Crossword dictionary: answer meanings and clue patterns
Look up reviewed crossword answers, from classic crosswordese to names, phrases, and current fill. Each entry explains its meaning, pronunciation, clue signals, and exact reviewed use.
SPECA specification: a precise requirement or design detail for a job, product, or project.SASESASE stands for self-addressed stamped envelope, included so a recipient can mail a reply using an already addressed and stamped envelope.EPEEAn épée is a fencing sword and also the fencing discipline using that weapon.ANOAAn anoa is a small wild buffalo native to Sulawesi, Indonesia.ANTEAn ante is a stake put in before a round of a card game. To ante is to contribute that stake.ENEEast-northeast, the compass direction halfway between east and northeast.IOTAIota is the ninth letter of the Greek alphabet and, figuratively, a very small amount.EMUA large flightless bird native to Australia.INTELUseful information or intelligence, especially information that is private, strategic, or newly obtained.OUTTAA nonstandard spelling of the spoken phrase “out of.”NOELSNoels are Christmas songs or carols; noel can also refer to Christmas itself.DETERSDiscourages or prevents someone from doing something, usually by making the action seem risky, difficult, or unpleasant.NATLNATL is a written abbreviation for national, used where a shortened form is appropriate.BITEMEA rude or defiant retort roughly meaning “go away,” “leave me alone,” or “I reject what you just said.”GSIXG six is the spoken letter-number label G6. In the recorded aviation clue it is used as an informal private-jet nickname.OBITA shortened form of “obituary,” a notice or article reporting a person’s death and summarizing the person’s life.ELOA rating system used to estimate the relative strength of chess players, named for its creator Arpad Elo.MILIEUA person’s social, cultural, or physical environment; the surroundings in which someone or something exists.BRINEA concentrated salt-and-water solution used to pickle, preserve, or season food.UNTOAn archaic or elevated preposition meaning “to,” especially familiar from biblical translations and traditional sayings.UNSEETo erase or undo the memory of something seen, most often used negatively in the phrase “can’t unsee.”SKORTA garment combining the appearance of a skirt with built-in or concealed shorts.BURIESTHELEDEBuries the lede means delays or obscures the most important information instead of presenting it prominently.ERSWritten representations of hesitant filler sounds made while a speaker pauses to think.MIAMia is a feminine given name. As the initialism MIA, it means “missing in action.”UNAThe Spanish feminine singular indefinite article meaning “a” or “an”; it is also the feminine form of “one.”GOYAThe surname of Spanish painter Francisco Goya, known for works including the Black Paintings and “The Dog.”BITINGSharply cold, cutting, or severe; it can describe weather, criticism, wit, or another painfully penetrating effect.INBORNInborn means present from birth or naturally possessed rather than learned later.SWOLLENEnlarged beyond normal size through fluid, pressure, injury, expansion, or another internal cause.GRANDMagnificent, impressive, dignified, or elevated in scale or character; informally, one thousand dollars.COAXTo coax is to persuade gently or bring something about with patient effort. Coax can also shorten coaxial cable.ROUTEA route is a course or path between places. To route is to direct something along a chosen path.RICHESRiches means valuable possessions or wealth, and can also describe abundant nonfinancial value.LEADThe foremost or guiding position, an advantage, or the act of directing; pronounced “led,” it also names the metallic element Pb.ALLSPICEAllspice is a spice made from the dried unripe berries of Pimenta dioica, also called Jamaica pepper.CONTEXTCLUESContext clues are surrounding details that help a reader infer a word's meaning, such as a definition, contrast, restatement, or example.COTSCots are small beds. In American usage they often mean simple portable beds; in British usage a cot can be a baby's bed.DUADua is a given name; in pop-music clues it commonly identifies singer Dua Lipa.EGGYOLKAn egg yolk is the inner food-storing part of an egg, surrounded by the white. In a familiar bird's egg it is the yellow portion.EREADERAn e-reader is a device, or sometimes software, used to read electronic books and other digital text.FORWARDTHINKINGForward-thinking describes an approach that considers future needs or possibilities rather than only present conditions.GETSTHEAXGets the ax means is dismissed or abruptly eliminated. A worker can lose a job, while a program or project can be canceled.LILTSLilts are buoyant tunes, rhythms, or rising-and-falling qualities in speech. Lilts can also mean sings, speaks, or moves