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Sunday, August 31, 2025

August 30, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (40 Across, 38 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

August 30, 2023 Wednesday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Once ___ a time, 4
2A 5. not so ___ ago, 4
3A 9. ___ was a girl named Ava. 5
4A 14. Ava's ___ joy was 4
5A 15. her prized ___. 4
6A 16. She had ___ her skill in band, 5
7A 17. despite sitting next to the noisy ___, 9
8A 19. which were an ___ distraction. 5
9A 20. One day, after school, Ava called a ___. 4
10A 21. It hadn't come ___ as she muttered, 3
11A 22. "___, I guess. At least the week's over." 4
12A 23. She was ___ with her music, 5
13A 25. and school was hardly an ___. 4
14A 26. Just then, Dana, a bandmate Ava was crushing on, walked up lugging a ___. 4
15A 29. As Ava ___ nearby, gathering her courage, 5
16A 31. Dana bent down to ___ the heavy instrument. 4
17A 34. Ava ___ at Dana. 6
18A 36. "Would it be a stretch to say I dig your ___ T-shirt?," Ava asked. 4
19A 38. Dana's reaction was the start of an ___ for Ava. 3
20A 39. Wheezing laughter like an ___ in an old tire and deep blushing 7
21A 41. were ___ that Dana was smitten, too. 7
22A 43. "That was a ___ joke!," Dana sputtered. 3
23A 44. "I got the shirt from ___; glad you like it." 4
24A 46. Ava mustered every ___ in her brain 6
25A 47. and felt her heart ___ as she blurted, 4
26A 49. "I'd love to hang out some time, no ___!" 5
27A 51. Dana grinned. "Then meditating together in corpse pose ___ an option!" 4
28A 52. Ava wrinkled her ___ and laughed. 4
29A 54. After that spark, the pair bonded in large ___. 5
30A 56. Dana learned that Ava loved chocolate ___ cookies, 4
31A 57. and Ava learned Dana loved "Much ___ About Nothing." 3
32A 58. Though Dana wanted to visit Timbuktu in ___ 4
33A 61. and Ava preferred Accra in ___, 5
34A 62. the pair still felt the ___ of their connection. 9
35A 65. One night, after watching "___ Python," 5
36A 66. bingeing subtitled dramas from ___, and 4
37A 67. listening to Nat King ___, 4
38A 68. Ava and Dana shared their first kiss over cream ___. 5
39A 69. And, of course, ___ lived 4
40A 70. happily ___ after. 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. Once ___ a time,"

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: UPON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. not so ___ ago,"

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 desire strongly or persistently
  • Words that mean the same thing: recollective, farsighted, retentive
  • The opposite would be: unretentive, short
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LONG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. ___ was a girl named Ava."

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 location other than here; that place
  • Words that mean the same thing: in that location, at that place, in that respect
  • The opposite would be: here
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: THERE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Ava's ___ joy was"

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 underside of footwear or a golf club
  • Words that mean the same thing: lone, solitary, resole
  • 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: SOLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. her prized ___."

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 slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
  • Words that mean the same thing: hautbois, hautboy
  • 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: OBOE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. She had ___ her skill in band,"

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 sharpen with a hone
  • Words that mean the same thing: perfect, hone
  • 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: HONED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. despite sitting next to the noisy ___,"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a single-reed instrument with a straight tube
  • Words that mean the same thing: clarinet
  • 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: CLARINETS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. which were an ___ distraction."

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 make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
  • Words that mean the same thing: add together, supply, sum up
  • The opposite would be: take away, subtract
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ADDED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. One day, after school, Ava called a ___."

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: LYFT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. It hadn't come ___ as she muttered,"

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 up to the present time
  • Words that mean the same thing: til now, heretofore, in time
  • 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: YET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. "___, I guess. At least the week's over.""

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: TGIF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. She was ___ with her music,"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that cause to be bored
  • Words that mean the same thing: drill, tire, bore
  • The opposite would be: interest
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BORED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. and school was hardly an ___."

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 any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • Words that mean the same thing: paradise, heaven, promised land
  • 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: EDEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Just then, Dana, a bandmate Ava was crushing on, walked up lugging a ___."

