USA Today Crossword hints and answers for October 15, 2026
A hint and the answer for every clue, each behind its own button. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues78
Across35
Down43
DayThursday
Today’s USA Today Crossword clues, hints & answers
Every clue from this puzzle with a hint and the answer behind separate buttons, so you only see what you need. Click a clue for its own page.
Across
1A
Tortilla chip dip (5)
Starts with S, ends with ASALSA→
6A
Phisher's scheme (4)
Starts with S, ends with MSCAM→
10A
Many a braces wearer, agewise (4)
Starts with T, ends with NTEEN→
14A
UFO passenger (5)
Starts with A, ends with NALIEN→
15A
Part of the Los Angeles Angels logo (4)
Starts with H, ends with OHALO→
16A
Gumbo ingredient (4)
Starts with O, ends with AOKRA→
17A
Supervillain's ultimate goal, sometimes (15)
Starts with W, ends with NWORLDDOMINATION→
20A
Make airtight (4)
Starts with S, ends with LSEAL→
21A
Hinge, e.g. (3)
Starts with A, ends with PAPP→
22A
Order of business? (6)
Starts with A, ends with AAGENDA→
23A
Six-point plays (Abbr.) (3)
Starts with T, ends with STDS→
24A
Supports a fund drive (7)
Starts with P, ends with SPLEDGES→
29A
"Enough ___!" (4)
Starts with S, ends with DSAID→
30A
Holiday also known as the Feast of Lots (5)
Starts with P, ends with MPURIM→
31A
"Yes, absolutely!" (4)
Starts with I, ends with SITIS→
32A
Workout unit (3)
Starts with R, ends with PREP→
35A
Came to an abrupt halt (14)
Starts with S, ends with ESTOPPEDONADIME→
38A
Flight board stats (4)
Starts with E, ends with SETDS→
39A
Civil wrong (4)
Starts with T, ends with TTORT→
40A
Event with affectionate zingers (5)
Starts with R, ends with TROAST→
42A
Where the rubber meets the road? (4)
Starts with S, ends with ESOLE→
43A
Small clothing size (6)
Starts with P, ends with EPETITE→
44A
Cruise ship rooms (6)
Starts with C, ends with SCABINS→
47A
Agency sometimes opposed to the IMF, in "Mission: Impossible" films (3)
Starts with C, ends with ACIA→
48A
"Thanks a ___!" ("I owe you!") (3)
Starts with L, ends with TLOT→
49A
Word before "plexus" and "power" (5)
Starts with S, ends with RSOLAR→
50A
Pink cocktail, for short (5)
Starts with C, ends with OCOSMO→
52A
Annual celebration of newly unrestricted works (15)
Starts with P, ends with YPUBLICDOMAINDAY→
58A
"Darn it!" (4)
Starts with C, ends with DCRUD→
59A
___ over (examine closely) (4)
Starts with P, ends with EPORE→
60A
Act overly dramatic (5)
Starts with E, ends with EEMOTE→
61A
Bill dispensers (4)
Starts with A, ends with SATMS→
62A
___ control (regulation of housing costs) (4)
Starts with R, ends with TRENT→
63A
Keep for longer, like a library book (5)
Starts with R, ends with WRENEW→
Down
1D
Lumberjill's tools (4)
Starts with S, ends with SSAWS→
2D
Soothing gel (4)
Starts with A, ends with EALOE→
3D
Pre-euro Italian money (4)
Starts with L, ends with ALIRA→
5D
"Fire ___ Rain" (3)
Starts with A, ends with DAND→
6D
Hits the outlets (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSHOPS→
7D
Sleep under the stars (4)
Starts with C, ends with PCAMP→
8D
Actor Mahershala (3)
Starts with A, ends with IALI→
9D
Painting featuring a legendary smile (8)
Starts with M, ends with AMONALISA→
10D
Hauled (5)
Starts with T, ends with DTOTED→
11D
___ by (barely making do) (5)
Starts with E, ends with GEKING→
12D
Eat away at (5)
Starts with E, ends with EERODE→
13D
Grandmas (5)
Starts with N, ends with SNANAS→
18D
Corny joke tellers, sometimes (4)
Starts with D, ends with SDADS→
19D
Like some fine wines (4)
Starts with A, ends with DAGED→
23D
Office sub (4)
Starts with T, ends with PTEMP→
24D
___ the town red (5)
Starts with P, ends with TPAINT→
25D
Church recess (4)
Starts with A, ends with EAPSE→
26D
Mixed-breed dog (4)
Starts with M, ends with TMUTT→
27D
Baseball nickname hidden in "Olivia Rodrigo" (4)
Starts with A, ends with DAROD→
28D
Whizzes (4)
Starts with Z, ends with SZIPS→
29D
Save to the cloud, say (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESTORE→
31D
Megastars (5)
Starts with I, ends with SIDOLS→
32D
Barrel of laughs (4)
Starts with R, ends with TRIOT→
33D
Inbox arrival (5)
Starts with E, ends with LEMAIL→
34D
Basil-based sauce (5)
Starts with P, ends with OPESTO→
36D
George Orwell's alma mater (4)
Starts with E, ends with NETON→
37D
More like a heartthrob (8)
Starts with D, ends with RDREAMIER→
41D
Vietnamese New Year (3)
Starts with T, ends with TTET→
42D
iPhone voice (4)
Starts with S, ends with ISIRI→
43D
Leaning Tower locale (4)
Starts with P, ends with APISA→
45D
Carole King's "Tapestry," for one (5)
Starts with A, ends with MALBUM→
46D
Loses tread, like tires (5)
Starts with B, ends with SBALDS→
47D
"Full House" dog with a celestial name (5)
Starts with C, ends with TCOMET→
49D
Pet rescue org. (4)
Starts with S, ends with ASPCA→
50D
Ear pieces? (4)
Starts with C, ends with NCORN→
51D
"My treat!" (4)
Starts with O, ends with EONME→
53D
EMT's specialty (3)
Starts with C, ends with RCPR→
54D
Buck's mate (3)
Starts with D, ends with EDOE→
55D
Slip into (3)
Starts with D, ends with NDON→
56D
Lunched, say (3)
Starts with A, ends with EATE→
57D
Evergreen that sounds like you? (3)
Starts with Y, ends with WYEW→
How to solve the USA Today Crossword
Fill the grid so every Across and Down answer matches its clue. The title explains the theme. Our answer pages list every clue with its answer behind a reveal button, and link to an individual page for each clue.
Want the full method? Read our USA Today Crossword strategy and tips, or check how to play the USA Today Crossword on the hub.
USA Today Crossword tips for tomorrow
- The title is the theme. USA Today titles describe the theme plainly. Reread it once you have one long answer.
- Expect modern references. Agard's puzzles feature recent music, film and internet culture more than most newspapers.
- Solve the short fill fast. Difficulty is even all week, so three- and four-letter crossings are reliable gimmes.
Done for today? Try LA Times Crossword, Newsday Crossword, NYT Crossword, all with hints first and answers behind a reveal.
Previous USA Today Crossword puzzles
USA Today Crossword FAQ
How many clues are in the USA Today Crossword for October 15, 2026?+
78 clues: 35 Across and 43 Down.
What are some answers in today’s USA Today Crossword?+
For example: Tortilla chip dip (SALSA); Phisher's scheme (SCAM); Many a braces wearer, agewise (TEEN).
Who edits the USA Today Crossword?+
Erik Agard has edited the USA Today Crossword since 2020.
Where can I find past USA Today Crossword answers?+
Every puzzle in our archive has its own page with all answers and a page per clue.
