October 26, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, October 26, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (35 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

October 26, 2023 Across Hints: NYT Thursday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. "A-a-a-and … ___!"	5
2A	6. Character who nails a doubloon to the Pequod's mast	4
3A	10. One knocking on many doors	4
4A	14. Cough drop flavoring	5
5A	15. Surfer's wish	4
6A	16. Last remaining	4
7A	17. First name in cosmetics	5
8A	18. Polymath called "The First Teacher" by medieval scholars	9
9A	20. What a multitasker might kill	13
10A	22. Long, long time	3
11A	23. Say further	3
12A	24. Off the hook, so to speak	6
13A	27. Author Zora ___ Hurston	5
14A	29. Sunny side of breakfast	4
15A	31. Digital number?	3
16A	32. What it's impossible to be in	12
17A	35. Bobby-soxer's dance	3
18A	37. Boating noun and verb	3
19A	38. Curator's field	3
20A	39. Reluctant to relive an experience	12
21A	44. Subgenre lead-in	3
22A	45. Plays the ponies, say	4
23A	46. Sanctuaries	5
24A	49. Farm animal, in tot-speak	6
25A	51. Abbr. after a dot, usually	3
26A	52. Slice (off)	3
27A	54. Top-grossing movie of 1987	13
28A	58. "Get out of bed, sleepyhead!"	9
29A	60. Narrow	5
30A	61. Something one may regret hitting	4
31A	62. City of Paris?	4
32A	63. Commercial 49-Across	5
33A	64. Crafty site	4
34A	65. ___ Gruber, archvillain in "Die Hard"	4
35A	66. Finer points, slangily	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. "A-a-a-and … ___!""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the place where some action occurs
• Words that mean the same thing: view, panorama, aspect
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Character who nails a doubloon to the Pequod's mast"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that according to the old testament he was a pagan king of israel and husband of jezebel (9th century bc)
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AHAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. One knocking on many doors"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a female domestic
• Words that mean the same thing: housemaid, amah, maiden
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Cough drop flavoring"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sweet yellow liquid produced by bees
• Words that mean the same thing: beloved, dear, dearest
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HONEY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Surfer's wish"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
• Words that mean the same thing: moving ridge, undulate, curl
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Last remaining"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that being the only one; single and isolated from others
• Words that mean the same thing: merely, simply, exclusively
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. First name in cosmetics"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESTEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Polymath called "The First Teacher" by medieval scholars"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about science/technology.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one of the greatest of the ancient athenian philosophers; pupil of plato; teacher of alexander the great (384-322 bc)
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARISTOTLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. What a multitasker might kill"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BIRDBIRDSTONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Long, long time"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that how long something has existed
• Words that mean the same thing: long time, senesce, get on
• The opposite would be: rejuvenate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Say further"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
• Words that mean the same thing: supply, tote up, bestow
• The opposite would be: subtract, take away
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Off the hook, so to speak"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that afflicted with or characteristic of mental derangement
• Words that mean the same thing: mad, harebrained
• The opposite would be: sane
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INSANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Author Zora ___ Hurston"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEALE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Sunny side of breakfast"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the yellow spherical part of an egg that is surrounded by the albumen
• Words that mean the same thing: vitellus, egg yolk
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YOLK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Digital number?"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
• Words that mean the same thing: tenner, x, 10
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. What it's impossible to be in"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLACEPLACEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Bobby-soxer's dance"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
• Words that mean the same thing: hops, hop-skip, skip
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Boating noun and verb"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Curator's field"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the products of human creativity; works of art collectively
• Words that mean the same thing: artistic production, fine art, artwork
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Reluctant to relive an experience"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BITTENSHYSHY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Subgenre lead-in"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
• Words that mean the same thing: altitude, elevation, EL
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Plays the ponies, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the money risked on a gamble
• Words that mean the same thing: depend, bet, play
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. Sanctuaries"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a fertile tract in a desert (where the water table approaches the surface)
• Words that mean the same thing: oasis, haven
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OASES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "49. Farm animal, in tot-speak"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOOCOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "51. Abbr. after a dot, usually"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. Slice (off)"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cut off from a whole
• Words that mean the same thing: dress, crop, clip
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "54. Top-grossing movie of 1987"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 letters. It's a expert clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MANMANMANBABY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "58. "Get out of bed, sleepyhead!""

