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Sunday, December 28, 2025

Sunday NYT Down Solutions December 28, 2025 - Every Vertical Clue Decoded with Hints

Sunday's NYT Down Dec 28 - Full Vertical Grid Solutions

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: January 22 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | April 08 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | July 06 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 28, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Sunday, December 28, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 28, 2025
Day of Week Sunday
Total Down Clues 71 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Tricky

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 71 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Playground area, often
2 Down 2. Fearsome felines
3 Down 3. Plus
4 Down 4. "One of These Nights" band
5 Down 5. Makeshift tip collector
6 Down 6. Epitome of graceful beauty
7 Down 7. Arnaz of "I Love Lucy"
8 Down 8. Certain stock holder
9 Down 9. Came about
10 Down 10. Kylo ___ of "Star Wars"
11 Down 11. Gig of a lifetime
12 Down 12. Advanced
13 Down 13. Guitar, slangily
14 Down 14. Front-of-the-line credential
15 Down 15. Cousin of a mink
16 Down 16. Cheep trills?
17 Down 17. Dodger's comeuppance
18 Down 18. Indoor recess locale
19 Down 24. Super-excited, in slang
20 Down 26. One "T" of TNT
21 Down 30. Least hale
22 Down 33. Foxx of 1970s TV
23 Down 35. Judge pro ___
24 Down 36. Piano pupil's practice piece
25 Down 37. Short boxers, e.g.
26 Down 39. How some medicines are taken
27 Down 40. Apt name for a distance runner?
28 Down 42. Oldsmobile Cutlass model
29 Down 44. Like 45-Down's flaw
30 Down 45. Mythical figure undone by hubris
31 Down 46. Prima ballerina
32 Down 48. Uses an alternate account to play against easier opponents, in gamer-speak
33 Down 49. Police weapon
34 Down 52. Transition points
35 Down 56. Blue Ribbon brand
36 Down 57. Ice cream parlor offerings
37 Down 59. Borscht base
38 Down 61. Classic theater name
39 Down 63. Struggles with sibilant sounds
40 Down 65. Law, but not order
41 Down 66. Hints
42 Down 68. Word with record or union
43 Down 69. World capital near the Andean foothills
44 Down 70. Give a twist
45 Down 71. Downright mean
46 Down 73. Bit of wisdom
47 Down 74. Founder of the Mughal Empire
48 Down 77. String-plucking sound
49 Down 79. Sources in etymology
50 Down 80. Prone
51 Down 81. Some summers, in brief
52 Down 82. Black-and-white desserts
53 Down 83. Université with a Pierre and Marie Curie campus
54 Down 85. Shell filling stations
55 Down 87. Basic programming command
56 Down 89. Chicken pieces
57 Down 90. Part of AT&T: Abbr.
58 Down 92. Ballet or bourrée, in Bourgogne
59 Down 97. Do a diner job
60 Down 98. Gathering of moles
61 Down 100. Setting for Cole Porter's "Anything Goes"
62 Down 102. Continued interminably
63 Down 103. Discus throw at the Olympics, e.g.
64 Down 105. Buzzing nuisance
65 Down 107. Glitzy fabric
66 Down 108. Like some cheese
67 Down 110. "Gotcha"
68 Down 111. Blue-necked bird
69 Down 112. "___ Believer"
70 Down 114. Flock formation
71 Down 115. Blue-winged bird

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:

Complete Down Solutions:


1 Down: "1. Playground area, often"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: P__K
  • Similar words: car park, commons
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PARK


2 Down: "2. Fearsome felines"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L___S
  • Similar words: Leo the Lion, Leo
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LIONS


3 Down: "3. Plus"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A___T
  • Similar words: plus
  • Opposite of: liability
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a useful or valuable quality
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASSET


4 Down: "4. "One of These Nights" band"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T_______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THEEAGLES


5 Down: "5. Makeshift tip collector"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: chapeau, lid
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HAT


6 Down: "6. Epitome of graceful beauty"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: S__N
  • Similar words: ramble, roll
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SWAN


7 Down: "7. Arnaz of "I Love Lucy""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: D__I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DESI


8 Down: "8. Certain stock holder"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: C_______N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CATTLEPEN


9 Down: "9. Came about"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A___E
  • Similar words: develop, bob up
  • Opposite of: go to bed
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: come into existence; take on form or shape
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AROSE


10 Down: "10. Kylo ___ of "Star Wars""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REN


11 Down: "11. Gig of a lifetime"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: D______B
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DREAMJOB


12 Down: "12. Advanced"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: L__T
  • Similar words: loan, add
  • Opposite of: borrow
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LENT


13 Down: "13. Guitar, slangily"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: ax
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AXE


14 Down: "14. Front-of-the-line credential"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: V_____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VIPPASS


15 Down: "15. Cousin of a mink"

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
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the ermine in its brown summer coat with black-tipped tail
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STOAT


16 Down: "16. Cheep trills?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T______S
  • Similar words: chitter, chirrup
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a series of chirps
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TWITTERS


17 Down: "17. Dodger's comeuppance"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: I______T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IRSAUDIT


18 Down: "18. Indoor recess locale"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'M'
  • Similar words: gymnasium
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: athletic facility equipped for sports or physical training
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GYM


19 Down: "24. Super-excited, in slang"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 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 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TURNT


20 Down: "26. One "T" of TNT"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'I'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TRI


21 Down: "30. Least hale"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: F______T
  • Similar words: weakly, rickety
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FEEBLEST


22 Down: "33. Foxx of 1970s TV"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: R__D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REDD


23 Down: "35. Judge pro ___"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'M'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TEM


