February 25, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (42 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 77 (35 Across, 42 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.2 letters

February 25, 2020 Across Hints: NYT Tuesday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Polio vaccine developer Salk	5
2A	6. The "S" of S.U.V.	5
3A	11. Glasgow gal	4
4A	15. Get in touch with	5
5A	16. Mistake	5
6A	17. From the start	4
7A	18. Connected set of rooms in a hotel	5
8A	19. Frank ___, Al Capone henchman	5
9A	20. "Veni, ___, vici"	4
10A	21. International competition for countries that boycotted the 1984 Summer Olympics [Texas]	15
11A	24. "Quite true"	6
12A	25. Edmonton's hockey team	6
13A	26. Theme of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Do the Right Thing"	6
14A	29. Jazzy Fitzgerald	4
15A	30. Sphere	3
16A	31. 45 1/2-carat gem at the National Museum of Natural History [Rhode Island]	11
17A	38. Time in Boston when it's midnight in Austin	5
18A	41. Impose, as a tax	4
19A	42. Shopping binge	5
20A	43. QB's downfield throw [Wisconsin]	11
21A	46. Michael of "S.N.L."	3
22A	47. ___-Ball (carnival attraction)	4
23A	48. Corsage flower	6
24A	51. Growth on a tree	6
25A	54. Place for tugboats	6
26A	57. Companies that have big market shares [Utah]	15
27A	61. Drug cop	4
28A	62. Helped out	5
29A	63. Preliminary races	5
30A	65. Furry critter in "Return of the Jedi"	4
31A	66. Vehicle with 18 tyres, maybe	5
32A	67. Sleep problem	5
33A	68. Pols with a donkey party logo	4
34A	69. With 70-Across, what the first word of each long Across answer is vis-à-vis the bracketed place in its clue	5
35A	70. See 69-Across	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. Polio vaccine developer Salk"

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: JONAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. The "S" of S.U.V."

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 active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
• Words that mean the same thing: skylark, athletics, fun
• 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: SPORT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Glasgow gal"

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 girl or young woman who is unmarried
• Words that mean the same thing: jeune fille, lassie, young girl
• 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: LASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "15. Get in touch with"

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 limits within which something can be effective
• Words that mean the same thing: turn over, get hold of, extend to
• 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: REACH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Mistake"

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 wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
• Words that mean the same thing: computer error, wrongdoing, mistake
• 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: ERROR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. From the start"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that again but in a new or different way
• Words that mean the same thing: afresh
• 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: ANEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Connected set of rooms in a hotel"

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 musical composition of several movements only loosely connected
• Words that mean the same thing: rooms, entourage, cortege
• 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: SUITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Frank ___, Al Capone henchman"

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: NITTI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. "Veni, ___, vici""

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: VIDI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. International competition for countries that boycotted the 1984 Summer Olympics [Texas]"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert 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: FRIENDSHIPGAMES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. "Quite true""

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: ITISSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Edmonton's hockey team"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a worker who oils engines or machinery
• Words that mean the same thing: oil tanker, oil well, tanker
• 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: OILERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Theme of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Do the Right Thing""

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 the prejudice that members of one race are intrinsically superior to members of other races
• Words that mean the same thing: racial discrimination, racialism
• 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: RACISM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Jazzy Fitzgerald"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium 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: ELLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Sphere"

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 ball-shaped capsule containing the vertebrate eye
• Words that mean the same thing: globe, ball, eyeball
• 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: ORB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. 45 1/2-carat gem at the National Museum of Natural History [Rhode Island]"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert 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: HOPEDIAMOND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "38. Time in Boston when it's midnight in Austin"

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: ONEAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "41. Impose, as a tax"

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 charge imposed and collected
• Words that mean the same thing: levy en masse, raise, recruit
• 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: LEVY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "42. Shopping binge"

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 brief indulgence of your impulses
• Words that mean the same thing: fling
• 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: SPREE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "43. QB's downfield throw [Wisconsin]"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: FORWARDPASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "46. Michael of "S.N.L.""