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UPANDATEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "60. Narrow"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a convex shape that narrows toward a point
• Words that mean the same thing: point, wick, candle
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAPER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "61. Something one may regret hitting"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cause to go somewhere
• Words that mean the same thing: charge, transport, get off
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "62. City of Paris?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a system of weights used for precious metals and gemstones; based on a 12-ounce pound and an ounce of 480 grains
• Words that mean the same thing: Ilion, troy weight, Ilium
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TROY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "63. Commercial 49-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELSIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "64. Crafty site"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "65. ___ Gruber, archvillain in "Die Hard""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that imperial dynasty that ruled china (most of the time from 206 bc to ad 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of chinese civilization
• Words that mean the same thing: Han, Han dynasty
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HANS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "66. Finer points, slangily"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEETS

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Thursday Crossword Down Clues - October 26, 2023 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Biblical kingdom on the Arabian peninsula	5
2D	2. Take on a joint liability	6
3D	3. Salad, sometimes, but soup, rarely	6
4D	4. Desperate straits	4
5D	5. Look up and down	7
6D	6. Tony, e.g.	5
7D	7. Word with copy or currency	4
8D	8. Alamo competitor	4
9D	9. "Settle down"	7
10D	10. Bottoms out?	5
11D	11. Forager with tiny hooks on its tongue	8
12D	12. Afflicted	3
13D	13. Do or ___ (hair salon name)	3
14D	19. Maker of small front-end loaders	5
15D	21. Inkling	4
16D	25. Like half of the Odd Couple	4
17D	26. Tolkien tree creature	3
18D	28. Book it: Abbr.	4
19D	29. Hearty affirmations	5
20D	30. Noted honky-tonk venue, familiarly	4
21D	33. Damage, so to speak	4
22D	34. Low islands	4
23D	35. Where Miss Aloha Hula is crowned	4
24D	36. Ones giving you a leg up?	8
25D	39. Sound of a sock	3
26D	40. F.D.R. purchased the first one	5
27D	41. Curriculum overhaul triggered by the Sputnik crisis	7
28D	42. Slice, e.g.	4
29D	43. Spirit-filled?	7
30D	47. Go by	6
31D	48. "All right then"	6
32D	50. The treat in "trick or treat"	5
33D	51. Show 6-Downs	5
34D	53. They're lit at funerals	5
35D	55. Razor brand	4
36D	56. ___ tetra	4
37D	57. What a haymaker makes	4
38D	58. Manipulate	3
39D	59. Stroke	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Biblical kingdom on the Arabian peninsula"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHEBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Take on a joint liability"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that sign jointly
• Words that mean the same thing: co-sign
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COSIGN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Salad, sometimes, but soup, rarely"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the principal dish of a meal
• Words that mean the same thing: access, admittance, entrance
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENTREE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Desperate straits"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a condition requiring relief
• Words that mean the same thing: pauperism, take, ask
• The opposite would be: obviate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Look up and down"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the ball-shaped capsule containing the vertebrate eye
• Words that mean the same thing: orb, eye
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EYEBALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Tony, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a grant made by a law court
• Words that mean the same thing: prize, honour, laurels
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Word with copy or currency"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
• Words that mean the same thing: heavy, laborious, tough
• The opposite would be: soft, lightly
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Alamo competitor"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AVIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. "Settle down""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BESTILL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Bottoms out?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the natural satellite of the earth
• Words that mean the same thing: Sun Myung Moon, moon on, synodic month
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Forager with tiny hooks on its tongue"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that toothless mammal of southern africa and asia having a body covered with horny scales and a long snout for feeding on ants and termites
• Words that mean the same thing: New World anteater, Orycteropus afer, echidna
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTEATER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Afflicted"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
• Words that mean the same thing: ailment, poorly, complaint
• The opposite would be: well
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ILL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Do or ___ (hair salon name)"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair
• Words that mean the same thing: dyestuff
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Maker of small front-end loaders"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TONKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Inkling"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
• Words that mean the same thing: mind, melodic theme, thought
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Like half of the Odd Couple"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that clean or organized
• Words that mean the same thing: straight, cracking, groovy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Tolkien tree creature"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Book it: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APPT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Hearty affirmations"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YEAHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Noted honky-tonk venue, familiarly"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. Damage, so to speak"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor
• Words that mean the same thing: be, toll, monetary value
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. Low islands"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a coral reef off the southern coast of florida
• Words that mean the same thing: cay, key, Florida key
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Where Miss Aloha Hula is crowned"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a town in hawaii on the island of hawaii
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HILO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. Ones giving you a leg up?"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a turk (especially a turk who is a member of the tribe of osman i)
• Words that mean the same thing: Ottoman dynasty, ottoman, pouf
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OTTOMANS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Sound of a sock"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an ancient city in southeastern iran; destroyed by an earthquake in 2003
• Words that mean the same thing: eruption, blast, bang
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. F.D.R. purchased the first one"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EBOND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Curriculum overhaul triggered by the Sputnik crisis"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEWMATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Slice, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sodium salt of carbonic acid; used in making soap powders and glass and paper
• Words that mean the same thing: soda water, pop, sodium carbonate
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SODA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Spirit-filled?"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that follow stealthily or recur constantly and spontaneously to
• Words that mean the same thing: haunt, stalk, ghost
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAUNTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Go by"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• Words that mean the same thing: pass, go by, glide by
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELAPSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "48. "All right then""

