WSJ Crossword Answers - Aug 20

Your Journey Begins Now

By Matt Gaffney · Edited by Mike Shenk

Contest: The answer to this week’s contest crossword is something people undertake for knowledge.

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Across

  1. 1Backyard funBARBQ
  2. 6Lowers, like lightingDIMS
  3. 10Russian riverURAL
  4. 14“Until we meet again!”ADIEU
  5. 15That single timeONCE
  6. 16ZipNADA
  7. 17Seemed to go on foreverHADNOENDINSIGHT
  8. 20Yeoman’s “you betcha!”AYE
  9. 21It may be dedicatedODE
  10. 22On ___ (carousing)ATOOT
  11. 23Failure to beNONEXISTENCE
  12. 27Superior squadsATEAMS
  13. 30Broadway signalsCUES
  14. 31Elk stalkersPUMAS
  15. 32Fearsome fateDOOM
  16. 34Bitter brewIPA
  17. 37Appearing mysteriously, maybeOFUNKNOWNORIGIN
  18. 41Scoreboard abbr.PTS
  19. 42One, in AustriaEINS
  20. 43Comparable to the hills?ASOLD
  21. 44ThreadbareWORN
  22. 46Fish-catching flierOSPREY
  23. 47Field with many boatsOCEANOGRAPHY
  24. 52Key of FloridaLARGO
  25. 53Candle countAGE
  26. 54Bit of adviceTIP
  27. 57QuibblesMINOROBJECTIONS
  28. 62“What’s going ___ there?”ONIN
  29. 63Longest street in town, maybeMAIN
  30. 64Starr and Simpson, sayBARTS
  31. 65Catches a glimpse ofSEES
  32. 66Poli sci studyGOVT
  33. 67Haughty typeSNOOT

Down

  1. 1“Who Let the Dogs Out” group ___ MenBAHA
  2. 2One-___ vitaminsADAY
  3. 3Theme park funRIDE
  4. 4Golfer CrenshawBEN
  5. 5Status followerQUO
  6. 6Where, to JuanitaDONDE
  7. 7Market measureINDEX
  8. 8Former telecom giantMCI
  9. 9Rep.’s counterpartSEN
  10. 10Joins togetherUNITES
  11. 11Tease relentlesslyRAGON
  12. 12Committee typeADHOC
  13. 13Barista’s creationLATTE
  14. 18Long stretchesEONS
  15. 19Fully fillSATE
  16. 23Curry accompanierNAAN
  17. 24City on the Trans-Siberian RailwayOMSK
  18. 25Pics that get clicksICONS
  19. 26Battle of the bulgy?SUMO
  20. 27EachAPOP
  21. 28Bit of hairTUFT
  22. 29Outback runnersEMUS
  23. 32Up to, so to speakDOING
  24. 33Dominate during playOWN
  25. 341974 role for MartyIGOR
  26. 35HeapPILE
  27. 36Roddick with a racketANDY
  28. 38Infamous emperorNERO
  29. 39FoolhardyRASH
  30. 40Road trip pastimeISPY
  31. 44They’re circled for protectionWAGONS
  32. 45___ before (not later than)ONOR
  33. 46Crude groupOPEC
  34. 47“Stand and Deliver” Oscar nomineeOLMOS
  35. 48Mutinee-beset movie minesweeperCAINE
  36. 49Hudson of “Boston Blue”ERNIE
  37. 50Hyderabad’s ___ Gandhi International AirportRAJIV
  38. 51Deal proAGENT
  39. 54Mower brandTORO
  40. 55Really enthused aboutINTO
  41. 56Subtle hissPSST
  42. 58“r u kidding me?”OMG
  43. 59Chinese steamed bunBAO
  44. 60Station begun in AtlantaTBS
  45. 61McKellen of “X-Men”IAN

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Contest: The answer to this week’s contest crossword is something people undertake for knowledge.

