July 08, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (39 clues)
• Down Clues (37 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

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• February 25 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 04 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 15 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 05 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• Ny Times Crossword Answers May 09 2025

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, July 08, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (39 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

Across Clues Explained - Thursday NYT Crossword July 08, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Slip	6
2A	7. Sections of online dating profiles	4
3A	11. Baseball, e.g.	3
4A	14. Wrap up	6
5A	15. "Hamilton" won one in 2015	4
6A	16. Very beginning?	3
7A	17. Fashionable	7
8A	18. "Look what we have here!"	8
9A	20. Some change	5
10A	21. Coffee liqueur originally from Jamaica	8
11A	22. Symbol of strength	3
12A	23. St. ___, neighborhood in north London	4
13A	27. Creature whose eyesight has four to five times the acuity of humans	5
14A	28. Nashville-to-Louisville dir.	3
15A	29. Jules who lent his name to an article of attire	7
16A	31. Some women's donations	3
17A	33. Standing	6
18A	34. Slipped	5
19A	36. Like tom yum soup	4
20A	39. It can be two-way ... with a hint to four squares in this puzzle	5
21A	41. Puts on top of	4
22A	42. "Antiques Roadshow" determination	5
23A	44. It's always getting into hot water	6
24A	46. Eroded, with "away"	3
25A	47. Thor, for one	7
26A	49. Dazzle	3
27A	52. Funny Poundstone	5
28A	54. Libel or slander	4
29A	55. "___ Father ..."	3
30A	56. 2001 Broadway hit with an exclamation mark in its name	8
31A	58. Conductor Georg	5
32A	60. Frenzied	8
33A	62. Something to meditate on	7
34A	63. Big speedway sponsor	3
35A	64. "Buona ___"	4
36A	65. Intertwine	6
37A	66. Sound a biker doesn't want to hear	3
38A	67. Basket made from behind the arc	4
39A	68. Progressive people?	6

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. Slip"

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: BOOBOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. Sections of online dating profiles"

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: BIOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Baseball, e.g."

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: orbit, revolve, 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 4 Across: "14. Wrap up"

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 enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering
• Words that mean the same thing: wrap, enclose, envelop
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENFOLD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. "Hamilton" won one in 2015"

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: OBIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Very beginning?"

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: VEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Fashionable"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALAMODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. "Look what we have here!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WELLWELL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Some change"

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 flat metal piece (usually a disc) used as money
• Words that mean the same thing: coin, mint, strike
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COINS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Coffee liqueur originally from Jamaica"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TIAMARIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Symbol of strength"

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 hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
• Words that mean the same thing: oak tree
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. St. ___, neighborhood in north London"

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: ANNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Creature whose eyesight has four to five times the acuity of humans"

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 any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
• Words that mean the same thing: double birdie, bird of Jove
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EAGLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Nashville-to-Louisville dir."

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 compass point that is midway between north and northeast
• Words that mean the same thing: nor'-nor'-east, north northeast
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Jules who lent his name to an article of attire"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a tight-fitting garment of stretchy material that covers the body from the shoulders to the thighs (and may have long sleeves or legs reaching down to the ankles); worn by ballet dancers and acrobats for practice or performance
• Words that mean the same thing: unitard, cat suit, body suit
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEOTARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Some women's donations"

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 female reproductive cell; the female gamete
• Words that mean the same thing: ovum, egg cell
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Standing"

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 the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society
• Words that mean the same thing: position, condition
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STATUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Slipped"

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 to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Words that mean the same thing: drift, slip, err
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERRED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "36. Like tom yum soup"

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 native or inhabitant of thailand
• Words that mean the same thing: Tai, Central Thai, Siamese
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. It can be two-way ... with a hint to four squares in this puzzle"

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 medium for communication
• Words that mean the same thing: tuner, receiving set, radiocommunication
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RADIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Puts on top of"

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

  The answer is: ADDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. "Antiques Roadshow" determination"

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 indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
• Words that mean the same thing: Charles Frederick Worth, deserving
• The opposite would be: worthlessness
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WORTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. It's always getting into hot water"

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: TEABAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Eroded, with "away""

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 goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
• Words that mean the same thing: run through, deplete, feed
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Thor, for one"

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 someone who takes vengeance
• Words that mean the same thing: retaliator
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AVENGER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. Dazzle"

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 joke that seems extremely funny
• Words that mean the same thing: scream, riot, thigh-slapper
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Funny Poundstone"

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: PAULA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. Libel or slander"

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 (law) any wrongdoing for which an action for damages may be brought
• Words that mean the same thing: civil wrong
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TORT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. "___ Father ...""

