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

Monday, May 18, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 18, 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: Tricky

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. Like a game that has gone into a penalty shootout 4
2A 5. Luxury handbag brand 5
3A 10. Petri dish gel 4
4A 14. West Coast sch. that joined the Big Ten in 2024 4
5A 15. Stereotypical meal for a college student 5
6A 16. "Veni, ___, vici" 4
7A 17. Like the Code of Hammurabi 10
8A 19. Enterprise rival 4
9A 20. Got to one's feet 5
10A 21. Elmer's product 4
11A 23. "There's a cockroach!" 3
12A 24. Patch up some clothes, say 3
13A 25. Pioneering hybrid car 11
14A 29. Pouty expression 4
15A 30. Future atty.'s exam 4
16A 31. Rae who played President Barbie in "Barbie" 4
17A 34. Tackling of the quarterback 4
18A 37. Nebraska's largest city 5
19A 40. Governing body in the Harry Potter universe 15
20A 43. Fibrous part of broccoli 5
21A 44. Nothin' 4
22A 45. Cool, slangily 4
23A 46. "___ Calm and Carry On" 4
24A 48. Region 4
25A 50. Gardener's tool 11
26A 54. Kit ___ bar 3
27A 57. Woodcutter's tool 3
28A 58. Beauty queen's accessory 4
29A 59. Garlicky condiment 5
30A 61. Eye irritation 4
31A 63. Advice for the overambitious ... or a hint to 17-, 25-, 40- and 50-Across 10
32A 66. ___ leches cake 4
33A 67. Oopsie 5
34A 68. Lotion ingredient 4
35A 69. Toward sunrise 4
36A 70. "Same!" 5
37A 71. Stereotypically antisocial pets 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Like a game that has gone into a penalty shootout"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fasten or secure with a rope, string, or cord
  • Similar words include: trussed, draw, bind
  • Opposite of: untied, disconnect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Luxury handbag brand"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Petri dish gel"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent
  • Similar words include: nutrient agar, agar-agar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. West Coast sch. that joined the Big Ten in 2024"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Stereotypical meal for a college student"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. "Veni, ___, vici""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Like the Code of Hammurabi"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inhabitant of ancient babylon
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BABYLONIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Enterprise rival"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Got to one's feet"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into existence; take on form or shape
  • Similar words include: get up, grow, rise up
  • Opposite of: sit down, fall
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AROSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Elmer's product"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cement consisting of a sticky substance that is used as an adhesive
  • Similar words include: gum, paste, mucilage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. "There's a cockroach!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Patch up some clothes, say"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fasten by sewing; do needlework
  • Similar words include: sew together, tailor, run up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Pioneering hybrid car"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOYOTAPRIUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Pouty expression"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disdainful grimace
  • Similar words include: pout, wry face
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Future atty.'s exam"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Rae who played President Barbie in "Barbie""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Tackling of the quarterback"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bag made of paper or plastic for holding customer's purchases
  • Similar words include: paper bag, poke, sacking
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SACK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Nebraska's largest city"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in the missouri river valley in northeastern nebraska
  • Similar words include: Maha
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMAHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Governing body in the Harry Potter universe"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINISTRYOFMAGIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Fibrous part of broccoli"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
  • Similar words include: stem, husk, angry walk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STALK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Nothin'"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: cypher, nil, null
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NADA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Cool, slangily"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that street names for marijuana
  • Similar words include: the skinny, Mary Jane, dope up
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. "___ Calm and Carry On""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the financial means whereby one lives
  • Similar words include: livelihood, dungeon, hold on
  • Opposite of: discontinue, break
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KEEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "48. Region"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
  • Similar words include: surface area, sphere, domain
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. Gardener's tool"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEEDWHACKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "54. Kit ___ bar"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the leaves of the shrub catha edulis which are chewed like tobacco or used to make tea; has the effect of a euphoric stimulant
  • Similar words include: cat, African tea, qat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "57. Woodcutter's tool"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edge tool with a heavy bladed head mounted across a handle
  • Similar words include: ax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AXE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. Beauty queen's accessory"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a framework that holds the panes of a window in the window frame
  • Similar words include: waistband, girdle, window sash
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Garlicky condiment"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that garlic mayonnaise
  • Similar words include: aioli sauce, garlic sauce
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIOLI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Eye irritation"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Similar words include: eye infection, sty, hordeolum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Advice for the overambitious ... or a hint to 17-, 25-, 40- and 50-Across"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. ___ leches cake"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "67. Oopsie"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
  • Similar words include: mistake, erroneous belief, misplay
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERROR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "68. Lotion ingredient"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "69. Toward sunrise"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
  • Similar words include: Orient, E, eastern United States
  • Opposite of: west
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "70. "Same!""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "71. Stereotypically antisocial pets"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
  • Similar words include: throw up, CT, computerized tomography
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Large brass instruments 5
2D 2. "You have my sympathy" 5
3D 3. Macaroni shape 5
4D 4. 14 of these make up a fortnight 4
5D 5. Con's opposite 3
6D 6. Sprinted 3
7D 7. Friend in Mexico 5
8D 8. Gave out cards 5
9D 9. Zinnia or sunflower 6
10D 10. Director DuVernay 3
11D 11. Attempt something 9
12D 12. "Au revoir!" 5
13D 13. Puts on the line 5
14D 18. Oscar winner Jared 4
15D 22. English town famous for its salts 5
16D 26. Throw out of office 4
17D 27. Long (for) 5
18D 28. Holiday Inn competitor 6
19D 29. Sent by post 6
