Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 28 May 2025, Wednesday. Find all answers and solutions here.
We've also tries to explain why the answer is the correct solution for each clue.
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Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
5K participant : RACER
The answer "RACER" fits because a 5K participant is someone who races in a 5K running event.
Adjust the pitch of : TUNE
The word "TUNE" means to adjust the pitch of a musical instrument, making it the right solution for the clue "Adjust the pitch of."
American tennis phenom Gauff : COCO
"Coco" is the nickname of the American tennis phenom Cori "Coco" Gauff. It is a common reference to her in the tennis world, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Anticipate : EXPECT
The word "await" means to wait for something expected. In the context of the clue "Anticipate," "await" is a synonym that fits the definition of looking forward to something.
Anticipate : EXPECT
"Expect" is the right answer because to anticipate means to regard something as likely to happen, which is synonymous with expecting something to happen.
Area hidden by a turtleneck : NAPE
The nape is the back of the neck, which is typically covered by a turtleneck sweater.
Barbershop sharpening tool : STROP
A strop is a leather strip used to sharpen the blade of a razor or knife. In a barbershop, barbers use a strop to keep their razor sharp for a clean shave, making "STROP" the correct answer for the clue "Barbershop sharpening tool."
Basic particle : ATOM
An atom is considered the basic building block of matter, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Therefore, "Basic particle" is a fitting clue for "ATOM."
Beanie, e.g. : CAP
The answer "CAP" fits the clue "Beanie, e.g." because both a beanie and a cap are types of headwear.
Bombards with texts, say : SPAMS
The answer "SPAMS" fits because it means bombarding with unsolicited messages, such as texts or emails.
Burned a bit : SINGED
"SINGED" is the right answer because it means to burn slightly or scorch. It fits the clue "Burned a bit" perfectly.
Campus mil. group : ROTC
ROTC stands for Reserve Officers' Training Corps, which is a military program often found on college campuses. This makes it the correct answer for the clue "Campus mil. group."
Campus mil. group : ROTC
The answer "ROTC" stands for Reserve Officers' Training Corps, which is a military program on college campuses.
Cash gift given on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha : EIDI
The word "EIDI" is a common term for a cash gift given during the Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It is a traditional gesture of goodwill and celebration during these festive occasions.
Chatted privately, briefly : DM’ED Down 1 Guitar player’s aid
The answer "DM'ED" fits the clue because it is a common abbreviation for sending a private message on social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram, which is often referred to as "direct messaging."
Chatted privately, briefly : DM’ED Down 1 Guitar player’s aid
The answer "DM'ED" fits the clue "Chatted privately, briefly" because "DM" stands for direct message, which is a private conversation on social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram. The past tense "DM'ED" indicates that the chatting has already taken place.
Chicago airport code : ORD
The answer to "Chicago airport code" is "ORD" because it is the three-letter code assigned to O'Hare International Airport, which is located in Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago airport code : ORD
ORD is the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code for O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. It is commonly used in the airline industry and for travel purposes to identify the airport.
Chicago airport code : ORD
ORD is the International Air Transport Association code for O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. It is commonly used in travel documents, flight schedules, and luggage tags.
Coffee mug defect : CHIP
The word "defect" in the clue suggests a flaw or imperfection. A common flaw in a coffee mug is a "CHIP," which fits the given clue.
Colleges, to Aussies : UNIS
"UNIS" is the right solution because in Australia, colleges are commonly referred to as "unis", which is a shortened form of universities.
Colorful Hindu festival : HOLI
"HOLI" is the right answer because it is a colorful Hindu festival celebrated in India and other parts of the world to mark the arrival of spring. During Holi, people celebrate by throwing colored powders and water at each other in a joyous and festive atmosphere.
Colorful Hindu festival : HOLI
"Holi" is a colorful Hindu festival celebrated in India and other countries, known for its vibrant colors and joyous atmosphere. It is a well-known festival that fits the clue description.