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: OUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. 2001 Broadway hit with an exclamation mark in its name"

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: MAMMAMIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. Conductor Georg"

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: SOLTI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "60. Frenzied"

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: INAPANIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "62. Something to meditate on"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: YOGAMAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "63. Big speedway sponsor"

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 standard temperature and pressure
• Words that mean the same thing: s.t.p.
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "64. "Buona ___""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an amber, watery fluid, rich in proteins, that separates out when blood coagulates
• Words that mean the same thing: blood serum, serum
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SERA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "65. Intertwine"

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 spin,wind, or twist together
• Words that mean the same thing: entwine, twine, interlace
• The opposite would be: untwine
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENLACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "66. Sound a biker doesn't want to hear"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an independent federal agency that administers compulsory military service
• Words that mean the same thing: US Secret Service, SS, Selective Service
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "67. Basket made from behind the arc"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
• Words that mean the same thing: trio, deuce-ace, trinity
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TREY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "68. Progressive people?"

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 an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
• Words that mean the same thing: agent, broker, agentive role
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGENTS

  Great job if you got it right!

July 08, 2021 Down Hints: NYT Thursday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Guiding light	6
2D	2. Like some museum exhibits	6
3D	3. Not amplified, in a way	7
4D	4. Windfall	4
5D	5. One who has spent years at sea	7
6D	6. Onetime record label with a poetic name	3
7D	7. Salaam, e.g.	3
8D	8. "Su-u-u-ure"	4
9D	9. More slick, in a way	6
10D	10. Rich, but not born that way	8
11D	11. Oppressive boss	8
12D	12. Feeling "Whew, that was close!"	8
13D	13. Composer Bartók	4
14D	19. Wit	3
15D	24. "Warm"	4
16D	25. Set down on paper, as music	6
17D	26. Beethoven, to Haydn	7
18D	30. Cheese that's often grated	6
19D	32. Things that may be classified	3
20D	33. Collect dust	3
21D	35. Piano performance in an old music hall	3
22D	36. One of the "Big Four" domestic carriers, once	3
23D	37. Short shorts	8
24D	38. Town tour guides	8
25D	40. Upper: Ger.	4
26D	43. Certain flag position	8
27D	45. Specialty of Franz Schubert	7
28D	48. More egocentric	6
29D	49. Figure in a horror film	7
30D	50. Best in a film audition, say	6
31D	51. Sets down on paper	6
32D	53. Strike caller	3
33D	56. Not catch	4
34D	57. Ending with some large numbers	4
35D	59. Look lecherously	4
36D	61. Low island	3
37D	62. A word in passing?	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. Guiding light"

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 fire (usually on a hill or tower) that can be seen from a distance
• Words that mean the same thing: beacon fire, lighthouse, pharos
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEACON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Like some museum exhibits"

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: ONLOAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Not amplified, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OFFMIKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Windfall"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a desirable state
• Words that mean the same thing: blessing
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. One who has spent years at sea"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OLDSALT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Onetime record label with a poetic name"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a 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 7 Down: "7. Salaam, e.g."

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 knot with two loops and loose ends; used to tie shoelaces
• Words that mean the same thing: stoop, prow, curtain call
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. "Su-u-u-ure""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy 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: IBET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. More slick, in a way"

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 containing an unusual amount of grease or oil
• Words that mean the same thing: unctuous, oily, oleaginous
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OILIER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Rich, but not born that way"

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: SELFMADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Oppressive boss"

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 a person who has general authority over others
• Words that mean the same thing: master, lord
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVERLORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Feeling "Whew, that was close!""

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 provide physical relief, as from pain
• Words that mean the same thing: relieve, lighten, sticking
• The opposite would be: enforce
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RELIEVED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Composer Bartók"

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

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: BELA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Wit"

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 witty amusing person who makes jokes
• Words that mean the same thing: waggle, shake, wit
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "24. "Warm""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that move towards
• Words that mean the same thing: close, approach, cheeseparing
• The opposite would be: far
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Set down on paper, as music"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that put into notation, as of music or choreography
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOTATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Beethoven, to Haydn"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
• Words that mean the same thing: scholar, scholarly person, pupil
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STUDENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "30. Cheese that's often grated"

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: ASIAGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "32. Things that may be classified"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "33. Collect dust"

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 be around, often idly or without specific purpose
• Words that mean the same thing: pose, model, seat
• The opposite would be: arise, stand
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "35. Piano performance in an old music hall"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small piece of cloth or paper
• Words that mean the same thing: vex, bedevil, lambast
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "36. One of the "Big Four" domestic carriers, once"

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: TWA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "37. Short shorts"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HOTPANTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "38. Town tour guides"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AREAMAPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Upper: Ger."

