WSJ Crossword September 4, 2026 Answers and Explanations
The Wall Street Journal crossword for September 4, 2026, “AI Slop,” is a Friday puzzle by Christopher Youngs with 140 clues on a 21×21 grid. Friday is the Journal’s contest puzzle, so beyond filling the grid there is a hidden meta answer to deduce from the finished solution. The longest entry is THETORTOISEANDTHEHAIR at 21 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 JPOP, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 1, column 1. It begins with J and ends with P, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
5 Across is REPS, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 1, column 6. It begins with R and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters. The shortening cue in the clue tells you to expect an abbreviation or initials.
9 Across is ADVIL, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 1, column 11. It begins with A and ends with L, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
14 Across is PASTA, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 1, column 17. It begins with P and ends with A, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
19 Across is ALPO, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 2, column 1. It begins with A and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
20 Across is UTAH, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 2, column 6. It begins with U and ends with H, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
21 Across is GEESE, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 2, column 11. It begins with G and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
22 Across is IDEAS, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 2, column 17. It begins with I and ends with S, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
23 Across is WAISTMANAGEMENT, a 15-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 3, column 1. It begins with W and ends with T, with 6 vowels among its 15 letters. The question mark signals wordplay, so read the clue as a pun rather than literally.
26 Across is LOATH, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 3, column 17. It begins with L and ends with H, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
27 Across is ANNIE, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 4, column 1. It begins with A and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
28 Across is LAVABO, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 4, column 7. It begins with L and ends with O, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
29 Across is TOPS, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 4, column 14. It begins with T and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
31 Across is HAY, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 4, column 19. It begins with H and ends with Y, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
32 Across is SKETCH, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 5, column 1. It begins with S and ends with H, with 1 vowel among its 6 letters.
34 Across is MERITS, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 5, column 8. It begins with M 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.
36 Across is FUNKO, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 5, column 15. It begins with F and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
38 Across is SHEP, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 6, column 4. It begins with S and ends with P, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
40 Across is RAINOFTERROR, a 12-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 6, column 10. It begins with R and ends with R, with 5 vowels among its 12 letters. The question mark signals wordplay, so read the clue as a pun rather than literally.
44 Across is SRI, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 7, column 1. It begins with S and ends with I, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
47 Across is INAPT, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 7, column 5. It begins with I and ends with T, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
50 Across is SNOG, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 7, column 11. It begins with S and ends with G, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
51 Across is FRISKY, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 7, column 16. It begins with F and ends with Y, with 1 vowel among its 6 letters.
52 Across is KILLERWAIL, a 10-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 8, column 1. It begins with K and ends with L, with 4 vowels among its 10 letters. The question mark signals wordplay, so read the clue as a pun rather than literally.
55 Across is GORDO, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 8, column 12. It begins with G and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
57 Across is SERA, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 8, column 18. It begins with S and ends with A, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
58 Across is ICEE, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 9, column 1. It begins with I and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 4 letters.
59 Across is INSPOT, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 9, column 6. It begins with I and ends with T, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
61 Across is PEARL, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 9, column 13. It begins with P and ends with L, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
63 Across is SAN, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 9, column 19. It begins with S and ends with N, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
64 Across is RODDY, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 10, column 1. It begins with R and ends with Y, with 1 vowel among its 5 letters.
66 Across is SEPTIC, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 10, column 7. It begins with S and ends with C, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
68 Across is STOW, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 10, column 15. It begins with S and ends with W, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters. A clue phrased this way asks for the category that the example belongs to.
70 Across is THETORTOISEANDTHEHAIR, a 21-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 11, column 1. It begins with T and ends with R, with 9 vowels among its 21 letters. The question mark signals wordplay, so read the clue as a pun rather than literally.
77 Across is ODEA, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 12, column 4. It begins with O and ends with A, with 3 vowels among its 4 letters.
78 Across is AURORA, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 12, column 10. It begins with A and ends with A, with 4 vowels among its 6 letters.
79 Across is BORNE, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 12, column 17. It begins with B and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
80 Across is CON, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 13, column 1. It begins with C and ends with N, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
83 Across is APRES, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 13, column 5. It begins with A and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
86 Across is PETARD, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 13, column 11. It begins with P and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
88 Across is MIDI, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 13, column 18. It begins with M and ends with I, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
89 Across is APED, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 14, column 1. It begins with A and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
91 Across is RSVPS, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 14, column 6. It begins with R and ends with S, with 0 vowels among its 5 letters.