Come-ons : LURES
The word "LURES" can be synonymous with "come-ons" as both refer to things that attract or entice someone.
Composure : POISE
The word "poise" is synonymous with composure, as it refers to a state of self-assurance and calmness in difficult situations.
Connecting point : NODE
The word "node" is commonly used in computer science and networking to refer to a connecting point where multiple lines meet or branch out. In the context of a crossword puzzle, "connecting point" is a clue that suggests the answer "NODE" because it fits the definition of a point where connections are made.
Cooling systs. : ACS
"ACS" stands for "Air Conditioning Systems," which are commonly referred to as cooling systems in vehicles or buildings.
Deceptive undercover ploy : STING OPERATION
"STING OPERATION" is the right solution because it refers to a deceptive undercover operation, often carried out by law enforcement to catch criminals in the act. The word "sting" is commonly associated with a deceptive or entrapment tactic, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Den : TV ROOM
Focus of a “me day” : SELF-CARE
The answer "SELF-CARE" fits the clue "Focus of a 'me day'" because self-care refers to taking time to prioritize and nurture one's own well-being and mental health, which is often the main focus of a day dedicated to oneself.
Frowned upon : TABOO
"TABOO" means something that is frowned upon or considered unacceptable by society. In this case, the answer "TABOO" fits the clue "Frowned upon" as it directly relates to something that is not approved of or considered inappropriate.
Gallivant : TRAIPSE
"Traipse" is a synonym for "gallivant," meaning to wander or move about aimlessly. It fits the clue well in terms of meaning and length.
Goal of some criminal justice reform efforts : NO BAIL
The answer "NO BAIL" refers to the goal of some criminal justice reform efforts to eliminate the requirement for defendants to post bail in order to be released from jail before their trial. This reform aims to address issues of inequality and ensure that individuals are not detained simply because they cannot afford bail.
Gravitational phenomena : TIDES
The answer "TIDES" refers to the gravitational phenomena caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun on Earth's oceans, leading to the rise and fall of sea levels.
Hall of Fame golfer Isao : AOKI
"AOKI" is the right solution because Isao Aoki is a well-known Hall of Fame golfer, and the answer fits the number of letters required for the crossword clue.
Hawaii’s Mauna __ : KEA
"Mauna Kea" is a prominent volcano in Hawaii, making "KEA" the correct answer to the clue "Hawaii’s Mauna __."
Hedge element : SHRUB
The answer "SHRUB" fits the clue "Hedge element" because shrubs are commonly used in hedges to create a boundary or decorative barrier.
Jumbo suffix : -TRON
The suffix "-tron" is often used to denote a device or machine that is related to a particular function or purpose. In the case of "Jumbo", adding the "-tron" suffix creates the word "Jumbotron", which is a large electronic screen typically used in sports arenas or stadiums.
Jumbo suffix : -TRON
The suffix "-TRON" is commonly added to words to indicate a large or powerful version, like in "megatron" or "electronic." In this case, it is added to "Jumbo" to create a new word, "Jumbotron," which is a large electronic screen often found in sports stadiums.
Kayak listing : FARES
Like a streaker : NUDE
The answer "NUDE" fits the clue "Like a streaker" because streakers are known for running naked in public, making them nude.
Make believe : PRETEND
The word "SHAM" means something that is not genuine or a false imitation, which fits the definition of "Make-believe" as something that is not real.
Make believe : PRETEND
"Make believe" is a synonym of "play-act", which means to pretend or act out a fictional situation. "PLAYACT" is a combination of "play" and "act", making it the correct answer.
Make believe : PRETEND
"Make believe" is a common phrase that means to pretend or act as if something is true when it is not. Therefore, the answer "PRETEND" fits perfectly as it directly relates to the concept of making believe.
Marcello Hernández’s show, for short : SNL
"SNL" stands for "Saturday Night Live," which is a popular sketch comedy and variety show on television. Marcello Hernández's show, for short, refers to the abbreviation of the show "Saturday Night Live," making "SNL" the correct answer.
