NYT Crossword Down September 21, 2025: All 71 Vertical Answers & Strategic Tips
Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 71 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!
Related Puzzles: NYT Crossword Answers Hints July 18 | September 22 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers August 28 |
About Today's Down Clues
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | September 21, 2025 |
| Day of Week | Sunday |
| Total Down Clues | 71 clues |
| Direction | Vertical (Top to Bottom) |
| Difficulty | Medium |
All Down Clues - Complete List
Here are all 71 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.
| Number | Clue |
|---|---|
| 1 Down | 1. Holiest locales in synagogues, traditionally |
| 2 Down | 2. Applications of polish |
| 3 Down | 3. Tik-Tok in the Oz books, for one |
| 4 Down | 4. Models after |
| 5 Down | 5. 1995 Sandra Bullock cyberthriller |
| 6 Down | 6. "V for Vendetta" actor Stephen |
| 7 Down | 7. Uninvited guest |
| 8 Down | 8. Doings before surgery, informally |
| 9 Down | 9. Dubbed ones |
| 10 Down | 10. They might be glowing |
| 11 Down | 11. Astrological lion |
| 12 Down | 12. Filing services? |
| 13 Down | 13. Programs hosted by SoundCloud |
| 14 Down | 14. Happy hour perch |
| 15 Down | 15. Make a big step, perhaps |
| 16 Down | 16. Rabbi's reading |
| 17 Down | 18. Regular at a park with half-pipes, informally |
| 18 Down | 21. Breaded, fried Japanese pork cutlet |
| 19 Down | 24. Big successes |
| 20 Down | 29. Victor's cry |
| 21 Down | 31. Creative pursuit |
| 22 Down | 33. Oscar-winning Ariana of "West Side Story" |
| 23 Down | 35. December drink |
| 24 Down | 37. Gone missing |
| 25 Down | 38. Assist illegally |
| 26 Down | 39. 1958 romantic comedy that won Best Picture |
| 27 Down | 40. "I made it big time!" |
| 28 Down | 42. Many a skin-care product |
| 29 Down | 45. Hip |
| 30 Down | 46. Black, in verse |
| 31 Down | 47. St. Andrews resident |
| 32 Down | 49. Esoteric knowledge |
| 33 Down | 50. Roald who wrote "Matilda" |
| 34 Down | 51. "… actually, let's go to plan B" |
| 35 Down | 52. Members of the mongoose family |
| 36 Down | 54. Jazz composer Garner |
| 37 Down | 56. Swipe |
| 38 Down | 57. Go after, as mosquitoes |
| 39 Down | 60. Graham Greene's "___ Man in Havana" |
| 40 Down | 61. One way to sell stock |
| 41 Down | 64. Public health agcy. |
| 42 Down | 67. Bank acct. entry |
| 43 Down | 68. Several CBS dramas |
| 44 Down | 69. United Way and UNICEF, in brief |
| 45 Down | 70. ___-chic (dressing style) |
| 46 Down | 71. It incited a famous 18th-century "party" |
| 47 Down | 73. Cleaned up, in a way |
| 48 Down | 74. To be, in Nice |
| 49 Down | 75. Dozes (off) |
| 50 Down | 78. Ambush |
| 51 Down | 79. Neighbor of Lux. |
| 52 Down | 83. Gannett-owned newspaper |
| 53 Down | 86. "Here's the thing ..." |
| 54 Down | 87. Campground gathering spots |
| 55 Down | 89. Worked hard (for) |
| 56 Down | 90. Farm enclosures |
| 57 Down | 91. Jeans |
| 58 Down | 93. ___ Talks |
| 59 Down | 94. Intense, as an argument |
| 60 Down | 96. Music protector, of a sort |
| 61 Down | 97. Slope |
| 62 Down | 98. Guy |
| 63 Down | 99. What the "dalai" of "Dalai Lama" translates to |
| 64 Down | 100. Broken piece of pottery |
| 65 Down | 101. Insurer with a green mascot |
| 66 Down | 102. Justice Sotomayor |
| 67 Down | 103. Seeking justice, in a way |
| 68 Down | 106. Leave tire marks, say |
| 69 Down | 108. Expressions of disapproval |
| 70 Down | 111. B.S. part: Abbr. |
| 71 Down | 113. Barbie's beau |
Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues
Need help? Here are comprehensive hints and answers for each Down clue. Also check these helpful guides:
- November 19 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
- October 30 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
- September 22 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
- Xwordhint Crossword Answers August 28
Complete Down Solutions:
1 Down: "1. Holiest locales in synagogues, traditionally"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: A__S
- Similar words: ark, Ark
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 1
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ARKS
2 Down: "2. Applications of polish"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: C___S
- Similar words: cake, coat
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 2
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
COATS
3 Down: "3. Tik-Tok in the Oz books, for one"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'R' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: R___T
- Similar words: golem, automaton
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a mechanism that can move automatically
- This is Down clue number 3
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ROBOT
4 Down: "4. Models after"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: E______S
- Similar words: emulate
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: strive to equal or match
- This is Down clue number 4
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
EMULATES
5 Down: "5. 1995 Sandra Bullock cyberthriller"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: T____T
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 5
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
THENET
6 Down: "6. "V for Vendetta" actor Stephen"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'R' and ends with 'A'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 6
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
REA
7 Down: "7. Uninvited guest"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'I' and ends with 'R'
- Word pattern: I______R
- Similar words: interloper, trespasser
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 7
