Search Clues

Showing posts sorted by date for query ASTUTE. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query ASTUTE. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Monday, June 22, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 22, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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. The "S" of N.S.F.W. 4
2A 5. Invite to enter 5
3A 10. Artist Salvador 4
4A 14. "___ Your Enthusiasm" 4
5A 15. Totally sus, say 5
6A 16. Scholarly "same" 4
7A 17. Wave of antigovernment protests in the early 2010s 10
8A 19. Old name of Thailand 4
9A 20. What's rolled out for yoga 3
10A 21. Pint in a pub, maybe 3
11A 22. Performance at Lincoln Center 5
12A 23. Heading back to where one lives 13
13A 28. Sitting on 4
14A 30. Shows signs of hunger 6
15A 31. Harsh, as a takedown 6
16A 34. Hollywood workplace 8
17A 38. Some undergrad degs. 3
18A 39. Low-tech cooler on a hot day 3
19A 41. Container at a beer blast 3
20A 42. "Wha-a-at?" 3
21A 43. "___ Got Talent" 8
22A 46. Madame : France :: ___ : Spain 6
23A 48. Playground denial 6
24A 50. Golf club often numbered 3 to 9 4
25A 51. Repository of seeds from all corners of the globe, informally 13
26A 56. What volcanoes do 5
27A 57. Pie ___ mode 3
28A 58. What the light from a lighthouse may pierce 3
29A 61. Singer James 4
30A 62. Track-and-field event with a sandpit ... or a hint to the ends of 17-, 23- and 51-Across 10
31A 66. "But ___ again ..." 4
32A 67. "Fingers crossed" 5
33A 68. Area east of the Urals 4
34A 69. Group 4
35A 70. Light brown and dull, as hair 5
36A 71. Actions at the Bellagio or Encore 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. The "S" of N.S.F.W."

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strongbox where valuables can be safely kept
  • Similar words include: secure, good, safety
  • Opposite of: dangerous, out
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAFE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Invite to enter"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Artist Salvador"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that surrealist spanish painter (1904-1989)
  • Similar words include: Salvador Dali
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. "___ Your Enthusiasm""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter)
  • Similar words include: curb bit, subdue, control
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CURB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Totally sus, say"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who professes beliefs and opinions that he or she does not hold in order to conceal his or her real feelings or motives
  • Similar words include: dissembler, pretender, bogus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHONY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Scholarly "same""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Wave of antigovernment protests in the early 2010s"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Old name of Thailand"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a country of southeastern asia that extends southward along the isthmus of kra to the malay peninsula
  • Similar words include: Kingdom of Thailand, Thailand
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. What's rolled out for yoga"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thick flat pad used as a floor covering
  • Similar words include: Master of Arts in Teaching, matte, entangle
  • Opposite of: unsnarl, disentangle
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Pint in a pub, maybe"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Performance at Lincoln Center"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
  • Similar words include: opera house
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Heading back to where one lives"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOMEWARDBOUND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Sitting on"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on, to, or at the top
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Shows signs of hunger"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that pretentious or silly talk or writing
  • Similar words include: twaddle, drool, slabber
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DROOLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Harsh, as a takedown"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering
  • Similar words include: roughshod, unrelenting, vicious
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRUTAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Hollywood workplace"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "38. Some undergrad degs."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group; found in barite
  • Similar words include: Artium Baccalaurens, atomic number 56, Ba
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Low-tech cooler on a hot day"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces
  • Similar words include: buff, devotee, lover
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Container at a beer blast"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the quantity contained in a keg
  • Similar words include: kegful
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KEG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. "Wha-a-at?""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. "___ Got Talent""

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that north american republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in north america plus alaska in northwest north america and the hawaiian islands in the pacific ocean; achieved independence in 1776
  • Similar words include: US, United States, the States
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMERICAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "46. Madame : France :: ___ : Spain"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a spanish title or form of address for a married woman; similar to the english `mrs' or `madam'
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Playground denial"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Golf club often numbered 3 to 9"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
  • Similar words include: iron out, smoothing iron, atomic number 26
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Repository of seeds from all corners of the globe, informally"

