| 100% | PGA | 3 | Golf initialism that might precede the word "tour" |
| 83% | PGA | 3 | Golf initialism that might proceed the word "tour" |
| 56% | POT | 3 | Word that may precede the beginning of 17-, 26-, 42- or 56-Across |
| 55% | STAR | 4 | Word that might precede Trek or Wars at the movies |
| 53% | FIRST | 5 | Word that may precede the initial parts of 17- and 62-Across and 9- and 33-Down |
| 53% | HAND | 4 | Word that may precede the first parts of 17-, 37- and 61-Across and 11- and 28-Down |
| 53% | GETA | 4 | Words that may precede the first words of 18-, 40- and 62-Across and 3- and 32-Down |
| 51% | MUMS | 4 | What may precede the word |
| 47% | UNTO | 4 | Word that may precede itself |
| 47% | BAH | 3 | Word that may precede "humbug" |
| 47% | ALAS | 4 | Word that may precede sad news |
| 47% | CIRCA | 5 | Word that may precede a date |
| 47% | HERESTHETHING | 13 | Words that may precede an explanation |
| 46% | IDONTLIKETOBRAG | 15 | Words that might precede a boast, ironically |
| 46% | BADDOG | 6 | Words that might precede "Out, darned Spot!"? |
| 46% | ITSAGIFT | 8 | Words that might precede ". . . and a curse" |
| 46% | ORAL | 4 | Word that may precede "history" or "hygiene" |
| 46% | HIGH | 4 | Word that may precede "chair" or "-rise" |
| 46% | ORAL | 4 | Word that may precede "tradition" or "surgeon" |
| 46% | SUCH | 4 | Word that may precede or follow "as" |
| 46% | NEE | 3 | Word that may precede a maiden name |
| 45% | PRETTYPLEASE | 12 | Words that might precede "with a cherry on top" |
| 45% | FIE | 3 | Word that may precede "thou pribbling, hasty-witted moldwarp!" |
| 44% | MADE | 4 | Word that may precede "with love" or "for each other" |
| 44% | EDIT | 4 | Word that may precede an update to a Reddit post |
| 44% | ICANSO | 6 | Words that might elicit the response "Prove it!" |
| 44% | DIAMOND | 7 | Gem that may precede the first parts of 16- and 62-Across and 10- and 24-Down |
| 44% | NEE | 3 | Word that may precede a maiden name in a news article |
| 44% | NEE | 3 | Word that may precede a maiden name in a marriage announcement |
| 43% | BUT | 3 | Word that might undermine the sincerity of an apology |