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
INTRUDER
8 Down: "8. Doings before surgery, informally"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'P' and ends with 'P'
- Word pattern: P___P
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 8
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
PREOP
9 Down: "9. Dubbed ones"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: S__S
- Similar words: sir, Sir
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: term of address for a man
- This is Down clue number 9
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SIRS
10 Down: "10. They might be glowing"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: E____S
- Similar words: ember, coal
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 10
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
EMBERS
11 Down: "11. Astrological lion"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'L' and ends with 'O'
- Similar words: Leo the Lion, Lion
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in Leo
- This is Down clue number 11
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
LEO
12 Down: "12. Filing services?"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: M_______S
- Similar words: manicure
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: professional care for the hands and fingernails
- This is Down clue number 12
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
MANICURES
13 Down: "13. Programs hosted by SoundCloud"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: P______S
- Similar words: podcast
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 13
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
PODCASTS
14 Down: "14. Happy hour perch"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'L'
- Word pattern: S___L
- Similar words: feces, dejection
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a simple seat without a back or arms
- This is Down clue number 14
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
STOOL
15 Down: "15. Make a big step, perhaps"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'P'
- Word pattern: S___P
- Similar words: stamp, stump
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a dance involving a rhythmical stamping step
- This is Down clue number 15
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
STOMP
16 Down: "16. Rabbi's reading"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'H'
- Word pattern: T___H
- Similar words: Laws, Pentateuch
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 16
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TORAH
17 Down: "18. Regular at a park with half-pipes, informally"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: S______T
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 17
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SKATERAT
18 Down: "21. Breaded, fried Japanese pork cutlet"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'U'
- Word pattern: T______U
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 18
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TONKATSU
19 Down: "24. Big successes"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'H' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: H__S
- Similar words: arrive at, slay
- Opposite of: miss
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 19
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
HITS
20 Down: "29. Victor's cry"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'I' and ends with 'N'
- Word pattern: I__N
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 20
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
IWIN
21 Down: "31. Creative pursuit"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
- Similar words: artwork, prowess
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: the products of human creativity; works of art collectively
- This is Down clue number 21
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ART
22 Down: "33. Oscar-winning Ariana of "West Side Story""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: D____E
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 22
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
DEBOSE
23 Down: "35. December drink"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'G'
- Word pattern: E____G
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 23
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
EGGNOG
24 Down: "37. Gone missing"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 11 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'D' and ends with 'D'
- Word pattern: D_________D
- Similar words: vanish, disappear
- Opposite of: appear
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: get lost
- This is Down clue number 24
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
DISAPPEARED
25 Down: "38. Assist illegally"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: A__T
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: assist or encourage
- This is Down clue number 25
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ABET
26 Down: "39. 1958 romantic comedy that won Best Picture"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'G' and ends with 'I'
- Word pattern: G__I
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 26
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
GIGI
27 Down: "40. "I made it big time!""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 11 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'L' and ends with 'W'
- Word pattern: L_________W
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 27
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
LOOKATMENOW
28 Down: "42. Many a skin-care product"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'G' and ends with 'L'
