Looking for a quick and fun way to boost your brainpower? The USA TODAY Easy Crossword is your perfect daily fit! This puzzle is designed to be accessible and solvable, offering straightforward clues and answers in a compact grid. Whether you’re a total beginner or just looking for a relaxing solve, we’re here to help you cross the finish line. Below are the clues and solutions for today’s USA TODAY Easy Crossword for January 1, 2026 .
USA TODAY Easy Crossword Answers for January 1, 2026
1 Across: Dalmatian’s marking – SPOT
5 Across: Something true – FACT
9 Across: How drivers get to work – BYCAR
14 Across: Volcanic rock – LAVA
15 Across: Aroma – ODOR
16 Across: Walk out the door – LEAVE
17 Across: Gorillas and chimps – APES
18 Across: Capital of Italy – ROME
19 Across: Cook’s coverup garment – APRON
20 Across: Vault-opening criminals – BANKROBBERS
23 Across: A pair of – TWO
24 Across: U-turn from WSW – ENE
25 Across: “Saturated” nutrients – FATS
27 Across: Group helping the sheriff – POSSE
30 Across: Dad’s boy – SON
31 Across: British baby buggy – PRAM
35 Across: Flood barrier – LEVEE
36 Across: Rainbow shape – ARC
37 Across: Rabbit relative – HARE
38 Across: High-tech criminals – IDENTITYTHIEVES
42 Across: Scratches up – MARS
43 Across: Informal refusal – NAH
44 Across: Gown, for example – DRESS
45 Across: Female singing voice – ALTO
46 Across: 551, in Roman numerals – DLI
47 Across: Shorthand expert – STENO
48 Across: Train track – RAIL
50 Across: IRS expert: Abbr. – CPA
51 Across: __ for (choose) – OPT
54 Across: Wall-climbing criminals – CATBURGLARS
60 Across: Place to wear a watch – WRIST
62 Across: “I cannot tell __” – ALIE
63 Across: Neck of the woods – AREA
64 Across: Spooky – EERIE
65 Across: __ Star State (Texas) – LONE
66 Across: Influence unfairly – BIAS
67 Across: Pay out – SPEND
68 Across: Omelet ingredients – EGGS
69 Across: Maple-syrup source – SAPS
1 Down: Thick slice – SLAB
2 Down: Biggest of the Three Bears – PAPA
3 Down: Baking appliance – OVEN
4 Down: Chore – TASK
5 Down: As an example – FORONE
6 Down: Southwestern building material – ADOBE
7 Down: Hair tool with teeth – COMB
8 Down: Kids’ elevated backyard structure – TREEFORT
9 Down: Explosion – BLAST
10 Down: “Uh-huh” – YEP
11 Down: Grocery-store vehicle – CART
12 Down: State firmly – AVOW
13 Down: Casino city near Tahoe – RENO
21 Down: Trip-odometer button – RESET
22 Down: Cattle farm – RANCH
26 Down: Globe’s shape – SPHERE
27 Down: Propel a bicycle – PEDAL
28 Down: In the open – OVERT
29 Down: Electric eye, for example – SENSOR
30 Down: Greet informally – SAYHI
32 Down: Black bird – RAVEN
33 Down: “Am not!” reply – ARESO
34 Down: Untidiness – MESS
35 Down: Peru’s capital – LIMA
39 Down: New Delhi’s country – INDIA
40 Down: Improbable story – TALLTALE
41 Down: Suitcase label – IDTAG
47 Down: Shopping binges – SPREES
49 Down: Performed on stage – ACTED
50 Down: Signaling a performer – CUING
51 Down: Has bills to pay – OWES
52 Down: Get ready, for short – PREP
53 Down: Grow weary – TIRE
55 Down: Online diary – BLOG
56 Down: Chemist’s workrooms – LABS
57 Down: Opera solo – ARIA
58 Down: Harvest, as crops – REAP
59 Down: Talk back to – SASS
61 Down: Moral misstep – SIN
How did you fare with today’s USA TODAY Easy Crossword? Did you cruise to a speedy victory?
Today’s USA Today Easy keeps things smooth and stress free in a way that feels very intentional. The cluing is clean, direct, and welcoming, with plenty of confidence builders early on that make the grid open up fast. There is a nice balance between straight definitions and light wordplay, so it never feels dull even though it stays accessible. The theme lands clearly without overcomplicating itself, which is exactly what you want from this slot. Overall, it is a comfy solve that respects your time and leaves you feeling finished rather than fatigued. I would rate it 3 out of 5.
You can also check out today’s answers for other Crossword puzzles below:
- NYT Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
- Washington Post/LA Times Crossword Hints and Answers
- LA Times Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
- Washington Post Mini Meta Crossword
- Boston Globe Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
- USA Today Crossword Answers
How to Play the USA TODAY Easy Crossword
Playing the USA TODAY Easy Crossword is hassle-free and lightning-fast.
- The Goal: The object is to completely fill the grid with words that correctly answer the “Across” (horizontal) and “Down” (vertical) clues.
- The Clues: Use the list of clues provided for each direction.
- Word Length: The grid itself guides you on the length of the words. A correct letter in one direction will often give you a helpful starting letter for the intersecting word.
- Intersections: Look for those crossing points! Solving an easy “Across” clue can provide key letters that make a tougher “Down” clue suddenly click.
- Daily Refresh: A brand new USA TODAY Easy Crossword is released every day, guaranteeing a fresh burst of puzzle fun.