with that light rhythm.PLANEPlane can mean an airplane, a flat geometric surface, or a woodworking tool. As a verb it can mean smooth or shape a surface with that tool.PLUTOPluto can identify Mickey Mouse's pet dog or the dwarf planet in the outer solar system. These are different subjects sharing one name.TUPACSHAKURTupac Shakur was an American rapper and actor, also known professionally as 2Pac.TURNOFPHRASEA turn of phrase is a particular way of wording or describing something, often one noticed for its style.AMPLEAmple means comfortably sufficient, plentiful, or spacious for a purpose.ANIMEJapanese animation, especially animated television series and films associated with Japan.DOVEA pigeon-family bird commonly used as a symbol of peace, love, or reconciliation.MASONA skilled worker who builds with stone or brick; also a surname and given name.NETA mesh barrier or catching device; also an amount remaining after deductions.PEROThe common Spanish conjunction meaning “but” or “however.”RADInformal slang for excellent, exciting, or impressive.ROBOTA programmable machine capable of carrying out actions automatically or under remote control.SIPA small amount of liquid taken into the mouth, or the act of drinking that small amount.TETTết is used in Vietnamese festival names and, without another qualifier, commonly refers to Tết Nguyên Đán, Vietnamese Lunar New Year.TIGERA tiger is a large Asian cat with a striped coat, powerful build, and primarily solitary hunting behavior.UNDERWORLDThe underworld is the community and activity associated with organized crime, or a mythic realm of the dead.ACMEAn acme is the highest point or fullest development of something, such as an achievement or reputation.ACHOOAchoo is a written imitation of a sneeze, often used in dialogue or a sound effect.AGILEAgile means able to move quickly and nimbly or to adapt and think readily.AISLEAn aisle is a passage between rows of seats, shelves, or other arranged objects.BOOPA boop is a light playful tap or a short sound used to accompany one. To boop is to make that tap.CHACha is a word for tea used in several languages and borrowed into English in some contexts.CULTURECulture includes a group's shared customs, beliefs, arts, and practices. In biology, it can mean growing organisms in a prepared medium, or the resulting growth.DEMEANTo demean is to lower someone's dignity or standing, or make them feel less worthy.DROOLDrool is saliva flowing from the mouth. To drool is to let saliva escape or, figuratively, show strong admiration or desire.DUELA duel is a contest or fight between two opponents, traditionally an arranged armed encounter. To duel is to take part in one.EIDEid means a festival or feast in Arabic and commonly refers to one of the major Islamic celebrations.FILEA file can be a unit of computer data, an organized set of records, a smoothing tool, or a line of people or things. The verb changes with the sense.MOLEA mole can be a small burrowing mammal, a skin mark, an infiltrating spy, or a unit for amount of substance.NOSEEUMA no-see-um is a very small biting midge, named for how difficult it can be to notice.NURSEA nurse is a person who provides care, especially a health-care professional. To nurse can mean tend carefully, protect something, or consume a beverage slowly.ANIMALAn animal is a living organism in the animal kingdom. Animal is also the name of the Muppet drummer in the Electric Mayhem.DYLANDylan is a personal name. Music and film clues may use it for Bob Dylan, the singer-songwriter portrayed in A Complete Unknown.EGGSEggs are reproductive structures produced by many animals, including the familiar shelled eggs used as food. Eggs also occurs as a verb.ENOEno is a surname; music clues often identify Brian Eno, a musician and producer associated with ambient music.HELENHelen is a personal name. In Greek myth and literature, Helen of Troy is the figure associated with the Trojan War.NONANSWERA nonanswer is a response that does not meaningfully address the question. It may contain plenty of words while leaving the requested information missing.SCREWIT“Screw it” is a blunt, mildly profane expression of giving up, dismissing a concern, or deciding to proceed despite it.TAROTTarot refers to a type of card deck used in card games and, in another practice, symbolic or divinatory readings.TROOPA troop is an organized group, such as Scouts, performers, or soldiers. To troop is to move together in a group.WHEEWhee is an exclamation expressing excitement or delight, often associated with an enjoyable sensation of movement.WHOKNEW“Who knew?” usually expresses surprise at information that has just been discovered; it can also ask literally who already knew.INSERTHERE“Insert here” tells a reader where to place an object or add material, such as a card, coin, image, or text.ALIENSHIPAn alien ship is a