Firing up the Washington Post’s daily crossword is a classic ritual, but it can be a real brain-bender. Whether you’re a seasoned solver or just getting started, some days the clues (and that tricky theme!) just don’t click. Since the WaPo daily can be tough sometimes, solving it can be quite a challenge. If you’ve found yourself stuck on a few answers, you’ve come to the right guide. Here are hints and answers for today’s Washington Post (LA Times) Daily crossword puzzle.

Washington Post/LA Times Daily Crossword Answers - 1

Note: The Washington Post and the LA Times share the same Daily Crossword every day, so you can play either.

Today’s Washington Post/LA Times Crossword Answers for January 2, 2026

  • 1 Across : Charges:- BILLS

  • 6 Across : During:- AMID

  • 10 Across : House shower?:- CSPAN

  • 15 Across : More slick:- ICIER

  • 16 Across : 2024 NBA All-Star Game MVP “__ Time” Lillard:- DAME

  • 17 Across : In the loop:- AWARE

  • 18 Across : Warning on a note passed in a seminar?:- NOTFORPROF

  • 20 Across : Sew loosely:- BASTE

  • 21 Across : Not gross:- NET

  • 22 Across : Some Duracells:- AAS

  • 23 Across : Like many fiddle-leaf figs:- POTTED

  • 24 Across : Land south of Eur.:- AFR

  • 25 Across : Crystal ball consulted atop Mount Everest?:- HIGHEARTHORB

  • 28 Across : Hawaiian for “white”:- KEA

  • 29 Across : Highest seed:- ONE

  • 30 Across : Regret:- RUE

  • 31 Across : Marble __:- RYE

  • 32 Across : Up and about:- ASTIR

  • 34 Across : Mother with a Nobel Peace Prize:- TERESA

  • 37 Across : The discovery of the Lucy fossils, for one?:- SIGNIFICANTDIG

  • 42 Across : Agree:- ASSENT

  • 43 Across : Soccer star Sergio who scored more than 100 goals for Real Madrid:- RAMOS

  • 45 Across : Audible sighs:- AHS

  • 48 Across : Long. crosser:- LAT

  • 49 Across : “Rugrats” dad:- STU

  • 51 Across : Tiebreaker periods, for short:- OTS

  • 52 Across : Beauty school treatment?:- LEARNERSPERM

  • 56 Across : Opposite of oui:- NON

  • 57 Across : Release:- LETOUT

  • 58 Across : Singer Carly __ Jepsen:- RAE

  • 59 Across : Paramount + partner, briefly:- SHO

  • 60 Across : Batter beater:- WHISK

  • 61 Across : “Cut that out!,” or an apt title for this puzzle:- KNOCKITOFF

  • 65 Across : Like déjà vu:- EERIE

  • 66 Across : Cry of dismay:- OHNO

  • 67 Across : Leaves for dinner:- SALAD

  • 68 Across : Freezing temps:- TEENS

  • 69 Across : Large number:- SLEW

  • 70 Across : Monster with regenerative heads:- HYDRA

  • 1 Down : Recycling container:- BIN

  • 2 Down : Admission of guilt:- ICONFESS

  • 3 Down : Well-read individuals:- LITERATI

  • 4 Down : Not right?:- LEFT

  • 5 Down : Sold-out letters:- SRO

  • 6 Down : Magazine income source:- ADPAGE

  • 7 Down : Swampy habitat:- MARSH

  • 8 Down : Texter’s qualifier:- IMO

  • 9 Down : Pt. of HDTV:- DEF

  • 10 Down : Novelist Meg:- CABOT

  • 11 Down : Broad strip:- SWATH

  • 12 Down : Tacos al __:- PASTOR

  • 13 Down : Aorta, for one:- ARTERY

  • 14 Down : (If) necessary:- NEEDBE

  • 19 Down : Picnic spoiler:- RAIN

  • 23 Down : Groom feathers:- PREEN

  • 24 Down : Pseudonym preceder:- AKA

  • 25 Down : Features of orchestras and rhinos:- HORNS

  • 26 Down : Upright:- ERECT

  • 27 Down : Spiritual glow:- AURA

  • 33 Down : Four-time French Open winner Swiatek:- IGA

  • 34 Down : Window shades:- TINTS

  • 35 Down : Play guitar:- STRUM

  • 36 Down : Org. for orthodontists:- ADA

  • 38 Down : Key:- ISLET

  • 39 Down : Dread:- FEAR

  • 40 Down : Comment from someone listening to elevator music, perhaps:- IMONHOLD

  • 41 Down : Push beyond acceptable limits:- GOTOOFAR

  • 44 Down : ID with two hyphens:- SSN

  • 45 Down : Totally wrong:- ALLWET

  • 46 Down : [Giggle]:- HEEHEE

  • 47 Down : Many a mockumentary:- SATIRE

  • 49 Down : Manatee, e.g.:- SEACROW

  • 50 Down : Taxing trip:- TREK

  • 53 Down : Gymnast’s gripping aid:- ROSIN

  • 54 Down : Zaps:- NUKES

  • 55 Down : Susceptible (to):- PRONE

  • 59 Down : “Don’t go!”:- STAY

  • 61 Down : MMA stat:- KOS

  • 62 Down : Kraken’s realm, briefly:- NHL

  • 63 Down : “Or so”:- ISH

  • 64 Down: HHS agency – FDA

Washington Post/LA Times Daily Crossword Answers Today – January 2, 2026 - 2

Today’s Washington Post crossword is a smooth, enjoyable solve that leans on clever but fair cluing, maintaining a light, conversational tone throughout. The grid flows well, with clean crossings and just enough misdirection to keep things interesting without becoming frustrating, making it feel satisfying rather than exhausting. I would rate today’s crossword 4.5/5.

You can also checkout today’s answers for other Crossword puzzles below:

  • NYT Mini Crossword Hints and Answers
  • LA Times Mini Crossword
  • USA Today Crossword Hints and Answers

How to Play Washington Post/LA Times Crossword Puzzle

You can play the daily crossword for free on the Washington Post’s website under their “Games” section.

  1. Choose a Clue: Click on any clue in the “Across” or “Down” lists.
  2. Enter Your Answer: The corresponding squares in the grid will be highlighted. Type your answer. The cursor will automatically move to the next square.
  3. Switch Directions: You can press the spacebar or click a square a second time to toggle between “Across” and “Down.”
  4. Check Your Work: You can press the “Check” or “Reveal” feature if you get truly stuck.

That’s it, folks, come back again tomorrow for a fresh set of answers.