WSJ Crossword October 28, 2026 Answers and Explanations
The Wall Street Journal crossword for October 28, 2026, “Jump Scares,” is a Wednesday puzzle by Mike Shenk with 148 clues on a 15×15 grid. Wednesday grids sit in the middle of the week’s difficulty curve: the fill is mostly familiar, but the theme asks for a little lateral thinking. The longest entry is KCOLLECTION at 11 letters.
Every answer is listed below in grid order, Across first and then Down, with a short explanation of how the entry sits in the grid. Use the Definition link under any entry to pull the dictionary meaning of the answer word, or click the clue to open its own page with past appearances and neighboring clues.
Across
1 Across is RPM, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 1, column 1. It begins with R and ends with M, with 0 vowels among its 3 letters. The shortening cue in the clue tells you to expect an abbreviation or initials.
1 Across is RPM, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 1, column 1. It begins with R and ends with M, with 0 vowels among its 3 letters. The shortening cue in the clue tells you to expect an abbreviation or initials.
4 Across is LARCH, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 1, column 5. It begins with L and ends with H, with 1 vowel among its 5 letters.
4 Across is LARCH, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 1, column 5. It begins with L and ends with H, with 1 vowel among its 5 letters.
9 Across is RELIC, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 1, column 11. It begins with R and ends with C, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
9 Across is RELIC, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 1, column 11. It begins with R and ends with C, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
14 Across is ORO, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 2, column 1. It begins with O and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
14 Across is ORO, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 2, column 1. It begins with O and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
15 Across is ACHOO, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 2, column 5. It begins with A and ends with O, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
15 Across is ACHOO, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 2, column 5. It begins with A and ends with O, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
16 Across is ISAWA, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 2, column 11. It begins with I and ends with A, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
16 Across is ISAWA, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 2, column 11. It begins with I and ends with A, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
17 Across is BOO, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 3, column 1. It begins with B and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
17 Across is BOO, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 3, column 1. It begins with B and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
18 Across is KCOLLECTION, a 11-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 3, column 5. It begins with K and ends with N, with 4 vowels among its 11 letters.
18 Across is KCOLLECTION, a 11-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 3, column 5. It begins with K and ends with N, with 4 vowels among its 11 letters.
20 Across is EMCEE, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 4, column 1. It begins with E and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
20 Across is EMCEE, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 4, column 1. It begins with E and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
22 Across is DEMOED, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 4, column 8. It begins with D and ends with D, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
22 Across is DEMOED, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 4, column 8. It begins with D and ends with D, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
23 Across is DOORMEN, a 7-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 5, column 1. It begins with D and ends with N, with 3 vowels among its 7 letters. The question mark signals wordplay, so read the clue as a pun rather than literally.
23 Across is DOORMEN, a 7-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 5, column 1. It begins with D and ends with N, with 3 vowels among its 7 letters. The question mark signals wordplay, so read the clue as a pun rather than literally.
26 Across is PLEATS, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 5, column 10. It begins with P and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
26 Across is PLEATS, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 5, column 10. It begins with P and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
29 Across is SWEETESTTA, a 10-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 6, column 2. It begins with S and ends with A, with 4 vowels among its 10 letters.
29 Across is SWEETESTTA, a 10-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 6, column 2. It begins with S and ends with A, with 4 vowels among its 10 letters.
32 Across is BOO, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 6, column 13. It begins with B and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
32 Across is BOO, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 6, column 13. It begins with B and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
33 Across is BASEPAY, a 7-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 7, column 4. It begins with B and ends with Y, with 3 vowels among its 7 letters.
33 Across is BASEPAY, a 7-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 7, column 4. It begins with B and ends with Y, with 3 vowels among its 7 letters.
34 Across is PENN, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 7, column 12. It begins with P and ends with N, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
34 Across is PENN, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 7, column 12. It begins with P and ends with N, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
35 Across is ALOUD, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 8, column 1. It begins with A and ends with D, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
35 Across is ALOUD, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 8, column 1. It begins with A and ends with D, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
38 Across is DEN, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 8, column 7. It begins with D and ends with N, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
38 Across is DEN, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 8, column 7. It begins with D and ends with N, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
39 Across is DATES, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 8, column 11. It begins with D and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
39 Across is DATES, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 8, column 11. It begins with D and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
40 Across is LOBS, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 9, column 1. It begins with L and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
40 Across is LOBS, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 9, column 1. It begins with L and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
41 Across is SLATHER, a 7-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 9, column 6. It begins with S and ends with R, with 2 vowels among its 7 letters.
