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Tuesday, June 30, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 30, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Professional wrestler's takedown 4
2A 5. Halt, to a horse 4
3A 9. "You've ___ this!" 3
4A 12. Business-casual tops worn in the summer 5
5A 14. Devout 5
6A 15. Beatles compilation album with 27 chart-topping hits 3
7A 16. Big name in pain relief 5
8A 17. Peter ___, physicist with a field and a particle named for him 5
9A 18. Anti-trafficking agcy. 3
10A 19. *Knack for success 10
11A 21. Makes angry, old-style 4
12A 22. Reveal 5
13A 23. Still on the run 7
14A 25. Something grilled at a tailgating party 4
15A 27. *Source of ongoing income, informally 10
16A 29. Do more work on, as a farrier might 6
17A 31. Slow-moving tree-dweller 5
18A 32. Landscape photographer Adams 5
19A 33. Green-lights 3
20A 34. Surprisingly dangerous "river horse" 5
21A 38. Warning before your breaking point? 5
22A 40. Fund-raising drive participants 6
23A 41. *Reckless motorist in "The Wind in the Willows" 10
24A 45. Mothers in a flock 4
25A 46. Plans (to) 7
26A 47. Ctrl+V action 5
27A 49. Dragon's den 4
28A 50. Remarks void of meaning ... and a phonetic hint to the answers to the starred clues 10
29A 54. What the prefix "omni-" means 3
30A 55. Easily broken 5
31A 56. Ancient Greek region along the Aegean coast 5
32A 57. Rolled randomizer 3
33A 58. Like some martinis and jokes 5
34A 59. Sweat ___ 5
35A 60. "Sure thing!" 3
36A 61. Workers in a colony 4
37A 62. Made haste 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Professional wrestler's takedown"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that winning all or all but one of the tricks in bridge
  • Similar words include: bang, mosh, sweep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Halt, to a horse"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHOA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. "You've ___ this!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
  • Similar words include: bring, experience, aim
  • Opposite of: take away, end
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. Business-casual tops worn in the summer"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that venetian traveler who explored asia in the 13th century and served kublai khan (1254-1324)
  • Similar words include: Polo, polo, Marco Polo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POLOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Devout"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or showing or expressing reverence for a deity
  • Opposite of: impious
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIOUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Beatles compilation album with 27 chart-topping hits"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: one and only, I, nonpareil
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Big name in pain relief"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trademarks aleve and anaprox and aflaxen) that fights pain and inflammation
  • Similar words include: Anaprox, naproxen sodium, Aflaxen
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALEVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "17. Peter ___, physicist with a field and a particle named for him"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIGGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "18. Anti-trafficking agcy."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that federal agency responsible for enforcing laws and regulations governing narcotics and controlled substances; goal is to immobilize drug trafficking organizations
  • Similar words include: Drug Enforcement Agency, Drug Enforcement Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "19. *Knack for success"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAGICTOUCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "21. Makes angry, old-style"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "22. Reveal"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LETON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "23. Still on the run"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATLARGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "25. Something grilled at a tailgating party"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very troublesome child
  • Similar words include: little terror, bratwurst, terror
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "27. *Source of ongoing income, informally"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEALTICKET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Do more work on, as a farrier might"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESHOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. Slow-moving tree-dweller"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disinclination to work or exert yourself
  • Similar words include: laziness, slothfulness, tree sloth
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. Landscape photographer Adams"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANSEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "33. Green-lights"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in south central united states
  • Similar words include: OK, okay, okey
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "34. Surprisingly dangerous "river horse""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ancient numidian town in northwestern africa adjoining present-day annaba in northeastern algeria