Michigan’s __ Royale National Park : ISLE
The answer "ISLE" fits the clue because Isle Royale National Park is an island park in Michigan, making "ISLE" a suitable word to complete the phrase.
Most authentic : TRUEST
"Truest" is the superlative form of "true," meaning most authentic or genuine. It fits the clue "Most authentic" perfectly.
Move from the freezer to the sink, perhaps : THAW
"THAW" is the right solution because when you move something from the freezer to the sink, you are allowing it to warm up and melt, which is the process of thawing.
Musical place for a partridge : PEAR TREE
The answer "PEAR TREE" is the right solution because a partridge is commonly associated with a pear tree in the famous Christmas carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas."
Offshore : ASEA
The answer "ASEA" is the right solution for the clue "Offshore" because it means "on the sea" or "out at sea." It is a concise and fitting word that describes something happening or located away from the shore.
Offshore : ASEA
The word "offshore" typically refers to something at sea, so the answer "ASEA" which means 'on the sea' is a suitable fit for this clue.
One who’s past the age of learning, in a saying : OLD DOG
The saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" means that someone who is past the age of learning is an "OLD DOG."
Pay bump : RAISE
The answer "RAISE" fits because a pay bump often refers to an increase in salary or wages, which is commonly known as a raise in the workplace.
Pod that may be pickled : OKRA
The answer "OKRA" fits because okra is a type of pod that can be pickled and is commonly used in pickling recipes.
Pool stick : CUE
"CUE" is the right solution because a pool stick is also known as a cue stick, commonly referred to as just a "cue" in the context of playing pool.
Potentially awkward encounter : BLIND DATE
The answer "BLIND DATE" fits the clue "Potentially awkward encounter" because blind dates can be uncomfortable or awkward since the people meeting have not seen each other before and do not know what to expect.
Power interruption : OUTAGE
The answer "OUTAGE" fits the clue "Power interruption" because an outage refers to a period of time when there is a loss of power or electricity supply.
Quechua speakers : INCAS
The Quechua speakers refer to the Incas, who were an indigenous group in South America known for speaking the Quechua language.
Related (to) : AKIN
"Akin" means related by blood or by similarity in nature or character. Therefore, it is the appropriate answer to the clue "Related (to)".
Related (to) : AKIN
"Related (to)" is a clue indicating a synonym for "related." The word "AKIN" means similar or related in some way, making it the right solution for this clue.
Related (to) : AKIN
The word "akin" means related or similar in nature, making it the correct answer to the clue "Related (to)."
School fundraising orgs. : PTAS
The answer "PTAS" stands for Parent-Teacher Associations, which are commonly found in schools and are known for organizing fundraising events.
Shady garden area : ARBOR
The answer "ARBOR" is the right solution because an arbor is a shady garden area typically created by a structure covered in climbing plants like vines or roses, providing shade and a peaceful spot in the garden.
Shape of some eyeliner applications : WING TIP
The term "WING TIP" refers to the shape created by applying eyeliner in a way that extends beyond the outer corner of the eye, resembling the tip of a wing. It is a common technique in makeup application, especially for creating a dramatic or cat-eye look.
Sheet in a book : PAGE
The answer "PAGE" fits the clue "Sheet in a book" because a page is a single sheet of paper in a book where text or images are printed.
Sit (for) : POSE
The answer "POSE" fits the clue "Sit (for)" because when someone is posing for a picture or a painting, they are typically sitting in a specific position for the artist to capture.
Some summer babies, astrologically : LEOS
The answer "LEOS" fits the clue because Leos are individuals born between July 23 and August 22, making them summer babies astrologically.
Square-jawed canine : BOXER
The answer "BOXER" fits because a Boxer dog breed is known for its square-shaped jaw, making it a fitting description for a "square-jawed canine."
