Atlantic Crossword

What is The Atlantic?

The Atlantic is a big American magazine and multi-platform publisher of news, commentary, and long-form journalism. Founded in 1857 in Boston, Massachusetts it’s become one of the leading voices in American intellectual and literary life. It covers politics, foreign affairs, economics, culture, technology, and the arts.

Today The Atlantic has both print and digital editions, with new issues out every month. Its website has daily updates with news analysis, opinion pieces, and in-depth reporting. It’s known for its great writing and often features pieces from big-name authors, journalists, and public figures.

The Atlantic’s editorial approach is long-form journalism, allowing for deep dives into complex issues. It's known for its liberal-leaning perspective but strives to present diverse viewpoints and engage in nuanced discussions of contemporary issues. The publication has won numerous awards for its reporting and has been at the forefront of covering major societal shifts and historical events.

In recent years, The Atlantic has expanded its digital presence, offering podcasts, video content, and interactive features. It has also adapted to changing media landscapes by hosting live events and conferences, further extending its reach and influence. The magazine's commitment to in-depth analysis is evident in its coverage of topics ranging from political upheavals to cultural phenomena.

For instance, recent issues have explored themes such as the impact of artificial intelligence, the challenges to democracy, climate change, and societal transformations in the wake of global events.

What is the Atlantic Crossword?

The Atlantic Crossword is a daily online puzzle from The Atlantic, launched in October 2018. Created by constructor Caleb Madison, it’s for the modern solver, especially the smartphone solver.

The crossword puzzles gets progressively harder throughout the week. Mondays are smaller and easier, Tuesdays get a bit bigger and harder, and so on. By Sunday, you get the biggest and hardest puzzle of the week. So whether you’re a beginner or an old hand, you can enjoy and get better over time.

One of the features of The Atlantic Crossword is its size. Unlike traditional newspaper crosswords which can be huge, The Atlantic’s crossword is more compact, perfect for quick solving during breaks or commutes. Despite its smaller size, the puzzle has the same level of wordplay and clever cluing that crossworders expect.

The Atlantic’s decision to launch a daily crossword is a continuation of a long tradition of word games in the magazine. It goes back to the founders’ promise in 1857 to provide readers with “a healthy appetite of the mind for entertainment in its various forms.” This daily crossword is the digital version of that promise, entertainment and intellectual stimulation in one.

Free to access on The Atlantic’s website, the puzzle has quickly become a favorite among readers. It offers a brief yet engaging mental challenge, testing vocabulary and lateral thinking. Additionally, the digital format allows for an archive of previous puzzles, giving solvers the chance to revisit past challenges or catch up on any missed ones.

Psychology Behind Crosswords

Crosswords work with multiple parts of the brain and are good for memory. Research recently published in NEJM Evidence found that doing crosswords regularly can slow down cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment. They stimulate different parts of the brain, make new connections, and strengthen existing ones. That’s because they require pattern recognition, vocabulary recall, and problem-solving skills which are mental stimulation and cognitive engagement.

Crosswords also have stress reduction benefits which can impact overall brain health. Solving with others can further boost cognitive benefits by connecting different parts of the brain. More research is needed to see long-term effects but crosswords seem to be a good tool for maintaining cognitive function, especially in older adults or those at risk of cognitive decline.

Other publications to try

Crosswords have become a daily habit for many of us, a mental challenge and entertainment. There are many different takes on this classic word game out there for all skill levels and tastes. Here are some to try:

The Newsday Crossword, edited by Stan Newman, follows a progressive difficulty pattern throughout the week. Monday puzzles start relatively easy, gradually increasing in complexity until Saturday's notoriously challenging "Saturday Stumper." Sunday crosswords offer a medium difficulty level, balancing challenge and accessibility for solvers of various skill levels.

The Universal Crossword, syndicated by Andrews McMeel Universal, has clever themes and broad appeal. Edited by David Steinberg since 2018, it has modern references and pop culture for both experienced cruciverbalists and newbies. It’s available in print and digital, including a Sunday edition.

The NYT Mini Crossword, a mini version of the classic NYT puzzle, has become super popular. Designed to be solved in minutes, it’s a daily brain teaser for busy lives. Despite its small size, it has the same high-quality crossword clues and overall quality as the NYT.

The LA Times Crossword is a more gentle alternative to some of the others. Online, in PDF and through various apps, it has different levels of difficulty throughout the week. Straightforward clues and modern references make it a great choice for newbies and old hands.