  • Similar words include: river horse, hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIPPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "38. Warning before your breaking point?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Fund-raising drive participants"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that person who makes a gift of property
  • Similar words include: conferrer, bestower, presenter
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DONORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. *Reckless motorist in "The Wind in the Willows""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MISTERTOAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Mothers in a flock"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • Similar words include: Ewe, ewe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Plans (to)"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have in mind as a purpose
  • Similar words include: intend, mean, specify
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTENDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Ctrl+V action"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any mixture of a soft and malleable consistency
  • Similar words include: glue, library paste, spread
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PASTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "49. Dragon's den"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the habitation of wild animals
  • Similar words include: den
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Remarks void of meaning ... and a phonetic hint to the answers to the starred clues"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMPTYWORDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. What the prefix "omni-" means"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
  • Similar words include: totally, wholly, altogether
  • Opposite of: partly, some
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Easily broken"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the weight of a frail (basket) full of raisins or figs; between 50 and 75 pounds
  • Similar words include: fallible, weak, delicate
  • Opposite of: robust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "56. Ancient Greek region along the Aegean coast"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that region of western asia minor colonized by ancient greeks
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IONIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "57. Rolled randomizer"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small cube with 1 to 6 spots on the six faces; used in gambling to generate random numbers
  • Similar words include: kick the bucket, give way, pop off
  • Opposite of: be born
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "58. Like some martinis and jokes"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make soiled, filthy, or dirty
  • Similar words include: cheating, begrime, pestiferous
  • Opposite of: clean
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIRTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "59. Sweat ___"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various organs that synthesize substances needed by the body and release it through ducts or directly into the bloodstream
  • Similar words include: secreter, secretor, secretory organ
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "60. "Sure thing!""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an affirmative
  • Opposite of: no
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "61. Workers in a colony"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: emmet, ant, pismire
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "62. Made haste"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move faster
  • Similar words include: quicken, hie, hotfoot
  • Opposite of: linger, decelerate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Meat sold in a can 4
2D 2. Showgirl at the Copacabana, in song 4
3D 3. Vessel for a pub pint 8
4D 4. *Where new features are released? 12
5D 5. Nintendo Switch predecessor 4
6D 6. "Sooooey!" and "Here, piggy, piggy!" 8
7D 7. Really should 7
8D 8. Total jerk 3
9D 9. Suddenly cease all communication 6
10D 10. Tightly wound, maybe 6
11D 11. Mad Hatter's collection 6
12D 13. Breakaway group 4
13D 14. Word after smart or flip 5
14D 20. Thick book 4
15D 21. *Metal lathes and drill presses 12
16D 24. Printmaking process, for short 5
17D 25. Supportive undergarment 3
18D 26. Kylo ___, "Star Wars" villain 3
19D 28. Extend an invitation for 5
20D 30. Bygone 5
21D 33. Get the better of 8
22D 35. Get 40 winks in 20 minutes, say 8
23D 36. Historic introduction? 3
24D 37. Pre-C.I.A. spy group 3
25D 39. Get a pizza delivered, perhaps 7
26D 40. Historic Normandy date 4
27D 41. Chivalrous address to a noblewoman 6
28D 42. Bad way to get caught 6
29D 43. Julia of "10 Things I Hate About You" 6
30D 44. In an appropriate way 5
31D 48. Big gulp 4
32D 51. Cherry discards 4
33D 52. Break bread 4
34D 53. Org. promoting responsible choices for youth 4
35D 55. Medicine-approving grp. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Meat sold in a can"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a canned meat made largely from pork
  • Similar words include: junk e-mail
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Showgirl at the Copacabana, in song"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Vessel for a pub pint"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALEGLASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. *Where new features are released?"