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: CHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "47. ___-Ball (carnival attraction)"

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: SKEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "48. Corsage flower"

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 any of numerous plants of the orchid family usually having flowers of unusual shapes and beautiful colors
• Words that mean the same thing: orchidaceous plant
• 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: ORCHID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "51. Growth on a tree"

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 any of several eruptive skin diseases characterized by hard thick lesions grouped together and resembling lichens growing on rocks
• 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: LICHEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "54. Place for tugboats"

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 sheltered port where ships can take on or discharge cargo
• Words that mean the same thing: seaport, entertain, harbour
• 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: HARBOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "57. Companies that have big market shares [Utah]"

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: INDUSTRYLEADERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "61. Drug cop"

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 lawman concerned with narcotics violations
• Words that mean the same thing: narcotics agent, nark
• 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: NARC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "62. Helped out"

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 give help or assistance; be of service
• Words that mean the same thing: help, assist, aid
• The opposite would be: unassisted
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AIDED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "63. Preliminary races"

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 form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
• Words that mean the same thing: stir up, rut, warmth
• The opposite would be: anestrus, coldness
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "65. Furry critter in "Return of the Jedi""

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: EWOK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "66. Vehicle with 18 tyres, maybe"

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 large low horse-drawn wagon without sides
• Words that mean the same thing: camion
• 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: LORRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "67. Sleep problem"

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 33 Across: "68. Pols with a donkey party logo"

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: DEMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "69. With 70-Across, what the first word of each long Across answer is vis-à-vis the bracketed place in its clue"

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 territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
• Words that mean the same thing: submit, DoS, put forward
• 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: STATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "70. See 69-Across"

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 favorite saying of a sect or political group
• Words that mean the same thing: catchword, shibboleth, slogan
• 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: MOTTO

  Great job if you got it right!

February 25, 2020 Down Hints: NYT Tuesday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Upper-class members: Abbr.	3
2D	2. "Why do the French have only one egg for breakfast? Because one egg is an ___" (old joke)	4
3D	3. Brand to use "if you dare wear short shorts"	4
4D	4. When Hamlet gives his "To be, or not to be" soliloquy	6
5D	5. 500 things in a ream	6
6D	6. Transmits	5
7D	7. Strait-laced person	5
8D	8. Big name in lawn care	5
9D	9. Indian flatbread	4
10D	10. North African city in the lyrics to the "Marines' Hymn"	7
11D	11. Blobby light popular in the 1960s-'70s	8
12D	12. Japanese cartoon style	5
13D	13. Meal with the Four Questions	5
14D	14. ___ Army knife	5
15D	22. "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of ___" (Robert C. O'Brien children's book)	4
16D	23. Large lizards of the Southwest	5
17D	26. Upper part of the mouth	4
18D	27. Florence's river	4
19D	28. Person who might say "10-4, good buddy"	4
20D	29. "Grand" brand of ice cream	4
21D	32. Ye ___ Shoppe	4
22D	33. Liveliness	3
23D	34. Longoria of "Desperate Housewives"	3
24D	35. Theater sect. near the stage	4
25D	36. Fruity soda brand	4
26D	37. Homeowner's document	4
27D	39. Phrase akin to "Darn it all!"	8
28D	40. Manufactures	5
29D	44. Cars for vacationers	7
30D	45. Japanese noodles	4
31D	49. Hillary ___ Clinton	6
32D	50. Sleazeball	6
33D	51. Queued (up)	5
34D	52. Really impressed	5
35D	53. PC spinner	5
36D	54. Freshwater polyp	5
37D	55. Paying attention	5
38D	56. Change from artificial blond back to brunet, say	5
39D	58. Prison uprising	4
40D	59. Rave's partner	4
41D	60. "Leave as is," to a proofreader	4
42D	64. ___ Paulo, Brazil	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. Upper-class members: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a son who has the same first name as his father
• Words that mean the same thing: Junior, Jr, Jnr
• 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: JRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "Why do the French have only one egg for breakfast? Because one egg is an ___" (old joke)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: OEUF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Brand to use "if you dare wear short shorts""

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: NAIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. When Hamlet gives his "To be, or not to be" soliloquy"