93 Across is WINDOWPAIN, a 10-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 14, column 12. It begins with W and ends with N, with 4 vowels among its 10 letters. The question mark signals wordplay, so read the clue as a pun rather than literally.
95 Across is BAROLO, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 15, column 1. It begins with B and ends with O, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
97 Across is EATS, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 15, column 8. It begins with E and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
99 Across is NOLTE, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 15, column 13. It begins with N and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
100 Across is LAS, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 15, column 19. It begins with L and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
101 Across is OLDWIVESTAIL, a 12-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 16, column 1. It begins with O and ends with L, with 5 vowels among its 12 letters. The question mark signals wordplay, so read the clue as a pun rather than literally.
104 Across is YELP, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 16, column 15. It begins with Y and ends with P, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
106 Across is ANNEX, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 17, column 3. It begins with A and ends with X, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
107 Across is ERNEST, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 17, column 9. It begins with E and ends with T, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
110 Across is SORDID, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 17, column 16. It begins with S and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
114 Across is NIL, a 3-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 18, column 1. It begins with N and ends with L, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
116 Across is IDID, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 18, column 5. It begins with I and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
118 Across is TUNEUP, a 6-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 18, column 10. It begins with T and ends with P, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
120 Across is SIENA, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 18, column 17. It begins with S and ends with A, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
121 Across is UPENN, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 19, column 1. It begins with U and ends with N, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
123 Across is SAILSDEPARTMENT, a 15-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 19, column 7. It begins with S and ends with T, with 5 vowels among its 15 letters. The question mark signals wordplay, so read the clue as a pun rather than literally.
126 Across is DORAG, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 20, column 1. It begins with D and ends with G, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
127 Across is THREE, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 20, column 7. It begins with T and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters. A clue phrased this way asks for the category that the example belongs to.
128 Across is YALE, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 20, column 13. It begins with Y and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
129 Across is ERIE, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 20, column 18. It begins with E and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 4 letters.
130 Across is ESTES, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 21, column 1. It begins with E and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
131 Across is SLEDS, a 5-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 21, column 7. It begins with S and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 5 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
132 Across is ACED, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 21, column 13. It begins with A and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
133 Across is DEED, a 4-letter entry that runs left to right starting in row 21, column 18. It begins with D and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
Down
1 Down is JAWAS, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 1. It begins with J and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
2 Down is PLANK, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 2. It begins with P and ends with K, with 1 vowel among its 5 letters.
3 Down is OPINE, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 3. It begins with O and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
4 Down is POSITS, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 4. 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.
5 Down is RUM, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 6. It begins with R and ends with M, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
6 Down is ETAL, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 7. It begins with E and ends with L, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
7 Down is PANAM, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 8. It begins with P and ends with M, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
8 Down is SHAVE, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 9. It begins with S and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
9 Down is AGEBIAS, a 7-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 11. It begins with A and ends with S, with 4 vowels among its 7 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
10 Down is DEMOTING, a 8-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 12. It begins with D and ends with G, with 3 vowels among its 8 letters.
11 Down is VEE, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 13. It begins with V and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters. This is a cross-reference clue, so solve the referenced entry first.
12 Down is ISNT, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 14. It begins with I and ends with T, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
13 Down is LETOFF, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 15. It begins with L and ends with F, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
14 Down is PILSNER, a 7-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 17. It begins with P and ends with R, with 2 vowels among its 7 letters.
15 Down is ADO, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 18. It begins with A and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
16 Down is SEAHORSES, a 9-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 19. It begins with S and ends with S, with 4 vowels among its 9 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
17 Down is TATA, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 20. It begins with T and ends with A, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
18 Down is ASHY, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 1, column 21. It begins with A and ends with Y, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
24 Down is TECHIE, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 3, column 5. It begins with T and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 6 letters.
25 Down is GARR, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 3, column 10. It begins with G and ends with R, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
30 Down is PUTFORTH, a 8-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 4, column 16. It begins with P and ends with H, with 2 vowels among its 8 letters.
33 Down is HENRI, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 5, column 6. It begins with H and ends with I, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
35 Down is SNOOP, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 5, column 13. It begins with S and ends with P, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
37 Down is KRIS, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 5, column 18. It begins with K and ends with S, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
39 Down is PAWNSTARS, a 9-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 6, column 7. It begins with P and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 9 letters.