- Similar words: mousse, gelatin
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a colloid in a more solid form than a sol
- This is Down clue number 28
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
GEL
29 Down: "45. Hip"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'I' and ends with 'N'
- Word pattern: I_______N
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 29
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
INFASHION
30 Down: "46. Black, in verse"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
- Word pattern: E__N
- Similar words: ebony
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: of a very dark black
- This is Down clue number 30
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
EBON
31 Down: "47. St. Andrews resident"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: S__T
- Similar words: Scotchman, Scotsman
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a native or inhabitant of Scotland
- This is Down clue number 31
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SCOT
32 Down: "49. Esoteric knowledge"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
- Word pattern: A____A
- Similar words: secret, arcanum
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: information known only to a special group
- This is Down clue number 32
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ARCANA
33 Down: "50. Roald who wrote "Matilda""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'D' and ends with 'L'
- Word pattern: D__L
- Similar words: red gram, dhal
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 33
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
DAHL
34 Down: "51. "… actually, let's go to plan B""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'O' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: O___T
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 34
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ORNOT
35 Down: "52. Members of the mongoose family"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: M______S
- Similar words: mierkat, meerkat
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 35
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
MEERKATS
36 Down: "54. Jazz composer Garner"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'L'
- Word pattern: E____L
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 36
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ERROLL
37 Down: "56. Swipe"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'C' and ends with 'P'
- Similar words: fuzz, pick up
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
- This is Down clue number 37
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
COP
38 Down: "57. Go after, as mosquitoes"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: S____T
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 38
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SWATAT
39 Down: "60. Graham Greene's "___ Man in Havana""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'O' and ends with 'R'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 39
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
OUR
40 Down: "61. One way to sell stock"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: S___T
- Similar words: shortstop, little
- Opposite of: retentive
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 40
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SHORT
41 Down: "64. Public health agcy."
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'C' and ends with 'C'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 41
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
CDC
42 Down: "67. Bank acct. entry"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'I' and ends with 'T'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 42
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
INT
43 Down: "68. Several CBS dramas"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: C__S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 43
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
CSIS
44 Down: "69. United Way and UNICEF, in brief"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: O__S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 44
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ORGS
45 Down: "70. ___-chic (dressing style)"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'B' and ends with 'O'
- Word pattern: B__O
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 45
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
BOHO
46 Down: "71. It incited a famous 18th-century "party""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: T____T
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 46
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TEAACT
47 Down: "73. Cleaned up, in a way"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'D'
- Word pattern: E____D
- Similar words: cut, redact
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: prepare for publication or presentation by correcting
- This is Down clue number 47
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
EDITED
48 Down: "74. To be, in Nice"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: E__E
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 48
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ETRE
49 Down: "75. Dozes (off)"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'N' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: N__S
- Similar words: nod
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a sign of assent or salutation or command
- This is Down clue number 49
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
NODS
50 Down: "78. Ambush"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 11 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'K'