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: ACTIII

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. 500 things in a ream"

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 any broad thin expanse or surface
• Words that mean the same thing: weather sheet, sheet, sheet of paper
• 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: SHEETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Transmits"

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 cause to go somewhere
• Words that mean the same thing: institutionalise, broadcast, institutionalize
• 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: SENDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Strait-laced person"

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: PRISS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Big name in lawn care"

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: ORTHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Indian flatbread"

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: ROTI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. North African city in the lyrics to the "Marines' Hymn""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a weathered and decomposed siliceous limestone; in powdered form it is used in polishing
• Words that mean the same thing: capital of Libya, Trablous, Tarabulus Ash-Sham
• 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: TRIPOLI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Blobby light popular in the 1960s-'70s"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: LAVALAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Japanese cartoon style"

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 hard copal derived from an african tree
• Words that mean the same thing: Zanzibar copal, gum anime
• 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: ANIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Meal with the Four Questions"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (judaism) the ceremonial dinner on the first night (or both nights) of passover
• Words that mean the same thing: Passover supper
• 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: SEDER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. ___ Army knife"

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 natives or inhabitants of switzerland
• Words that mean the same thing: Swiss people
• 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: SWISS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of ___" (Robert C. O'Brien children's book)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard 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: NIMH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Large lizards of the Southwest"

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 river that rises in western new mexico and flows westward through southern arizona to become a tributary of the colorado river
• Words that mean the same thing: Gila River, Gila
• 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: GILAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Upper part of the mouth"

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 protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
• Words that mean the same thing: cap, ceiling
• 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: ROOF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Florence's river"

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 river in central italy rising in the apennines and flowing through florence and pisa to the ligurian sea
• Words that mean the same thing: River Arno, Arno River
• 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: ARNO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Person who might say "10-4, good buddy""

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: CBER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. "Grand" brand of ice cream"

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: EDYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Ye ___ Shoppe"

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: OLDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Liveliness"

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 liveliness and energy
• Words that mean the same thing: peppiness, ginger
• 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: PEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Longoria of "Desperate Housewives""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium 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: EVA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Theater sect. near the stage"

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: ORCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Fruity soda 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: NEHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Homeowner's document"

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 legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it
• Words that mean the same thing: deed of conveyance, human action, human activity
• 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: DEED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Phrase akin to "Darn it all!""

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: AWSHUCKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "40. Manufactures"

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 recognizable kind
• Words that mean the same thing: draw, relieve oneself, pull in
• The opposite would be: unmake, break
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. Cars for vacationers"

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 property that is leased or rented out or let
• Words that mean the same thing: renting, rental, lease
• 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: RENTALS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Japanese noodles"

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: SOBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Hillary ___ Clinton"

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: RODHAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Sleazeball"

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: CREEPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Queued (up)"

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 be in line with; form a line along
• Words that mean the same thing: trace, draw, describe
• The opposite would be: unlined
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LINED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Really impressed"

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: INAWE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. PC spinner"

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: CDROM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. Freshwater polyp"

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 (greek mythology) monster with nine heads; when struck off each head was replaced by two new ones
• Words that mean the same thing: Snake
• 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: HYDRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "55. Paying attention"

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 condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action
• Words that mean the same thing: alive, awake, alarum
• The opposite would be: unalert
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALERT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "56. Change from artificial blond back to brunet, say"

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: REDYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "58. Prison uprising"

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 public act of violence by an unruly mob
• Words that mean the same thing: drunken revelry, saturnalia, roister
• 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: RIOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "59. Rave's partner"

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 loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
• Words that mean the same thing: mouth off, harangue, blah
• 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: RANT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "60. "Leave as is," to a proofreader"

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 printing: cancel, as of a correction or deletion
• 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: STET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "64. ___ Paulo, Brazil"

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: SAO

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	62	80.5%
Short Answer	4	5.2%
History	3	3.9%
Sports	2	2.6%
Geography	2	2.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	42
Total Clues	77
Average Answer Length	5.2 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 Tuesday, 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!

