WSJ Crossword hints and answers for June 2, 2026
A hint and the answer for every clue, each behind its own button. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues74
Across37
Down37
TitleGetting Closer
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
“Picturing Will” writer Beattie (3)
Starts with A, ends with NANN→
4A
Bee bunch (5)
Starts with S, ends with MSWARM→
9A
Like champion racehorses (4)
Starts with B, ends with DBRED→
13A
Regulus’s constellation (3)
Starts with L, ends with OLEO→
14A
Tree with thorns (6)
Starts with A, ends with AACACIA→
15A
Mysterious quality (4)
Starts with A, ends with AAURA→
16A
Middle of summer? (3)
Starts with E, ends with SEMS→
17A
Began to reduce, as loads of work (11)
Starts with M, ends with NMADEADENTIN→
19A
Fliers frequently found in pastures (8)
Starts with C, ends with SCOWBIRDS→
21A
View from Port Sudan (6)
Starts with R, ends with AREDSEA→
22A
Exemplary (5)
Starts with I, ends with LIDEAL→
23A
Palette paints (4)
Starts with O, ends with SOILS→
24A
You or me, presumably (10)
Starts with H, ends with GHUMANBEING→
27A
Iowa State’s city (4)
Starts with A, ends with SAMES→
31A
Michael J. Fox has won five (5)
Starts with E, ends with SEMMYS→
32A
Narc’s org. (3)
Starts with D, ends with ADEA→
33A
Worked on a loom (4)
Starts with W, ends with EWOVE→
34A
Reward for driving someone home: Abbr. (3)
Starts with R, ends with IRBI→
35A
Hang loose (5)
Starts with C, ends with LCHILL→
37A
Neckline shape (3)
Starts with V, ends with EVEE→
38A
Let off steam (4)
Starts with V, ends with TVENT→
40A
Language of Vientiane (3)
Starts with L, ends with OLAO→
41A
Hip, e.g. (5)
Starts with J, ends with TJOINT→
43A
Therefore (4)
Starts with E, ends with OERGO→
44A
“That would be my guess” (10)
Starts with I, ends with OIIMAGINESO→
47A
Sounded the hour (4)
Starts with R, ends with GRANG→
49A
October Revolution leader (5)
Starts with L, ends with NLENIN→
50A
Saint Francis’s home (6)
Starts with A, ends with IASSISI→
53A
Pick-your-own-hours work system (8)
Starts with F, ends with EFLEXTIME→
56A
Regular romantic partner, and what’s represented by this puzzle’s circles (11)
Starts with M, ends with EMAINSQUEEZE→
58A
Opening (3)
Starts with G, ends with PGAP→
60A
Grammar topics (6)
Starts with U, ends with SUSAGES→
62A
Goes below the horizon (4)
Starts with S, ends with SSETS→
63A
Opposite of faster? (5)
Starts with E, ends with REATER→
64A
Reason for extra innings (3)
Starts with T, ends with ETIE→
Down
1D
Guinness of “The Bridge on the River Kwai” (4)
Starts with A, ends with CALEC→
2D
Captain of the Nautilus (4)
Starts with N, ends with ONEMO→
3D
Lakeside sign (10)
Starts with N, ends with GNOSWIMMING→
4D
Egyptian amulet (6)
Starts with S, ends with BSCARAB→
5D
Walk like a duck (6)
Starts with W, ends with EWADDLE→
6D
Good hold ’em holding (4)
Starts with A, ends with SACES→
7D
Narrow inlet (3)
Starts with R, ends with ARIA→
8D
Renaissance song (8)
Starts with M, ends with LMADRIGAL→
9D
Machine shop tool (7)
Starts with B, ends with WBANDSAW→
10D
Tire tracks (4)
Starts with R, ends with SRUTS→
11D
County of northwest Pennsylvania (4)
Starts with E, ends with EERIE→
12D
Comical Carvey (4)
Starts with D, ends with ADANA→
14D
City about 70 miles north of Paris (6)
Starts with A, ends with SAMIENS→
18D
Twisty fish (3)
Starts with E, ends with LEEL→
20D
Yearly celebration, for short (4)
Starts with B, ends with YBDAY→
23D
Scott Turow book (4)
Starts with O, ends with LONEL→
24D
Villechaize of “Fantasy Island” (5)
Starts with H, ends with EHERVE→
25D
Brownish color (5)
Starts with U, ends with RUMBER→
26D
“Cold feet” or “cold shoulder,” e.g. (5)
Starts with I, ends with MIDIOM→
28D
Item on a family schedule, perhaps (10)
Starts with M, ends with TMOVIENIGHT→
29D
Smooths out (5)
Starts with E, ends with SEVENS→
30D
Handle (5)
Starts with S, ends with OSEETO→
35D
Sister brand of Estée Lauder (8)
Starts with C, ends with ECLINIQUE→
36D
“The Life Impossible” writer Matt (4)
Starts with H, ends with GHAIG→
39D
Bygone Ford muscle cars (7)
Starts with T, ends with STORINOS→
41D
Bringers of bad luck (6)
Starts with J, ends with SJINXES→
42D
Dealing with the problem (4)
Starts with O, ends with TONIT→
45D
State without proof (6)
Starts with A, ends with EALLEGE→
46D
Old fogy (6)
Starts with G, ends with RGEEZER→
48D
Stupid jerk (3)
Starts with A, ends with SASS→
50D
“London Fields” writer Martin (4)
Starts with A, ends with SAMIS→
51D
All there, so to speak (4)
Starts with S, ends with ESANE→
52D
Free of clumps, in a way (4)
Starts with S, ends with TSIFT→
53D
Skillful act (4)
Starts with F, ends with TFEAT→
54D
Kahului’s island (4)
Starts with M, ends with IMAUI→
55D
Tool for a duel (4)
Starts with E, ends with EEPEE→
57D
Mex. neighbor (3)
Starts with U, ends with AUSA→
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 June 2, 2026?+
74 clues: 37 Across and 37 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Mike Shenk and edited by Mike Shenk.
What are some answers in today’s WSJ Crossword?+
For example: “Picturing Will” writer Beattie (ANN); Bee bunch (SWARM); Like champion racehorses (BRED).
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.
