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Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Today's NYT Crossword Down Clues September 17, 2025 - Complete Top-to-Bottom Answers

All NYT Down Clues September 17, 2025 - 44 Vertical Answers with Hints

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 44 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: Monday August 05 2024 NYT Crossword | Xwordhint Crossword Answers June 03 | December 02 2022 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for September 17, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 17, 2025
Day of Week Wednesday
Total Down Clues 44 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Tricky

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 44 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. ___ Club
2 Down 2. Actress Dunham
3 Down 3. Apollo mission mementos
4 Down 4. Alternative to a strike [cough cough]
5 Down 5. Variety
6 Down 6. Brooks & ___ (country duo)
7 Down 7. Literary download
8 Down 8. Anime style involving giant robots
9 Down 9. Rocksteady precursor
10 Down 10. Soothing home remedy for puffy eyes
11 Down 11. Spanish rice
12 Down 12. Sorcerous elder of folklore
13 Down 13. Garden hose problems
14 Down 16. Go over lightly
15 Down 19. Enemy agency in "Get Smart"
16 Down 23. ___ Maria (liqueur)
17 Down 26. Beatles sobriquet
18 Down 28. See 68-Down
19 Down 29. Slightly
20 Down 30. Go pit-a-pat
21 Down 31. Enjoy
22 Down 35. Texter's [!!!]
23 Down 36. Make "it," in a kids' game
24 Down 37. Ripening agent
25 Down 39. Body of policy advisers
26 Down 40. Take home
27 Down 41. Bird named for a Titan
28 Down 43. Like some short tennis matches
29 Down 44. Contrite answer to "Who put the empty ice cream carton back in the freezer?"
30 Down 47. Legendary sea monsters
31 Down 49. Some bottled waters
32 Down 51. String tightener on a guitar
33 Down 53. Ear covering
34 Down 54. Screwballs
35 Down 55. Director Kurosawa
36 Down 56. Caramel-filled candies
37 Down 57. Actress Palmer of "Nope"
38 Down 58. Outie's counterpart
39 Down 59. Hung on the clothesline
40 Down 63. Vape pen, informally
41 Down 65. When Hamilton arrives in New York City, in "Hamilton"
42 Down 66. Some ring decisions, in brief
43 Down 68. With 28-Down, longtime McDonald's chief
44 Down 70. Comedian Jo

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. ___ Club"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E__S
  • Similar words: moose, elk
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ELKS

2 Down: "2. Actress Dunham"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: L__A
  • Similar words: Lena River
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LENA

3 Down: "3. Apollo mission mementos"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M_______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MOONROCKS

4 Down: "4. Alternative to a strike [cough cough]"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S_____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SICKOUT

5 Down: "5. Variety"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'K'
  • Similar words: like
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a kind of person
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ILK

6 Down: "6. Brooks & ___ (country duo)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: D__N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DUNN

7 Down: "7. Literary download"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: E___K
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EBOOK

8 Down: "8. Anime style involving giant robots"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: M___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MECHA

9 Down: "9. Rocksteady precursor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKA

10 Down: "10. Soothing home remedy for puffy eyes"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T_____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TEABAGS

11 Down: "11. Spanish rice"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'Z'
  • Word pattern: A___Z
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARROZ

12 Down: "12. Sorcerous elder of folklore"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: C___E
  • Similar words: witch, hag
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an ugly evil-looking old woman
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CRONE

13 Down: "13. Garden hose problems"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: K___S
  • Similar words: crape, frizzle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KINKS

14 Down: "16. Go over lightly"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: S__M
  • Similar words: glance over, skim over
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a thin layer covering the surface of a liquid
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKIM

15 Down: "19. Enemy agency in "Get Smart""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: K__S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KAOS

16 Down: "23. ___ Maria (liqueur)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIA

17 Down: "26. Beatles sobriquet"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with '4'
  • Word pattern: F__4
  • This answer contains numbers
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FAB4

18 Down: "28. See 68-Down"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KROC

19 Down: "29. Slightly"

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
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATAD

20 Down: "30. Go pit-a-pat"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R__E
  • Similar words: slipstream, speed
  • Opposite of: linger
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any competition
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RACE

