USA Today Crossword hints and answers for September 23, 2026
A hint and the answer for every clue, each behind its own button. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues76
Across38
Down38
DayWednesday
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
Stops vacillating (4)
Starts with O, ends with SOPTS→
5A
Doesn't feel 100% (4)
Starts with A, ends with SAILS→
9A
Meal that might include fries and a drink (5)
Starts with C, ends with OCOMBO→
14A
Hostess treat with a swirl (4)
Starts with H, ends with OHOHO→
15A
Cashless transaction (4)
Starts with S, ends with PSWAP→
16A
Cleaned one's plate (5)
Starts with A, ends with PATEUP→
17A
Topmost sphere of a snowman (4)
Starts with H, ends with DHEAD→
18A
Iconic Trader Joe's bag (4)
Starts with T, ends with ETOTE→
19A
___ and repeat (5)
Starts with R, ends with ERINSE→
20A
"Pass" (15)
Starts with I, ends with DIMNOTINTERESTED→
23A
Toronto Tempo guard Nurse (3)
Starts with K, ends with AKIA→
24A
Words exchanged at the altar (3)
Starts with I, ends with OIDO→
25A
Braying animal (3)
Starts with A, ends with SASS→
26A
"___ better to have loved and lost . . ." (3)
Starts with T, ends with STIS→
28A
What never pauses to reflect? (9)
Starts with D, ends with LDISCOBALL→
33A
College, to an Aussie (3)
Starts with U, ends with IUNI→
34A
Target of a Biore strip (4)
Starts with P, ends with EPORE→
35A
"You look amazing!" (5)
Starts with S, ends with TSOHOT→
38A
Chocolate confections (7)
Starts with B, ends with SBONBONS→
40A
People doing some sampling (7)
Starts with T, ends with STASTERS→
42A
Warning from a boxer (5)
Starts with S, ends with LSNARL→
43A
Rival Ken actor Liu (4)
Starts with S, ends with USIMU→
44A
Big ___ (huge favor) (3)
Starts with A, ends with KASK→
45A
Group that might post with "#squadgoals" (9)
Starts with D, ends with MDREAMTEAM→
48A
L.A. Times article? (3)
Starts with L, ends with SLOS→
49A
4x4, for one (3)
Starts with A, ends with VATV→
51A
Lois Griffin ___ Pewterschmidt (3)
Starts with N, ends with ENEE→
52A
Superlative suffix (3)
Starts with E, ends with TEST→
54A
"Sounds like we settled the matter!" (15)
Starts with T, ends with TTHATANSWERSTHAT→
61A
Porto-Novo's country (5)
Starts with B, ends with NBENIN→
62A
Smog, e.g. (4)
Starts with H, ends with EHAZE→
63A
Not doing anything (4)
Starts with I, ends with EIDLE→
64A
Fred's neckwear on "Scooby-Doo" (5)
Starts with A, ends with TASCOT→
65A
Makes an oopsy (4)
Starts with E, ends with SERRS→
66A
Neck part under a mullet (4)
Starts with N, ends with ENAPE→
67A
Simple tops (4)
Starts with T, ends with STEES→
68A
ASAP, in the ER (4)
Starts with S, ends with TSTAT→
69A
"Greatly appreciated," in a text (4)
Starts with T, ends with MTYSM→
Down
1D
"Didn't expect to see you here!" (4)
Starts with O, ends with IOHHI→
2D
Andrea Gibson work (4)
Starts with P, ends with MPOEM→
3D
"Grateful for any support you can provide" (15)
Starts with T, ends with ETHANKSINADVANCE→
4D
"Me too!" (5)
Starts with S, ends with ISODOI→
5D
Italian wine region (4)
Starts with A, ends with IASTI→
6D
"Victory is mine!" (4)
Starts with I, ends with NIWON→
7D
Woven piecrust (7)
Starts with L, ends with ELATTICE→
8D
Swimwear brand that sponsors Ahalya Lettenberger (6)
Starts with S, ends with OSPEEDO→
9D
Give a darn (4)
Starts with C, ends with ECARE→
10D
"Sex Education" protagonist (4)
Starts with O, ends with SOTIS→
11D
Time off that might help prevent burnout (15)
Starts with M, ends with YMENTALHEALTHDAY→
12D
Vehicles for students or roadies (5)
Starts with B, ends with SBUSES→
13D
Columns with views (5)
Starts with O, ends with SOPEDS→
21D
Frog-to-be (7)
Starts with T, ends with ETADPOLE→
22D
Apt name for a con man (3)
Starts with R, ends with BROB→
26D
Rubber duckies' settings (4)
Starts with T, ends with STUBS→
27D
Involved with (4)
Starts with I, ends with NINON→
29D
Atom with a charge (3)
Starts with I, ends with NION→
30D
Some Ditch Day participants (Abbr.) (3)
Starts with S, ends with SSRS→
31D
Doesn't bother to ask (7)
Starts with A, ends with SASSUMES→
32D
Something to build on (3)
Starts with L, ends with TLOT→
37D
Judgy sounds (4)
Starts with T, ends with STSKS→
39D
"I'm freezing!" (3)
Starts with B, ends with RBRR→
40D
No-win situation (3)
Starts with T, ends with ETIE→
41D
Reddit Q&A (3)
Starts with A, ends with AAMA→
43D
"Love Lies Bleeding" star Kristen (7)
Starts with S, ends with TSTEWART→
46D
Author ___ M. Martin (3)
Starts with A, ends with NANN→
49D
Brave appearance? (5)
Starts with A, ends with TATBAT→
50D
This and also this (5)
Starts with T, ends with ETHESE→
53D
Stretch of work (5)
Starts with S, ends with TSTINT→
55D
Hermanos de la madre (4)
Starts with T, ends with STIOS→
56D
Aardvark's snack (3)
Starts with A, ends with TANT→
57D
Podcaster Klein (4)
Starts with E, ends with AEZRA→
58D
Observe the Sabbath (4)
Starts with R, ends with TREST→
59D
Yodeler's range? (4)
Starts with A, ends with SALPS→
60D
Abound (4)
Starts with T, ends with MTEEM→
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 September 23, 2026?+
76 clues: 38 Across and 38 Down.
What are some answers in today’s USA Today Crossword?+
For example: Stops vacillating (OPTS); Doesn't feel 100% (AILS); Meal that might include fries and a drink (COMBO).
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.