spacecraft attributed to extraterrestrial beings, generally in fiction, speculation, or an unverified report.BIOREBioré is a skin-care brand associated with pore strips and cleansing products. BIORE is its five-letter spelling in a grid that omits accents.GOTMADGot mad means became angry; in some contexts mad can have a different, older sense of losing reason.IDTAGAn ID tag is a label or attached marker carrying identifying information for a person, animal, or object.APPSTOREAn app store is a digital service for finding and obtaining software applications. App Store is also Apple's branded service.ARIEArie is a personal-name element; in music clues it may complete the stage name India.Arie.GATWAGatwa is the surname of actor Ncuti Gatwa, who portrayed the Fifteenth Doctor in Doctor Who.IMIN“I'm in” can mean I agree to participate, I have been accepted, or I am inside a place.MENMen is the irregular plural of man. It can refer to male people or, in some contexts, personnel or game pieces.PEARA pear is an edible fruit that typically has a rounded base and narrower upper part, produced by a pear tree.TASTAs is the plural of TA, often meaning teaching assistants in an educational setting.APRESSKIAprès-ski means social or leisure activities after skiing, and can describe clothing or settings associated with them.MAMAMama is an informal or affectionate word for mother.COMETo come is to move toward a reference point, arrive, occur, or reach a state.HOWHow asks about manner, means, degree, or condition.WANTONWanton can describe conduct that is reckless, unrestrained, or done without adequate justification.GOESINONGoes in on means joins others in paying for or taking part in something shared.TOSSTo toss is to throw lightly, turn something about, or discard it. A toss can be a short throw or a coin flip.AMIDAmid means surrounded by, among, or in the middle of a place, situation, or activity.ARUBAAruba is a Caribbean island and a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.DIETA diet is the food and drink habitually consumed, or a planned way of eating. To diet is to follow a particular eating regimen.GABSGabs means chats freely or talks at length, often in a casual or idle way. It is the third-person singular present form of gab.HARPA harp is a stringed musical instrument. To harp on something is to return to it repeatedly, often annoyingly.IBET“I bet” can express confidence that something is true, make a prediction, or convey ironic doubt.JAFARJafar is the villainous vizier in Disney's Aladdin. In that story, the name identifies a character at the Sultan's palace, not a title for every villain.KABOOMKaboom represents a sudden loud explosion or crash. It can name the sound as a noun or stand alone as an exclamation.NBANBA stands for National Basketball Association, the professional basketball league.NYTNYT stands for The New York Times. Depending on context, the initials refer to the newspaper, its digital journalism, or The New York Times Company.PEPSIPepsi is a brand of cola soft drink. The name also appears on several related branded products.RETRORetro describes something that deliberately recalls the styles or fashions of an earlier period.STREETMAPA street map is a map that shows streets, roads, and their arrangement in an area.TARSALTarsal means relating to the tarsus, especially the ankle or hindfoot region. A tarsal can also be one of the bones in that region.IVIEDIvied means covered or overgrown with ivy. It can also describe an academic setting by evoking ivy-covered institutions.LIPA lip is either of the fleshy edges of the mouth. The word also means a projecting rim or edge and, informally, rude or defiant talk.SOLDSold is the past tense and past participle of sell. As an announcement, “Sold!” declares that a sale has been made.AGREETo agree is to share an opinion, accept a proposal, or be consistent with something. The meaning depends partly on what follows the verb.AKAAKA stands for also known as and introduces another name or alias for the same person or thing.BAITBait is something used to attract an animal or tempt a person. As a verb, bait can mean prepare a hook or trap, entice someone, or provoke them.BEAUA beau is a boyfriend, admirer, or suitor. The English relationship word is borrowed from French.CRYTo cry can mean shed tears, call out, or make a characteristic sound. A cry is the resulting call or expression.EARLYEarly means before the expected time, near the beginning, or ahead of others in a sequence.ECONEcon is a shortened name for economics: the study of choices, scarce resources, incentives, and how people and economies behave.LUXELuxe means luxurious or characterized by expensive elegance; it can also refer to luxury.RUTSRuts are grooves worn into a surface, especially by wheels. Figuratively, they are fixed, repetitive patterns that are hard to