21 Down: "31. Enjoy"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: L__E
  • Similar words: the like, alike
  • Opposite of: unalike
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a similar kind;
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LIKE

22 Down: "35. Texter's [!!!]"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'G'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OMG

23 Down: "36. Make "it," in a kids' game"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'G'
  • Similar words: label, give chase
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a label written or printed on paper
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TAG

24 Down: "37. Ripening agent"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: A__R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AGER

25 Down: "39. Body of policy advisers"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: T_______K
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THINKTANK

26 Down: "40. Take home"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: E__N
  • Similar words: realise, garner
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EARN

27 Down: "41. Bird named for a Titan"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: R__A
  • Similar words: Rhea americana, nandu
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RHEA

28 Down: "43. Like some short tennis matches"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with '2' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: 2__T
  • This answer contains numbers
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer 2SET

29 Down: "44. Contrite answer to "Who put the empty ice cream carton back in the freezer?""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: I__D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IDID

30 Down: "47. Legendary sea monsters"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: K_____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KRAKENS

31 Down: "49. Some bottled waters"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: D_____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DASANIS

32 Down: "51. String tightener on a guitar"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'G'
  • Similar words: oarlock, leg
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PEG

33 Down: "53. Ear covering"

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: chaff, stalk
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HUSK

34 Down: "54. Screwballs"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: K___S
  • Similar words: queer duck, odd fellow
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KOOKS

35 Down: "55. Director Kurosawa"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AKIRA

36 Down: "56. Caramel-filled candies"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R___S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROLOS

37 Down: "57. Actress Palmer of "Nope""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: K__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KEKE

38 Down: "58. Outie's counterpart"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: I___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer INNIE

39 Down: "59. Hung on the clothesline"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: D___D
  • Similar words: dehydrated, dry
  • Opposite of: wet
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: remove the moisture from and make dry
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DRIED

40 Down: "63. Vape pen, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: E__G
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ECIG

41 Down: "65. When Hamilton arrives in New York City, in "Hamilton""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: A__I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACTI

42 Down: "66. Some ring decisions, in brief"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T__S
  • Similar words: TKO
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 42

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TKOS

43 Down: "68. With 28-Down, longtime McDonald's chief"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'Y'
  • Similar words: radiate, irradiation
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a column of light (as from a beacon)
  • This is Down clue number 43

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAY

44 Down: "70. Comedian Jo"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'Y'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 44

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KOY

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 44 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: September 17, 2025 at 05:13 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, September 17 2025 down clues

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XWordHint Crossword Answers September 17, 2025 | 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

