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Sunday, January 4, 2026

NYT Down Crossword January 04, 2026 - Master All 73 Top-to-Bottom Clues

Today's Down Crossword NYT January 04, 2026 - Every Vertical Solution Explained

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 73 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: November 26 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | September 19 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | Down Clues NYT December 14 2025 Todays |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for January 04, 2026
NYT Down Clues - Sunday, January 04, 2026
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date January 04, 2026
Day of Week Sunday
Total Down Clues 73 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Tricky

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 73 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Kelly of morning TV
2 Down 2. "Come on and let loose for a while!"
3 Down 3. Name of Ohio State's buckeye mascot
4 Down 4. Wrinkly fruits
5 Down 5. Parts of many online handles
6 Down 6. Davis of "Thelma & Louise"
7 Down 7. "___ quam videri" (North Carolina's motto)
8 Down 8. 1940s spy grp.
9 Down 9. Ready ... or a word after ready
10 Down 10. Chemist's variant
11 Down 11. Violent seizure, as of property
12 Down 12. "Sign me up"
13 Down 13. He scattered his brother's remains across the land and usurped his throne
14 Down 14. Soothing goo
15 Down 15. Hawaiian for "long mountain"
16 Down 16. Intermission follower on Broadway
17 Down 17. War zone for Rambo, informally
18 Down 19. Poe's "The Narrative of Arthur Gordon ___"
19 Down 20. Wicket and Teebo of Endor, e.g.
20 Down 23. Hosp. areas
21 Down 26. "I'm flattered!"
22 Down 30. Believing his friend and ally had too much power, he led a party of conspirators to put an end to him
23 Down 32. State capital that's closest to the U.S. Capitol
24 Down 33. Like five Across answers by five Down answers in this puzzle, literally and figuratively
25 Down 35. Kids' summer getaway
26 Down 36. Kyrgyzstani mountain range
27 Down 37. Urchins
28 Down 38. Fans out
29 Down 39. Where idols go head-to-head?
30 Down 42. Small part in a gig
31 Down 44. British isle
32 Down 46. It's in your jeans
33 Down 48. Plot divisions
34 Down 50. Traumatize
35 Down 51. "Assuming that's true ..."
36 Down 52. He led his brother to his demise by endangering his nephew
37 Down 54. "Not gonna lie ..."
38 Down 56. First enactors of democracy
39 Down 57. Fencing contests
40 Down 60. Chemistry lab dropper
41 Down 62. Prepare quickly, as eggs for breakfast
42 Down 63. Chop-chop
43 Down 64. Wrinkly fruit
44 Down 65. GPS lines: Abbr.
45 Down 66. Programming language that's also a musical key
46 Down 69. He sold out his master in exchange for silver
47 Down 71. Baby in a pouch
48 Down 72. Pandemonium
49 Down 75. Title for a guru
50 Down 76. Survivor's affliction, for short
51 Down 77. Elf portrayed by Cate Blanchett in "The Fellowship of the Ring"
52 Down 78. Big name in makeup
53 Down 79. Music score squiggle
54 Down 81. Disagrees (with)
55 Down 84. Ixnays from Irkutsk
56 Down 87. Obnoxious fratty sort, colloquially
57 Down 89. Possible scenario, to a coder
58 Down 91. 2011 Lady Gaga hit
59 Down 92. Steamy
60 Down 94. Paired chips with dips?
61 Down 95. Touch lightly, as a gas pedal
62 Down 97. Floral victory symbol
63 Down 98. Lead-in to Tech
64 Down 100. Spawned
65 Down 102. Camera inits.
66 Down 103. ___ me tangere (Latin warning)
67 Down 105. Jafar's parrot in "Aladdin"
68 Down 107. Driven by envy toward his comrades, he fabricated events that led to their downfall
69 Down 108. Official lang. of Liberia
70 Down 110. Acorn, in the future
71 Down 111. Messenger ___
72 Down 112. Birth month of most Virgos: Abbr.
73 Down 114. "Ruh-___!" (cry from Astro on "The Jetsons")

