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 14, 2026 .
USA TODAY Easy Crossword Answers for January 14, 2026
1 Across: Taking little time – SHORT
6 Across: Burn slightly, as a steak – CHAR
10 Across: Not brightly colored – DRAB
14 Across: Thin, crisp cookie – WAFER
15 Across: Speed contest – RACE
16 Across: British noble below duke – EARL
17 Across: Whodunit excuse – ALIBI
18 Across: Limbs inside sleeves – ARMS
19 Across: As __ as an owl – WISE
20 Across: “This is unimportant” – NOTABIGDEAL
23 Across: Junior, to Dad – SON
24 Across: Change for a $20 bill – TENS
25 Across: Mythical tale – LEGEND
27 Across: Humble – MODEST
30 Across: Long military attacks – SIEGES
32 Across: Makes mistakes – ERRS
33 Across: Fabric tears – RIPS
35 Across: Turn the __ cheek – OTHER
38 Across: Mediterranean or Caribbean – SEA
39 Across: “After-shave” soothers – LOTIONS
41 Across: Ostrich’s Aussie cousin – EMU
42 Across: Book category for do-it-yourselfers – HOWTO
44 Across: Elsa’s sister, in Frozen – ANNA
45 Across: Viral Internet idea – MEME
46 Across: Gymnast’s attire – TIGHTS
48 Across: Comparable (with) – ONAPAR
50 Across: Perfect world – UTOPIA
52 Across: “Let’s go already!” – CMON
53 Across: Slangy refusal – NAW
54 Across: Theater’s take-a-bow time – CURTAINCALL
60 Across: Pottery material – CLAY
62 Across: Close by – NEAR
63 Across: Small role for a star – CAMEO
64 Across: Folk wisdom – LORE
65 Across: Small fruit pie – TART
66 Across: Bakery appliances – OVENS
67 Across: Concludes – ENDS
68 Across: Resorts with saunas – SPAS
69 Across: Repairs, as a blouse – MENDS
1 Down: Graceful waterbird – SWAN
2 Down: Angelic light – HALO
3 Down: “Think nothing __” – OFIT
4 Down: Partial-refund promotions – REBATES
5 Down: Large families – TRIBES
6 Down: Rugged cliffs – CRAGS
7 Down: Tough to figure out – HARD
8 Down: Apex – ACME
9 Down: Used-car transaction – RESALE
10 Down: Morning moisture on lawns – DEW
11 Down: Operate a wool-producing farm – RAISESHEEP
12 Down: Fire-setting crime – ARSON
13 Down: Mix thoroughly – BLEND
21 Down: Emcee’s opening statement – INTRO
22 Down: Child’s plastic bricks – LEGOS
26 Down: Obtain – GET
27 Down: Netlike material – MESH
28 Down: Black-and-white cookie – OREO
29 Down: Approach gradually – DRAWTOWARD
30 Down: Whirls around – SPINS
31 Down: “Help __ the way!” – ISON
34 Down: “Let’s just leave __ that” – ITAT
36 Down: Actress Watson or Stone – EMMA
37 Down: Regretful person – RUER
39 Down: Valid reasoning – LOGIC
40 Down: Singer Judd or actress Watts – NAOMI
43 Down: Helpful hint – TIP
45 Down: Dad’s “sanctuary” room – MANCAVE
47 Down: Favorite hangouts – HAUNTS
49 Down: Sarge or corporal – NONCOM
50 Down: Dad’s brother – UNCLE
51 Down: Eagle’s claw – TALON
52 Down: Golf course vehicles – CARTS
55 Down: Bring in a harvest – REAP
56 Down: Scarlett O’Hara’s home – TARA
57 Down: Last word of a prayer – AMEN
58 Down: Give temporarily – LEND
59 Down: At a __ for words (speechless) – LOSS
61 Down: “That’s correct” – YES
How did you fare with today’s USA TODAY Easy Crossword? Did you cruise to a speedy victory?
This puzzle strikes a nice balance between approachable vocabulary and clever wordplay, offering a satisfying mix of modern pop culture and classic trivia. The clues are punchy and evocative, using everything from Disney royalty and viral internet trends to idioms that keep the solver on their toes. While the grid features a standard symmetrical layout, the inclusion of several lengthy, conversational phrases provides a refreshing break from the usual short-word fatigue. It is a well-constructed “mini” that feels substantial enough to be rewarding without becoming a frustrating time sink. I would rate it 3.5 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.
