UNIVERSAL CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1 Pepper quantity 5 Adjoin 9 Boston airport 14 Despicable 15 Japanese soup base 16 Came to light 17 Carpentry teacher, at times? 20 Worked for the 40-Across, maybe 21 Removes, as aticket stub 22 Flat-faced dog breed 23 Home of Arizona State University 24 Hold back, as the tide 26 Sales rep who visits metal shops? 31 Word after “lily” or “landing” 32 “Better Call ___” (AMC series) 33 Freddie Mercury or Bruno Mars, vocally 34 Autobiographical website heading 36 Cajole 38 “The March King” 39 Slapstick desserts 40 MI6’s U.S. counterpart 41 Engine work mentor? 44 Hair metal singer Michaels 45 Smooth-talking 46 Sweetie 47 Cork beverage? 51 Stranger, slangily 53 Artificial intelligence branch ... or what 17-, 26- and 41-Across impart? 56 Thoroughly enjoyed 57 Building’s accessibility feature 58 Jazz singer James 59 Rendezvouses with 60 Lend, as five bucks 61 Invitation request

DOWN

1 Format between VHS and Blu-ray 2 Unloads, as grievances 3 Snuck away 4 Balloon filler 5 Surrounded by 6 Compost container 7 Industrial co. based in Pittsburgh 8 Objects of spiritual importance 9 Esteemed award winners 10 Hobbit foes 11 Like a frequently chosen option 12 Since 13 Soft ball brand 18 Flight segment 19 Knocks, as a raven might 23 Opposite of false 24 Involuntary movement 25 Simply not done 26 “The Office” receptionist 27 “Golly!” 28 When they roll, it’s time to leave 29 “Honest!” 30 Halloween choice 32 The Enterprise and others 35 Troop entertainment grp. 36 Candle cord 37 “That’s mildly funny” 39 Talladega warmup circuit 42 Wu-Tang ___ 43 Edmonton team 44 Sign towed by a plane 46 “A guy walks into a ___ ...” 47 Mosque leader 48 Give a 10 out of 10, maybe 49 Slushy drink brand 50 Closed 51 Mesmerized 52 “As seen ___” 54 Angsty music genre 55 Mountain pass