday, August 2, 2026 Wall Street Journal Crossword is listed at the top of this page — the confirmed grid as published that day.
Where can I find today's WSJ Crossword answers?
Today's live puzzle is on our WSJ Crossword answers today page, updated the moment each new grid goes live.
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