Newsday.Answers
Daily Newsday Crossword

“Hard smacks”

The verified answer to the Newsday Crossword clue “Hard smacks”, with letter-by-letter analysis and the full puzzle context for the Thursday, February 5, 2026 puzzle.

Published · Down · 5 letters

Hints first

Letters 5
First letter S
Last letter S
S ? ? ? S

A 5-letter down entry from the Thursday puzzle

The Answer

S W A T S

The answer to “Hard smacks” is SWATS

Letters 5
Direction Down
Published Feb 5, 2026

Letter analysis: the 5-letter answer

Vowels, consonants, and crossword construction notes
Unique 4 of 5 positions
Vowels 1 20% of word
Consonants 4 non-vowels
First letter S starts with

The clue “Hard smacks” appeared in the Newsday Crossword on Thursday, February 5, 2026 as a down entry. The verified answer is SWATS — a 5-letter word that begins with S and ends with S.

This answer contains 1 vowel and 4 consonants. The Newsday Crossword is published daily by Newsday on Long Island and edited by Stan Newman, whose Saturday Stumper is widely considered one of the toughest mainstream crosswords in print.

Other clues with the answer SWATS

SWATS has been used as the answer for these Newsday Crossword clues
“Sharp blows” Dec 28, 2025

More clues from the February 5, 2026 puzzle

Thursday Newsday Crossword
View full puzzle
Keyed up 4 ℓ · D Tooth's pointed tip 4 ℓ · D Afternoon receptions 4 ℓ · D Hit the jackpot 6 ℓ · D Actress in four Brooks films 4 ℓ · D Just darling 4 ℓ · A Major seller of sofas 4 ℓ · A Soak (up) 3 ℓ · D As a backup 6 ℓ · D Lamb tenders 4 ℓ · A Isn't flawless 4 ℓ · D Saber cousin 4 ℓ · D Logo seen at Ashe Stadium 4 ℓ · D GE cofounder 6 ℓ · D Prefix like atmo- 3 ℓ · D Pester 6 ℓ · D Spiritual leader 6 ℓ · D "I wish!" 6 ℓ · D Players without a wind 15 ℓ · A Actress Drescher 4 ℓ · A

Frequently asked questions about “Hard smacks”

What is the answer to “Hard smacks” in the Newsday Crossword?

The verified answer is SWATS — a 5-letter word that appeared as a down entry on Thursday, February 5, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Hard smacks”?

The answer SWATS contains 5 letters.

Was “Hard smacks” an across or down clue?

This clue ran as a Down entry.

Is this site affiliated with Newsday?

No. This is an independent fan reference site — we are not affiliated with Newsday. The Newsday Crossword is a trademark of its respective owner. We solve and verify each Newsday Crossword puzzle manually before publishing the answer key.

Hard smacks — Newsday Crossword Clue Answer | Newsday Crossword Answers