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOBEIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. The treat in "trick or treat""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a rich sweet made of flavored sugar and often combined with fruit or nuts
• Words that mean the same thing: sugarcoat, glaze, confect
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CANDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Show 6-Downs"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an annual award by the academy of television arts and sciences for outstanding achievements in television
• Words that mean the same thing: Emmy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMMYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "53. They're lit at funerals"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that wood heaped for burning a dead body as a funeral rite
• Words that mean the same thing: funeral pyre, pyre
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PYRES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. Razor brand"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "56. ___ tetra"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
• Words that mean the same thing: Ne, atomic number 10
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "57. What a haymaker makes"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a large bundle bound for storage or transport
• Words that mean the same thing: Basle, Basel
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BALE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. Manipulate"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of using
• Words that mean the same thing: employ, utilise, utilisation
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "59. Stroke"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
• Words that mean the same thing: favored, deary, preferred
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PET

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	52	70.3%
Short Answer	14	18.9%
History	2	2.7%
Science/Technology	1	1.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.4%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%
Geography	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	74
Average Answer Length	5.1 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	13 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Thursday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: August 29, 2025 at 11:18 PM

December 20, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (35 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

December 20, 2023 Wednesday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Quartet that reunited in 2022 to "perform" as holograms	4
2A	5. Hell's Half ___ (Wyoming landmark)	4
3A	9. Chromosomes come in them	5
4A	14. Croc, for one	4
5A	15. Big name in bubbly	4
6A	16. Condition linked with grinding teeth	5
7A	17. District on the western coast of Hawaii	4
8A	18. Craisin brand	10
9A	20. Female scholars	14
10A	22. Lead-in to zone	4
11A	23. Smallish batteries	3
12A	24. Author Patchett	3
13A	27. Components of Mars's Viking and Pathfinder	7
14A	30. Intrinsic makeup	3
15A	33. Fabric whose name is French for "cloth"	5
16A	35. Hirsute cousin of old TV	3
17A	36. Gooey addition to a charcuterie board	4
18A	37. Where turn signals are found	15
19A	41. Delicacies for which Aveiro, Portugal, is known	4
20A	42. "Surely you don't mean me!?"	3
21A	43. Speechless expression	5
22A	44. Showstoppers?	3
23A	45. Bach composition	7
24A	48. Scratch, say	3
25A	49. It might be cocked or bent	3
26A	50. N.B.A.'s Westbrook, to fans	4
27A	52. Grammy winners for "Jump (for My Love)" (1984)	14
28A	59. "Apologies for bothering you …"	10
29A	60. Massage deeply	4
30A	62. Mosquito, by nature	5
31A	63. Chip in	4
32A	64. Ski lift	4
33A	65. Dutch settlers of South Africa	5
34A	66. With 67-Across, one of two pen names punnily hinted at by 20-, 37- and 52-Across (can you find the other one?)	4
35A	67. See 66-Across	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Quartet that reunited in 2022 to "perform" as holograms"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Hell's Half ___ (Wyoming landmark)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
• Words that mean the same thing: Akka, Akko, Accho
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Chromosomes come in them"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a set of two similar things considered as a unit
• Words that mean the same thing: couplet, match, mate
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAIRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Croc, for one"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that footwear usually with wooden soles
• Words that mean the same thing: choke off, foul, overload
• The opposite would be: unclog
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Big name in bubbly"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Condition linked with grinding teeth"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that transient cessation of respiration
