Looking for a fun way to boost your brainpower? The USA TODAY Crossword is your perfect daily fit! This puzzle offers a mix of modern clues and straightforward answers in a compact grid. Whether you’re a pro solver or just starting your crossword journey, we’re here to help you cross the finish line. Below are the clues and solutions for today’s USA TODAY Crossword for January 8, 2026.
Today’s USA TODAY Crossword Answers for January 8, 2026
1 Across: Angel hair, e.g. – PASTA
6 Across: Heed – OBEY
10 Across: Subject of many Playbill headlines – CAST
14 Across: Community spirit – ETHOS
15 Across: Japan’s national sport – SUMO
16 Across: Pay to play – ANTE
17 Across: Societal standards – NORMS
18 Across: Talents – ABILITIES
20 Across: “Please stop talking” letters – TMI
21 Across: Rorschach splotch – INKBLOT
23 Across: One might say “Welcome!” – MAT
24 Across: Call after an offsides infraction in soccer – NOGOAL
26 Across: Agenda contents – ITEMS
28 Across: Irritating – IRKING
30 Across: Wipe clean – ERASE
33 Across: “This One’s for the ___” (Martina McBride song) – GIRLS
34 Across: Howls at the moon – BAYS
35 Across: Help with a heist – ABET
39 Across: Brazilian berry – ACAI
40 Across: Group of experts – PANEL
41 Across: Went by bike – RODE
42 Across: Cornea’s place – EYE
43 Across: Disencumbers – RIDS
44 Across: Evade – DODGE
45 Across: Edinburgh’s residents – SCOTS
47 Across: Kept afloat – BUOYED
48 Across: Scenic view – VISTA
51 Across: Misgivings – QUALMS
53 Across: Anger – IRE
54 Across: Negative answer – REFUSAL
57 Across: Move like a kangaroo – HOP
60 Across: Gymnast who was the first Hmong-American Olympian – SUNISALEE
62 Across: Wear away – ERODE
64 Across: “Casablanca” heroine – ILSA
65 Across: Paper quantity – REAM
66 Across: Vintage-looking photo filter – SEPIA
67 Across: YA fiction’s target reader – TEEN
68 Across: Drink at a sushi bar – SAKE
69 Across: Device with remote access? – TVSET
1 Down: ___-up (contained) – PENT
2 Down: Small matter? – ATOM
3 Down: Sci-fi device that miniaturizes objects – SHRINKRAY
4 Down: Male turkey – TOM
5 Down: Gives out, like homework – ASSIGNS
6 Down: Tennis star Naomi – OSAKA
7 Down: Classic British dish with an onomatopoetic name – BUBBLEANDSQUEAK
8 Down: Name found in “Muscle Milk” – EMIL
9 Down: “Might as well” letters – YOLO
10 Down: Pet known for loving cardboard boxes – CAT
11 Down: “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure,” for example – ANIME
12 Down: Kettle’s output – STEAM
13 Down: Exams – TESTS
19 Down: “Yes, indeed!” – ITIS
22 Down: Eggy holiday drink – NOG
25 Down: Most greasy – OILIEST
27 Down: Place to enjoy a cuppa and some scones – TEAROOM
28 Down: Tennis star Swiatek – IGA
29 Down: Nasi kandar grain – RICE
31 Down: Deli loaves – RYES
32 Down: Language with fingerspelling – ASL
34 Down: Fishing lure – BAIT
36 Down: Places to get bumpers buffed and scratches sanded – BODYSHOPS
37 Down: Rim – EDGE
38 Down: ___ up (prepared to drive) – TEED
40 Down: Expert – PRO
44 Down: Most boring – DULLEST
46 Down: Pixar movie featuring a sky-blue Porsche named Sally – CARS
47 Down: “I’m a sheep” – BAA
48 Down: Stop by – VISIT
49 Down: “Please admire my awesomeness!” – IRULE
50 Down: Touch, taste or smell – SENSE
52 Down: Volunteer’s words – USEME
55 Down: Rabbits’ prominent features – EARS
56 Down: Boxer’s annoyance? – FLEA
58 Down: Only animal character in “Garfield” comics without a recurring voice bubble – ODIE
59 Down: Bog contents – PEAT
61 Down: Actor McKellen – IAN
63 Down: MLK’s title – REV
How did you fare with today’s USA TODAY Crossword? Did you cruise to victory or get briefly stumped?
This crossword had a lively, well-rounded feel, drawing heavily on social behavior, culture, and everyday knowledge, from food and sports to psychology, entertainment, and global references. The Across clues moved smoothly between abstract ideas like community values and social norms, concrete objects such as food, paper, and devices, and recognizable cultural touchstones in music, film, and athletics, giving the grid a steady rhythm and broad appeal. Longer entries anchored the puzzle with clear, descriptive phrases, while shorter answers kept the pace brisk and accessible. The Down clues reinforced this variety with science-fiction concepts, language, cuisine, and pop culture, rewarding solvers who brought a wide but practical knowledge base rather than niche expertise. Overall, it felt contemporary, approachable, and consistently engaging from start to finish. I’d rate the difficulty a comfortable 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
How to Play the USA TODAY Crossword
Playing the USA TODAY Crossword is hassle-free and lightning-fast.
- The Goal: The object is to completely fill the small 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 Crossword is released every day, guaranteeing a fresh burst of puzzle fun daily.
