Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 26 July 2023, Wednesday (07-26-23). 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.
"Lovely" Beatles girl : RITA
The answer is "RITA" because "Lovely" is a hint indicating that the answer is a girl's name. The Beatles song "Lovely Rita" fits this clue perfectly.
"Must have!" : INEEDIT
The answer "INEEDIT" fits the clue "Must have!" because it directly translates to the phrase "I need it," which conveys a strong desire or necessity for something.
"Not all those who wander ___ lost" : J.R.R. Tolkien
"Now I get it!" : AHA
The answer "AHA" is the right solution because it is a common expression used to indicate a sudden understanding or realization.
"Return to original speed," musically : ATEMPO
The term "ATEMPO" is commonly used in music notation to indicate a return to the original speed or tempo. It is derived from the Italian phrase "a tempo," which means "in time." Therefore, "ATEMPO" is the correct answer to the clue "Return to original speed, musically."
"The way things are going so far …" : ATTHISRATE
The phrase "The way things are going so far ..." suggests that something is happening at a particular pace or trajectory. The answer "ATTHISRATE" conveys the idea that if things continue in the same manner, they will progress at the current rate.
"The ___-Body Problem" (Hugo Award-winning novel by the Chinese writer Liu Cixin) : THREE
The answer is "THREE" because "The ___-Body Problem" is the title of the novel, and the missing word is a number. "THREE" is the number that completes the title, making it "The Three-Body Problem."
"___ is wasted on the stupid" : Oscar Wilde
The quote "___ is wasted on the stupid" is attributed to the famous writer Oscar Wilde. Therefore, the answer to the crossword clue is "Oscar Wilde."
1982 Disney film set inside a computer game : TRON
The 1982 Disney film "TRON" is set inside a computer game, making it the correct answer to the crossword clue.
26th of 26 : ZEE
The answer "ZEE" is the right solution because it is the 26th letter of the English alphabet.
Annual May celebrants : MOMS
The answer "MOMS" is the right solution because Mothers' Day is traditionally celebrated in May, making "Annual May celebrants" a clue that refers to mothers, or more specifically, moms.
Big name in electric cars : TESLA
The answer "TESLA" is the right solution because Tesla is a well-known and prominent company in the electric car industry. They are known for their innovative and high-performance electric vehicles.
Blue Ribbon beer : PABST
The answer is "PABST" because it is a well-known brand of beer that is often associated with a blue ribbon.
Car pooler's letters : HOV
The answer to "Car pooler's letters" is "HOV" because HOV stands for High Occupancy Vehicle, which refers to a lane or road reserved for vehicles carrying multiple passengers.
Casual greeting : HIYA
The answer "HIYA" is a casual greeting because it is a colloquial way of saying "hi" or "hello". It is commonly used in informal conversations and is a friendly way to greet someone.
Church lineup : PEWS
The answer is "PEWS" because in a church, the pews are the benches where people sit during a service.
Citizen of the oldest independent Arab state : OMANI
The clue is asking for a citizen, and the answer "OMANI" refers to a person from Oman, which is the oldest independent Arab state.
Coat that might be satin? : PAINT
The answer "PAINT" fits the clue because it refers to a type of coat that can be made of satin material.
Comment like "Sorry you're upset! Gotta run, late for my nail appointment"? : SHALLOWEND
Company making tracks : LIONEL
The answer "LIONEL" is the right solution because Lionel is a well-known company that specializes in making model trains and tracks.
Computer accessories : MICE
The answer "MICE" is the right solution because computer accessories commonly include computer mice, which are used to navigate and interact with the computer interface.
Crafter's website : ETSY
The answer to "Crafter's website" is "ETSY" because Etsy is an online marketplace specifically designed for buying and selling handmade crafts and vintage items.
Derby, for one : HAT
The answer to "Derby, for one" is "HAT" because a derby is a type of hat that is often worn at horse racing events.
Designer Wang : VERA Down
The answer to "Designer Wang" is "VERA" because Vera Wang is a well-known fashion designer.
Elsa's sister in "Frozen" : ANNA
The answer is "ANNA" because Anna is the name of Elsa's sister in the movie "Frozen".
End of a race … or a hint to the conversation closers at 18-, 26- and 42-Across : FINISHLINE
The answer "FINISHLINE" is the right solution because it refers to the end of a race, which is the point where participants complete the course. Additionally, it serves as a hint to the conversation closers at 18-, 26-, and 42-Across, implying that these phrases or words are the concluding points or endings of those particular conversations.