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: OBER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "43. Certain flag position"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HALFMAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "45. Specialty of Franz Schubert"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ARTSONG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "48. More egocentric"

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 characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
• Words that mean the same thing: bootless, vain, conceited
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VAINER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "49. Figure in a horror film"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a monster able to change appearance from human to wolf and back again
• Words that mean the same thing: loup-garou, lycanthrope, werewolf
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WOLFMAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Best in a film audition, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OUTACT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Sets down on paper"

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 produce a literary work
• Words that mean the same thing: pen, compose, publish
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WRITES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. Strike caller"

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 official at a baseball game
• Words that mean the same thing: umpire
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "56. Not catch"

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 young woman
• Words that mean the same thing: neglect, overleap, lack
• The opposite would be: attend to, have
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MISS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "57. Ending with some large numbers"

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 river in northern england that flows southeast through west yorkshire
• Words that mean the same thing: Aire River, River Aire
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AIRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "59. Look lecherously"

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

  The answer is: OGLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "61. Low island"

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

  The answer is: CAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "62. A word in passing?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an affirmative
• Words that mean the same thing: yeah
• The opposite would be: nay
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	67.1%
Short Answer	19	25.0%
Music	3	3.9%
Movies/Film	2	2.6%
History	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	39
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.1 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	8 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

More Crossword Resources

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

• August 21 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 10 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 17 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• Wednesday August 04 2004 NYT Crossword
• January 04 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• Ny Times Crossword Answers May 09 2025
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers August 21
• July 05 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 15 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 29 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 16, 2025 at 10:42 AM

December 08, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 08, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (35 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

December 08, 2021 Across Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Sample collector	4
2A	5. Banjo sound	5
3A	10. Computer menu heading	4
4A	14. Hookup that may get kinky?	4
5A	15. Broadcaster	5
6A	16. Soprano who ends up trapped in a vault	4
7A	17. Leave out	4
8A	18. "My name is ...," e.g.	5
9A	19. Automaker that went bankrupt in 2011	4
10A	20. What intellectual rivals engage in	13
11A	23. Oktoberfest quaff	5
12A	24. Munch Museum locale	4
13A	25. Election-influencing grp.	3
14A	28. Like the Tower of Babel, in two ways	7
15A	31. Arrogant	6
16A	33. What chess has that bridge doesn't	5
17A	36. God of passion	4
18A	37. "Theodore Roosevelt" or "Robert Louis Stevenson"	15
19A	43. Lot calculation	4
20A	44. Classic gas brand	5
21A	45. Fancy drinking glass	6
22A	48. Percussion instrument that's also the name of a popular ringtone	7
23A	53. End of a dean's address	3
24A	54. Sign of inactivity	4
25A	57. Untrustworthy sort	5
26A	58. Mid-19th-century Russian ruler described as "autocracy personified"	13
27A	62. Initial stake	4
28A	64. Get into some hot water?	5
29A	65. Work without ___	4
30A	66. See 68-Across	4
31A	67. Edmonton athlete	5
32A	68. With 66-Across, director's cry ... or hint to 20-, 37- and 58-Across	4
33A	69. Word after rock, sea or table	4
34A	70. Tons and tons	5
35A	71. Pointillism features	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. Sample collector"

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 implement consisting of a small piece of cotton that is used to apply medication or cleanse a wound or obtain a specimen of a secretion
• Words that mean the same thing: swob, mop, dab
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Banjo sound"

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 sharp vibrating sound (as of a plucked string)
• Words that mean the same thing: nasal twang
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TWANG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Computer menu heading"

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 prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
• Words that mean the same thing: redact, blue-pencil, edit out
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Hookup that may get kinky?"

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 socks and stockings and tights collectively (the british include underwear)
• Words that mean the same thing: hosepipe, hosiery, hose down
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Broadcaster"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy 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: AIRER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Soprano who ends up trapped in a vault"

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: AIDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Leave out"

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 prevent from being included or considered or accepted
• Words that mean the same thing: leave off, overleap, miss
• The opposite would be: attend to, include
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. "My name is ...," e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that formally making a person known to another or to the public
• Words that mean the same thing: presentation, introduction
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INTRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Automaker that went bankrupt in 2011"

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: SAAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. What intellectual rivals engage in"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ABATTLEOFWITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Oktoberfest quaff"

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 camp defended by a circular formation of wagons
• Words that mean the same thing: lager beer, laager
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAGER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Munch Museum locale"

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 capital and largest city of norway; the country's main port; located at the head of a fjord on norway's southern coast
• Words that mean the same thing: Christiania, capital of Norway
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OSLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Election-influencing grp."