Stepped on the gas : SPED
The answer "SPED" fits the clue "Stepped on the gas" because it means to accelerate or drive faster.
Stimulant in some soft drinks : CAFFEINE
Caffeine is a stimulant commonly found in soft drinks like colas, making it the correct answer to the clue "Stimulant in some soft drinks."
Supersecretive org. : NSA
The answer "NSA" is the right solution because NSA stands for National Security Agency, which is known for being supersecretive in its operations and intelligence gathering.
Tandoor, for one : OVEN
The answer "OVEN" is correct because a tandoor is a type of oven used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking to cook food at high temperatures in a cylindrical clay or metal oven.
Tennessee NFL team : TITANS
The Tennessee NFL team is called the Titans. They are based in Nashville, Tennessee and are a member of the AFC South division.
Turncoats : TRAITORS
The answer "TRAITORS" fits the clue "Turncoats" because a traitor is someone who betrays their country, cause, or friends by supporting the opposing side.
Waze figs. : ETAS
The answer "ETAS" is short for estimated arrival times, which are commonly used in navigation apps like Waze to predict the time it will take to reach a destination.
“American Ninja Warrior” feature : OBSTACLE COURSE
The answer "OBSTACLE COURSE" fits the clue "American Ninja Warrior feature" because contestants on the show navigate through a challenging course filled with various obstacles like walls, ropes, and balance beams.
“August : __ County”
The answer is "Osage." "August: Osage County" is a Pulitzer-winning play written by Tracy Letts.
“August : __ County”
The answer is "OSAGE." Osage County is a county in the state of Oklahoma, and "August: Osage County" is a play by Tracy Letts.
“August : __ County”
The answer is "OSAGE." Osage County is a county in Oklahoma and is a common answer in crossword puzzles due to its recognizable name and letters.
“C’est la __!” : VIE
The phrase "C'est la vie" is a French expression that translates to "That's life" in English. The answer "VIE" fits perfectly in the crossword clue as it completes the phrase.
“C’est la __!” : VIE
The phrase "C’est la vie" is a French expression that translates to "That's life" in English. In this context, "vie" means life, making it the correct answer to the clue.
“Defying Gravity” singer Cynthia : ERIVO
The answer "ERIVO" is the right solution because Cynthia Erivo is the singer known for performing "Defying Gravity."
“Marriage Story” Oscar winner Laura : DERN
The answer "DERN" fits the clue because Laura Dern won an Oscar for her role in the movie "Marriage Story."
“Shoot” : DANG
"Goshdarnit" is an informal expression of mild frustration or annoyance, which is often used as a euphemism for stronger language. "Shoot!" is a similar expression used in the same context. Therefore, "Goshdarnit" is a fitting answer to the clue "Shoot!" in a crossword puzzle.
“Shoot” : DANG
"NUTS" is an informal expression of disappointment or frustration. It can be used as a substitute for more vulgar language. Therefore, it can be an appropriate answer to the exclamation "Shoot!" in a crossword puzzle.
“Shoot” : DANG
“Shoot” : DANG
unknown
“Shoot” : DANG
“SOS” singer, to fans : RIRI
The answer "RIRI" is the right solution because "SOS" singer Rihanna is often referred to as "Riri" by her fans.
“SOS” singers : ABBA
ABBA is a famous Swedish music group known for their hit song "SOS."
“Tombstone” character Wyatt : EARP
Wyatt Earp was a famous lawman and gunslinger in the American Old West, known for his role in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. In the movie "Tombstone," he is portrayed as a central character. Therefore, the answer to the clue "“Tombstone” character Wyatt" is "Earp."
“We’ve been fooled!,” or what can be said about 17-, 26-, or 43- : IT’S A SETUP!
The answer "IT’S A SETUP!" fits the clue because it can be said when realizing that a situation has been manipulated or arranged to deceive someone. In this case, the clue suggests that the situations described in clues 17, 26, and 43 are deceptive or misleading, hence the appropriate response is "IT’S A SETUP!"