First-year law student, informally : ONEL
The answer "ONEL" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for a first-year law student. It is a shortened form of "1L," which is a term used to refer to a first-year law student in informal language.
Goat/man of mythology : FAUN
The answer to "Goat/man of mythology" is "FAUN" because in mythology, a faun is a creature that is half human and half goat.
Hearty comfort food : STEW
The answer to "Hearty comfort food" is "STEW" because stew is a type of dish that is known for its heartiness and comforting qualities. It is typically made by simmering meat and vegetables together in a flavorful broth, resulting in a warm and satisfying meal.
Hosp. recovery area : POSTOP
The answer "POSTOP" is short for "postoperative," which refers to the period of time after a surgical operation. In a hospital, the recovery area where patients are monitored and cared for immediately after surgery is commonly called the "postoperative area" or "postoperative recovery area." Therefore, "POSTOP" is the correct solution for the crossword clue "Hosp. recovery area."
Ideal place to live : DREAMHOUSE
The answer "DREAMHOUSE" fits the clue "Ideal place to live" because a dream house is a commonly used term to describe a perfect or ideal home.
Is indebted to : OWES
The word "OWES" is the right answer because it means being in debt to someone, which matches the clue "Is indebted to."
It makes spider webs glisten : DEW
The answer is "DEW" because dew is moisture that forms on surfaces, including spider webs, in the early morning or evening. It makes spider webs glisten because it reflects light, creating a sparkling effect.
Land formations from the Spanish for "tables" : MESAS
The answer to the clue "Land formations from the Spanish for 'tables'" is "MESAS" because "mesas" is the Spanish word for "tables," and it also refers to flat-topped land formations with steep sides, resembling tables.
Lover's "It's not you, it's me"? : STOCKSPLIT
Make amends : ATONE
The word "ATONE" means to make amends or to make up for a wrongdoing. It is the right solution because it directly fits the clue "Make amends."
Memo starter : FYI
"INRE" is a Latin term that means "in the matter of" or "concerning." It is commonly used in legal writing to introduce the subject or topic of a memo or document. Therefore, "Memo starter" can be clued as "INRE."
Miles away : AFAR
The answer "AFAR" is the right solution because it means being at a distance, or far away. It perfectly matches the clue "Miles away" as it indicates a significant distance.
Nailed : ACED
The word "nailed" is often used to mean successfully accomplished or achieved. Similarly, the word "aced" is a colloquial term that means to perform exceptionally well or to excel at something. Therefore, "aced" is the right solution because it accurately captures the meaning of "nailed" in this context.
Not many : FEW
The answer to "Not many" is "FEW" because "few" means a small number or a small amount, which is the opposite of "many."
One of the Jackson 5 : TITO
The answer to "One of the Jackson 5" is "TITO" because Tito Jackson was one of the original members of the famous music group, the Jackson 5.
One who prefers only the highest-priced things, say : SNOB
The word "snob" is the right solution because a snob is someone who prefers or values only the highest-priced or most exclusive things. They often look down on others who do not have the same expensive tastes.
One whose weight goes up and down : YOYODIETER
The answer "YOYODIETER" is the right solution because it refers to someone who repeatedly gains and loses weight, resembling the up and down motion of a yo-yo.
Org. co-sponsoring a "Decide to Ride" safety initiative : MADD
The answer is "MADD" because MADD stands for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an organization that co-sponsors safety initiatives like "Decide to Ride" to promote safe driving and prevent drunk driving accidents.
Partner of raves : RANTS
The word "rants" is the right solution because it is a partner or synonym of "raves" in the context of expressing strong opinions or complaints. Both words refer to passionate and often exaggerated expressions of either enthusiasm or dissatisfaction.
Paying attention to what needs to be done : ONTASK
The answer "ONTASK" is the right solution because it directly refers to the act of paying attention to what needs to be done. The word "ontask" implies being focused, engaged, and actively working on the tasks at hand.
Psychiatrist's "I'm afraid our time is up"? : SHRINKWRAP
The answer "SHRINKWRAP" is a play on words. In this clue, "Psychiatrist's 'I'm afraid our time is up'?" the word "shrink" is a slang term for a psychiatrist, and "wrap" refers to the phrase "our time is up" which signifies the end of a session. Therefore, "SHRINKWRAP" is the right solution.
Psychics supposedly have six of them : SENSES
The answer "SENSES" is the right solution because psychics are believed to have heightened abilities to perceive and interpret information through their senses, such as sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, and intuition.
Red ___ (candy brand) : HOTS
The answer is "HOTS" because it is a candy brand that is known for their red candies.