More Crossword Resources

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

• June 20 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 24 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 17 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 27 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 18 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 01 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• NYT Crossword Answers Hints July 20
• February 11 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 04 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 25 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

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: September 26, 2025 at 09:17 PM

December 28, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (43 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, December 28, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (43 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

Across Clues Explained - Monday NYT Crossword December 28, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Health resorts	4
2A	5. Georgia fruit	5
3A	10. Tuxedo shirt fastener	4
4A	14. ___ and every	4
5A	15. Person with a microphone	5
6A	16. Finest-quality, informally	4
7A	17. Word after pen or pet	4
8A	18. Company behind Battlezone and Asteroids	5
9A	19. "Wheel of Fortune" play	4
10A	20. Late "Jeopardy!" host Alex	6
11A	22. V.I.P.s	8
12A	24. Quibbles	5
13A	26. Stack of papers	5
14A	27. Stand-up comic Margaret	3
15A	29. "___ whiz!"	3
16A	30. Approx. when to get to the airport for a pickup	3
17A	31. Unknown, on a sched.	3
18A	34. German "mister"	4
19A	36. "Gnarly, dude!"	3
20A	38. Bold response to a threat	6
21A	40. Ready for picking	4
22A	41. Written material of no consequence	5
23A	43. Flying: Prefix	4
24A	44. Enthusiastic response to "Who wants candy?"	6
25A	46. Internet image file, familiarly	3
26A	47. Cyclops and Wolverine, for two	4
27A	48. Title for Paul McCartney or Elton John	3
28A	49. "The Lord of the Rings" baddie	3
29A	51. ___ Castellaneta, voice of Homer Simpson	3
30A	53. "To a Skylark," e.g.	3
31A	54. Lure of a coffee shop	5
32A	56. Grouchy Muppet	5
33A	58. Be sociable	8
34A	61. Like Satan and some owls	6
35A	64. BBQ spoiler	4
36A	65. Supermodel Campbell	5
37A	67. DVR system	4
38A	68. Shoestring woe	4
39A	69. Trio or quartet	5
40A	70. Rare blood type, for short	4
41A	71. "The Brady Bunch" threesome	4
42A	72. German industrial hub	5
43A	73. Shrek, for one	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. Health resorts"

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 health resort near a spring or at the seaside
• Words that mean the same thing: watering place, health club, health spa
• 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: SPAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Georgia fruit"

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 cultivated in temperate regions
• Words that mean the same thing: blab out, salmon pink, ravisher
• The opposite would be: keep quiet
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEACH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Tuxedo shirt fastener"

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 man who is virile and sexually active
• Words that mean the same thing: stud poker, rivet, macho-man
• 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: STUD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. ___ and every"

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 (used of count nouns) every one considered individually
• Words that mean the same thing: apiece, to each one, for each one
• 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: EACH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Person with a microphone"

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 person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)
• Words that mean the same thing: host, compere, master of ceremonies
• 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: EMCEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Finest-quality, informally"

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: AONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Word after pen or pet"

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 language unit by which a person or thing is known
• Words that mean the same thing: cite, bring up, gens
• 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: NAME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Company behind Battlezone and Asteroids"

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: ATARI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. "Wheel of Fortune" play"

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 swift whirling motion (usually of a missile)
• Words that mean the same thing: spin around, reel, whirl
• 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: SPIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Late "Jeopardy!" host Alex"

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: TREBEK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. V.I.P.s"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: BIGSHOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Quibbles"

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 the lean flesh of a fish that is often farmed; can be baked or braised
• Words that mean the same thing: cavil, chicane, carp
• 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: CARPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Stack of papers"

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 package of several things tied together for carrying or storing
• Words that mean the same thing: bundle
• 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: SHEAF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Stand-up comic Margaret"

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: CHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. "___ whiz!""

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 unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity; used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when it is accelerated
• Words that mean the same thing: g, g-force
• 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: GEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Approx. when to get to the airport for a pickup"

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 terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
• Words that mean the same thing: Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Homeland and Freedom, Basque Fatherland and Liberty
• 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: ETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "31. Unknown, on a sched."

