WSJ Crossword hints and answers for July 1, 2026
A hint and the answer for every clue, each behind its own button. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues76
Across37
Down39
TitlePerfunctory Performance
Today’s WSJ 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
Perp pursuer (3)
Starts with C, ends with PCOP→
4A
Gustav Mahler’s composer wife (4)
Starts with A, ends with AALMA→
8A
Record holder (6)
Starts with S, ends with ESLEEVE→
14A
Bonobo, e.g. (3)
Starts with A, ends with EAPE→
15A
Real hoot (4)
Starts with R, ends with TRIOT→
16A
Slightly colored (6)
Starts with T, ends with DTINGED→
17A
*Remington products (8)
Starts with F, ends with SFIREARMS→
19A
Cast parties? (6)
Starts with A, ends with SACTORS→
20A
Cowboys’ contest, e.g. (7)
Starts with N, ends with ENFLGAME→
22A
“Forget You” singer Green (5)
Starts with C, ends with OCEELO→
23A
Two-masted sailing ship (4)
Starts with Y, ends with LYAWL→
25A
Nest eggs for srs. (4)
Starts with I, ends with SIRAS→
27A
*Understood by a select few (6)
Starts with A, ends with EARCANE→
29A
Close copy (7)
Starts with R, ends with AREPLICA→
31A
Mar.-Nov. setting (3)
Starts with D, ends with TDST→
32A
Unchanged (4)
Starts with S, ends with ESAME→
35A
Gross out (5)
Starts with R, ends with LREPEL→
36A
Slapdash, or what the starred answers are, literally (9)
Starts with H, ends with DHALFASSED→
39A
NPR journalist Stamberg (5)
Starts with S, ends with NSUSAN→
42A
Tag-along to Oz (4)
Starts with T, ends with OTOTO→
43A
Hindu honorific (3)
Starts with S, ends with ISRI→
46A
Inform (7)
Starts with A, ends with EAPPRISE→
48A
*Part of a car or a pinball machine (6)
Starts with B, ends with RBUMPER→
51A
Hold ’em holding (4)
Starts with P, ends with RPAIR→
52A
Creative pursuits (4)
Starts with A, ends with SARTS→
55A
Cries out for (5)
Starts with N, ends with SNEEDS→
56A
Have faith in (5)
Starts with T, ends with TTRUST→
60A
Any of 35 for Beyoncé (6)
Starts with G, ends with YGRAMMY→
61A
*Debate answer (8)
Starts with R, ends with LREBUTTAL→
63A
Online reviewer of a business (6)
Starts with Y, ends with RYELPER→
64A
Ring out (4)
Starts with P, ends with LPEAL→
65A
Waste watchers’ org. (3)
Starts with E, ends with AEPA→
66A
Fits well together (6)
Starts with M, ends with SMESHES→
68A
King, to Cato (3)
Starts with R, ends with XREX→
Down
1D
Potent java, informally (3)
Starts with C, ends with FCAF→
2D
Editorial writers, e.g. (7)
Starts with O, ends with SOPINERS→
3D
Free of flaws (7)
Starts with P, ends with TPERFECT→
4D
Ferdinand’s kingdom (6)
Starts with A, ends with NARAGON→
5D
Istanbul currency (4)
Starts with L, ends with ALIRA→
6D
Crib call (5)
Starts with M, ends with YMOMMY→
7D
Cruising, perhaps (5)
Starts with A, ends with AATSEA→
8D
Place for a groom (6)
Starts with S, ends with ESTABLE→
9D
Cause of some head-scratching (4)
Starts with L, ends with ELICE→
10D
*Made necessary (8)
Starts with E, ends with DENTAILED→
11D
Vain indulgence (7)
Starts with E, ends with PEGOTRIP→
12D
Fashion brand with a Medusa logo (7)
Starts with V, ends with EVERSACE→
13D
Harris and Helms (3)
Starts with E, ends with SEDS→
18D
First name in scat singing (4)
Starts with E, ends with AELLA→
22D
Ill-mannered fellow (3)
Starts with C, ends with DCAD→
24D
Take by force (5)
Starts with W, ends with TWREST→
26D
Khan who founded Khan Academy (3)
Starts with S, ends with LSAL→
28D
Subj. for U.S. newcomers (3)
Starts with E, ends with LESL→
30D
Mature leader? (3)
Starts with P, ends with EPRE→
33D
Pursuing (5)
Starts with A, ends with RAFTER→
34D
Longtime ruler of China (3)
Starts with M, ends with OMAO→
36D
*Disdainful snort (8)
Starts with H, ends with HHARRUMPH→
37D
Singer/songwriter DiFranco (3)
Starts with A, ends with IANI→
38D
Sad sound (3)
Starts with S, ends with BSOB→
39D
Gullible type (3)
Starts with S, ends with PSAP→
40D
Cornered (7)
Starts with U, ends with EUPATREE→
41D
Lighthouse staircases, typically (7)
Starts with S, ends with SSPIRALS→
43D
Ghostly apparition (7)
Starts with S, ends with RSPECTER→
44D
Permit-seeking annoyance (7)
Starts with R, ends with EREDTAPE→
45D
Agcy. with many returns (3)
Starts with I, ends with SIRS→
47D
Lustful creatures of myth (6)
Starts with S, ends with SSATYRS→
49D
Hard to control (6)
Starts with U, ends with YUNRULY→
50D
Essential part (4)
Starts with M, ends with TMEAT→
53D
They cover a lot of ground (5)
Starts with T, ends with STARPS→
54D
Pricey (5)
Starts with S, ends with PSTEEP→
57D
Crook with Hook (4)
Starts with S, ends with ESMEE→
59D
Uphill lift (4)
Starts with T, ends with RTBAR→
60D
Hotel amenity (3)
Starts with G, ends with MGYM→
62D
Indulgent (3)
Starts with L, ends with XLAX→
How to solve the WSJ Crossword
Fill the grid so every Across and Down answer matches its clue. The title hints at the theme, and on Fridays a final instruction asks for the meta answer. Our answer pages list every clue with its answer behind a reveal button.
Want the full method? Read our WSJ Crossword strategy and tips, or check how to play the WSJ Crossword on the hub.
WSJ Crossword tips for tomorrow
- Read the title first. WSJ titles are precise. They usually describe exactly how the theme entries are transformed.
- Solve Friday twice. Fill the grid, then look for a pattern in the theme entries that spells or points to the meta answer.
- Learn the editor's style. Mike Shenk favours tight wordplay. A clue that seems too literal probably has a second reading.
Done for today? Try NYT Crossword, LA Times Crossword, Newsday Crossword, all with hints first and answers behind a reveal.
Previous WSJ Crossword puzzles
WSJ Crossword FAQ
How many clues are in the WSJ Crossword for July 1, 2026?+
76 clues: 37 Across and 39 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Lynn Lempel and edited by Mike Shenk.
What are some answers in today’s WSJ Crossword?+
For example: Perp pursuer (COP); Gustav Mahler’s composer wife (ALMA); Record holder (SLEEVE).
Who edits the WSJ Crossword?+
Mike Shenk has edited the Wall Street Journal Crossword since its launch.
Where can I find past WSJ Crossword answers?+
Every puzzle in our archive has its own page with all answers and a page per clue.