41 Across is SLATHER, a 7-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 9, column 6. It begins with S and ends with R, with 2 vowels among its 7 letters.
43 Across is BOO, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 10, column 1. It begins with B and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
43 Across is BOO, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 10, column 1. It begins with B and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
44 Across is STERROCKET, a 10-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 10, column 5. It begins with S and ends with T, with 3 vowels among its 10 letters.
44 Across is STERROCKET, a 10-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 10, column 5. It begins with S and ends with T, with 3 vowels among its 10 letters.
47 Across is STEPPE, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 11, column 1. It begins with S and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
47 Across is STEPPE, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 11, column 1. It begins with S and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
49 Across is ADRENAL, a 7-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 11, column 9. It begins with A and ends with L, with 3 vowels among its 7 letters.
49 Across is ADRENAL, a 7-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 11, column 9. It begins with A and ends with L, with 3 vowels among its 7 letters.
51 Across is PALEST, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 12, column 3. It begins with P and ends with T, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
51 Across is PALEST, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 12, column 3. It begins with P and ends with T, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
54 Across is IDAHO, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 12, column 11. It begins with I and ends with O, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
54 Across is IDAHO, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 12, column 11. It begins with I and ends with O, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
55 Across is PLAYEDPEEKA, a 11-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 13, column 1. It begins with P and ends with A, with 5 vowels among its 11 letters.
55 Across is PLAYEDPEEKA, a 11-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 13, column 1. It begins with P and ends with A, with 5 vowels among its 11 letters.
59 Across is BOO, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 13, column 13. It begins with B and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
59 Across is BOO, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 13, column 13. It begins with B and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
60 Across is HORNE, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 14, column 1. It begins with H and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
60 Across is HORNE, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 14, column 1. It begins with H and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
61 Across is EASEL, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 14, column 7. It begins with E and ends with L, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
61 Across is EASEL, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 14, column 7. It begins with E and ends with L, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
62 Across is LEN, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 14, column 13. It begins with L and ends with N, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
62 Across is LEN, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 14, column 13. It begins with L and ends with N, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
63 Across is OATEN, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 15, column 1. It begins with O and ends with N, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
63 Across is OATEN, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 15, column 1. It begins with O and ends with N, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
64 Across is DREGS, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 15, column 7. It begins with D and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 5 letters.
64 Across is DREGS, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 15, column 7. It begins with D and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 5 letters.
65 Across is ESS, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 15, column 13. It begins with E and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
65 Across is ESS, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 15, column 13. It begins with E and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
Down
1 Down is ROBED, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 1. It begins with R and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
1 Down is ROBED, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 1. It begins with R and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
2 Down is PROMOS, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 2. It begins with P and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
2 Down is PROMOS, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 2. It begins with P and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
3 Down is MOOCOW, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 3. It begins with M and ends with W, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
3 Down is MOOCOW, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 3. It begins with M and ends with W, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
4 Down is LAKEMEAD, a 8-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 5. It begins with L and ends with D, with 4 vowels among its 8 letters.
4 Down is LAKEMEAD, a 8-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 5. It begins with L and ends with D, with 4 vowels among its 8 letters.
5 Down is ACC, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 6. It begins with A and ends with C, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
5 Down is ACC, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 6. It begins with A and ends with C, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
6 Down is RHO, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 7. It begins with R and ends with O, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
6 Down is RHO, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 7. It begins with R and ends with O, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
7 Down is COLD, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 8. It begins with C and ends with D, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
7 Down is COLD, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 8. It begins with C and ends with D, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
8 Down is HOLE, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 9. It begins with H and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
8 Down is HOLE, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 9. It begins with H and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
9 Down is RICOLA, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 11. It begins with R and ends with A, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
9 Down is RICOLA, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 11. It begins with R and ends with A, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
10 Down is ESTEE, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 12. It begins with E and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
10 Down is ESTEE, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 12. It begins with E and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
11 Down is LAIDABET, a 8-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 13. It begins with L and ends with T, with 4 vowels among its 8 letters.
11 Down is LAIDABET, a 8-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 13. It begins with L and ends with T, with 4 vowels among its 8 letters.
12 Down is IWO, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 14. It begins with I and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
12 Down is IWO, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 14. It begins with I and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
13 Down is CAN, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 15. It begins with C and ends with N, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
13 Down is CAN, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 15. It begins with C and ends with N, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
19 Down is EMPTY, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 3, column 10. It begins with E and ends with Y, with 1 vowel among its 5 letters.