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APNEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. District on the western coast of Hawaii"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KONA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Craisin brand"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OCEANSPRAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Female scholars"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WOMENOFLETTERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Lead-in to zone"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the basic monetary unit of most members of the european union (introduced in 1999); in 2002 twelve european nations (germany, france, belgium, luxembourg, the netherlands, italy, spain, portugal, ireland, greece, austria, finland) adopted the euro as their basic unit of money and abandoned their traditional currencies
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EURO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Smallish batteries"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an associate degree in applied science
• Words that mean the same thing: Associate in Arts, Associate in Applied Science, aa
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Author Patchett"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Components of Mars's Viking and Pathfinder"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a town in central wyoming
• Words that mean the same thing: lander, Lander
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LANDERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Intrinsic makeup"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer found in the nucleus of a cell and formed from nucleotides and shaped like a double helix; associated with the transmission of genetic information
• Words that mean the same thing: deoxyribonucleic acid, desoxyribonucleic acid
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Fabric whose name is French for "cloth""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOILE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Hirsute cousin of old TV"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ITT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. Gooey addition to a charcuterie board"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that soft creamy white cheese; milder than camembert
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Where turn signals are found"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEERINGCOLUMNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. Delicacies for which Aveiro, Portugal, is known"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
• Words that mean the same thing: eel
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EELS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. "Surely you don't mean me!?""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. Speechless expression"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMOJI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Showstoppers?"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a public promotion of some product or service
• Words that mean the same thing: advertizement, advertising, advertizing
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Bach composition"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text
• Words that mean the same thing: oratorio
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CANTATA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. Scratch, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the month following february and preceding april
• Words that mean the same thing: March, spoil, deflower
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. It might be cocked or bent"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
• Words that mean the same thing: pinna, spike, auricle
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. N.B.A.'s Westbrook, to fans"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the medieval russian state established by scandinavian traders in the 9th century; the capital was first in novgorod and then in kiev
• Words that mean the same thing: Rus
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Grammy winners for "Jump (for My Love)" (1984)"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POINTERSISTERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "59. "Apologies for bothering you …""

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IHATETOASK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "60. Massage deeply"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that norse chieftain who became the first duke of normandy (860-931)
• Words that mean the same thing: Hrolf, Rollo
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROLF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "62. Mosquito, by nature"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone who bites
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BITER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "63. Chip in"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "64. Ski lift"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TBAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Dutch settlers of South Africa"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a white native of cape province who is a descendant of dutch settlers and who speaks afrikaans
• Words that mean the same thing: Afrikaner, Boer, Afrikander
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "66. With 67-Across, one of two pen names punnily hinted at by 20-, 37- and 52-Across (can you find the other one?)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a beloved person; used as terms of endearment
• Words that mean the same thing: costly, good, high-priced
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "67. See 66-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABBY