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. Kelly of morning TV"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: R__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RIPA


2 Down: "2. "Come on and let loose for a while!""

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 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ITLLBEFUN


3 Down: "3. Name of Ohio State's buckeye mascot"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BRUTUS


4 Down: "4. Wrinkly fruits"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C_____S
  • Similar words: casaba melon, casaba
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: melon having yellowish rind and whitish flesh
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CASABAS


5 Down: "5. Parts of many online handles"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: at, astatine
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATS


6 Down: "6. Davis of "Thelma & Louise""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: G___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GEENA


7 Down: "7. "___ quam videri" (North Carolina's motto)"

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 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ESSE


8 Down: "8. 1940s spy grp."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: os, oculus sinister
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OSS


9 Down: "9. Ready ... or a word after ready"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: ready, rig
  • Opposite of: rise
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SET


10 Down: "10. Chemist's variant"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: I____R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ISOMER


11 Down: "11. Violent seizure, as of property"

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: rape
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the act of despoiling a country in warfare
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAPINE


12 Down: "12. "Sign me up""

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 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IMIN


13 Down: "13. He scattered his brother's remains across the land and usurped his throne"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: ready, rig
  • Opposite of: rise
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SET


14 Down: "14. Soothing goo"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALOEGEL


15 Down: "15. Hawaiian for "long mountain""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: M______A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MAUNALOA


16 Down: "16. Intermission follower on Broadway"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: A____O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACTTWO


17 Down: "17. War zone for Rambo, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'M'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NAM


18 Down: "19. Poe's "The Narrative of Arthur Gordon ___""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'M'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PYM


19 Down: "20. Wicket and Teebo of Endor, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E___S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EWOKS


20 Down: "23. Hosp. areas"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: Beaver State, OR
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a state in northwestern United States on the Pacific
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ORS


21 Down: "26. "I'm flattered!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OHGEE


22 Down: "30. Believing his friend and ally had too much power, he led a party of conspirators to put an end to him"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BRUTUS


23 Down: "32. State capital that's closest to the U.S. Capitol"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A_______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ANNAPOLIS


24 Down: "33. Like five Across answers by five Down answers in this puzzle, literally and figuratively"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 13 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: D___________D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DOUBLECROSSED


25 Down: "35. Kids' summer getaway"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: C__P
  • Similar words: summer camp, ingroup
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CAMP


26 Down: "36. Kyrgyzstani mountain range"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: A__I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALAI


27 Down: "37. Urchins"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I__S
  • Similar words: imp, elf
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IMPS


28 Down: "38. Fans out"

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
  • Similar words: slip, turn out
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPLAYS


29 Down: "39. Where idols go head-to-head?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: T___M
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TOTEM


30 Down: "42. Small part in a gig"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: B__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BYTE


31 Down: "44. British isle"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AIT


32 Down: "46. It's in your jeans"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: D___M
  • Similar words: dungaree, blue jean
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DENIM


33 Down: "48. Plot divisions"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A___S
  • Similar words: estate, demesne
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACRES


34 Down: "50. Traumatize"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S__R
  • Similar words: cicatrix, scrape
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCAR


35 Down: "51. "Assuming that's true ...""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: I__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IFSO


36 Down: "52. He led his brother to his demise by endangering his nephew"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S__R
  • Similar words: cicatrix, scrape
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCAR


37 Down: "54. "Not gonna lie ...""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: N___P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NOCAP


38 Down: "56. First enactors of democracy"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A_______S
  • Similar words: Athenian
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a resident of Athens
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATHENIANS


39 Down: "57. Fencing contests"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: D___S
  • Similar words: duel
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DUELS


40 Down: "60. Chemistry lab dropper"

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
  • Similar words: pipette
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PIPET