September 17, 2025 NYT Crossword Solutions

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. State trees of North Dakota 4
2A 5. Ditto, in footnotes 4
3A 9. Measure (up) 5
4A 14. First in a line of 14 popes 4
5A 15. Some garage jobs 5
6A 17. Olympian Strug 5
7A 18. Start of a joke 10
8A 20. Elder brother of Moses 5
9A 21. Brand whose name is derived from the French phrase "sans caféine" 5
10A 22. Perfectly pitched? 5
11A 24. Sound effect in a slapstick routine 4
12A 25. One might hit it or raise it, metaphorically 4
13A 27. Vodka cocktails with orange liqueur and lime juice 9
14A 29. Awakening 7
15A 32. World Cup champs of 1978, 1986 and 2022: Abbr. 3
16A 33. Knowing what not to say, say 4
17A 34. Regional life forms 5
18A 38. Kitchen appliance brand 5
19A 42. Cry of dismay 3
20A 43. Grammy-winning Bruno Mars album of 2016 … or a hint to an unusual feature of this puzzle's answer grid 8
21A 45. "Fat chance!" 3
22A 46. Classroom assignments 5
23A 48. Encouraged, with "on" 5
24A 49. Pressing 4
25A 50. Cred 3
26A 52. One-named Barbadian superstar 7
27A 54. Title nickname in a classic 1984 sports film 9
28A 60. Time when streetlights turn on 4
29A 61. "All right already, I'll do it!" 4
30A 62. Punk or funk 5
31A 64. Joined, as a table 5
32A 67. Edmonton athlete 5
33A 69. Trinket 10
34A 71. Swedish coin 5
35A 72. Nursery song refrain 5
36A 73. Really loving 4
37A 74. Like a smart aleck 5
38A 75. Pushing against a boundary … like this answer? 4
39A 76. "Shreds," in winter sports lingo 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. State trees of North Dakota"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
  • Similar words include: elmwood, elm tree, elm
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Ditto, in footnotes"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Measure (up)"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an orderly pile
  • Similar words include: pot, great deal, push-down storage
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STACK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. First in a line of 14 popes"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Some garage jobs"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a substance capable of reducing friction by making surfaces smooth or slippery
  • Similar words include: lubricator, lubricate, lube
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUBES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Olympian Strug"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Start of a joke"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Elder brother of Moses"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states professional baseball player who hit more home runs than babe ruth (born in 1934)
  • Similar words include: Hank Aaron, Henry Louis Aaron
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AARON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Brand whose name is derived from the French phrase "sans caféine""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Perfectly pitched?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Sound effect in a slapstick routine"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have sexual intercourse with
  • Similar words include: screw, whap, love
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BONK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. One might hit it or raise it, metaphorically"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
  • Similar words include: cap, ceiling
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Vodka cocktails with orange liqueur and lime juice"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fighter plane used for suicide missions by japanese pilots in world war ii
  • Similar words include: kamikaze
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAMIKAZES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Awakening"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of arousing
  • Similar words include: foreplay, rousing, stimulation
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AROUSAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. World Cup champs of 1978, 1986 and 2022: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Knowing what not to say, say"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense
  • Similar words include: tactfulness
  • Opposite of: tactlessness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Regional life forms"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that all the plant and animal life of a particular region
  • Similar words include: biology
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIOTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. Kitchen appliance brand"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. Cry of dismay"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Grammy-winning Bruno Mars album of 2016 … or a hint to an unusual feature of this puzzle's answer grid"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: 24______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: 24KMAGIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "45. "Fat chance!""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. Classroom assignments"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
  • Similar words include: desk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DESKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Encouraged, with "on""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that throw eggs at
  • Similar words include: egg
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGGED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. Pressing"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless; ; - g.c.marshall
  • Similar words include: awful, dreaded, dreadful
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. Cred"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal abbreviation of `representative'
  • Similar words include: repp
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "52. One-named Barbadian superstar"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Title nickname in a classic 1984 sports film"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KARATEKID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "60. Time when streetlights turn on"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time of day immediately following sunset
  • Similar words include: gloaming, fall, crepuscle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUSK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. "All right already, I'll do it!""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. Punk or funk"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a kind of literary or artistic work
  • Similar words include: literary genre, musical style, writing style
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. Joined, as a table"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Edmonton athlete"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a worker who oils engines or machinery
  • Similar words include: oil tanker, oil well, tank ship
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OILER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "69. Trinket"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small inexpensive mass-produced article
  • Similar words include: knickknackery, nicknack, novelty
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNICKKNACK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. Swedish coin"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money in sweden
  • Similar words include: Icelandic krona, Swedish krona
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KRONA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "72. Nursery song refrain"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "73. Really loving"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "74. Like a smart aleck"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that improperly forward or bold
  • Similar words include: impertinent, impudent, smart
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "75. Pushing against a boundary … like this answer?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being in a tense state
  • Similar words include: uptight, high-strung, jittery
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDGY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "76. "Shreds," in winter sports lingo"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used in pairs for gliding over snow
  • Similar words include: ski
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. ___ Club 4
2D 2. Actress Dunham 4
3D 3. Apollo mission mementos 9
4D 4. Alternative to a strike [cough cough] 7
5D 5. Variety 3
6D 6. Brooks & ___ (country duo) 4
7D 7. Literary download 5
8D 8. Anime style involving giant robots 5
9D 9. Rocksteady precursor 3
10D 10. Soothing home remedy for puffy eyes 7
11D 11. Spanish rice 5
12D 12. Sorcerous elder of folklore 5
13D 13. Garden hose problems 5
14D 16. Go over lightly 4
15D 19. Enemy agency in "Get Smart" 4
16D 23. ___ Maria (liqueur) 3
17D 26. Beatles sobriquet 4
18D 28. See 68-Down 4
19D 29. Slightly 4
20D 30. Go pit-a-pat 4
21D 31. Enjoy 4
22D 35. Texter's [!!!] 3
23D 36. Make "it," in a kids' game 3
24D 37. Ripening agent 4
25D 39. Body of policy advisers 9
26D 40. Take home 4
27D 41. Bird named for a Titan 4
28D 43. Like some short tennis matches 4
29D 44. Contrite answer to "Who put the empty ice cream carton back in the freezer?" 4
30D 47. Legendary sea monsters 7
31D 49. Some bottled waters 7
32D 51. String tightener on a guitar 3
33D 53. Ear covering 4
34D 54. Screwballs 5
35D 55. Director Kurosawa 5
36D 56. Caramel-filled candies 5
37D 57. Actress Palmer of "Nope" 4
38D 58. Outie's counterpart 5
39D 59. Hung on the clothesline 5
40D 63. Vape pen, informally 4
41D 65. When Hamilton arrives in New York City, in "Hamilton" 4
42D 66. Some ring decisions, in brief 4
43D 68. With 28-Down, longtime McDonald's chief 3
44D 70. Comedian Jo 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. ___ Club"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called `elk' in europe and `moose' in north america
  • Similar words include: Alces alces, moose, red deer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Actress Dunham"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a russian river in siberia; flows northward into the laptev sea
  • Similar words include: Lena River
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LENA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Apollo mission mementos"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOONROCKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Alternative to a strike [cough cough]"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Variety"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a kind of person
  • Similar words include: like
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ILK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Brooks & ___ (country duo)"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Literary download"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Anime style involving giant robots"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Rocksteady precursor"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Soothing home remedy for puffy eyes"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Spanish rice"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Sorcerous elder of folklore"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ugly evil-looking old woman
  • Similar words include: hag, beldam, beldame
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Garden hose problems"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a painful muscle spasm especially in the neck or back (`rick' and `wrick' are british)
  • Similar words include: crimp, frizzle, curve
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KINKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "16. Go over lightly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin layer covering the surface of a liquid
  • Similar words include: skim over, skim off, skitter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Enemy agency in "Get Smart""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. ___ Maria (liqueur)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brief episode in which the brain gets insufficient blood supply; symptoms depend on the site of the blockage
  • Similar words include: transient ischemic attack
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Beatles sobriquet"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___4
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAB4