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOOMSDAYVAULT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "56. What volcanoes do"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that start abruptly
  • Similar words include: come out, catch fire, ignite
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERUPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "57. Pie ___ mode"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. What the light from a lighthouse may pierce"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground
  • Similar words include: befog, murkiness, murk
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. Singer James"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. Track-and-field event with a sandpit ... or a hint to the ends of 17-, 23- and 51-Across"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "66. "But ___ again ...""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that that time; that moment
  • Similar words include: and then, so, and so
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. "Fingers crossed""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "68. Area east of the Urals"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "69. Group"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
  • Similar words include: class, variety, sort out
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SORT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "70. Light brown and dull, as hair"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quiet and timid and ineffectual
  • Similar words include: mousey, mouselike, mouse-colored
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOUSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "71. Actions at the Bellagio or Encore"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the money risked on a gamble
  • Similar words include: wager, count, stake
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Hoodwink 4
2D 2. Vibe 4
3D 3. Beer pong venue, maybe 9
4D 4. Flow out 3
5D 5. Garden of Eden fruit 5
6D 6. Brilliant at negotiating 6
7D 7. Ornamental fish in a pond 3
8D 8. Holiday ___ 3
9D 9. MetLife Stadium team, on scoreboards 3
10D 10. Get rid (of) 7
11D 11. "Goodbye, mes amis" 5
12D 12. "Live and ___" 5
13D 13. What the "face with steam from nose" emoji suggests 5
14D 18. Piano player in "Casablanca" 3
15D 22. Compel 6
16D 24. Pick, with "for" 3
17D 25. Elbow's place 3
18D 26. King's partner in castling 4
19D 27. Birds of peace 5
20D 28. Group whose "Gold: Greatest Hits" is the second-best-selling album in U.K. history 4
21D 29. Disneyland transport 4
22D 32. Unprecedented 6
23D 33. Fastened, as a corset or shoe 5
24D 35. Explosive personality trait 9
25D 36. Continental money 4
26D 37. Greater ___ 4
27D 40. Grandma, affectionately 4
28D 44. Spreading unchecked 7
29D 45. Miso bean 3
30D 47. Zero, in soccer 3
31D 49. The Roku Channel, Hulu and others 6
32D 51. Little specifics, in slang 5
33D 52. One dental specialty, informally 5
34D 53. ___ Banks (barrier islands of North Carolina) 5
35D 54. Narrow backstreet 5
36D 55. Abu Dhabi's land, for short 3
37D 59. Leave out 4
38D 60. Transcript figs. 4
39D 62. ___ Cook, longtime tech C.E.O. 3
40D 63. Letter before sigma 3
41D 64. Debtor's note 3
42D 65. Boxing punch 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Hoodwink"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fraudulent business scheme
  • Similar words include: mulct, hornswoggle, con
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Vibe"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sensation (as of a cold breeze or bright light) that precedes the onset of certain disorders such as a migraine attack or epileptic seizure
  • Similar words include: aureole, atmosphere, glory
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AURA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Beer pong venue, maybe"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Flow out"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
  • Similar words include: wane, ebb down, ebb out
  • Opposite of: tide
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EBB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Garden of Eden fruit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fruit with red or yellow or green skin and sweet to tart crisp whitish flesh
  • Similar words include: orchard apple tree, Malus pumila
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APPLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Brilliant at negotiating"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
  • Similar words include: conniving, astute, sharp
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHREWD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Ornamental fish in a pond"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Holiday ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
  • Similar words include: lodge, auberge, hostel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. MetLife Stadium team, on scoreboards"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Get rid (of)"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give, sell, or transfer to another
  • Similar words include: throw out, toss out, discard
  • Opposite of: indispose, disqualify
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISPOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. "Goodbye, mes amis""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a farewell remark
  • Similar words include: au revoir, bye, goodbye
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADIEU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. "Live and ___""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gain knowledge or skills
  • Similar words include: con, watch, pick up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. What the "face with steam from nose" emoji suggests"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Piano player in "Casablanca""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
  • Similar words include: surface-to-air missile
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Compel"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that force somebody to do something
  • Similar words include: obligate, hold, bind
  • Opposite of: disoblige
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBLIGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Pick, with "for""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that select as an alternative over another
  • Similar words include: choose, prefer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Elbow's place"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
  • Similar words include: subdivision, branch, weapon
  • Opposite of: disarm
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. King's partner in castling"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (chess) the piece that can move any number of unoccupied squares in a direction parallel to the sides of the chessboard
  • Similar words include: mulct, hornswoggle, con
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Birds of peace"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous small pigeons
  • Similar words include: Columba, Dove, dove
  • Opposite of: hawk
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Group whose "Gold: Greatest Hits" is the second-best-selling album in U.K. history"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Disneyland transport"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conveyance that transports passengers or freight in carriers suspended from cables and supported by a series of towers
  • Similar words include: tramway, trolley car, ropeway
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Unprecedented"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Fastened, as a corset or shoe"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that spin,wind, or twist together
  • Similar words include: twine, spike, fortify
  • Opposite of: unlaced, untwine
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LACED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Explosive personality trait"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Continental money"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic monetary unit of most members of the european union (introduced in 1999); in 2002 twelve european nations (germany, france, belgium, luxembourg, the netherlands, italy, spain, portugal, ireland, greece, austria, finland) adopted the euro as their basic unit of money and abandoned their traditional currencies
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EURO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "37. Greater ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Grandma, affectionately"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Spreading unchecked"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that unrestrained and violent
  • Similar words include: rearing
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAMPANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Miso bean"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a source of oil; used for forage and soil improvement and as food
  • Similar words include: soya, soya bean, soybean plant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Zero, in soccer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: nothing, nada, zippo
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. The Roku Channel, Hulu and others"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Little specifics, in slang"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. One dental specialty, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. ___ Banks (barrier islands of North Carolina)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being on the outside or further from a center
  • Similar words include: verboten, tabu, out
  • Opposite of: inner, safe
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Narrow backstreet"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow street with walls on both sides
  • Similar words include: skittle alley, bowling alley, alleyway
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Abu Dhabi's land, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. Leave out"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prevent from being included or considered or accepted
  • Similar words include: except, neglect, pretermit
  • Opposite of: attend to, include
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Transcript figs."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a measure of a student's academic achievement at a college or university; calculated by dividing the total number of grade points received by the total number attempted
  • Similar words include: GPA, grade point average
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GPAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. ___ Cook, longtime tech C.E.O."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "63. Letter before sigma"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 17th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "64. Debtor's note"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal debt instrument; representing `i owe you'
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "65. Boxing punch"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)
  • Similar words include: poke, dig, stab
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JAB