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 committee formed by a special-interest group to raise money for their favorite political candidates
• Words that mean the same thing: political action committee
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Like the Tower of Babel, in two ways"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that having an illustrious past
• Words that mean the same thing: storeyed, historied, celebrated
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STORIED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Arrogant"

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 (used colloquially) overly conceited or arrogant; -laurent le sage
• Words that mean the same thing: snot-nosed, snotty, too big for one's breeches
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNOOTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. What chess has that bridge doesn't"

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 committee having supervisory powers
• Words that mean the same thing: plug-in, panel, table
• The opposite would be: get off
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. God of passion"

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 (greek mythology) god of love; son of aphrodite; identified with roman cupid
• Words that mean the same thing: sexual desire, concupiscence, physical attraction
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. "Theodore Roosevelt" or "Robert Louis Stevenson""

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: SARGENTPORTRAIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "43. Lot calculation"

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 particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
• Words that mean the same thing: region, orbit, arena
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AREA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "44. Classic gas brand"

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: AMOCO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "45. Fancy drinking glass"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a drinking glass with a base and stem
• Words that mean the same thing: chalice
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GOBLET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "48. Percussion instrument that's also the name of a popular ringtone"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a percussion instrument with wooden bars tuned to produce a chromatic scale and with resonators; played with small mallets
• Words that mean the same thing: xylophone
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MARIMBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "53. End of a dean's address"

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: EDU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "54. Sign of inactivity"

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 red or brown oxide coating on iron or steel caused by the action of oxygen and moisture
• Words that mean the same thing: rusting, eat, rusty
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "57. Untrustworthy sort"

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 is regarded as underhanded and furtive and contemptible
• Words that mean the same thing: snitch, lift, creep
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNEAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "58. Mid-19th-century Russian ruler described as "autocracy personified""

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: TSARNICHOLASI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "62. Initial stake"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ANTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "64. Get into some hot water?"

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 act of swimming
• Words that mean the same thing: bath
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BATHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "65. Work without ___"

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: ANET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "66. See 68-Across"

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 cloak that is folded or wrapped around a person
• Words that mean the same thing: wrapper, enwrap, wind
• The opposite would be: unwrap, unwind
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WRAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "67. Edmonton athlete"

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 worker who oils engines or machinery
• Words that mean the same thing: oil tanker, tank ship, oil well
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OILER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "68. With 66-Across, director's cry ... or hint to 20-, 37- and 58-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ITSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "69. Word after rock, sea or table"

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 compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)
• Words that mean the same thing: Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, saltiness, table salt
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SALT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "70. Tons and tons"

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 large number or amount
• Words that mean the same thing: rafts, heaps, slue
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLEWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "71. Pointillism features"

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 very small circular shape
• Words that mean the same thing: loony toons, superman, dit
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Wednesday Crossword Down Clues - December 08, 2021 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Muscle ___, Ala.	6
2D	2. Marsupial with distinctive cube-shaped droppings	6
3D	3. Italian alpine cheese	6
4D	4. "That's more like it"	6
5D	5. Comet feature	4
6D	6. Rioja, for one	4
7D	7. "Star Wars" droid, familiarly	5
8D	8. Spongy balls	5
9D	9. Speaks brusquely	6
10D	10. It's right on the map	4
11D	11. Population beyond the homeland	8
12D	12. Journalist Wells or Tarbell	3
13D	13. Coke's first diet soda	3
14D	21. What many a U.S. state is named after	5
15D	22. It comes with a charge	3
16D	26. Yours, in Arles	4
17D	27. Dermatological sac	4
18D	29. Long time	3
19D	30. "The world's most valuable resource," per The Economist	4
20D	32. 'Neath's opposite	3
21D	34. Record speed, for short	3
22D	35. Send to oblivion	4
23D	37. "Scarborough Fair" herb	4
24D	38. J.Lo's onetime beau	4
25D	39. Counterargument	8
26D	40. Actress Gadot	3
27D	41. Record label for D'Angelo or Doja Cat	3
28D	42. Midsection	5
29D	46. Long time	3
30D	47. Engines with oomph	6
31D	49. Like some decorative wooden floors	6
32D	50. Will, given a chance	6
33D	51. Most despicable	6
34D	52. Dogs that were once samurai companions	6
35D	55. ___ mail	5
36D	56. Line on a spine	5
37D	59. Last month in the U.S. government's fiscal year: Abbr.	4
38D	60. Mull, with "on"	4
39D	61. Gendered pronoun	4
40D	62. Reactions to adorableness	3
41D	63. Food industry lobby, 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. Muscle ___, Ala."