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 lowest brass wind instrument
  • Words that mean the same thing: bass horn, sousaphone
  • 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: TUBA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. As Ava ___ nearby, gathering her courage,"

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 run disconnected or idle
  • Words that mean the same thing: slug, stagnate, idle
  • The opposite would be: run, work
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IDLED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Dana bent down to ___ the heavy instrument."

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 fill by packing tightly
  • 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: STOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. Ava ___ at Dana."

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 change one's facial expression by spreading the lips, often to signal pleasure
  • Words that mean the same thing: smile
  • 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: SMILED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. "Would it be a stretch to say I dig your ___ T-shirt?," Ava asked."

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 hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility that is achieved through the three paths of actions and knowledge and devotion
  • 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: YOGA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Dana's reaction was the start of an ___ for Ava."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Words that mean the same thing: earned run average, epoch, geological era
  • 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: ERA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Wheezing laughter like an ___ in an old tire and deep blushing"

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: AIRLEAK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. were ___ that Dana was smitten, too."

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 any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
  • Words that mean the same thing: sign, bespeak, signal
  • 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: SIGNALS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. "That was a ___ joke!," Dana sputtered."

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 unit of absorbed ionizing radiation equal to 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material
  • Words that mean the same thing: radian
  • 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: RAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. "I got the shirt from ___; glad you like it.""

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: EBAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Ava mustered every ___ in her brain"

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 cell that is specialized to conduct nerve impulses
  • Words that mean the same thing: nerve cell
  • 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: NEURON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. and felt her heart ___ as she blurted,"

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 gait in which steps and hops alternate
  • Words that mean the same thing: bound off, skip over, skitter
  • 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: SKIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. "I'd love to hang out some time, no ___!""

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 deliberate act of deviating from the truth
  • Words that mean the same thing: lie down, fabrication, lie
  • The opposite would be: arise, stand
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LYING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "51. Dana grinned. "Then meditating together in corpse pose ___ an option!""

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: ISNT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. Ava wrinkled her ___ and laughed."

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 organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals
  • Words that mean the same thing: scent, horn in, nuzzle
  • 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: NOSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. After that spark, the pair bonded in large ___."

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 measured portion of medicine taken at any one time
  • Words that mean the same thing: window pane, United States Department of State, Venus's curse
  • 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: DOSES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. Dana learned that Ava loved chocolate ___ cookies,"

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 small fragment of something broken off from the whole
  • Words that mean the same thing: splintering, knap, chip shot
  • 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: CHIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "57. and Ava learned Dana loved "Much ___ About Nothing.""

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 rapid active commotion
  • Words that mean the same thing: bustle, flurry, hustle
  • 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: ADO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "58. Though Dana wanted to visit Timbuktu in ___"

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 landlocked republic in northwestern africa; achieved independence from france in 1960; mali was a center of west african civilization for more than 4,000 years
  • Words that mean the same thing: Republic of Mali, French Sudan
  • 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: MALI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "61. and Ava preferred Accra in ___,"

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 republic in west africa on the gulf of guinea
  • Words that mean the same thing: Gold Coast, Republic of Ghana
  • 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: GHANA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "62. the pair still felt the ___ of their connection."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that according with conscience or morality
  • Words that mean the same thing: nicety, correctness, appropriateness
  • The opposite would be: incorrectness, wrongness
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RIGHTNESS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "65. One night, after watching "___ Python,""

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: MONTY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "66. bingeing subtitled dramas from ___, and"

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 largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
  • 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: ASIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "67. listening to Nat King ___,"

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 hardy cabbage with coarse curly leaves that do not form a head
  • Words that mean the same thing: kail, borecole, Brassica oleracea acephala
  • 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: COLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "68. Ava and Dana shared their first kiss over cream ___."

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 sodium salt of carbonic acid; used in making soap powders and glass and paper
  • Words that mean the same thing: soda ash, tonic, pop
  • 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: SODAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "69. And, of course, ___ lived"

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: THEY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Across: "70. happily ___ after."