Across

  1. 1. Backyard fun — Answer: BARBQ. Hint: A smoky outdoor cookout is the scene 🍔
  2. 6. Lowers, like lighting — Answer: DIMS. Hint: Makes a room less bright 🌙
  3. 10. Russian river — Answer: URAL. Hint: This river shares its name with the mountain range dividing Europe and Asia. 🏞️
  4. 14. “Until we meet again!” — Answer: ADIEU. Hint: A formal farewell for now 👋
  5. 15. That single time — Answer: ONCE. Hint: It happened on just one occasion 1️⃣
  6. 16. Zip — Answer: NADA. Hint: Absolutely nothing at all 🤷
  7. 17. Seemed to go on forever — Answer: HADNOENDINSIGHT. Hint: It appeared to continue without any visible finish ♾️
  8. 20. Yeoman’s “you betcha!” — Answer: AYE. Hint: A hearty old-fashioned agreement 👍
  9. 21. It may be dedicated — Answer: ODE. Hint: A poem can be written in someone’s honor 📝
  10. 22. On ___ (carousing) — Answer: ATOOT. Hint: This phrase describes going out for boisterous fun 🎉
  11. 23. Failure to be — Answer: NONEXISTENCE. Hint: The state of not being present or real 🚫
  12. 27. Superior squads — Answer: ATEAMS. Hint: The top-performing groups make the elite roster 🏆
  13. 30. Broadway signals — Answer: CUES. Hint: Actors rely on these prompts to know when to enter 🎭
  14. 31. Elk stalkers — Answer: PUMAS. Hint: These stealthy mountain cats may hunt large deer 🐈
  15. 32. Fearsome fate — Answer: DOOM. Hint: A grim and unavoidable end 💀
  16. 34. Bitter brew — Answer: IPA. Hint: A hoppy beer known for its sharp taste 🍺
  17. 37. Appearing mysteriously, maybe — Answer: OFUNKNOWNORIGIN. Hint: Its source or arrival cannot be explained 🕵️
  18. 41. Scoreboard abbr. — Answer: PTS. Hint: This short scoreboard label counts what a side has earned 🔢
  19. 42. One, in Austria — Answer: EINS. Hint: The German word for the number after zero 🇦🇹
  20. 43. Comparable to the hills? — Answer: ASOLD. Hint: A playful comparison for something extremely ancient 🏔️
  21. 44. Threadbare — Answer: WORN. Hint: Used so much that the fabric is shabby 👕
  22. 46. Fish-catching flier — Answer: OSPREY. Hint: Picture a keen-eyed raptor swooping down to snatch dinner from the water. 🦅
  23. 47. Field with many boats — Answer: OCEANOGRAPHY. Hint: This academic field explores the seas, their waters, and everything in them. 🌊
  24. 52. Key of Florida — Answer: LARGO. Hint: It is the name of a Florida island key and also a musical tempo. 🎵
  25. 53. Candle count — Answer: AGE. Hint: A cake’s candles often reveal this number. 🎂
  26. 54. Bit of advice — Answer: TIP. Hint: A helpful little suggestion can be called this. 💡
  27. 57. Quibbles — Answer: MINOROBJECTIONS. Hint: They are small protests over details. 🤏
  28. 62. “What’s going ___ there?” — Answer: ONIN. Hint: Finish the question by asking what is happening inside. ❓
  29. 63. Longest street in town, maybe — Answer: MAIN. Hint: Think of the principal thoroughfare that runs through a town. 🛣️
  30. 64. Starr and Simpson, say — Answer: BARTS. Hint: Two famous figures, one a drummer and one a cartoon character, share this name. ⭐
  31. 65. Catches a glimpse of — Answer: SEES. Hint: This verb means notices something with the eyes. 👀
  32. 66. Poli sci study — Answer: GOVT. Hint: It is the common abbreviation for the public administration. 🏛️
  33. 67. Haughty type — Answer: SNOOT. Hint: A smug, superior person is one of these. 😏

