Our USA Today Crossword Hints for October 17, 2025 puzzle will help you move through the grid if you’ve found yourself stuck on a clue.
USA Today Crossword is a popular daily puzzle that tests the player’s vocabulary, spelling, and general knowledge skills. The puzzle is available in both print and digital formats and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The clues can range from easy to challenging, requiring players to use their critical thinking abilities to solve the puzzle. It is a great way to pass the time and challenge oneself.
### USA Today Crossword Hints – October 17, 2025
Below you’ll find hints for all of the crossword clues featured in the USA Today Crossword published on October 17, 2025. The clues are listed below, and you can click or tap on a clue to visit its dedicated page for more details, including definitions.
If you prefer not to be immediately spoiled by the answers, the hints also offer the option to reveal solutions letter by letter, allowing you to maintain a level of challenge as you solve.
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#### Across
1A. “Defense! Defense!,” e.g. ? ? ? ? ?
6A. Trademarked sound in “The Simpsons” ? ? ?
9A. Scent ? ? ? ? ?
14A. The real deal ? ? ? ? ?
15A. A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’, e.g. ? ? ?
16A. Lesser in importance ? ? ? ? ?
17A. FIRE enthusiasts’ financial goal ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
20A. NYC’s Madison, e.g. ? ? ?
21A. Haul ? ? ?
22A. Flee ? ? ?
23A. Helpers for profs ? ? ?
24A. Habitat for parrotfish ? ? ? ?
26A. Me too ? ? ? ? ?
28A. “So ___ say” ? ? ? ?
29A. Pairs ? ? ? ?
31A. Judo instructor ? ? ? ? ? ?
33A. Occasion for some in-flight snacks? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
36A. Word before “tube” or “peace” ? ? ? ? ?
39A. First conjunction mentioned in “Conjunction Junction” ? ? ?
40A. Not near ? ? ?
41A. Object under a “Cash Here” sign ? ? ?
43A. Grad school exam ? ? ?
44A. What some headphones reduce ? ? ? ? ?
46A. “Everyone hop on!” ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
49A. Rave light ? ? ? ? ? ?
51A. Seasoning that melts ice ? ? ? ?
52A. Hawaiian party ? ? ? ?
54A. They flank a bookmark ? ? ? ? ?
56A. Projectile thrown at a board ? ? ? ?
59A. Official language of Ghana (Abbr.) ? ? ?
60A. Small amount ? ? ?
61A. Still in shrink ? ? ?
63A. 7-7, e.g. ? ? ?
64A. Fabled creatures with homes of straw, sticks and bricks ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
68A. Filtering tool ? ? ? ? ?
69A. ___ time (golf reservation) ? ? ?
70A. The sky’s the ___ ? ? ? ? ?
71A. Little chirp ? ? ? ?
72A. Organ with a cochlea ? ? ?
73A. Ownership papers ? ? ? ? ?
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#### Down
1D. Like Saran wrap ? ? ? ? ?
2D. Throw hard ? ? ? ? ?
3D. “I’m not convinced, but let’s stop arguing” ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
4D. Zero ? ? ?
5D. Bye 4 now! ? ? ? ?
6D. Muralist Rivera ? ? ? ? ?
7D. ___ in (decide to join) ? ? ?
8D. Headbanger’s genre ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
9D. ‘I agree!’ ? ? ? ?
10D. Edge ? ? ?
11D. “We’d better take it systematically” ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
12D. “Hidden Figures” star Janelle ? ? ? ? ?
13D. Website that can be searched by gallery or style ? ? ? ? ?
18D. Birthplace of matryoshka dolls ? ? ? ? ? ?
19D. Spoil ? ? ? ?
25D. Abbr. on a passed-along email ? ? ?
27D. Shade of gray ? ? ?
28D. Only two-digit number in a poker deck ? ? ?
30D. Proposal ? ? ? ? ?
32D. Character who “just can’t wait to be king” ? ? ? ? ?
33D. Common Kyomai prop ? ? ?
34D. Peace activist Yoko ? ? ?
35D. Get some food ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
37D. Blunder ? ? ?
38D. Traditional bridal color in India ? ? ?
42D. Graduation cap feature ? ? ? ? ? ?
45D. Stuart, little? ? ? ?
47D. That’s the kicker! ? ? ?
48D. Like a stale joke ? ? ?
50D. Australia’s national gemstone ? ? ? ?
52D. “We should do it!” ? ? ? ?
53D. Square ? ? ? ? ?
55D. “___ Sandman” (Metallica hit) ? ? ? ? ?
57D. Stiff ? ? ? ? ?
58D. Graded assessments ? ? ? ? ?
60D. Like the Mariana Trench ? ? ? ?
62D. Join with a torch ? ? ? ?
65D. Night before ? ? ?
66D. Spilled gossip ? ? ?
67D. Sliced dessert ? ? ?
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### About USA Today Crossword
The USA Today Crossword is a daily crossword puzzle published in the USA Today newspaper and on its website. Known for its contemporary and pop culture references, it provides an accessible challenge for solvers of all skill levels.
First introduced in 2002, the puzzle has become a popular source of entertainment and mental stimulation for crossword enthusiasts of all ages. The team behind the puzzle consists of experienced crossword constructors recognized for their creativity and skill.
One distinctive feature of the USA Today Crossword is its use of a non-standard grid, which sometimes includes circles or other shapes. This unique style adds an extra layer of challenge and interest to the solving experience.
Additionally, the puzzle often incorporates themed sections, enhancing the complexity and enjoyment for solvers.
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Whether you’re a seasoned puzzler or new to crosswords, the USA Today Crossword offers a rewarding and engaging daily mental workout. Use our hints and resources to improve your solving skills and enjoy the challenge!
https://tryhardguides.com/usa-today-crossword-hints-october-17-2025/
