USA Today Up & Down Words September 22, 2026 Answers

Tuesday puzzle · 7 chained answers · Tap a clue to reveal its answer

Nora Whitfield Crossword Editor · Verified answers

1Be the leadoff hitterAnswer #1 · 8 letters · two-word phraseView Answers

2Director's initial shotAnswer #2 · 9 letters · two-word phraseView Answers

3Respond decisivelyAnswer #3 · 10 letters · two-word phraseView Answers

4Type of thrillerAnswer #4 · 11 letters · two-word phraseView Answers

5A staged car crash, e.g.Answer #5 · 10 letters · two-word phraseView Answers

6Actor's fill-inAnswer #6 · 11 letters · two-word phraseView Answers

7Collapse in painAnswer #7 · 10 letters · two-word phraseView Answers

About this puzzle

This page lists the complete answer chain for the USA Today Up & Down Words published on September 22, 2026, a Tuesday. Each answer is a two-word phrase, and the second word of every answer becomes the first word of the next one down — forming a continuous chain from top to bottom. Tap View Answers next to any clue to open its solution page. This puzzle was created by David L. Hoyt.

Looking for a different day? Head to the full archive. Answers reviewed and verified by Nora Whitfield, Crossword Editor.

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