leave.STEPA step can be a foot movement, a stair, a stage in a process, or an action toward a goal. To step is to move the feet.TIPSYTipsy means somewhat affected by alcohol, often with slight unsteadiness or lightheaded behavior.VALEA vale is a valley or low area between higher ground. The word often appears in literary description and geographic names.WEARYWeary means tired or worn down, physically or mentally. To weary is to tire someone or become tired.WEBA web can be a spider's silk structure, an interconnected network, or the system of linked pages called the World Wide Web.YOKOYoko is a given name; art and music clues may identify Yoko Ono, an artist and musician.ADMITTo admit is to acknowledge something, permit entry, or accept someone into a group or institution.BCCEDBCCed means sent an email copy using the blind-carbon-copy field, or included someone as a blind-copy recipient.GIVETo give is to transfer, provide, yield, or allow something. As a noun, give can mean flexibility or the ability to yield.HOWLA howl is a long loud cry. To howl is to make that cry, laugh loudly, or voice a strong complaint.IMAMESS“I'm a mess” is an informal self-description of being disorganized, untidy, overwhelmed, or otherwise not composed.LEACHTo leach is to dissolve and carry away a substance through the action of a liquid.OMNIOmni- is a combining form meaning all or every, found in words such as omnipresent and omniscient.TURKEYVULTURESTurkey vultures are scavenging birds of the species Cathartes aura. Adults have bare red heads; juveniles have darker heads.PSYPSY is the stage name of South Korean singer and rapper Park Jae-sang, known for Gangnam Style.KITTKitt is a surname; entertainment clues may identify actress and singer Eartha Kitt.SELFSelf refers to a person's own identity or being and forms part of reflexive words such as myself.LORNELorne is a given name; television clues often identify Lorne Michaels, creator and producer of Saturday Night Live.TRESFrench très means very and intensifies a description. Spanish tres, without that accent, means three.ACEDAced means performed exceptionally well at something or, in tennis, won a point with an untouched legal serve.ATEAte is the simple past of eat. Informally, it can also praise an impressive performance.ATTEDAtted means addressed or mentioned someone using an @ name or handle in an online message.ENAMORSEnamors means fills someone with love, admiration, or fascination; it can describe charming or captivating them.INAUGURATETo inaugurate is to begin or open something formally, or induct someone into an office.INTHEIn the combines the preposition in with the definite article the before a specified noun phrase.IRISAn iris can be the colored part of an eye, a flowering plant, or a device that controls an opening.JENGATOWERA Jenga tower is the stacked structure of blocks used in the game Jenga.LAXLax means insufficiently strict, careful, or firm. LAX is also the airport code for Los Angeles International Airport.LOOSELoose means not tightly fastened, confined, or fitted. As a verb, it can mean release or let fly.MOONA moon is a natural satellite of a planet or another body. The Moon is Earth's natural satellite.MOTTOA motto is a short saying that expresses a guiding principle, aim, or identity.SOJOURNERA sojourner is someone who stays temporarily in a place. Sojourner also names the Mars Pathfinder rover that landed on Mars in 1997.TAXIA taxi is a vehicle hired to carry passengers for a fare. To taxi also means move an aircraft along the ground.UMPUmp is a shortened form of umpire, an official who rules on play in certain sports.SOBSSobs can mean bursts of crying with broken breaths, or cries in that manner.ETATSÉtats is the plural of French état, which can mean states, conditions, or statuses depending on context.BASSBass can mean a low musical range or voice, a low-pitched instrument, or a kind of fish.MWAHMwah is a written imitation of a kissing sound, often used playfully in messages or dialogue.THREEThree is the number after two and before four, or a group containing that many units.HIGHTOPANXIETYHigh-top anxiety is a coined joke combining high-top footwear with the familiar phrase high anxiety.NOTANot a combines negation with the indefinite article a, usually before a singular count noun.ITSIts is the possessive form associated with it. It's, with an apostrophe, is a contraction of it is or it has.TTYLTTYL stands for talk to you later, an informal sign-off in messages.IPASIPAs are India pale ales, a family of beer styles generally associated with prominent hop character.IRESPECTIT“I respect it” acknowledges or shows regard for a choice, position, or action, sometimes without agreeing with it.ALASKAAlaska is a U.S. state in northwestern North America, separated from the contiguous United States by Canada.COMMONCommon can mean