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

36 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: June 22, 2026 at 09:27 AM

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Today's NYT Crossword Across Clues December 23, 2025 - Complete Left-to-Right Answers

Today's NYT Crossword Across Clues December 23, 2025 - Complete Left-to-Right Answers

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 36 Across clues. We have all the horizontal answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: January 06 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | NYT Across Crossword October 26 2025 | October 11 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Across Clues

NYT Across clues solutions for December 23, 2025
NYT Across Clues - Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Across Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 23, 2025
Day of Week Tuesday
Total Across Clues 36 clues
Direction Horizontal (Left to Right)
Difficulty Medium

All Across Clues - Complete List

Here are all 36 Across clues for today's puzzle. These go horizontally from left to right.

Complete Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 1. Longtime CBS procedural with multiple spinoffs
2 Across 5. Highly capable
3 Across 10. Ctrl+S command
4 Across 14. Alternative to check or credit card
5 Across 15. Secondary subject for a college student
6 Across 16. Short video
7 Across 17. Appropriately named bus driver on "The Simpsons"
8 Across 18. Alternative to épée or foil, in British English
9 Across 19. Tokarczuk who won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature
10 Across 20. Classic Hanukkah treat
11 Across 23. Brownish-yellow fabric
12 Across 24. Institution of higher education, to a Brit
13 Across 25. Sleeper's breathing problem
14 Across 27. Lead-in to "drink and be merry"
15 Across 28. Classic classroom party treat
16 Across 31. Antitrust enforcement org.
17 Across 32. Unfortunate accident
18 Across 34. Clever
19 Across 36. Highly pleased about
20 Across 38. Colored, as church glass
21 Across 39. Classic Halloween treat
22 Across 41. It's part of the job
23 Across 44. Prefix with classic
24 Across 45. Carve
25 Across 49. Take advantage of
26 Across 50. "Where'd you hear that?"
27 Across 54. Dream Team country, for short
28 Across 55. Take responsibility
29 Across 57. Cry from a movie director
30 Across 59. Classic Yuletide treat
31 Across 63. Prayer ender
32 Across 64. This should clear things up!
33 Across 65. Reject, as a bill
34 Across 66. Nothing, in Nogales
35 Across 67. Cries out
36 Across 68. Biblical garden

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Across Clues

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

Complete Across Solutions:


1 Across: "1. Longtime CBS procedural with multiple spinoffs"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: N__S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer NCIS


2 Across: "5. Highly capable"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A___T
  • Similar words: superstar, sensation
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • This is Across clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ADEPT


3 Across: "10. Ctrl+S command"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S__E
  • Similar words: redeem, spare
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: (sports) the act of preventing the opposition from scoring
  • This is Across clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SAVE


4 Across: "14. Alternative to check or credit card"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: C__H
  • Similar words: John Cash, Johnny Cash
  • Opposite of: credit
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: money in the form of bills or coins
  • This is Across clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer CASH


5 Across: "15. Secondary subject for a college student"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: M___R
  • Similar words: modest, child
  • Opposite of: major
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a young person of either sex
  • This is Across clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer MINOR


