USA Today Crossword hints and answers for October 6, 2026
A hint and the answer for every clue, each behind its own button. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues74
Across37
Down37
DayTuesday
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
Bryce Canyon's state (4)
Starts with U, ends with HUTAH→
5A
Aboveboard (5)
Starts with L, ends with TLEGIT→
10A
Harsh criticism (4)
Starts with F, ends with KFLAK→
14A
Tomato type often used to make sauce (4)
Starts with R, ends with AROMA→
15A
"Let It Go" singer Menzel (5)
Starts with I, ends with AIDINA→
16A
The floor, in a children's game (4)
Starts with L, ends with ALAVA→
17A
Hearts or diamonds, e.g. (4)
Starts with S, ends with TSUIT→
18A
Expert (5)
Starts with M, ends with NMAVEN→
19A
Prefix meaning "very" (4)
Starts with U, ends with RUBER→
20A
23A
A vowel's point value in Scrabble (3)
Starts with O, ends with EONE→
24A
Dog walker's accessory (5)
Starts with L, ends with HLEASH→
25A
"That's so right!" (7)
Starts with T, ends with ETOOTRUE→
27A
Streaming interruptions (3)
Starts with A, ends with SADS→
28A
Number that changes yearly (3)
Starts with A, ends with EAGE→
31A
Oregon's capital (5)
Starts with S, ends with MSALEM→
32A
Prepares bread dough (6)
Starts with K, ends with SKNEADS→
35A
___ el hanout (3)
Starts with R, ends with SRAS→
36A
Doesn't move too fast (11)
Starts with T, ends with WTAKESITSLOW→
39A
"___ favor" (3)
Starts with P, ends with RPOR→
40A
Clay vessel for brewing (6)
Starts with T, ends with TTEAPOT→
41A
Gather wool from a sheep (5)
Starts with S, ends with RSHEAR→
43A
"Woohoo!" (3)
Starts with Y, ends with YYAY→
44A
EMT's lifesaving procedure (3)
Starts with C, ends with RCPR→
47A
Entertaining woman? (7)
Starts with H, ends with SHOSTESS→
50A
Pong creator (5)
Starts with A, ends with IATARI→
52A
Brian who coined the term "ambient music" (3)
Starts with E, ends with OENO→
53A
"Enough from me!" (11)
Starts with O, ends with POKAYILLSTOP→
57A
Decadent, like a cake (4)
Starts with R, ends with HRICH→
59A
Vegan hair care brand (5)
Starts with A, ends with AAVEDA→
60A
"The Princess Diaries" star Hathaway (4)
Starts with A, ends with EANNE→
61A
Long-haired toy dog from China, for short (4)
Starts with P, ends with EPEKE→
62A
Giveaways, at the poker table (5)
Starts with T, ends with STELLS→
63A
"Drat!" (4)
Starts with R, ends with SRATS→
65A
Best Comeback Athlete and Best Bowler, e.g. (5)
Starts with E, ends with SESPYS→
66A
One of many on a dalmatian (4)
Starts with S, ends with TSPOT→
Down
1D
___ K. Le Guin (author of "The Left Hand of Darkness") (6)
Starts with U, ends with AURSULA→
2D
Took the show on the road (6)
Starts with T, ends with DTOURED→
3D
Gal pals, in Spanish (6)
Starts with A, ends with SAMIGAS→
4D
Despises (5)
Starts with H, ends with SHATES→
5D
Ritzy ride to the prom (4)
Starts with L, ends with OLIMO→
6D
Dutch cheese (4)
Starts with E, ends with MEDAM→
7D
Donate (4)
Starts with G, ends with EGIVE→
8D
Nonreactive (5)
Starts with I, ends with TINERT→
9D
Dance for two (5)
Starts with T, ends with OTANGO→
10D
Winter ailment (3)
Starts with F, ends with UFLU→
11D
Legislation for minimum wage, e.g. (8)
Starts with L, ends with WLABORLAW→
12D
North-south streets in New York City (7)
Starts with A, ends with SAVENUES→
13D
___ Rahma (host of "SubwayTakes") (6)
Starts with K, ends with MKAREEM→
21D
Express gratitude to (5)
Starts with T, ends with KTHANK→
22D
Lip balm brand (3)
Starts with E, ends with SEOS→
26D
Deck with a Major and Minor Arcana (5)
Starts with T, ends with TTAROT→
29D
"___ whiz!" (3)
Starts with G, ends with EGEE→
30D
Right on a compass (4)
Starts with E, ends with TEAST→
32D
Gold standard? (5)
Starts with K, ends with TKARAT→
33D
Just roll with it! (3)
Starts with D, ends with EDIE→
34D
Hotel visit (4)
Starts with S, ends with YSTAY→
36D
Foot coverings that fit like a glove? (8)
Starts with T, ends with STOESOCKS→
37D
Place to be pampered (3)
Starts with S, ends with ASPA→
38D
Devoted (5)
Starts with L, ends with LLOYAL→
39D
Fake people (7)
Starts with P, ends with SPHONIES→
41D
Tibetan ethnic group (6)
Starts with S, ends with ASHERPA→
42D
___ Speedwagon (3)
Starts with R, ends with OREO→
44D
Brief sleep (6)
Starts with C, ends with PCATNAP→
45D
"Right now!" (6)
Starts with P, ends with OPRONTO→
46D
Sweetest, perhaps (6)
Starts with R, ends with TRIPEST→
48D
Zip around on wheels or on ice (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESKATE→
49D
Backs up, like a video game (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSAVES→
51D
Bygone Russian rulers (5)
Starts with T, ends with STSARS→
54D
Sharp startled sound (4)
Starts with Y, ends with PYELP→
55D
Without purpose (4)
Starts with I, ends with YIDLY→
56D
Scottish girl (4)
Starts with L, ends with SLASS→
58D
Egg layer (3)
Starts with H, ends with NHEN→
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 6, 2026?+
74 clues: 37 Across and 37 Down.
What are some answers in today’s USA Today Crossword?+
For example: Bryce Canyon's state (UTAH); Aboveboard (LEGIT); Harsh criticism (FLAK).
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.
