USA TODAY Crossword

About USA TODAY Crossword

USA TODAY publishes a new crossword every day and gives each one a title, even the themeless ones, which the paper calls freestyle and titles after one of their answers. Themed puzzles hide their theme in the title: Check Back, for example, had theme answers ending in words that pair with check, such as blank check and rain check. Each puzzle credits its constructor and editor.

The puzzles are known for modern, inclusive clueing with plenty of pop culture. For several years USA TODAY also ran Off the Grid, a column by Sally Hoelscher that broke down each day's puzzle with notes on the theme and the trickier answers.

You can solve in the browser at USA TODAY Play or in the app, which offers a casual mode and an expert mode that hides mistakes and runs a timer. Everyone gets a limited number of free puzzles a week; a USA TODAY Play subscription adds unlimited puzzles, hints and reveals, streaks, the archive and no ads. The site is not available in some countries, including the EU.

It suits solvers who want an approachable daily crossword with current references, from beginners to regulars looking for a quick themed solve.

How to play USA TODAY Crossword

1. Open the daily crossword on USA TODAY Play or in the USA TODAY PLAY app.
2. Read the puzzle title: it is a hint to the theme.
3. Select a clue or square and type your answers.
4. Use crossing answers, and hints if you have them, when you get stuck.
5. Finish the grid; past puzzles are in the archive.

Tips

• On themed days, work out the theme from the title and the longest answers.
• Freestyle puzzles take their title from one of the answers, so look for it in the grid.
• Expect pop culture, internet slang and recent news in the clues.
• Play the Quick Cross first if you want a warm-up.

Questions