ordinary, widespread, shared, or belonging to more than one person. A common can be shared open land.LONELYLonely can describe feeling a lack of companionship or a place that is isolated and little visited.ELKElk names a large deer; in North American usage it usually refers to the wapiti.ISLANDAn island is land surrounded by water. By extension, it can be a separate area or unit within a larger space.ACLACL commonly means anterior cruciate ligament in a knee-related context. In computing, it can mean access control list.NSFWNSFW means not safe for work, a warning that material may be unsuitable to open in a workplace or public setting.SCABA scab is a dry crust formed over a skin wound. Scab also has a separate, derogatory labor-dispute meaning.VERAVera is a given name; a fashion clue supplying Wang identifies designer Vera Wang.NAPANapa names a city and county in California and appears in the regional name Napa Valley, associated with wine growing.IDESThe Ides is a named date in the ancient Roman calendar: the 15th in March, May, July, and October, and the 13th in other months.ALASAlas expresses sorrow, regret, disappointment, or pity.SCHMOOZEDSchmoozed means chatted informally and sociably, sometimes to build relationships or gain favor.MAGMAMagma is molten or partly molten rock beneath a planet's surface.WHOATHERE“Whoa there” asks someone to stop, slow down, or reconsider.BLEATA bleat is the call of an animal such as a sheep or goat. To bleat is to make that sound or complain in a similar way.ALLTHOSEAGAINST“All those against” addresses everyone opposed to a proposal, often when asking them to indicate their vote.NOLTENolte is a surname; film clues may identify actor Nick Nolte.RAWRaw can mean uncooked, unprocessed, inexperienced, exposed, or painfully sensitive.JOULEA joule is the SI unit of energy, work, and heat; its symbol is J.ARGUETo argue is to give reasons for a position, dispute a point, or exchange opposing views.WEBMDWebMD is a website and brand providing health and medical information for readers.SOYSoy can mean the soybean or products made from it. In Spanish, soy is the first-person singular present form of ser.RUGBYRugby names a family of team ball games involving carrying, passing, kicking, and tackling, including rugby union and rugby league.ICESIces can mean frozen sweet desserts or, as a verb, covers with ice or icing.HAHHah is a written exclamation that can signal amusement, discovery, triumph, or disbelief.BEGINSBegins means starts, commences, or comes into existence.UFOUFO stands for unidentified flying object: an observed object in the air whose identity has not been established.MOOMOOMoo moo is a repeated written imitation of a cow's lowing sound.BRABra is a shortened form of brassiere, a supportive upper-body undergarment.TAPASTapas are small portions of food served in Spanish eating traditions, often as snacks or shared dishes.CRUSHITTo crush it is to perform extremely well or succeed impressively at a task.IMAFOOL“I'm a fool” is a self-critical statement admitting a foolish decision, mistake, or misunderstanding.ALEPHAleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, conventionally represented as א.LASTROWThe last row is the final line of items or seats in an ordered arrangement.NAMABLENamable means able to be named or identified, and can sometimes mean worthy of being named.AFARAfar means at, from, or to a distance, especially in literary expressions such as from afar.RAPIDRapid means happening or moving quickly. Rapids are stretches of fast, turbulent water in a river.VAMPIn music, a vamp is a short accompaniment pattern, and to vamp can mean repeat or improvise such a passage. A shoe's vamp is its upper front part.GARAGEBANDGarageBand is Apple's application for creating, recording, and arranging audio and music.OVALAn oval is a rounded, elongated shape often compared with an egg. Oval also describes something having that outline.EXTRAPOINTIn American football, an extra point usually means the one-point kick attempted on the try after a touchdown.LAWNA lawn is an area of grass kept relatively short, typically around buildings or in a maintained outdoor space.KAHLOKahlo is the surname of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, known especially for works exploring personal experience and identity.CANI“Can I” introduces a question about ability, permission, or an offer to do something.ADELEAdele is the performing name of the singer who recorded the James Bond theme Skyfall.ELSEElse means other, additional, or different, often after words such as something, who, or where.CAMPCamp can mean a temporary living site, a group sharing a position, or an exaggerated theatrical style. To camp is to stay at such a site.BETSBets are wagers or predictions staked on an outcome. Bets can also mean places such a wager or expresses a confident expectation.