USA Today Crossword January 4 2026 Answers (1/4/26)

Our USA Today Crossword January 4, 2026 answers guide should help you finish today’s crossword if you’ve found yourself stuck on a crossword clue. USA Today Crossword is a popular daily puzzle that tests the player’s vocabulary, spelling, and general knowledge skills. The puzzle is available in print and digital format and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The clues can range from easy to challenging and the player must use their critical thinking abilities to solve the puzzle. It is a great way to pass the time and challenge oneself.

USA Today Crossword January 4, 2026 Answers

If you need help solving the USA Today Crossword on 1/4/26, we’ve listed all of the crossword clues below so you can find the answer(s) you need. You can search for the clue and then select the appropriate clue to get the answer. We have done it this way so that if you’re just looking for a handful of clues, you won’t spoil other ones you’re working on!

Looking for answers to another USA Today Crossword puzzle? Check out our archive of USA Today Crossword Answers.

« January 3 2026 Answers January 5 2026 Answers »

#	Clue
1A	"Sesame Street" basics
5A	Dame ___ Thompson
9A	Black jack, possibly
14A	Cat's nail
15A	Wreck
16A	Features of bagels
17A	No longer feral
18A	Actor Russo who portrayed Frigga
19A	Nocturnal baby bird
20A	Maintain a calm, pleasant demeanor during a stressful situation
23A	Back muscles, for short
24A	Flat caps
28A	Landscaping roll
31A	Spill the beans
34A	Hot spot?
35A	Opera highlights
37A	That, in Spanish
38A	Journalist Gwen who wrote "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama"
39A	Formal event at which attendees wear masks
42A	Live in
43A	Ways out
44A	Penne ___ vodka
45A	GPS lines
48A	Winter hours in Iowa
49A	Caribbean or Caspian
50A	Ladybug, e.g.
52A	Mineral-rich rocks
56A	Intense anger
58A	First American woman in space
60A	Widely shared images
62A	"r u on your way?"
63A	"The sun'll come out, tomorrow" singer
64A	Word after "secret" or "double"
65A	Daiquiri ingredient
66A	Takes a breather
67A	Cruise ship stop
68A	Darjeeling, for one
69A	Fabric colors
1D	Plays a role
2D	Comic book sound effect
3D	Sleeveless top
4D	Just dandy
5D	List of mistakes
6D	Semisoft cheese whose name lends itself to Halloween puns
7D	"___ your manners!"
8D	From the top
9D	Push
10D	Legal authority to act for another
11D	Every single one
12D	Civil rights activist Ruby
13D	Numerical guess (Abbr.)
21D	Gobbles down
22D	Timehop's dino mascot
25D	The lesser of two ___
26D	Spill the beans
27D	NBC sketch show since 1975
28D	Girl Scout cookies with toasted coconut
29D	___ of Delphi (ancient prophet)
30D	"User assumes risk" statement
32D	Airport org.
33D	Vein of 52-Across
36D	Latin word for "water"
38D	Sacred Egyptian bird
40D	Literary Jane
41D	Microsoft spreadsheet program
46D	Joshua Tree National Park biome
47D	There's one of Sue Bird outside of Climate Pledge Arena
50D	Top-rated
51D	Pack animal that hums
53D	Get suds off of
54D	Manuscript tweaks
55D	Observes
57D	"Seasons of Love" musical
59D	Three-foot unit
60D	"You are here" diagram
61D	Sense of self

The USA Today Crossword is a daily crossword puzzle that is published in the USA Today newspaper and on its website. The puzzle is known for its contemporary and pop culture references, as well as its accessibility to solvers of all skill levels.

The USA Today Crossword was first introduced in 2002, and has since become a popular source of entertainment and mental stimulation for crossword enthusiasts of all ages. The puzzle is created by a team of experienced crossword constructors, who are known for their creativity and skill in the field of crossword puzzles.

One of the unique features of the USA Today Crossword is its use of a non-standard grid, which can include circles or other shapes. This can make the puzzle even more challenging and interesting to solve. The puzzle also includes a variety of themed sections, which can add an extra layer of complexity to the solving experience.

If you’ve enjoyed this crossword, consider playing one of the other popular crosswords we cover, including: New York Times Crossword (and Mini), Daily Themed Crossword (and Mini), LA Times Crossword, and WSJ Crossword.