WSJ Crossword hints and answers for July 20, 2026
A hint and the answer for every clue, each behind its own button. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues74
Across35
Down39
TitleHold On!
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
Extra NHL periods (3)
Starts with O, ends with SOTS→
4A
Hand-formed rock? (4)
Starts with F, ends with TFIST→
8A
Remove from the will (6)
Starts with D, ends with NDISOWN→
14A
Royal heir, often (3)
Starts with S, ends with NSON→
15A
Blows away (4)
Starts with A, ends with SAWES→
16A
Clarke of “Game of Thrones” (6)
Starts with E, ends with AEMILIA→
17A
Transmitter of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (8)
Starts with W, ends with KWOODTICK→
19A
Number of feet between baseball bases (6)
Starts with N, ends with YNINETY→
20A
Very, very old (7)
Starts with A, ends with TANCIENT→
21A
Common car freshener scent (4)
Starts with P, ends with EPINE→
22A
Gallagher of Oasis (4)
Starts with L, ends with MLIAM→
23A
Film used in lieu of a missing Tupperware lid (9)
Starts with S, ends with PSARANWRAP→
31A
Skinny 30-Down (4)
Starts with B, ends with OBOLO→
32A
Green org. since the 1970s (3)
Starts with E, ends with AEPA→
33A
“The Little Mermaid” king (6)
Starts with T, ends with NTRITON→
35A
Gave up (5)
Starts with C, ends with DCEDED→
37A
Foes of clear-cutting (11)
Starts with T, ends with STREEHUGGERS→
39A
Consigliere’s organization (5)
Starts with M, ends with AMAFIA→
41A
“Pass” (6)
Starts with I, ends with OITSANO→
42A
In the spirit of (3)
Starts with A, ends with AALA→
43A
Gas station store (4)
Starts with M, ends with TMART→
45A
Volcano of Mordor, in “LOTR” (6)
Starts with M, ends with MMTDOOM→
49A
Pooch who follows you from room to room (9)
Starts with V, ends with GVELCRODOG→
52A
Tim McGraw hit “The Cowboy ___” (4)
Starts with I, ends with EINME→
53A
Pretentious manner (4)
Starts with A, ends with SAIRS→
54A
Conference programs (7)
Starts with A, ends with SAGENDAS→
57A
Is under no obligation to (6)
Starts with N, ends with TNEEDNT→
60A
“Star Trek” group, or a punny description of 17-, 23-, 37- and 49-Across (8)
Starts with K, ends with SKLINGONS→
61A
It’s issued by an Amer. embassy (6)
Starts with U, ends with AUSVISA→
62A
Friend (4)
Starts with A, ends with YALLY→
63A
Diner dessert (3)
Starts with P, ends with EPIE→
64A
Four-alarmers, say (6)
Starts with B, ends with SBLAZES→
65A
Wise mentor he is (4)
Starts with Y, ends with AYODA→
66A
Tee preceder (3)
Starts with E, ends with SESS→
Down
1D
Warren Commission subject (6)
Starts with O, ends with DOSWALD→
2D
Canadian coin with a polar bear on the reverse (6)
Starts with T, ends with ETOONIE→
3D
Moviegoer’s nonpareil (6)
Starts with S, ends with PSNOCAP→
4D
Destiny (4)
Starts with F, ends with EFATE→
5D
“That’s game!” (4)
Starts with I, ends with NIWIN→
6D
Religious offshoots (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSECTS→
7D
Chastising sound (3)
Starts with T, ends with KTSK→
8D
Refutation (6)
Starts with D, ends with LDENIAL→
9D
“You got the wrong guy!” (10)
Starts with I, ends with TIMINNOCENT→
10D
Tough connective tissue (5)
Starts with S, ends with WSINEW→
11D
Soccer stadium cheer (3)
Starts with O, ends with EOLE→
12D
Comic’s asset (3)
Starts with W, ends with TWIT→
13D
Dissenter’s vote (3)
Starts with N, ends with YNAY→
18D
1950s New York Philharmonic conductor Mitropoulos (7)
Starts with D, ends with IDIMITRI→
21D
They go into power outlets (6)
Starts with P, ends with SPRONGS→
24D
Gonna soon (7)
Starts with A, ends with OABOUTTO→
25D
Wine list heading (4)
Starts with R, ends with SREDS→
26D
One who might thrive in a banana republic? (3)
Starts with A, ends with EAPE→
27D
Athlete’s protector (3)
Starts with P, ends with DPAD→
29D
Hair conditioner kin (10)
Starts with C, ends with ECREAMRINSE→
30D
Neckwear item (3)
Starts with T, ends with ETIE→
34D
Helping for a glutton, maybe (6)
Starts with T, ends with STHIRDS→
36D
Losing ground, literally (7)
Starts with E, ends with GERODING→
37D
Big name in nonstick pans (4)
Starts with T, ends with LTFAL→
38D
Shapely leg, in old slang (3)
Starts with G, ends with MGAM→
39D
Dallas baller (3)
Starts with M, ends with VMAV→
40D
Pub serving (3)
Starts with A, ends with EALE→
44D
They come from the heart (6)
Starts with A, ends with SAORTAS→
46D
Strung out, say (6)
Starts with O, ends with EONDOPE→
47D
Sultan Haitham’s subjects (6)
Starts with O, ends with SOMANIS→
48D
Predicaments (6)
Starts with M, ends with SMESSES→
50D
Port of southwest Spain (5)
Starts with C, ends with ZCADIZ→
51D
Pico de ___ (5)
Starts with G, ends with OGALLO→
55D
Coat expensively (4)
Starts with G, ends with DGILD→
56D
“Orinoco Flow” singer (4)
Starts with E, ends with AENYA→
57D
Crux of the matter (3)
Starts with N, ends with BNUB→
58D
Night sch. course (3)
Starts with E, ends with LESL→
59D
Longoria of “Desperate Housewives” (3)
Starts with E, ends with AEVA→
60D
Sister company of Zales (3)
Starts with K, ends with YKAY→
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 20, 2026?+
74 clues: 35 Across and 39 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Daniel Hrynick and edited by Mike Shenk.
What are some answers in today’s WSJ Crossword?+
For example: Extra NHL periods (OTS); Hand-formed rock? (FIST); Remove from the will (DISOWN).
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.