Revolutionary invention? : WHEEL
The answer "WHEEL" is the right solution to the clue "Revolutionary invention?" because the wheel is considered one of the most important inventions in human history. It revolutionized transportation and made it easier to move heavy objects, leading to significant advancements in agriculture, industry, and trade.
Roaring Twenties and Swinging Sixties : ERAS
The answer "ERAS" is the right solution because it refers to specific time periods in history. The "Roaring Twenties" and "Swinging Sixties" are well-known eras that represent distinct cultural and social movements. Therefore, "ERAS" accurately matches the clue.
Salon supply : GELS
The answer to "Salon supply" is "GELS" because gels are commonly used in salons for hairstyling and nail care.
Singer Grande : ARIANA
The answer to "Singer Grande" is "ARIANA" because Ariana Grande is a well-known singer in the music industry.
Situation involving unrequited love : FRIENDZONE
The term "friendzone" is commonly used to describe a situation where one person has unrequited love for another, but the feelings are not reciprocated. It refers to being stuck in a platonic friendship instead of a romantic relationship. Therefore, "friendzone" is the right answer to the clue.
Small, as chances : SLIM
The word "small" in the clue suggests that we are looking for a word that means something along the lines of "not big" or "not likely." The word "chances" indicates that we are looking for a word to describe the probability or likelihood of something happening. "Slim" is a word that fits both of these descriptions, as it means something that is small or not large, and it can also be used to describe a low probability or likelihood. Therefore, "slim" is the right solution to the clue "Small, as chances."
Snack item that has been made in more than 85 flavors : OREO
The answer "OREO" is the right solution because Oreo cookies have been made in more than 85 flavors, making them a versatile and diverse snack item.
Some bars have 24 of them : KARATS
The answer "KARATS" is the right solution because karats are a unit of measurement used to indicate the purity of gold in jewelry. Some bars, specifically gold bars, can have 24 karats, indicating that they are made of pure gold.
Soothing application : BALM
The answer "BALM" is the right solution because a balm is a soothing application that is often used to alleviate pain or discomfort on the skin.
Sound of shears : SNIP
The word "SNIP" is the right solution because it is a common onomatopoeic word that imitates the sound made by shears when they are used to cut or trim something.
Space : ROOM
The answer to "Space" is "ROOM" because a room is a defined area within a building where people can live, work, or perform activities. It is a commonly used word to describe a specific area of space within a larger structure.
Speed up : HASTEN
The word "HASTEN" is the right solution for the clue "Speed up" because "hasten" means to increase the speed or progress of something. It is a verb that accurately describes the action of making something go faster.
Stoked : AMPED
The answer "AMPED" is the right solution for "Stoked" because it means excited or enthusiastic, which is synonymous with being stoked.
Taking prescription drugs, informally : ONMEDS
The answer "ONMEDS" is the right solution because it is a slang term that means someone is taking prescription drugs.
They use "like" in a non-Valley Girl way : SIMILES
The word "like" is commonly used in similes to compare two things using the words "like" or "as." Therefore, "similes" is the right answer as it refers to the use of "like" in a non-Valley Girl way.
Tic-___ : TAC
The answer to "Tic-___" is "TAC" because "Tic-Tac" is a popular brand of small flavored mints.
Tiny : WEE
The word "wee" is a suitable answer to the clue "tiny" because it is a common synonym that describes something very small in size.
What a communion wafer represents, with "the" : HOST
The answer is "HOST" because in a religious context, a communion wafer is often referred to as the "host."
What a guitar gently does in a 1968 Beatles song : WEEPS
The answer "WEEPS" is the right solution because in the 1968 Beatles song "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," the lyrics describe the guitar as weeping, which means to produce a mournful or sorrowful sound.
Wild guess : STAB
The answer "STAB" is the right solution for the clue "Wild guess" because it implies taking a quick and uncertain attempt at something, just like making a wild guess.
Word with sand or tourist : TRAP
The word "trap" is the right solution because it can be combined with "sand" to form "sand trap," which is a term used in golf to describe a hazard filled with sand. Similarly, it can be combined with "tourist" to form "tourist trap," which refers to a popular but overpriced or unauthentic attraction that targets tourists.
[Sad trombone] : WAHWAH
The term "[Sad trombone]" is often used to describe a sound effect made by a trombone to represent disappointment or failure. "WAHWAH" is an onomatopoeic representation of this sound, making it the right answer.
___ manner of speaking : INA
The clue "___ manner of speaking" is asking for a phrase that means "in a certain way of speaking". The answer "INA" is a short form of "in a" and fits perfectly in the clue.