20D 31. Writes to on WhatsApp, in brief 3
21D 32. Puppy school command 3
22D 33. Roll of two ones 9
23D 35. "Ta-ta," in a text 3
24D 36. Camera company known for its "moments" 5
25D 38. With it 3
26D 39. Unreturned serve 3
27D 41. Distorts, as data 5
28D 42. Ticket price 4
29D 47. The "terrible twos" and the "threenager" years, for example 6
30D 49. Chapters of history 4
31D 50. Squander 5
32D 51. Outlandishly over the top, in modern slang 5
33D 52. Houston baseballer 5
34D 53. Swiss ___ (salad green) 5
35D 54. Marsupial often mistermed a "bear" 5
36D 55. Apportion 5
37D 56. There are 100 of these in every Scrabble game 5
38D 60. Apple desktop 4
39D 62. Superlative suffix 3
40D 64. Down Under bounder, for short 3
41D 65. Prefix between bi- and tetra- 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Large brass instruments"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the lowest brass wind instrument
  • Similar words include: bass horn, tuba, sousaphone
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUBAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "You have my sympathy""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Macaroni shape"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hinge joint between the forearm and upper arm and the corresponding joint in the forelimb of a quadruped
  • Similar words include: human elbow, cubital joint, articulatio cubiti
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELBOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. 14 of these make up a fortnight"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time during which someone's life continues
  • Similar words include: Day, daylight, Clarence Day
  • Opposite of: night
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Con's opposite"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an athlete who plays for pay
  • Similar words include: professional
  • Opposite of: amateur, anti
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Sprinted"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
  • Similar words include: function, bunk, be given
  • Opposite of: idle, malfunction
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Friend in Mexico"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a friend or comrade
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMIGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Gave out cards"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
  • Similar words include: take, grapple, cover
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Zinnia or sunflower"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (botany) a plant that completes its entire life cycle within the space of a year
  • Similar words include: one-year, yearbook, yearly
  • Opposite of: biennial
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANNUAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Director DuVernay"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Attempt something"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. "Au revoir!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Puts on the line"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
  • Similar words include: risk of exposure, take chances, risk of infection
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RISKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Oscar winner Jared"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wife or mistress of zeus and mother of apollo and artemis in ancient mythology; called latona in roman mythology
  • Similar words include: Latona
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LETO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. English town famous for its salts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "26. Throw out of office"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from a position or office
  • Similar words include: throw out, boot out, drum out
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Long (for)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that desire strongly or persistently
  • Similar words include: hanker, pine, ache
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Holiday Inn competitor"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Sent by post"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that send via the postal service
  • Similar words include: get off, mail-clad, mail
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Writes to on WhatsApp, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Puppy school command"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be around, often idly or without specific purpose
  • Similar words include: model, sit around, baby-sit
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Roll of two ones"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. "Ta-ta," in a text"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Camera company known for its "moments""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. With it"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either side of the body below the waist and above the thigh
  • Similar words include: hip joint, coxa, articulatio coxae
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Unreturned serve"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: 1, sensation, breeze through
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Distorts, as data"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that turn or place at an angle
  • Similar words include: skew
  • Opposite of: align
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKEWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Ticket price"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agenda of things to do
  • Similar words include: menu, make out, come
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. The "terrible twos" and the "threenager" years, for example"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any distinct time period in a sequence of events
  • Similar words include: phase angle, form, phase
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHASES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Chapters of history"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: earned run average, era, epoch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Squander"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
  • Similar words include: wild, consume, thriftlessness
  • Opposite of: conserve
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WASTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Outlandishly over the top, in modern slang"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a minor actor in crowd scenes
  • Similar words include: additional, excess, superfluous
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXTRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Houston baseballer"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Swiss ___ (salad green)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that beet lacking swollen root; grown as a vegetable for its edible leaves and stalks
  • Similar words include: spinach beet, Swiss chard, leaf beet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Marsupial often mistermed a "bear""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sluggish tailless australian arboreal marsupial with grey furry ears and coat; feeds on eucalyptus leaves and bark
  • Similar words include: kangaroo bear, native bear, koala bear
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KOALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Apportion"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that allow to have
  • Similar words include: dish out, accord, assign
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. There are 100 of these in every Scrabble game"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat thin rectangular slab (as of fired clay or rubber or linoleum) used to cover surfaces
  • Similar words include: roofing tile, tile
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TILES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Apple desktop"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. Superlative suffix"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard time in the 5th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern united states
  • Similar words include: Eastern Time, Eastern Standard Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "64. Down Under bounder, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "65. Prefix between bi- and tetra-"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: May 18, 2026 at 07:10 AM