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: TBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. German "mister""

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 german man; used before the name as a title equivalent to mr in english
• 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: HERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "36. "Gnarly, dude!""

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 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 20 Across: "38. Bold response to a threat"

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: ORWHAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Ready for picking"

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 fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
• Words that mean the same thing: mature, right, advanced
• The opposite would be: green
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Written material of no consequence"

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 any light downy material
• Words that mean the same thing: ball up, fuck up, ruffle
• 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: FLUFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. Flying: Prefix"

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: AERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. Enthusiastic response to "Who wants candy?""

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: IDOIDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "46. Internet image file, familiarly"

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: GIF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "47. Cyclops and Wolverine, for two"

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: XMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "48. Title for Paul McCartney or Elton John"

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 term of address for a man
• 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: SIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "49. "The Lord of the Rings" baddie"

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: ORC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "51. ___ Castellaneta, voice of Homer Simpson"

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: DAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "53. "To a Skylark," e.g."

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 lyric poem with complex stanza forms
• 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: ODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "54. Lure of a coffee shop"

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 any property detected by the olfactory system
• Words that mean the same thing: smell, odour, fragrance
• 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: AROMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "56. Grouchy Muppet"

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 motion picture arts and sciences for achievements in motion picture production and performance
• Words that mean the same thing: Academy Award
• 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: OSCAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "58. Be sociable"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that act together or towards others or with others
• 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: INTERACT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "61. Like Satan and some owls"

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 stab or pierce with a horn or tusk
• Words that mean the same thing: horn, tusk
• The opposite would be: hornless
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HORNED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "64. BBQ spoiler"

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 water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
• Words that mean the same thing: pelting, rain down, rainwater
• 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: RAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "65. Supermodel Campbell"

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 mother-in-law of ruth whose story is told in the book of ruth in the old testament
• Words that mean the same thing: Noemi
• 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: NAOMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "67. DVR system"

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: TIVO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "68. Shoestring woe"

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 tight cluster of people or things
• Words that mean the same thing: slub, greyback, Calidris canutus
• The opposite would be: unknot, unravel
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KNOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "69. Trio or quartet"

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 small band of jazz musicians
• Words that mean the same thing: jazz group, jazz band
• 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: COMBO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Across: "70. Rare blood type, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ONEG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Across: "71. "The Brady Bunch" threesome"

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 male human offspring
• Words that mean the same thing: boy, son, Word
• The opposite would be: daughter, girl
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Across: "72. German industrial hub"

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 city in western germany; industrial center of the ruhr
• 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: ESSEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 43 Across: "73. Shrek, 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 cruel wicked and inhuman person
• Words that mean the same thing: devil, monster, fiend
• 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: OGRE

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Monday Crossword Down Clues - December 28, 2020 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Email outbox folder	4
2D	2. Jack who once hosted "The Tonight Show"	4
3D	3. Wile E. Coyote's supplier	15
4D	4. Biblical land with a queen	5
5D	5. Athlete's goal in competition	15
6D	6. 911 call respondent, for short	3
7D	7. Hail ___ (cry "Taxi!")	4
8D	8. Cherry-colored	6
9D	9. Absolute chicness	15
10D	10. Malia Obama's sister	5
11D	11. Quaint greeting	15
12D	12. Quart, liter or gallon	4
13D	13. Cozy retreats	4
14D	21. Tiny bit of work	3
15D	23. Brown, as a roast	4
16D	25. One clapping at a circus?	4
17D	27. Cuomo of CNN	5
18D	28. Model and TV host Klum	5
19D	32. Revealed, as one's soul	5
20D	33. The devout do it on Yom Kippur	5
21D	35. Big sporting goods retailer	3
22D	37. Found groovy	3
23D	39. Honeycomb stuff	3
24D	42. Relative of Rex or Rover	4
25D	45. Choice on "Let's Make a Deal"	4
26D	50. Chocolate beans	6
27D	52. Sgt., for one	3
28D	55. Amounts on Monopoly cards	5
29D	57. "Star Wars" droid, informally	5
30D	58. Really bugs	4
31D	59. Prefix meaning "super-tiny"	4
32D	60. Male turkeys	4
33D	62. Anytime at all	4
34D	63. Onetime Venetian V.I.P.	4
35D	66. U.K. medal accepted and then returned by John Lennon, in brief	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. Email outbox folder"

