USA Today Crossword hints and answers for October 1, 2026
A hint and the answer for every clue, each behind its own button. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues77
Across41
Down36
DayThursday
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
Like a par-6 golf hole (4)
Starts with L, ends with GLONG→
5A
"Don't worry about me!" (4)
Starts with I, ends with KIMOK→
9A
Some arena roofs (5)
Starts with D, ends with SDOMES→
14A
Dubai dignitary (4)
Starts with E, ends with REMIR→
15A
Bread often served with lamb korma (4)
Starts with N, ends with NNAAN→
16A
Decorate (5)
Starts with A, ends with NADORN→
17A
Art ___ (4)
Starts with D, ends with ODECO→
18A
First chip in the pot, often (4)
Starts with A, ends with EANTE→
19A
Anaheim's region, for short (5)
Starts with S, ends with LSOCAL→
20A
Like some frisbees used at night (13)
Starts with G, ends with KGLOWINTHEDARK→
23A
"You're as charming as an ___, Mr. Grinch" (3)
Starts with E, ends with LEEL→
24A
Neptune's realm (3)
Starts with S, ends with ASEA→
25A
Female chicken (3)
Starts with H, ends with NHEN→
26A
D's point value in Scrabble (3)
Starts with T, ends with OTWO→
29A
Parts of flowers (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSTEMS→
31A
Octavia E. Butler's genre (5)
Starts with S, ends with ISCIFI→
34A
"___ House" (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song) (3)
Starts with O, ends with ROUR→
36A
Number represented by birthday candles (3)
Starts with A, ends with EAGE→
37A
Mention as a source (4)
Starts with C, ends with ECITE→
38A
"Closer" industrial rock band (13)
Starts with N, ends with SNINEINCHNAILS→
42A
Floppy ___ (4)
Starts with D, ends with KDISK→
43A
Nonhuman blog commenter (3)
Starts with B, ends with TBOT→
44A
Genetic material (3)
Starts with D, ends with ADNA→
45A
Post-op area (3)
Starts with I, ends with UICU→
46A
Fix, like loose shoelaces (5)
Starts with R, ends with ERETIE→
48A
Australian marsupial (5)
Starts with K, ends with AKOALA→
52A
Energy (3)
Starts with P, ends with PPEP→
53A
Vote in favor (3)
Starts with A, ends with EAYE→
54A
___ Sebastian ("Parks and Recreation" miniature horse) (3)
Starts with L, ends with LLIL→
56A
Snitch (3)
Starts with R, ends with TRAT→
57A
EPCOT attraction housed in a geodesic sphere (14)
Starts with S, ends with HSPACESHIPEARTH→
61A
Device for texting (5)
Starts with P, ends with EPHONE→
62A
Prefix for "tune" or "play" (4)
Starts with A, ends with OAUTO→
63A
Traverse a trail (4)
Starts with H, ends with EHIKE→
64A
One who doesn't get the W (5)
Starts with L, ends with RLOSER→
65A
Appealed earnestly (4)
Starts with P, ends with DPLED→
66A
Like this clue's number (4)
Starts with E, ends with NEVEN→
67A
Some one-pot meals (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSTEWS→
68A
"No bid," in bridge (4)
Starts with P, ends with SPASS→
69A
Flat-topped landform (4)
Starts with M, ends with AMESA→
Down
1D
Shelflike rock projections (6)
Starts with L, ends with SLEDGES→
2D
Folded brunch dish (6)
Starts with O, ends with TOMELET→
3D
"Babygirl" star Kidman (6)
Starts with N, ends with ENICOLE→
4D
Get bigger (4)
Starts with G, ends with WGROW→
6D
Stingray relatives (6)
Starts with M, ends with SMANTAS→
7D
Solemn vow (4)
Starts with O, ends with HOATH→
8D
Like some socks or boots (8)
Starts with K, ends with HKNEEHIGH→
9D
Coca-Cola-owned water brand (6)
Starts with D, ends with IDASANI→
10D
Unpleasant smell (4)
Starts with O, ends with RODOR→
11D
Shirley Temple or Nada Colada (8)
Starts with M, ends with LMOCKTAIL→
12D
History textbook chapter, perhaps (3)
Starts with E, ends with AERA→
13D
"Stevie Nicks' Fajita Roundup" sketch show (3)
Starts with S, ends with LSNL→
21D
Magazine edition (5)
Starts with I, ends with EISSUE→
22D
Go to bat for (6)
Starts with D, ends with DDEFEND→
27D
Cleverness (4)
Starts with W, ends with SWITS→
28D
"___ on Melancholy" (Keats poem) (3)
Starts with O, ends with EODE→
30D
Member of a brotherhood (4)
Starts with M, ends with KMONK→
32D
Spiny succulents (5)
Starts with C, ends with ICACTI→
35D
Steak cut that's often boneless (6)
Starts with R, ends with ERIBEYE→
37D
"Ta-ta!" (4)
Starts with C, ends with OCIAO→
38D
Compliment to an archer (8)
Starts with N, ends with TNICESHOT→
39D
"Seems that way" (8)
Starts with I, ends with EISUPPOSE→
40D
Where some celebrity non-apologies are typed (8)
Starts with N, ends with PNOTESAPP→
41D
Joint above a foot (5)
Starts with A, ends with EANKLE→
42D
Quick swim (3)
Starts with D, ends with PDIP→
46D
Indy 500 drivers (6)
Starts with R, ends with SRACERS→
47D
High-status groups (6)
Starts with E, ends with SELITES→
49D
Reach a destination (6)
Starts with A, ends with EARRIVE→
50D
Potato pancakes (6)
Starts with L, ends with SLATKES→
51D
Goddess who guided Odysseus (6)
Starts with A, ends with AATHENA→
55D
Nanos, e.g. (5)
Starts with I, ends with SIPODS→
58D
Once more (4)
Starts with A, ends with WANEW→
59D
Storytelling dance (4)
Starts with H, ends with AHULA→
60D
"Excuse me" sound (4)
Starts with A, ends with MAHEM→
61D
Counterpart of "thx" (3)
Starts with P, ends with SPLS→
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 October 1, 2026?+
77 clues: 41 Across and 36 Down.
What are some answers in today’s USA Today Crossword?+
For example: Like a par-6 golf hole (LONG); "Don't worry about me!" (IMOK); Some arena roofs (DOMES).
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.