12 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOVIETHEATER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Nintendo Switch predecessor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WIIU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "Sooooey!" and "Here, piggy, piggy!""

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOGCALLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Really should"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUGHTTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Total jerk"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: piece of ass, roll in the hay, As
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Suddenly cease all communication"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GODARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Tightly wound, maybe"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONEDGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Mad Hatter's collection"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEASET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "13. Breakaway group"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a subdivision of a larger religious group
  • Similar words include: faction, religious order, religious sect
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Word after smart or flip"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
  • Similar words include: call, speech sound, earpiece
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "20. Thick book"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a (usually) large and scholarly book
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. *Metal lathes and drill presses"

12 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACHINETOOLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Printmaking process, for short"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LITHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Supportive undergarment"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
  • Similar words include: brassiere, bandeau
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Kylo ___, "Star Wars" villain"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Extend an invitation for"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASKTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Bygone"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Get the better of"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that beat through cleverness and wit
  • Similar words include: circumvent, outfox, outwit
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUTSMART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Get 40 winks in 20 minutes, say"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POWERNAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Historic introduction?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Pre-C.I.A. spy group"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Similar words include: OS, bone, Os
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Get a pizza delivered, perhaps"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORDERIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Historic Normandy date"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DDAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Chivalrous address to a noblewoman"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an english noblewoman
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILADY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Bad way to get caught"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INALIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Julia of "10 Things I Hate About You""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an upright that is a member in a door or window frame
  • Similar words include: stile
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STILES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. In an appropriate way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that with competence; in a competent capable manner
  • Similar words include: capably, ably, competently
  • Opposite of: incompetently
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APTLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Big gulp"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large and hurried swallow
  • Similar words include: quaff, slug, draught
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWIG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Cherry discards"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)
  • Similar words include: pitfall, stone, play off
  • Opposite of: Heaven
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Break bread"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have supper; eat dinner
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Org. promoting responsible choices for youth"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SADD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Medicine-approving grp."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a federal agency in the department of health and human services established to regulate the release of new foods and health-related products
  • Similar words include: Food and Drug Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: June 30, 2026 at 01:03 PM

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Today's NYT Crossword Down Clues December 23, 2025 - Complete Top-to-Bottom Answers

NYT Down Today December 23, 2025: Complete Vertical Clues Walkthrough

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 39 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: September 11 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | December 11 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | January 04 2023 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 23, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 23, 2025
Day of Week Tuesday
Total Down Clues 39 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Medium

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 39 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Sgt. or cpl.
2 Down 2. Go off a ski jump, say
3 Down 3. "Oh, really?"
4 Down 4. Tried to identify, in a way, as a wrapped gift
5 Down 5. Playground retort
6 Down 6. 1990s internet option
7 Down 7. With all judges present
8 Down 8. ___ de Rossi, "Arrested Development" actress
9 Down 9. Aspen or pine
10 Down 10. Reporter's big get
11 Down 11. Just for grins
12 Down 12. Short version of an impactful story
13 Down 13. Org. regulating water safety
14 Down 21. Insect that emerges en masse every 13 or 17 years
15 Down 22. Kind of salad whose dressing contains anchovies
16 Down 23. Former N.B.A. star Shawn with the nickname "Reign Man"
17 Down 26. Nailed, as a test
18 Down 29. "Once ___ a time ..."
19 Down 30. Character played by Bruce Lee on "The Green Hornet"
20 Down 33. ___ Finn
21 Down 35. One of three on the pitchfork in "American Gothic"
22 Down 37. Big Apple org. that's going to blazes?
23 Down 38. Flat-bottomed boat
24 Down 40. "That's correct!"
25 Down 41. Resident of Pisa or Lucca
26 Down 42. Condition that may require an inhaler
27 Down 43. Get more than a little mad
28 Down 46. Like many a dress shirt, with "in"
29 Down 47. Top execs, colloquially ... or what 20-, 28-, 39- and 59-Across are, phonetically?
30 Down 48. Make negative remarks about
31 Down 50. Not on the up and up, slangily
32 Down 51. In a fitting way
33 Down 52. Breaks (into), as a computer system
34 Down 53. Middle name for Lennon starting in 1969
35 Down 56. "Escape (The ___ Colada Song)"
36 Down 58. Sign of peace
37 Down 60. Sallie or Fannie follower
38 Down 61. Hand-y communication method, for short?
39 Down 62. Drink slowly

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues

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

Complete Down Solutions:


1 Down: "1. Sgt. or cpl."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NCO


2 Down: "2. Go off a ski jump, say"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: C______R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CATCHAIR


3 Down: "3. "Oh, really?""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: I______O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ISTHATSO


4 Down: "4. Tried to identify, in a way, as a wrapped gift"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: S___K
  • Similar words: agitate, stimulate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SHOOK


5 Down: "5. Playground retort"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: A__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AMSO


6 Down: "6. 1990s internet option"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DIALUP


7 Down: "7. With all judges present"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: E____C
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENBANC


8 Down: "8. ___ de Rossi, "Arrested Development" actress"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: P____A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PORTIA