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 sandbank in a stretch of water that is visible at low tide
• Words that mean the same thing: shallow, shoal, school
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHOALS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Marsupial with distinctive cube-shaped droppings"

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 burrowing herbivorous australian marsupials about the size of a badger
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WOMBAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Italian alpine cheese"

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: ASIAGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. "That's more like it""

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 something superior in quality or condition or effect
• Words that mean the same thing: just, best, ripe
• The opposite would be: bad, disadvantageously
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BETTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Comet feature"

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 posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body
• Words that mean the same thing: rear end, keister, derriere
• The opposite would be: head
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Rioja, 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 fermented juice (of grapes especially)
• Words that mean the same thing: vino, wine-colored, wine-coloured
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "Star Wars" droid, familiarly"

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 8 Down: "8. Spongy balls"

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: NERFS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Speaks brusquely"

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 the sound of growling (as made by animals)
• Words that mean the same thing: rumble, growling, growl
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GROWLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. It's right on the map"

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 cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
• Words that mean the same thing: due east, E, eastern United States
• The opposite would be: west
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Population beyond the homeland"

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 the body of jews (or jewish communities) outside palestine or modern israel
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIASPORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Journalist Wells or Tarbell"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an agency of the united nations affiliated with the world bank
• Words that mean the same thing: International Development Association
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Coke's first diet soda"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the bill in a restaurant
• Words that mean the same thing: check, chit, tablet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. What many a U.S. state is named after"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a social division of (usually preliterate) people
• Words that mean the same thing: folk, kinship group, federation of tribes
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRIBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. It comes with a charge"

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 particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "26. Yours, in Arles"

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: ATOI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Dermatological sac"

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 closed sac that develops abnormally in some body structure
• Words that mean the same thing: vesicle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CYST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "29. Long time"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the longest division of geological time
• Words that mean the same thing: aeon
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. "The world's most valuable resource," per The Economist"

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 collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn
• Words that mean the same thing: data point, information, datum
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DATA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. 'Neath's opposite"

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: OER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. Record speed, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that rate of revolution of a motor
• Words that mean the same thing: rev, revolutions per minute
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RPM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. Send to oblivion"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an unpleasant or disastrous destiny
• Words that mean the same thing: day of reckoning, sentence, end of the world
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "37. "Scarborough Fair" herb"

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 mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
• Words that mean the same thing: sage-green, salvia
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "38. J.Lo's onetime beau"

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: AROD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Counterargument"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the speech act of refuting by offering a contrary contention or argument
• Words that mean the same thing: rebutter
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REBUTTAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Actress Gadot"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters
• Words that mean the same thing: gallon
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Record label for D'Angelo or Doja Cat"

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: RCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Midsection"

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 body excluding the head and neck and limbs
• Words that mean the same thing: body, trunk
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TORSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Long time"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Words that mean the same thing: geological era, epoch, earned run average
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Engines with oomph"

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: TURBOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Like some decorative wooden floors"

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 decorate the surface of by inserting wood, stone, and metal
• Words that mean the same thing: inlay
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INLAID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Will, given a chance"

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: MEANTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Most despicable"

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 serving as or forming a base
• Words that mean the same thing: base, humble, mean
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BASEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Dogs that were once samurai companions"

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: AKITAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. ___ mail"

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 freshwater or marine or terrestrial gastropod mollusk usually having an external enclosing spiral shell
• Words that mean the same thing: escargot
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "56. Line on a spine"

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 heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
• Words that mean the same thing: rubric, style, deed of conveyance
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TITLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "59. Last month in the U.S. government's fiscal year: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the month following august and preceding october
• Words that mean the same thing: September, family, kinfolk
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEPT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "60. Mull, with "on""

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 wad of something chewable as tobacco
• Words that mean the same thing: chaw, mastication, manduction
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "61. Gendered pronoun"

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: HERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "62. Reactions to adorableness"

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: AWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "63. Food industry lobby, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a powerful lobby that advocates the right to own and bear arms and rejects any gun regulation by the government
• Words that mean the same thing: National Rifle Association
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	56	73.7%
Short Answer	10	13.2%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	3.9%
Food & Drink	2	2.6%
History	2	2.6%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Geography	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

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

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

Last Updated: September 13, 2025 at 07:37 AM