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 at any time
  • Words that mean the same thing: e'er, ever so, of all time
  • The opposite would be: never
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EVER

    Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Wednesday NYT Crossword August 30, 2023

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Trojans' sch. 3
2D 2. Straw vote, e.g. 4
3D 3. Skin cream brand 4
4D 4. Round, squishy toy 8
5D 5. Actor Chaney 3
6D 6. Followed 6
7D 7. With distinction 7
8D 8. Daring deed 4
9D 9. Contraction before "be great" 5
10D 10. Obergefell v. ___, Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage 6
11D 11. Conclude miserably 10
12D 12. Shipwreck site 4
13D 13. Reds great Roush 3
14D 18. Figure skater Midori 3
15D 24. Like buses and bicycles 7
16D 25. Curtain trims, e.g. 7
17D 26. Bygone Russian rulers 5
18D 27. Inuit skin boat 5
19D 28. It's a sure thing 10
20D 30. Dawn goddess 3
21D 32. Synthetic fabric 5
22D 33. Never existed 5
23D 35. Wide shoe spec 3
24D 37. Just a number, it's said 3
25D 40. Alabama governor Ivey 3
26D 42. Bother 8
27D 45. Language from which we get bupkis and shtick 7
28D 48. Starting place 6
29D 50. Knuckle-headed gesture? 6
30D 53. Neuters 5
31D 55. 911 responder 3
32D 56. When repeated, a toy train 4
33D 57. Hamlet's interrogative after "How now!" 4
34D 59. Pope after Benedict IV 4
35D 60. Bali, for one 4
36D 61. M.L.B. execs 3
37D 63. Stuff in a loft 3
38D 64. Title for "Game of Thrones" knights 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. Trojans' sch."

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: USC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Straw vote, 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 an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people
  • Words that mean the same thing: opinion poll, pate, pollard
  • 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: POLL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Skin cream 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: OLAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Round, squishy toy"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: NERFBALL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Actor Chaney"

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: LON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Followed"

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 be obedient to
  • Words that mean the same thing: obey
  • The opposite would be: disobey
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OBEYED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. With distinction"

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: NOTEDLY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Daring deed"

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: GEST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Contraction before "be great""

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: THATD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Obergefell v. ___, Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage"

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: HODGES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Conclude miserably"

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

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: ENDINTEARS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Shipwreck site"

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: Rand, Witwatersrand
  • 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 13 Down: "13. Reds great Roush"

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 doctor's degree in education
  • Words that mean the same thing: Doctor of Education, DEd
  • 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: EDD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Figure skater Midori"

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: ITO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "24. Like buses and bicycles"

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: RIDABLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Curtain trims, e.g."

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 border consisting of anything placed on the edge to finish something (such as a fringe on clothing or on a rug)
  • Words that mean the same thing: edging
  • 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: EDGINGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Bygone Russian rulers"

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 male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
  • Words that mean the same thing: tzar, czar, tsar
  • 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: TSARS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Inuit skin boat"

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: UMIAK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. It's a sure thing"

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: BIRDINHAND

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Dawn goddess"

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 (greek mythology) the winged goddess of the dawn in ancient mythology; daughter of hyperion; identified with roman aurora
  • 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: EOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Synthetic fabric"

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 acrylic fiber or the lightweight crease-resistant fabric made with orlon yarns
  • 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: ORLON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Never existed"

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: WASNT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Wide shoe spec"

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: EEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Just a number, it's said"

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 how long something has existed
  • Words that mean the same thing: mature, maturate, years
  • 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 25 Down: "40. Alabama governor Ivey"

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: KAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "42. Bother"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (law) a broad legal concept including anything that disturbs the reasonable use of your property or endangers life and health or is offensive
  • Words that mean the same thing: pain, pain in the neck
  • 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: NUISANCE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "45. Language from which we get bupkis and shtick"

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 dialect of high german including some hebrew and other words; spoken in europe as a vernacular by many jews; written in the hebrew script
  • 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: YIDDISH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "48. Starting place"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: POINTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "50. Knuckle-headed gesture?"

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: NOOGIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "53. Neuters"

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 remove the ovaries of
  • Words that mean the same thing: neuter, spay, castrate
  • 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: SPAYS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "55. 911 responder"

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: EMT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "56. When repeated, a toy train"

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: CHOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "57. Hamlet's interrogative after "How now!""