9 Down: "9. Aspen or pine"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T__E
  • Similar words: corner, shoetree
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TREE


10 Down: "10. Reporter's big get"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: S___P
  • Similar words: exclusive, goop
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the quantity a scoop will hold
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCOOP


11 Down: "11. Just for grins"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALLINFUN


12 Down: "12. Short version of an impactful story"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: V______E
  • Similar words: sketch
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a brief literary description
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VIGNETTE


13 Down: "13. Org. regulating water safety"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EPA


14 Down: "21. Insect that emerges en masse every 13 or 17 years"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: C____A
  • Similar words: cicala
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CICADA


15 Down: "22. Kind of salad whose dressing contains anchovies"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: C____R
  • Similar words: Julius Caesar, Sidney Caesar
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: conqueror of Gaul and master of Italy (100-44 BC)
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CAESAR


16 Down: "23. Former N.B.A. star Shawn with the nickname "Reign Man""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: K__P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KEMP


17 Down: "26. Nailed, as a test"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: A__D
  • Similar words: sail through, ace
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: succeed at easily
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACED


18 Down: "29. "Once ___ a time ...""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: U__N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UPON


19 Down: "30. Character played by Bruce Lee on "The Green Hornet""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: K__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KATO


20 Down: "33. ___ Finn"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: H__K
  • Similar words: huckaback
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HUCK


21 Down: "35. One of three on the pitchfork in "American Gothic""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: prong on a fork or pitchfork or antler
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TINE


22 Down: "37. Big Apple org. that's going to blazes?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FDNY


23 Down: "38. Flat-bottomed boat"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: S__W
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any of various flat-bottomed boats with sloping ends
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCOW


24 Down: "40. "That's correct!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'S'
  • Opposite of: no
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an affirmative
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YES


25 Down: "41. Resident of Pisa or Lucca"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: T____N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a resident of Tuscany
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TUSCAN


26 Down: "42. Condition that may require an inhaler"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A____A
  • Similar words: asthma attack
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASTHMA


27 Down: "43. Get more than a little mad"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S____D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEERED


28 Down: "46. Like many a dress shirt, with "in""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: T____D
  • Similar words: pucker, gather
  • Opposite of: untucked
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: fit snugly into
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TUCKED


29 Down: "47. Top execs, colloquially ... or what 20-, 28-, 39- and 59-Across are, phonetically?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: C____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CSUITE


30 Down: "48. Make negative remarks about"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HATEON


31 Down: "50. Not on the up and up, slangily"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: genus Sus
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: type genus of the Suidae
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SUS


32 Down: "51. In a fitting way"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: A___Y
  • Similar words: ably, competently
  • Opposite of: incompetently
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: with competence; in a competent capable manner
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer APTLY


33 Down: "52. Breaks (into), as a computer system"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: H___S
  • Similar words: taxicab, plug
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: one who works hard at boring tasks
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HACKS


34 Down: "53. Middle name for Lennon starting in 1969"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'O'
  • Similar words: Yoko Ono
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ONO


35 Down: "56. "Escape (The ___ Colada Song)""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PINA


36 Down: "58. Sign of peace"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: D__E
  • Similar words: peacenik, plunk
  • Opposite of: hawk
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any of numerous small pigeons
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DOVE


37 Down: "60. Sallie or Fannie follower"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MAE


38 Down: "61. Hand-y communication method, for short?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the sign language used in the United States
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASL


39 Down: "62. Drink slowly"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'P'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a small drink
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SIP

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

  • Down clues often reveal key letters for intersecting words
  • Vertical patterns can unlock difficult sections
  • Many prefixes and suffixes run vertically
  • Down answers often help solve Across clues

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

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

Time-Saving Down Techniques

Technique How It Helps
Scan all Down first Get a mental map of the vertical flow
Fill short Down words 3-4 letter words are often prefixes or connectors
Use crossing letters Across letters help confirm Down answers
Look for themes Related Down answers often share a theme

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 39 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Down clues often contain helpful prefixes, suffixes, and word parts that can be easier to guess.

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

Down and Across clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.


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

Last Updated: December 23, 2025 at 05:18 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 23 2025 down clues