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Wednesday Crossword Down Clues - December 20, 2023 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. "Oh, no!"	3
2D	2. Explode	4
3D	3. Pro ___	4
4D	4. Best effort	5
5D	5. Egyptian sun god	6
6D	6. Result of some spinning	6
7D	7. Danger for a mariner	4
8D	8. Abbreviated abbreviation	4
9D	9. They might be served carbonara or puttanesca	6
10D	10. Datebook data: Abbr.	5
11D	11. About, on a memo	4
12D	12. Vanguard's opposite	4
13D	13. "Survey ___ …" ("Family Feud" catchphrase)	4
14D	19. Almost adjoining	6
15D	21. Swiss mathematician who introduced functional notation	5
16D	24. Totally confused	5
17D	25. Prominent	5
18D	26. Physicist Bohr	5
19D	28. You can count on it	5
20D	29. Abbreviated abbreviation	3
21D	30. Amateur pediatrician, informally	5
22D	31. Strong, silent type?	5
23D	32. Norse pantheon	5
24D	34. Paul for whom a guitar is named	3
25D	36. Backside	3
26D	38. Turkish inn	6
27D	39. Prefix with apology or denial	3
28D	40. "He is richest who is content with the ___": Socrates	5
29D	45. Supplies, as a soiree	6
30D	46. Stiff bristle, botanically	6
31D	47. Elephant or warthog, e.g.	6
32D	49. Put in	5
33D	51. Company with Counting Sheep commercials	5
34D	52. Last name in soft drinks	4
35D	53. Reds state	4
36D	54. "Not hungry yet, but thanks anyway"	4
37D	55. Word with "Revolutionary" or "Tobacco," in book titles	4
38D	56. In one's right mind	4
39D	57. ___ Stark, Lord Eddard's eldest on "Game of Thrones"	4
40D	58. Unit of meat or marble	4
41D	61. Fish hatchlings	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. "Oh, no!""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Explode"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a powerful stroke with the fist or a weapon
• Words that mean the same thing: setback, snow, bollocks
• The opposite would be: conserve
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BLOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Pro ___"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BONO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Best effort"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGAME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Egyptian sun god"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMONRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Result of some spinning"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that silky envelope spun by the larvae of many insects to protect pupas and by spiders to protect eggs
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COCOON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Danger for a mariner"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
• Words that mean the same thing: Witwatersrand, Rand
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REEF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Abbreviated abbreviation"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. They might be served carbonara or puttanesca"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a dish that contains pasta as its main ingredient
• Words that mean the same thing: alimentary paste, pasta
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PASTAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Datebook data: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APPTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. About, on a memo"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Vanguard's opposite"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the back of a military formation or procession
• Words that mean the same thing: backside, derriere, ass
• The opposite would be: front, head
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. "Survey ___ …" ("Family Feud" catchphrase)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the chance to speak
• Words that mean the same thing: tell, enunciate, read
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Almost adjoining"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEARTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Swiss mathematician who introduced functional notation"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about science/technology.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that swiss mathematician (1707-1783)
• Words that mean the same thing: Leonhard Euler
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EULER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Totally confused"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATSEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Prominent"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make mention of
• Words that mean the same thing: mark, famous, note
• The opposite would be: ignore
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Physicist Bohr"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NIELS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. You can count on it"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration
• Words that mean the same thing: figure, dactyl, finger's breadth
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIGIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Abbreviated abbreviation"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Amateur pediatrician, informally"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRMOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Strong, silent type?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the ninja who were trained in martial arts and hired for espionage or sabotage or assassinations; a person skilled in ninjutsu
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NINJA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Norse pantheon"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (norse mythology) the chief race of gods living at asgard
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AESIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Paul for whom a guitar is named"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
• Words that mean the same thing: lupus erythematosus, LE
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Backside"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible
• Words that mean the same thing: cheap, backside, derriere
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. Turkish inn"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a hostel for pilgrims in turkey
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IMARET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Prefix with apology or denial"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that negation of a word or group of words
• Words that mean the same thing: not
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "40. "He is richest who is content with the ___": Socrates"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that something that is of no importance
• Words that mean the same thing: to the lowest degree
• The opposite would be: most
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. Supplies, as a soiree"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that give what is desired or needed, especially support, food or sustenance
• Words that mean the same thing: provide, cater, ply
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CATERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Stiff bristle, botanically"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that bristlelike process near the tip of the antenna of certain flies
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARISTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Elephant or warthog, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any mammal with prominent tusks (especially an elephant or wild boar)
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUSKER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "49. Put in"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that to come or go into
• Words that mean the same thing: embark, recruit, figure
• The opposite would be: exit, drop out
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Company with Counting Sheep commercials"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SERTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Last name in soft drinks"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIBB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Reds state"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
• Words that mean the same thing: Ohio River, Buckeye State, OH
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OHIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. "Not hungry yet, but thanks anyway""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "55. Word with "Revolutionary" or "Tobacco," in book titles"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
• Words that mean the same thing: route
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "56. In one's right mind"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that mentally healthy; free from mental disorder
• Words that mean the same thing: reasonable
• The opposite would be: insane
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "57. ___ Stark, Lord Eddard's eldest on "Game of Thrones""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROBB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "58. Unit of meat or marble"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that block consisting of a thick piece of something
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "61. Fish hatchlings"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that english painter and art critic (1866-1934)
• Words that mean the same thing: tiddler, youngster, Christopher Fry
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	55	72.4%
Short Answer	13	17.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.6%
Literature	2	2.6%
Science/Technology	1	1.3%
History	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%
Geography	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	4.9 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: August 28, 2025 at 08:23 PM