The Daily Triumph: Your USA Today Crossword Answers for August 15, 2025

There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of conquering a crossword puzzle. For many, it's a cherished daily ritual, a delightful mental workout that sharpens the mind and offers a brief, engaging escape. But let's be honest, even the most seasoned word sleuths encounter a formidable foe now and then.

A cunningly crafted clue, a tricky pun, or an obscure reference can leave you staring blankly at the grid, transforming that joyful challenge into a frustrating deadlock. If you found yourself grappling with a few stubborn squares in today's USA Today crossword, relief is at hand!

Today's puzzle, dated August 15, 2025, presented its own unique blend of wit and wordplay.

While some clues might have felt like a refreshing breeze, others were undoubtedly designed to make you ponder and persist. From contemporary culture nods to geographical trivia and everyday idioms, the USA Today crossword consistently delivers a diverse range of topics, ensuring there's always something fresh to learn or recall.

Whether you're just seeking that one elusive answer to complete your masterpiece, or you've decided to embrace the full solution, we've got you comprehensively covered.

Consider this your trusted companion, guiding you to conquer those remaining clues and finally fill in every last box. Take a deep breath, and let's unlock the secrets of the August 15, 2025, USA Today crossword!

Below, you'll discover the complete list of answers, meticulously organized to help you swiftly pinpoint the solutions you need.

May your puzzling journey be ever satisfying!

Across

1. "The Lion King" lioness (NALA)

5. Not odd (EVEN)

9. Golf course peg (TEE)

12. Place for a scrub (SPA)

13. Light brown horse (BAY)

14. Pastrami sandwich bread (RYE)

15. First things first, in brief (ABC)

16.

__ and crossbones (SKULL)

18. Type of current (AC)

19. Famous painter, e.g. (ARTIST)

20. Give a speech (ORATE)

22. Some birds of prey (EAGLES)

26. Computer accessory (MOUSE)

28. Long-eared animal (ASS)

29. "Are you __ sure?" (REALLY)

30. Musical pace (TEMPO)

32.

Place for a watch (WRIST)

34. Group of actors (CAST)

35. Small fish, often in a school (MINNOW)

37. Not quite (ALMOST)

39. Part of a wheel (SPOKE)

40. Group of notes (CHORD)

42. Farm building (BARN)

44. Be unwell (AIL)

45. "The Simpsons" bartender (MOE)

46.

Winter sport equipment (SKI)

47. Pig's home (STY)

48. Small drink (SIP)

49. Not fake (REAL)

Down

1. Not well (ILL)

2. "Just __ It" (Nike slogan) (DOIT)

3. Large land mass (ASIA)

4. Frozen treat (POPSICLE)

5. Mythical beast (ELF)

6. Actor Gosling (RYAN)

7.

Not here (GONE)

8. Tiny amount (SMIDGE)

10. Part of a flower (PETAL)

11. Go on a bender (SPREE)

17. Small amount (DAB)

21. Piece of paper (SHEET)

23. Very long time (AEON)

24. Part of a window (PANE)

25. Musical show (OPERA)

27. Farm animal sound (OINK)

31.

Take a break (PAUSE)

33. Move slowly (CRAWL)

36. Curved path (ARC)

38. Single entity (ONE)

41. "Ready, __, go!" (SET)

43. Golf course area (TEE)

46. Place to swim (SEA)