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 100 senti equal 1 kroon in estonia
• Words that mean the same thing: broadcast, place, post
• The opposite would be: unsent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Jack who once hosted "The Tonight Show""

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: PAAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Wile E. Coyote's supplier"

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: ACMECORPORATION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Biblical land with a queen"

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: SHEBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Athlete's goal in competition"

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: PEAKPERFORMANCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. 911 call respondent, for short"

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: EMT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Hail ___ (cry "Taxi!")"

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: ACAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Cherry-colored"

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 red the color of ripe cherries
• Words that mean the same thing: ruby, cherry-red, cherry
• 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: CERISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Absolute chicness"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: HEIGHTOFFASHION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Malia Obama's sister"

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: SASHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Quaint greeting"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: TOPOFTHEMORNING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Quart, liter or gallon"

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 any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange
• Words that mean the same thing: unit of measurement, building block, whole
• 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: UNIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Cozy retreats"

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 habitation of wild animals
• Words that mean the same thing: hideaway, den, hideout
• 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: DENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. Tiny bit of work"

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 cgs unit of work or energy; the work done by a force of one dyne acting over a distance of one centimeter
• 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: ERG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "23. Brown, as a roast"

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 make very hot and dry
• Words that mean the same thing: dried-up, sere, shrivelled
• 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: SEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. One clapping at a circus?"

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 fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
• Words that mean the same thing: seal off, Navy SEAL, stamp
• The opposite would be: unseal
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Cuomo of CNN"

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: CHRIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Model and TV host Klum"

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: HEIDI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "32. Revealed, as one's soul"

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 public
• Words that mean the same thing: block, debar, relegate
• The opposite would be: unbar
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "33. The devout do it on Yom Kippur"

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 make amends for
• Words that mean the same thing: abye, repent, expiate
• 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: ATONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "35. Big sporting goods retailer"

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: REI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "37. Found groovy"

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 udder or breast or teat
• Words that mean the same thing: dig up, stab, jab
• 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: DUG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "39. Honeycomb stuff"

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 any of various substances of either mineral origin or plant or animal origin; they are solid at normal temperatures and insoluble in water
• Words that mean the same thing: climb, rise, mount
• The opposite would be: wane
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "42. Relative of Rex or Rover"

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: FIDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "45. Choice on "Let's Make a Deal""

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 swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
• Words that mean the same thing: threshold, doorway, room access
• 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: DOOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "50. Chocolate beans"

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 tropical american tree producing cacao beans
• Words that mean the same thing: cacao, cacao tree, Theobroma cacao
• 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: CACAOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "52. Sgt., for one"

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: NCO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "55. Amounts on Monopoly cards"

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 payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service
• Words that mean the same thing: tear, lease, economic rent
• 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: RENTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "57. "Star Wars" droid, informally"

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: ARTOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "58. Really bugs"

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 irritate or vex
• Words that mean the same thing: gall, irk
• 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: IRKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "59. Prefix meaning "super-tiny""

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: NANO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "60. Male turkeys"

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 (ethnic slur) offensive and derogatory name for a black man who is abjectly servile and deferential to whites
• Words that mean the same thing: tom, tom turkey, tomcat
• 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: TOMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "62. Anytime at all"

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: always, ever so, e'er
• 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!

Clue 34 Down: "63. Onetime Venetian V.I.P."

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 formerly the chief magistrate in the republics of venice and genoa
• 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: DOGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "66. U.K. medal accepted and then returned by John Lennon, in brief"

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: MBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	59	75.6%
Short Answer	15	19.2%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Sports	1	1.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	43
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.8 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 Monday, 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!

More Crossword Resources

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• December 09 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
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• 27425 Thu Dec 12 2024 NYT By Daniel
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers August 01
• March 20 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

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: September 20, 2025 at 11:15 AM