19 Down is EMPTY, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 3, column 10. It begins with E and ends with Y, with 1 vowel among its 5 letters.
21 Down is EREBUS, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 4, column 4. It begins with E and ends with S, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
21 Down is EREBUS, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 4, column 4. It begins with E and ends with S, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
24 Down is ETS, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 5, column 6. It begins with E and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
24 Down is ETS, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 5, column 6. It begins with E and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
25 Down is NEEDLE, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 5, column 7. It begins with N and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
25 Down is NEEDLE, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 5, column 7. It begins with N and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
27 Down is TONE, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 5, column 14. It begins with T and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
27 Down is TONE, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 5, column 14. It begins with T and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
28 Down is SONS, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 5, column 15. It begins with S and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
28 Down is SONS, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 5, column 15. It begins with S and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
30 Down is SPEAR, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 6, column 8. It begins with S and ends with R, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
30 Down is SPEAR, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 6, column 8. It begins with S and ends with R, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
31 Down is TANTRA, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 6, column 9. It begins with T and ends with A, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
31 Down is TANTRA, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 6, column 9. It begins with T and ends with A, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
34 Down is PARKED, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 7, column 12. It begins with P and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
34 Down is PARKED, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 7, column 12. It begins with P and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
35 Down is ALBS, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 8, column 1. It begins with A and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
35 Down is ALBS, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 8, column 1. It begins with A and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
36 Down is LOOT, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 8, column 2. It begins with L and ends with T, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
36 Down is LOOT, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 8, column 2. It begins with L and ends with T, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
37 Down is OBOEPART, a 8-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 8, column 3. It begins with O and ends with T, with 4 vowels among its 8 letters.
37 Down is OBOEPART, a 8-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 8, column 3. It begins with O and ends with T, with 4 vowels among its 8 letters.
39 Down is DECRIALS, a 8-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 8, column 11. It begins with D and ends with S, with 3 vowels among its 8 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
39 Down is DECRIALS, a 8-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 8, column 11. It begins with D and ends with S, with 3 vowels among its 8 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
41 Down is STEED, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 9, column 6. It begins with S and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
41 Down is STEED, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 9, column 6. It begins with S and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
42 Down is HOD, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 9, column 10. It begins with H and ends with D, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
42 Down is HOD, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 9, column 10. It begins with H and ends with D, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
44 Down is SPLEEN, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 10, column 5. It begins with S and ends with N, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
44 Down is SPLEEN, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 10, column 5. It begins with S and ends with N, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
45 Down is ENABLE, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 10, column 13. It begins with E and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
45 Down is ENABLE, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 10, column 13. It begins with E and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
46 Down is TAHOES, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 10, column 14. It begins with T and ends with S, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
46 Down is TAHOES, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 10, column 14. It begins with T and ends with S, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
48 Down is PAYNE, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 11, column 4. It begins with P and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
48 Down is PAYNE, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 11, column 4. It begins with P and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
50 Down is LOONS, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 11, column 15. It begins with L and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
50 Down is LOONS, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 11, column 15. It begins with L and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
52 Down is SPED, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 12, column 7. It begins with S and ends with D, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
52 Down is SPED, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 12, column 7. It begins with S and ends with D, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
53 Down is TEAR, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 12, column 8. It begins with T and ends with R, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
53 Down is TEAR, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 12, column 8. It begins with T and ends with R, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
55 Down is PHO, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 13, column 1. It begins with P and ends with O, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
55 Down is PHO, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 13, column 1. It begins with P and ends with O, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
56 Down is LOA, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 13, column 2. It begins with L and ends with A, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
56 Down is LOA, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 13, column 2. It begins with L and ends with A, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
57 Down is ESE, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 13, column 9. It begins with E and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
57 Down is ESE, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 13, column 9. It begins with E and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
58 Down is KEG, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 13, column 10. It begins with K and ends with G, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
58 Down is KEG, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 13, column 10. It begins with K and ends with G, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
About this puzzle
This Wednesday grid contains 70 Across and 78 Down entries, with 36 black squares. Wednesday grids sit in the middle of the week’s difficulty curve: the fill is mostly familiar, but the theme asks for a little lateral thinking.
Prefer to solve it yourself first? The homepage lists every clue for the latest puzzle without answers, and the archive covers every WSJ crossword in our index by date. The official puzzle is published on the WSJ Puzzles page.