Down

  1. 1. “Who Let the Dogs Out” group ___ Men — Answer: BAHA. Hint: Complete the band name behind the famously catchy canine anthem. 🎶
  2. 2. One-___ vitamins — Answer: ADAY. Hint: This phrase describes a daily vitamin serving. 💊
  3. 3. Theme park fun — Answer: RIDE. Hint: A roller coaster offers one of these. 🎢
  4. 4. Golfer Crenshaw — Answer: BEN. Hint: This golfer won the Masters twice and was known for his distinctive putting stroke. ⛳
  5. 5. Status follower — Answer: QUO. Hint: Pair it with “status” in the familiar Latin phrase about the current state of affairs ⚖️
  6. 6. Where, to Juanita — Answer: DONDE. Hint: In Spanish, ask this when wondering about a location. 📍
  7. 7. Market measure — Answer: INDEX. Hint: A market statistic tracks a selected group of prices or shares. 📈
  8. 8. Former telecom giant — Answer: MCI. Hint: This former communications company was once a major long-distance rival. ☎️
  9. 9. Rep.’s counterpart — Answer: SEN. Hint: In Congress, this chamber member pairs with a representative. 🏛️
  10. 10. Joins together — Answer: UNITES. Hint: Brings separate people or things into one group 🤝
  11. 11. Tease relentlessly — Answer: RAGON. Hint: Needles someone continuously without letting up 😈
  12. 12. Committee type — Answer: ADHOC. Hint: Think of a temporary committee formed for one specific task. 📝
  13. 13. Barista’s creation — Answer: LATTE. Hint: This popular coffee drink blends espresso with steamed milk ☕
  14. 18. Long stretches — Answer: EONS. Hint: Extremely lengthy periods of time ⏳
  15. 19. Fully fill — Answer: SATE. Hint: Completely satisfy, especially an appetite 🍽️
  16. 23. Curry accompanier — Answer: NAAN. Hint: This soft Indian flatbread is perfect for scooping up sauce 🫓
  17. 24. City on the Trans-Siberian Railway — Answer: OMSK. Hint: Look for a major Siberian stop along Russia’s famous rail route 🚂
  18. 25. Pics that get clicks — Answer: ICONS. Hint: Small images or symbols that invite you to tap online 🖱️
  19. 26. Battle of the bulgy? — Answer: SUMO. Hint: Picture a heavyweight wrestling contest in Japan 🤼
  20. 27. Each — Answer: APOP. Hint: Think about the word used to refer to individual items in a collection! 📦
  21. 28. Bit of hair — Answer: TUFT. Hint: A small bunch of strands gathered together 💇
  22. 29. Outback runners — Answer: EMUS. Hint: These speedy, flightless Australian birds have long legs 🐦
  23. 32. Up to, so to speak — Answer: DOING. Hint: A casual question asks what someone is currently up to 💬
  24. 33. Dominate during play — Answer: OWN. Hint: Play so well that the competition seems completely controlled 🏆
  25. 34. 1974 role for Marty — Answer: IGOR. Hint: Think of Marty Feldman’s unforgettable assistant in a classic comedy 🎬
  26. 35. Heap — Answer: PILE. Hint: Think of stacking things up, like a mountain of laundry! 🏔️
  27. 36. Roddick with a racket — Answer: ANDY. Hint: This tennis star was known for a powerful serve 🎾
  28. 38. Infamous emperor — Answer: NERO. Hint: A notorious Roman ruler associated with extravagance and cruelty 🏛️
  29. 39. Foolhardy — Answer: RASH. Hint: Describes an impulsive action lacking sensible caution ⚠️
  30. 40. Road trip pastime — Answer: ISPY. Hint: A classic observation game helps passengers pass the miles 🚗
  31. 44. They’re circled for protection — Answer: WAGONS. Hint: Think of a pioneer defense formation made from covered vehicles 🛡️
  32. 45. ___ before (not later than) — Answer: ONOR. Hint: This phrase sets a deadline that cannot be passed ⏰
  33. 46. Crude group — Answer: OPEC. Hint: Think of the global alliance that coordinates petroleum exporters. 🌍
  34. 47. “Stand and Deliver” Oscar nominee — Answer: OLMOS. Hint: This actor portrayed the inspiring teacher Jaime Escalante. 🎬
  35. 48. Mutinee-beset movie minesweeper — Answer: CAINE. Hint: Picture the veteran actor who appeared in a film about a troubled naval command. ⚓
  36. 49. Hudson of “Boston Blue” — Answer: ERNIE. Hint: This actor shares a first name with the beloved Sesame Street resident. 📺
  37. 50. Hyderabad’s ___ Gandhi International Airport — Answer: RAJIV. Hint: Recall the former Indian prime minister honored in this airport’s full name. ✈️
  38. 51. Deal pro — Answer: AGENT. Hint: Think of someone who brokers agreements or represents a client. 🤝
  39. 54. Mower brand — Answer: TORO. Hint: Look for the lawn-machine brand whose logo features a leaping bull. 🐂
  40. 55. Really enthused about — Answer: INTO. Hint: It describes being genuinely interested or excited about something. 🎉
  41. 56. Subtle hiss — Answer: PSST. Hint: It is the tiny whisper used to get someone’s attention. 🤫
  42. 58. “r u kidding me?” — Answer: OMG. Hint: This text reaction expresses shock or disbelief. 😲
  43. 59. Chinese steamed bun — Answer: BAO. Hint: Think of the soft, pillowy bun often filled with savory goodness. 🥟
  44. 60. Station begun in Atlanta — Answer: TBS. Hint: This cable network traces its beginnings to Atlanta. 📺
  45. 61. McKellen of “X-Men” — Answer: IAN. Hint: Use the first name of the actor who played Magneto. 🧲

