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 9, 2026 .
USA TODAY Easy Crossword Answers for January 9, 2026
1 Across: Drizzles from the sky – RAINS
6 Across: Catchers’ gloves – MITTS
11 Across: Armed conflict – WAR
14 Across: Chorus of eight – OCTET
15 Across: Approximately – ABOUT
16 Across: Anger – IRE
17 Across: List with cakes, pies, etc. – DESSERTMENU
19 Across: Neither hide __ hair – NOR
20 Across: Elm or oak – TREE
21 Across: Midmorning hour – TEN
22 Across: Aussie flightless 53-Across – EMU
23 Across: Climb a mountain – ASCEND
26 Across: Supporter of a cause – PARTISAN
28 Across: Male deers – STAGS
29 Across: Narrow opening – GAP
30 Across: Wrestling surface – MAT
31 Across: Male monarch – KING
32 Across: Cap or beret – HAT
33 Across: Video arcade players – GAMERS
36 Across: Conclude – END
37 Across: Film with cowboys – WESTERN
39 Across: Very small – WEE
40 Across: Blowtorch user – WELDER
42 Across: Make a mistake – ERR
43 Across: Informal eatery – CAFE
44 Across: Extremely long time – EON
45 Across: Bikini top – BRA
46 Across: Ready to do something new – BORED
47 Across: TV call-in fundraiser – TELETHON
50 Across: Various – SUNDRY
51 Across: “Either he goes __ go!” – ORI
52 Across: Any of 100 Washington legislators: Abbr. – SEN
53 Across: Sparrow or crow – BIRD
54 Across: Label on luggage – TAG
55 Across: Dining surface covers – TABLECLOTHS
60 Across: Campfire residue – ASH
61 Across: Stay away from – AVOID
62 Across: Declare legally invalid – ANNUL
63 Across: Allow – LET
64 Across: Bits of heredity – GENES
65 Across: Small-minded – PETTY
1 Down: Stick for fishing – ROD
2 Down: Highest poker card – ACE
3 Down: “__ a long story” – ITS
4 Down: Retirement money – NESTEGG
5 Down: Backs of ships – STERNS
6 Down: Wife or husband – MATE
7 Down: “Big Blue” computer company – IBM
8 Down: Dancer’s shoe-clicking sound – TOETAP
9 Down: Piano adjuster – TUNER
10 Down: Film guy doing dangerous feats – STUNTMAN
11 Down: Waiter in charge of corked beverages – WINESTEWARD
12 Down: Pleasant scent – AROMA
13 Down: Sitcom’s second showing – RERUN
18 Down: Stop sign’s color – RED
23 Down: In a crooked position – ASKEW
24 Down: R.L. of scary kid lit – STINE
25 Down: Romantic illumination – CANDLELIGHT
26 Down: Dressmaker’s paper aid in cutting – PATTERN
27 Down: “__ so sorry!” – IAM
29 Down: Car fuel – GAS
32 Down: __ Majesty (queenly title) – HER
33 Down: Sound of an angry dog – GRR
34 Down: Allude (to) – REFER
35 Down: Disreputable, as a bar – SEEDY
37 Down: Didn’t take a date – WENTSTAG
38 Down: Important time period – ERA
41 Down: Female deer – DOE
43 Down: Overlook, as wrongdoing – CONDONE
45 Down: “Double-talk” chocolate-covered sphere – BONBON
46 Down: Potato sack fabric – BURLAP
47 Down: Bottom-line number – TOTAL
48 Down: Clean off chalk from – ERASE
49 Down: Throw with effort – HEAVE
50 Down: Command to an attack dog – SIC
53 Down: Holders of mattresses – BEDS
56 Down: Tell a fib – LIE
57 Down: Explosive initials – TNT
58 Down: Castaway’s dwelling – HUT
59 Down: Crafty – SLY
How did you fare with today’s USA TODAY Easy Crossword? Did you cruise to a speedy victory?
The clues in this puzzle offer a dynamic mix of everyday vocabulary and specific professional descriptions that keep the solver engaged. Many prompts rely on familiar idioms and “fill-in-the-blank” phrases, while others use concise synonyms to define common objects and actions. You will notice a recurring focus on nature, clothing, and human traits, creating a well-rounded linguistic challenge. The grid is designed so that shorter, punchy entries provide helpful starting points for the more descriptive and lengthy phrases. By blending literal definitions with subtle cultural references, the puzzle maintains a steady momentum that feels both logical and satisfying to complete. I would rate it 4 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.