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. See 68-Down"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Slightly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Go pit-a-pat"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any competition
  • Similar words include: cannonball along, belt along, backwash
  • Opposite of: linger
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Enjoy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a similar kind; ,
  • Similar words include: ilk, similar, the like
  • Opposite of: unlike, unalike
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Texter's [!!!]"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Make "it," in a kids' game"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a label written or printed on paper, cardboard, or plastic that is attached to something to indicate its owner, nature, price, etc.
  • Similar words include: tag end, chase, trail
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Ripening agent"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Body of policy advisers"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THINKTANK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Take home"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
  • Similar words include: make, realise, garner
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Bird named for a Titan"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fertility goddess in ancient greek mythology; wife of cronus and mother of zeus; identified with roman ops and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Similar words include: Rhea americana, nandu, Pterocnemia pennata
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Like some short tennis matches"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: 2___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: 2SET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Contrite answer to "Who put the empty ice cream carton back in the freezer?""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Legendary sea monsters"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Some bottled waters"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. String tightener on a guitar"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface
  • Similar words include: thole, stick, leg
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Ear covering"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
  • Similar words include: chaff, shuck, stalk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUSK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Screwballs"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone regarded as eccentric or crazy and standing out from a group
  • Similar words include: queer duck, kook, queer bird
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KOOKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Director Kurosawa"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Caramel-filled candies"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Actress Palmer of "Nope""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Outie's counterpart"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Hung on the clothesline"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the moisture from and make dry
  • Similar words include: dehydrated, desiccated, dry
  • Opposite of: wet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "63. Vape pen, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "65. When Hamilton arrives in New York City, in "Hamilton""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "66. Some ring decisions, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a knockout declared by the referee who judges one boxer unable to continue
  • Similar words include: technical knockout, TKO
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TKOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "68. With 28-Down, longtime McDonald's chief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a column of light (as from a beacon)
  • Similar words include: irradiate, ray of light, beam
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "70. Comedian Jo"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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

39 Across Clues
44 Down Clues
83 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: September 17, 2025 at 03:43 AM

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