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: ARAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "59. Pope after Benedict IV"

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: LEOV

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "60. Bali, 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 a small island
  • Words that mean the same thing: islet
  • 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: ISLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "61. M.L.B. execs"

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 metric unit of weight equal to one thousandth of a kilogram
  • Words that mean the same thing: gramme, gm, g
  • 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: GMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "63. Stuff in a loft"

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 grass mowed and cured for use as fodder
  • 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: HAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "64. Title for "Game of Thrones" knights"

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

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: SER

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 59 75.6%
Short Answer 13 16.7%
Celebrity/Entertainment 3 3.8%
Music 1 1.3%
History 1 1.3%
Sports 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 40
Down Clues 38
Total Clues 78
Average Answer Length 4.8 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 10 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 31, 2025 at 05:19 AM

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Quick NYT Mini Crossword November 08, 2025 - Mobile-Friendly Solutions & Speed Tips

NYT Mini November 08, 2025: Fast Answers, Strategic Hints & Speed-Solving Guide

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: July 06 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | October 15 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | December 12 2022 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for November 08, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Saturday, November 08, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date November 08, 2025
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1     
Row 2     
Row 3     
Row 4     
Row 5     

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 26. John Coltrane album whose title suggests making major progress
2 Across 32. "Then it was well with me, in days ___ I was born": Housman
3 Across 56. Job for a driller
4 Across 18. "To repeat ..."
5 Across 47. C.I.A. forerunner
6 Across 20. They're not up to much
7 Across 22. Player — or piece of equipment — at Barclays Center
8 Across 30. General with orders?
9 Across 39. .pdf alternative
10 Across 58. ___ au poivre (entree that's often flambéed)

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:


1 Across: "26. John Coltrane album whose title suggests making major progress"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: G________S

Answer:

Click to reveal GIANTSTEPS


2 Across: "32. "Then it was well with me, in days ___ I was born": Housman"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal ERE


3 Across: "56. Job for a driller"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: R_______L

Answer:

Click to reveal ROOTCANAL


4 Across: "18. "To repeat ...""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: I___D

Answer:

Click to reveal ISAID


5 Across: "47. C.I.A. forerunner"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Another word like this: bone

Answer:

Click to reveal OSS


6 Across: "20. They're not up to much"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I____S

Answer:

Click to reveal IDLERS


7 Across: "22. Player — or piece of equipment — at Barclays Center"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'T'
  • Another word like this: web

Answer:

Click to reveal NET


8 Across: "30. General with orders?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'O'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal TSO


9 Across: "39. .pdf alternative"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'C'
  • Another word like this: Dr.

Answer:

Click to reveal DOC


10 Across: "58. ___ au poivre (entree that's often flambéed)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: S___K

Answer:

Click to reveal STEAK

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 21. Football roster planning documents
2 Down 8. Tool used in building some castles
3 Down 43. Outfit for G.I. Joe
4 Down 52. Encumbrance
5 Down 37. Games-organizing org.
6 Down 5. Visit
7 Down 50. Singer Paul
8 Down 15. Graph type with sets of points
9 Down 29. 2019 Harry Styles song whose subject "lives in daydreams with me"
10 Down 55. The F.D.A. approved a form of this to treat anxiety in 2024, for short

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:


1 Down: "21. Football roster planning documents"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 11 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: D_________S

Answer:

Click to reveal DEPTHCHARTS


2 Down: "8. Tool used in building some castles"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: P__L

Answer:

Click to reveal PAIL


3 Down: "43. Outfit for G.I. Joe"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: U____Y

Answer:

Click to reveal USARMY


4 Down: "52. Encumbrance"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: O__S

Answer:

Click to reveal ONUS


5 Down: "37. Games-organizing org."

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'C'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal IOC


6 Down: "5. Visit"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: S__Y

Answer:

Click to reveal STAY


7 Down: "50. Singer Paul"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A__A

Answer:

Click to reveal ANKA


8 Down: "15. Graph type with sets of points"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 11 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S_________T

Answer:

Click to reveal SCATTERPLOT


9 Down: "29. 2019 Harry Styles song whose subject "lives in daydreams with me""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal SHE


10 Down: "55. The F.D.A. approved a form of this to treat anxiety in 2024, for short"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'D'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal LSD

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 52 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

The puzzle comes out at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before. So you can play Monday's puzzle starting Sunday at 10 PM.

How fast should I be able to solve it?

Most people solve the Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play?

No! The NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Mini solver?

Good Mini solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

Unlike the big NYT crossword, the Mini stays about the same difficulty every day. Sometimes Saturday might be a tiny bit harder.


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: November 08, 2025 at 03:50 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, November 08 2025 mini crossword