6 Across: "16. Short video"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: C__P
  • Similar words: crop, dress
  • Opposite of: unclip
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer CLIP


7 Across: "17. Appropriately named bus driver on "The Simpsons""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: O__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer OTTO


8 Across: "18. Alternative to épée or foil, in British English"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S___E
  • Similar words: saber, cavalry sword
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SABRE


9 Across: "19. Tokarczuk who won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: O__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer OLGA


10 Across: "20. Classic Hanukkah treat"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 13 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: C___________N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer CHOCOLATECOIN


11 Across: "23. Brownish-yellow fabric"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: K___I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer KHAKI


12 Across: "24. Institution of higher education, to a Brit"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'I'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer UNI


13 Across: "25. Sleeper's breathing problem"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: transient cessation of respiration
  • This is Across clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer APNEA


14 Across: "27. Lead-in to "drink and be merry""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: eat up, use up
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: take in solid food
  • This is Across clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer EAT


15 Across: "28. Classic classroom party treat"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: C_____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: small cake baked in a muffin tin
  • This is Across clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer CUPCAKE


16 Across: "31. Antitrust enforcement org."

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'C'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer FTC


17 Across: "32. Unfortunate accident"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: M____P
  • Similar words: bad luck, misadventure
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an unpredictable outcome that is unfortunate
  • This is Across clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer MISHAP


18 Across: "34. Clever"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A____E
  • Similar words: sharp, shrewd
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
  • This is Across clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ASTUTE


19 Across: "36. Highly pleased about"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'F'
  • Word pattern: P_____F
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer PROUDOF


20 Across: "38. Colored, as church glass"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S_____D
  • Similar words: maculate, tarnish
  • Opposite of: unstained
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: color with a liquid dye or tint
  • This is Across clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer STAINED


21 Across: "39. Classic Halloween treat"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: C_______N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer CANDYCORN


22 Across: "41. It's part of the job"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: T__K
  • Similar words: project, undertaking
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
  • This is Across clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer TASK


23 Across: "44. Prefix with classic"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: (used as a combining form) recent or new
  • This is Across clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer NEO


24 Across: "45. Carve"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: E__H
  • Similar words: engrave
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: make an etching of
  • This is Across clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ETCH


25 Across: "49. Take advantage of"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: apply, usage
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the act of using
  • This is Across clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer USE


26 Across: "50. "Where'd you hear that?""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: S_____O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SAYSWHO


27 Across: "54. Dream Team country, for short"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'A'
  • Similar words: United States, U. S. Army
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer USA


28 Across: "55. Take responsibility"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: S____P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer STEPUP


29 Across: "57. Cry from a movie director"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ANDCUT


30 Across: "59. Classic Yuletide treat"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 15 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: C_____________E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer CHRISTMASCOOKIE


31 Across: "63. Prayer ender"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A__N
  • Similar words: Amon, Amun
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer AMEN


32 Across: "64. This should clear things up!"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: L___K
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a refractive surgery procedure that reshapes the cornea
  • This is Across clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer LASIK


33 Across: "65. Reject, as a bill"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: V__O
  • Similar words: forbid, interdict
  • Opposite of: allow
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a vote that blocks a decision
  • This is Across clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer VETO


34 Across: "66. Nothing, in Nogales"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: N__A
  • Similar words: cypher, cipher
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a quantity of no importance
  • This is Across clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer NADA


35 Across: "67. Cries out"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: Y___S
  • Similar words: yelping, yap
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a sharp high-pitched cry (especially by a dog)
  • This is Across clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer YELPS


36 Across: "68. Biblical garden"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: E__N
  • Similar words: Garden of Eden, promised land
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • This is Across clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer EDEN

Expert Strategies for Solving Across Clues

Master the horizontal clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Across Clues?

  • Across clues often provide more letter intersections
  • Reading left to right feels more natural
  • Many common phrases run horizontally
  • Across answers often help solve Down clues

Across Clue Patterns to Recognize

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

Time-Saving Across Techniques

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Across Clues

What are Across clues in crossword puzzles?

Across clues are the horizontal entries in a crossword puzzle that read from left to right. They're numbered and correspond to specific rows in the grid.

Should I solve Across or Down clues first?

Many solvers prefer starting with Across clues because reading left-to-right feels more natural. However, the best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Across clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 36 Across clues.

Are Across clues easier than Down clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Across clues often contain more common phrases and expressions.

How do Across clues interact with Down clues?

Across and Down 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 Across clues solutions and hints for the NYT Crossword to help you improve your solving skills. This site is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 23, 2025 at 04:56 AM

Search terms: NYT Across, Across clues, horizontal, crossword answers, left to right, December 23 2025 across clues