41 Down is OGRE, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 6, column 14. It begins with O and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
42 Down is OKRA, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 6, column 20. It begins with O and ends with A, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
43 Down is RYAN, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 6, column 21. It begins with R and ends with N, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
44 Down is SKIRT, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 7, column 1. It begins with S and ends with T, with 1 vowel among its 5 letters. This is a cross-reference clue, so solve the referenced entry first.
45 Down is RICOH, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 7, column 2. It begins with R and ends with H, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
46 Down is ILEDE, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 7, column 3. It begins with I and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
48 Down is PASEO, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 7, column 8. It begins with P and ends with O, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
49 Down is TIPPI, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 7, column 9. It begins with T and ends with I, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
53 Down is LEDTO, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 8, column 4. It begins with L and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
54 Down is LOTSA, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 8, column 10. It begins with L and ends with A, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
56 Down is DASTARDLY, a 9-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 8, column 15. It begins with D and ends with Y, with 2 vowels among its 9 letters.
60 Down is TIEUP, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 9, column 11. It begins with T and ends with P, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
62 Down is LOEB, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 9, column 17. It begins with L and ends with B, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
65 Down is YODA, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 10, column 5. It begins with Y and ends with A, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
67 Down is CAREW, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 10, column 12. It begins with C and ends with W, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
69 Down is WHOMP, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 10, column 18. It begins with W and ends with P, with 1 vowel among its 5 letters.
71 Down is REPROVED, a 8-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 11, column 6. It begins with R and ends with D, with 3 vowels among its 8 letters.
72 Down is NOTIN, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 11, column 13. It begins with N and ends with N, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
73 Down is DRANO, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 11, column 14. It begins with D and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
74 Down is ARIAL, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 11, column 19. It begins with A and ends with L, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
75 Down is INDIA, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 11, column 20. It begins with I and ends with A, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
76 Down is REINS, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 11, column 21. It begins with R 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.
80 Down is CABO, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 13, column 1. It begins with C and ends with O, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
81 Down is OPAL, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 13, column 2. It begins with O and ends with L, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
82 Down is NERDALERT, a 9-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 13, column 3. It begins with N and ends with T, with 3 vowels among its 9 letters.
84 Down is EVES, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 13, column 8. It begins with E and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
85 Down is SPATE, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 13, column 9. It begins with S and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
87 Down is DOTES, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 13, column 16. It begins with D and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
90 Down is DOWN, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 14, column 4. It begins with D and ends with N, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
92 Down is STARTLED, a 8-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 14, column 10. It begins with S and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 8 letters.
94 Down is WELOST, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 14, column 17. It begins with W and ends with T, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
96 Down is LININGS, a 7-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 15, column 5. It begins with L and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 7 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
98 Down is SINUSES, a 7-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 15, column 11. It begins with S and ends with S, with 3 vowels among its 7 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
102 Down is EXISTS, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 16, column 7. It begins with E and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
103 Down is LEND, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 16, column 12. It begins with L and ends with D, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
105 Down is PRIMED, a 6-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 16, column 18. It begins with P and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 6 letters.
108 Down is SEEYA, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 17, column 13. It begins with S and ends with A, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
109 Down is TUPAC, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 17, column 14. It begins with T and ends with C, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
111 Down is DEERE, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 17, column 19. It begins with D and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
112 Down is INNIE, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 17, column 20. It begins with I and ends with E, with 3 vowels among its 5 letters.
113 Down is DATED, a 5-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 17, column 21. It begins with D and ends with D, with 2 vowels among its 5 letters.
114 Down is NUDE, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 18, column 1. It begins with N and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
115 Down is IPOS, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 18, column 2. It begins with I and ends with S, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters. A plural clue takes a plural answer, which is why the entry ends in S.
117 Down is DAHL, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 18, column 8. It begins with D and ends with L, with 1 vowel among its 4 letters.
119 Down is PALE, a 4-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 18, column 15. It begins with P and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 4 letters.
122 Down is NAE, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 19, column 4. It begins with N and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
124 Down is IRE, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 19, column 9. It begins with I and ends with E, with 2 vowels among its 3 letters.
125 Down is RED, a 3-letter entry that runs top to bottom starting in row 19, column 16. It begins with R and ends with D, with 1 vowel among its 3 letters.
About this puzzle
This Friday grid contains 67 Across and 73 Down entries, with 66 black squares. Friday is the Journal’s contest puzzle, so beyond filling the grid there is a hidden meta answer to deduce from the finished solution.
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.