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.

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 7 February, 2026
1 Across: Franciscan philosopher who inspired the main character in “The Name of the Rose” – OCCAM
6 Across: Nap spot – SOFA
10 Across: Bands that stabilize knees, for short – ACLS
14 Across: “Care to explain?” – WHATISTHIS
16 Across: Grand – THOU
17 Across: Squeals – NAMESNAMES
18 Across: Stubbs of the Four Tops – LEVI
19 Across: Nurse – SIP
20 Across: Utter – TOTAL
21 Across: Pointer from a proofreader – CARET
22 Across: Possible start of a folktale – LEGENDHASIT
24 Across: Volga __: Turkic people in western Russia – TATARS
27 Across: Body work? – TATTOOS
29 Across: Celebrity gossip show – ENEWS
30 Across: High kicks – HEELS
32 Across: Howe’er – THO
33 Across: Director Coogler – RYAN
34 Across: Ninny – GOOSE
35 Across: Jalopy – HEAP
36 Across: “Newhart” production co. – MTM
37 Across: Guy who made one helluva deal? – FAUST
38 Across: Western Australian port – PERTH
39 Across: Like things? – SIMILES
41 Across: Lofty nests – AERIES
42 Across: Get drinks on tap, say? – MOBILEORDER
45 Across: Be worthy of – MERIT
46 Across: Swear off? – BLEEP
47 Across: Young dog – PUP
50 Across: Some, in Spanish – UNAS
51 Across: Challenges for some gamers – BOSSLEVELS
53 Across: Some flatfish – SOLE
54 Across: Takeout deliveries? – CAESAREANS
55 Across: Meadow moms – EWES
56 Across: Volcano seen on “The White Lotus” – ETNA
57 Across: Fender guitar, for short – STRAT
1 Down: __ up to – OWNS
2 Down: Masala __ – CHAI
3 Down: Stay out for the night – CAMP
4 Down: Grabbed a bite – ATE
5 Down: Welcome patio features on a hot day – MISTERS
6 Down: Washington, but not Jefferson – STATE
7 Down: “Sheesh!” – OHMAN
8 Down: Real-world experiment – FIELDTEST
9 Down: Burro – ASS
10 Down: “Took you long enough” – ATLAST
11 Down: “SNL” alum who played a Spartan – CHERIOTERI
12 Down: Relish a paradoxical passion – LOVETOHATE
13 Down: “__ yourself” – SUIT
15 Down: Smooches in a lorry, say – SNOGS
21 Down: Animals with righting reflexes – CATS
22 Down: Pink flamingo spot – LAWN
23 Down: “Veep” Emmy winner Tony – HALE
24 Down: Stretch-y things – TERMS
25 Down: “We don’t have all day” – ANYTIMENOW
26 Down: Magic spirit, say? – TEAMMORALE
28 Down: Some on the JV squad – SOPHS
30 Down: Home on the water – HOUSEBOAT
31 Down: Lip balm brand – EOS
34 Down: “Coco” voice actor __ García Bernal – GAEL
35 Down: Title for Beethoven – HERR
37 Down: Move like a hummingbird – FLIT
38 Down: Eyes – PEPPERS
40 Down: Nile birds with curved bills – IBISES
41 Down: Writer __ Rogers St. Johns – ADELA
43 Down: Actress Elizabeth – OLSEN
44 Down: Journalist Maria who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 – RESSA
45 Down: Ponder – MUSE
47 Down: Cider choice – PEAR
48 Down: Radius neighbor – ULNA
49 Down: “C’mere!” – PSST
51 Down: Dating letters – BCE
52 Down: Lab doc – VET

This crossword expertly balances high-brow intellectualism with modern cultural fluency, weaving together everything from medieval philosophy and literary tragedies to contemporary digital habits . The grid shines through its ambitious long-form entries, utilizing clever obstetric wordplay and folkloric transitions to create a satisfying rhythmic flow. By grounding the puzzle in diverse subjects, ranging from forearm anatomy and Australian geography to British slang and video game terminology , the constructor ensures a worldly challenge that feels both academic and refreshingly current. I ’d comfortably rate this crossword 4 out of 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 today’s daily crossword for free on the Washington Post’s website under their “Games” section.
- Choose a Clue: Click on any clue in the “Across” or “Down” lists.
- Enter Your Answer: The corresponding squares in the grid will be highlighted. Type your answer. The cursor will automatically move to the next square.
- Switch Directions: You can press the spacebar or click a square a second time to toggle between “Across” and “Down.”
- 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.