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Down Clues NYT December 14, 2025 - Today's Complete Vertical Solutions

NYT Crossword Down December 14, 2025: All 70 Vertical Answers & Strategic Tips

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 70 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: August 06 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | Tuesday NYT Mini Crossword Answers_25 | Todays Across Crossword NYT December 01 |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 14, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Sunday, December 14, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 14, 2025
Day of Week Sunday
Total Down Clues 70 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Medium

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 70 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Surveyed, with "out"
2 Down 2. Early track star Jim
3 Down 3. Resident of Honolulu, e.g.
4 Down 4. Touchless payment tech
5 Down 5. Internet ___
6 Down 6. Cheat on, in a way
7 Down 7. Surgery sites, in brief
8 Down 8. Video game character with an endless appetite
9 Down 9. Be in a chat room but not chat
10 Down 10. Soldiers with long arms
11 Down 11. Alternative to the euro, in brief
12 Down 12. Relinquish
13 Down 13. Director DuVernay
14 Down 14. Turns back the clock, maybe?
15 Down 15. Opposite of volunteer
16 Down 16. Parts of many robots in robot-sumo
17 Down 19. Area inside the free-throw line, in basketball slang
18 Down 20. "Gaspard de la Nuit" composer
19 Down 22. Addresses angrily
20 Down 23. Variety of violet
21 Down 26. Urban safety hazard
22 Down 30. Australia's largest carnivorous mammal
23 Down 32. Word used 10 times in Roger Ebert's review of "North" (1994)
24 Down 33. Dissimilar
25 Down 35. Part of a legendary boast
26 Down 36. Skips all the ceremony?
27 Down 38. The brother in "Am I my brother's keeper?"
28 Down 40. What might be made while clasping one's hands
29 Down 42. Engineer Gray who, arguably, invented the telephone — and battled Alexander Graham Bell over it in court for years
30 Down 44. Ballpark figure
31 Down 45. Kind of tea
32 Down 46. Sierra automaker
33 Down 47. Shylock's security
34 Down 48. Adele song with the lyric "I must have called a thousand times"
35 Down 50. Non-premium option in a rideshare app
36 Down 51. Gaming mogul Gabe
37 Down 52. Ernst Stavro Blofeld, to James Bond
38 Down 53. Put into piles, perhaps
39 Down 54. Swear
40 Down 57. Parking space for an Airstream, say, in brief
41 Down 61. Did some school reporting?
42 Down 63. Exceptionally hard timber
43 Down 65. Amy Winehouse, e.g.
44 Down 66. Thumbprint alternative on iPhones
45 Down 68. Reluctant to ask out one's crush, maybe
46 Down 70. Particularly particular
47 Down 72. Cafeterias
48 Down 75. Like many indie films
49 Down 76. Many characters in the 2007 comedy "Superbad"
50 Down 78. He had a Billboard Hot 100 hit with "Rubber Duckie"
51 Down 79. Tortilla de patatas, por ejemplo
52 Down 82. Where high schoolers work on their numbers?
53 Down 84. Starship's medical facility
54 Down 85. Ren faire prop akin to a halberd
55 Down 86. "Sign me up!"
56 Down 87. Hair-care item associated with Black culture
57 Down 89. Like YouTube offerings
58 Down 91. Commences
59 Down 92. Rough drafts?
60 Down 93. Interview guest whom Ali G calls "my man Buzz Lightyear here"
61 Down 94. Like lowercase i's and j's
62 Down 95. Sci-fi sequel of 1986
63 Down 96. Like soft rolls
64 Down 102. Wordless entertainment
65 Down 104. Other, to Octavio
66 Down 106. Brief announcements from a pilot
67 Down 107. ___ alla bolognese (slow-cooked sauce)
68 Down 109. Like hell!
69 Down 110. Play a part, or part of a play
70 Down 111. Part of N.Y.E.