41 Down: "62. Prepare quickly, as eggs for breakfast"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: F___P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FRYUP


42 Down: "63. Chop-chop"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: A__P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: as soon as possible
  • This is Down clue number 42

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASAP


43 Down: "64. Wrinkly fruit"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: U__I
  • Similar words: tangelo, ugli fruit
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 43

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UGLI


44 Down: "65. GPS lines: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 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 44

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RTES


45 Down: "66. Programming language that's also a musical key"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: F____P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 45

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FSHARP


46 Down: "69. He sold out his master in exchange for silver"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: J___S
  • Similar words: Judas Iscariot, Thaddaeus
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 46

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JUDAS


47 Down: "71. Baby in a pouch"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: J__Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 47

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JOEY


48 Down: "72. Pandemonium"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: U____R
  • Similar words: garboil, brouhaha
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a state of commotion and noise and confusion
  • This is Down clue number 48

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UPROAR


49 Down: "75. Title for a guru"

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 49

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SRI


50 Down: "76. Survivor's affliction, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: P__D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 50

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PTSD


51 Down: "77. Elf portrayed by Cate Blanchett in "The Fellowship of the Ring""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: G_______L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 51

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GALADRIEL


52 Down: "78. Big name in makeup"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A__N
  • Similar words: River Avon, Upper Avon
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 52

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AVON


53 Down: "79. Music score squiggle"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: R__T
  • Similar words: relief, breathe
  • Opposite of: be active
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: something left after other parts have been taken away
  • This is Down clue number 53

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REST


54 Down: "81. Disagrees (with)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'F'
  • Word pattern: H______F
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 54

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HASABEEF


55 Down: "84. Ixnays from Irkutsk"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: N___S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 55

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NYETS


56 Down: "87. Obnoxious fratty sort, colloquially"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: D_____O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 56

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DUDEBRO


57 Down: "89. Possible scenario, to a coder"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: U_____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 57

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer USECASE


58 Down: "91. 2011 Lady Gaga hit"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: J___S
  • Similar words: Judas Iscariot, Thaddaeus
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 58

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JUDAS


59 Down: "92. Steamy"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: E____C
  • Similar words: titillating
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an erotic person
  • This is Down clue number 59

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EROTIC


60 Down: "94. Paired chips with dips?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: R____D
  • Similar words: rhyming, rime
  • Opposite of: unrhymed
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: compose rhymes
  • This is Down clue number 60

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RHYMED


61 Down: "95. Touch lightly, as a gas pedal"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: E____N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 61

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EASEON


62 Down: "97. Floral victory symbol"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: L____L
  • Similar words: laurel wreath, bay wreath
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any of various aromatic trees of the laurel family
  • This is Down clue number 62

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LAUREL


63 Down: "98. Lead-in to Tech"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'L'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 63

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CAL


64 Down: "100. Spawned"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: B___T
  • Similar words: sire, beget
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: make children
  • This is Down clue number 64

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BEGOT


65 Down: "102. Camera inits."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 65

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLR


66 Down: "103. ___ me tangere (Latin warning)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: N__I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 66

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NOLI


67 Down: "105. Jafar's parrot in "Aladdin""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IAGO


68 Down: "107. Driven by envy toward his comrades, he fabricated events that led to their downfall"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: I__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 68

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IAGO


69 Down: "108. Official lang. of Liberia"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENG


70 Down: "110. Acorn, in the future"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'K'
  • Similar words: oak tree
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 70

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OAK


71 Down: "111. Messenger ___"

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 71

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RNA


72 Down: "112. Birth month of most Virgos: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'P'
  • Similar words: Sept, September
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the month following August and preceding October
  • This is Down clue number 72

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEP


73 Down: "114. "Ruh-___!" (cry from Astro on "The Jetsons")"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'H'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 73

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROH

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 73 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: January 04, 2026 at 05:20 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, January 04 2026 down clues

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