- Word pattern: S_________K
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 50
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SNEAKATTACK
51 Down: "79. Neighbor of Lux."
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'G' and ends with 'R'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 51
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
GER
52 Down: "83. Gannett-owned newspaper"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'U' and ends with 'Y'
- Word pattern: U______Y
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 52
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
USATODAY
53 Down: "86. "Here's the thing ...""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
- Word pattern: S______N
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 53
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SOLISTEN
54 Down: "87. Campground gathering spots"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'F' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: F______S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 54
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
FIREPITS
55 Down: "89. Worked hard (for)"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: S____E
- Similar words: reach, endeavor
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: attempt by employing effort
- This is Down clue number 55
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
STROVE
56 Down: "90. Farm enclosures"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: P__S
- Similar words: compose, pen
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
- This is Down clue number 56
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
PENS
57 Down: "91. Jeans"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: D____S
- Similar words: blue jean, denim
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 57
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
DENIMS
58 Down: "93. ___ Talks"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'D'
- Similar words: Teddy boy
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 58
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TED
59 Down: "94. Intense, as an argument"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'H' and ends with 'D'
- Word pattern: H____D
- Similar words: hot up, het up
- Opposite of: cool
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: make hot or hotter
- This is Down clue number 59
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
HEATED
60 Down: "96. Music protector, of a sort"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: C____E
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 60
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
CDCASE
61 Down: "97. Slope"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: T__T
- Similar words: lean, rock
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 61
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TILT
62 Down: "98. Guy"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'F' and ends with 'A'
- Word pattern: F___A
- Similar words: fellow, blighter
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a boy or man
- This is Down clue number 62
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
FELLA
63 Down: "99. What the "dalai" of "Dalai Lama" translates to"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'O' and ends with 'N'
- Word pattern: O___N
- Similar words: sea
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 63
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
OCEAN
64 Down: "100. Broken piece of pottery"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
- Word pattern: S___D
- Similar words: sherd, fragment
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a broken piece of a brittle artifact
- This is Down clue number 64
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SHARD
65 Down: "101. Insurer with a green mascot"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'G' and ends with 'O'
- Word pattern: G___O
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 65
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
GEICO
66 Down: "102. Justice Sotomayor"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
- Word pattern: S___A
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 66
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SONIA
67 Down: "103. Seeking justice, in a way"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'G'
- Word pattern: S___G
- Similar words: litigate, sue
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
- This is Down clue number 67
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SUING
68 Down: "106. Leave tire marks, say"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
- Word pattern: S__D
- Similar words: brake shoe, slew
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 68
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SKID
69 Down: "108. Expressions of disapproval"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: T__S
- Similar words: tut-tut, tut
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: utter `tsk
- This is Down clue number 69
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TSKS
70 Down: "111. B.S. part: Abbr."
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'I'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 70
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SCI
71 Down: "113. Barbie's beau"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'K' and ends with 'N'
- Similar words: sight, cognizance
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: range of what one can know or understand
- This is Down clue number 71
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
KEN
Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues
Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:
Why Start with Down Clues?
- Down clues often reveal key letters for intersecting words
- Vertical patterns can unlock difficult sections
- Many prefixes and suffixes run vertically
- Down answers often help solve Across clues
Down Clue Patterns to Recognize
- Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Down entries
- Prefixes and suffixes: Common word parts often run vertically
- Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
- Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Down
- Pop culture references: Names and titles often appear vertically
Time-Saving Down Techniques
| Technique | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Scan all Down first | Get a mental map of the vertical flow |
| Fill short Down words | 3-4 letter words are often prefixes or connectors |
| Use crossing letters | Across letters help confirm Down answers |
| Look for themes | Related Down answers often share a theme |
Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues
What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?
Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.
Should I solve Down or Across clues first?
Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.
How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?
Today's NYT crossword has 71 Down clues.
Are Down clues easier than Across clues?
Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Down clues often contain helpful prefixes, suffixes, and word parts that can be easier to guess.
How do Down clues interact with Across clues?
Down and Across clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.
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