24 Down: "36. Piano pupil's practice piece"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 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 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ETUDE


25 Down: "37. Short boxers, e.g."

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: whelp, puppy
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: young of any of various canines such as a dog or wolf
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PUPS


26 Down: "39. How some medicines are taken"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: O____Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ORALLY


27 Down: "40. Apt name for a distance runner?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M___S
  • Similar words: mil, Admiralty mile
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a unit of length equal to 1
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MILES


28 Down: "42. Oldsmobile Cutlass model"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: C___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CIERA


29 Down: "44. Like 45-Down's flaw"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: F___L
  • Similar words: disastrous, calamitous
  • Opposite of: nonfatal
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: bringing death
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FATAL


30 Down: "45. Mythical figure undone by hubris"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ICARUS


31 Down: "46. Prima ballerina"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 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 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ETOILE


32 Down: "48. Uses an alternate account to play against easier opponents, in gamer-speak"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SMURFS


33 Down: "49. Police weapon"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: T___R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TASER


34 Down: "52. Transition points"

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: leaflet, cusp
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CUSPS


35 Down: "56. Blue Ribbon brand"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: P___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PABST


36 Down: "57. Ice cream parlor offerings"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M___S
  • Similar words: malted, malt
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a milkshake made with malt powder
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MALTS


37 Down: "59. Borscht base"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B___S
  • Similar words: Beta vulgaris, beet
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BEETS


38 Down: "61. Classic theater name"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P____E
  • Similar words: castle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a large and stately mansion
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PALACE


39 Down: "63. Struggles with sibilant sounds"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L___S
  • Similar words: LISP, lisp
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LISPS


40 Down: "65. Law, but not order"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: C____R
  • Similar words: life history, vocation
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the particular occupation for which you are trained
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CAREER


41 Down: "66. Hints"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T____S
  • Similar words: speck, jot
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a slight but appreciable amount
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TINGES


42 Down: "68. Word with record or union"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: L___L
  • Similar words: judge, tag
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a brief description given for purposes of identification
  • This is Down clue number 42

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LABEL


43 Down: "69. World capital near the Andean foothills"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: S______O
  • Similar words: Gran Santiago
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: city in the northern Dominican Republic
  • This is Down clue number 43

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SANTIAGO


44 Down: "70. Give a twist"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R____E
  • Similar words: go around, turn out
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: turn on or around an axis or a center
  • This is Down clue number 44

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROTATE


45 Down: "71. Downright mean"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: N___Y
  • Similar words: filthy, cruddy
  • Opposite of: nice
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 45

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NASTY


46 Down: "73. Bit of wisdom"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: P___L
  • Similar words: ivory, bone
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 46

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PEARL


47 Down: "74. Founder of the Mughal Empire"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: B___R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 47

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BABUR


48 Down: "77. String-plucking sound"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: T___G
  • Similar words: nasal twang
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a sharp vibrating sound (as of a plucked string)
  • This is Down clue number 48

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TWANG


49 Down: "79. Sources in etymology"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R_______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 49

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROOTWORDS


50 Down: "80. Prone"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P_______E
  • Similar words: bow down, flat
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: get into a prostrate position
  • This is Down clue number 50

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PROSTRATE


51 Down: "81. Some summers, in brief"

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
  • Similar words: CPA
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 51

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CPAS


52 Down: "82. Black-and-white desserts"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 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 52

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OREOPIES


53 Down: "83. Université with a Pierre and Marie Curie campus"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S______E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a university in Paris; intellectual center of France
  • This is Down clue number 53

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SORBONNE


54 Down: "85. Shell filling stations"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 54

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TACOBARS


55 Down: "87. Basic programming command"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 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 55

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GOTO


56 Down: "89. Chicken pieces"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T_____S
  • Similar words: stamp, attendant
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: something that can be used as an official medium of payment
  • This is Down clue number 56

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TENDERS


57 Down: "90. Part of AT&T: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'L'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 57

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TEL


58 Down: "92. Ballet or bourrée, in Bourgogne"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 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 58

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DANSE


59 Down: "97. Do a diner job"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: motorbus, omnibus
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 59

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BUS


60 Down: "98. Gathering of moles"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: I___L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 60

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer INTEL


61 Down: "100. Setting for Cole Porter's "Anything Goes""

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 61

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OCEAN


62 Down: "102. Continued interminably"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: R___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 62

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RANON


63 Down: "103. Discus throw at the Olympics, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: E___T
  • Similar words: effect, result
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: something that happens at a given place and time
  • This is Down clue number 63

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EVENT


64 Down: "105. Buzzing nuisance"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G__T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 64

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GNAT


65 Down: "107. Glitzy fabric"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: L__E
  • Similar words: crippled, cripple
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: someone who doesn't understand what is going on
  • This is Down clue number 65

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LAME


66 Down: "108. Like some cheese"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: A__D
  • Similar words: elderly, older
  • Opposite of: young
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: people who are old collectively
  • This is Down clue number 66

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AGED


67 Down: "110. "Gotcha""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: I__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 67

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ISEE


68 Down: "111. Blue-necked bird"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'U'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 68

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EMU


69 Down: "112. "___ Believer""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 69

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IMA


70 Down: "114. Flock formation"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 70

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VEE


71 Down: "115. Blue-winged bird"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'Y'
  • Similar words: John Jay
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 71

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JAY

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

  1. Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Down entries
  2. Prefixes and suffixes: Common word parts often run vertically
  3. Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
  4. Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Down
  5. 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.


About This Page: We provide comprehensive Down clues solutions and hints for the NYT Crossword to help you improve your solving skills. This site is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 28, 2025 at 05:18 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 28 2025 down clues

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