Recent WSJ Answers

The last 7 days of solutions

WSJ 19 August 2026WSJ 18 August 2026WSJ 17 August 2026WSJ 16 August 2026WSJ 14 August 2026WSJ 13 August 2026WSJ 12 August 2026

Here are the WSJ Crossword answers for Thursday, August 20, 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 20?” 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 20, 2026

The full solution for the August 20 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 Thursday, August 20.

Full WSJ Crossword answer list for August 20, 2026

Every clue from the August 20 grid next to its solution — the same answers as the board above, in one plain list you can scan without tapping.

Across

#ClueAnswer
1Backyard funBARBQ
6Lowers, like lightingDIMS
10Russian riverURAL
14“Until we meet again!”ADIEU
15That single timeONCE
16ZipNADA
17Seemed to go on foreverHADNOENDINSIGHT
20Yeoman’s “you betcha!”AYE
21It may be dedicatedODE
22On ___ (carousing)ATOOT
23Failure to beNONEXISTENCE
27Superior squadsATEAMS
30Broadway signalsCUES
31Elk stalkersPUMAS
32Fearsome fateDOOM
34Bitter brewIPA
37Appearing mysteriously, maybeOFUNKNOWNORIGIN
41Scoreboard abbr.PTS
42One, in AustriaEINS
43Comparable to the hills?ASOLD
44ThreadbareWORN
46Fish-catching flierOSPREY
47Field with many boatsOCEANOGRAPHY
52Key of FloridaLARGO
53Candle countAGE
54Bit of adviceTIP
57QuibblesMINOROBJECTIONS
62“What’s going ___ there?”ONIN
63Longest street in town, maybeMAIN
64Starr and Simpson, sayBARTS
65Catches a glimpse ofSEES
66Poli sci studyGOVT
67Haughty typeSNOOT

Down

#ClueAnswer
1“Who Let the Dogs Out” group ___ MenBAHA
2One-___ vitaminsADAY
3Theme park funRIDE
4Golfer CrenshawBEN
5Status followerQUO
6Where, to JuanitaDONDE
7Market measureINDEX
8Former telecom giantMCI
9Rep.’s counterpartSEN
10Joins togetherUNITES
11Tease relentlesslyRAGON
12Committee typeADHOC
13Barista’s creationLATTE
18Long stretchesEONS
19Fully fillSATE
23Curry accompanierNAAN
24City on the Trans-Siberian RailwayOMSK
25Pics that get clicksICONS
26Battle of the bulgy?SUMO
27EachAPOP
28Bit of hairTUFT
29Outback runnersEMUS
32Up to, so to speakDOING
33Dominate during playOWN
341974 role for MartyIGOR
35HeapPILE
36Roddick with a racketANDY
38Infamous emperorNERO
39FoolhardyRASH
40Road trip pastimeISPY
44They’re circled for protectionWAGONS
45___ before (not later than)ONOR
46Crude groupOPEC
47“Stand and Deliver” Oscar nomineeOLMOS
48Mutinee-beset movie minesweeperCAINE
49Hudson of “Boston Blue”ERNIE
50Hyderabad’s ___ Gandhi International AirportRAJIV
51Deal proAGENT
54Mower brandTORO
55Really enthused aboutINTO
56Subtle hissPSST
58“r u kidding me?”OMG
59Chinese steamed bunBAO
60Station begun in AtlantaTBS
61McKellen of “X-Men”IAN

Hints for the August 20 puzzle

Not ready for the full answer? Here are lighter, spoiler-free nudges for that day's grid, above the solutions. The August 20 Wall Street Journal Crossword was a Thursday 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.

Looking for a different day?

Prefer to solve rather than peek? The play button opens the puzzle so you can try that day's grid yourself, then come back to check your answers. Stuck on a single clue from any puzzle, our crossword solver reveals just that answer from your known letters.

Frequently asked questions

What were the WSJ Crossword answers on August 20, 2026?

Every answer for the Thursday, August 20, 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.

How do I look up a different date?

Use the previous/next links above to step day by day, or open the today page to browse the full dated archive.

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