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues

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

Complete Down Solutions:


1 Down: "1. Surveyed, with "out""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S____D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCOPED


2 Down: "2. Early track star Jim"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T____E
  • Similar words: Jim Thorpe
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: outstanding United States athlete (1888-1953)
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THORPE


3 Down: "3. Resident of Honolulu, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: O____N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OAHUAN


4 Down: "4. Touchless payment tech"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RFID


5 Down: "5. Internet ___"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MEME


6 Down: "6. Cheat on, in a way"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T_____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TWOTIME


7 Down: "7. Surgery sites, in brief"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: OR, Oregon
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a state in northwestern United States on the Pacific
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ORS


8 Down: "8. Video game character with an endless appetite"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PACMAN


9 Down: "9. Be in a chat room but not chat"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: L__K
  • Similar words: tarry, footle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: lie in wait
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LURK


10 Down: "10. Soldiers with long arms"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: S______N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPEARMEN


11 Down: "11. Alternative to the euro, in brief"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'D'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer USD


12 Down: "12. Relinquish"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: C__E
  • Similar words: concede, deliver
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CEDE


13 Down: "13. Director DuVernay"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AVA


14 Down: "14. Turns back the clock, maybe?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R_____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REWINDS


15 Down: "15. Opposite of volunteer"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: D_____E
  • Similar words: conscript, inductee
  • Opposite of: volunteer
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: someone who is drafted into military service
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DRAFTEE


16 Down: "16. Parts of many robots in robot-sumo"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S_____S
  • Similar words: detector, sensing element
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SENSORS


17 Down: "19. Area inside the free-throw line, in basketball slang"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: P___T
  • Similar words: rouge, key
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PAINT


18 Down: "20. "Gaspard de la Nuit" composer"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: R___L
  • Similar words: ladder, Maurice Ravel
  • Opposite of: unknot
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: French composer and exponent of Impressionism (1875-1937)
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAVEL


19 Down: "22. Addresses angrily"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S______T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SNARLSAT


20 Down: "23. Variety of violet"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: P___Y
  • Similar words: sissy, pantywaist
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PANSY


21 Down: "26. Urban safety hazard"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: F______P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FIRETRAP


22 Down: "30. Australia's largest carnivorous mammal"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: D___O
  • Similar words: warragal, warrigal
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: wolflike yellowish-brown wild dog of Australia
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DINGO


23 Down: "32. Word used 10 times in Roger Ebert's review of "North" (1994)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: H___D
  • Similar words: hate, detested
  • Opposite of: love
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: dislike intensely; feel antipathy or aversion towards
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HATED


24 Down: "33. Dissimilar"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: U_____E
  • Similar words: dissimilar
  • Opposite of: alike
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: not alike or similar
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UNALIKE


25 Down: "35. Part of a legendary boast"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: V__I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VENI


26 Down: "36. Skips all the ceremony?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E____S
  • Similar words: elope, run off
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: run away secretly with one's beloved
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ELOPES


27 Down: "38. The brother in "Am I my brother's keeper?""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: A__L
  • Similar words: Niels Abel
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: Norwegian mathematician (1802-1829)
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ABEL


28 Down: "40. What might be made while clasping one's hands"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: P__A
  • Similar words: supplication
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a humble request for help from someone in authority
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PLEA


29 Down: "42. Engineer Gray who, arguably, invented the telephone — and battled Alexander Graham Bell over it in court for years"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ELISHA


30 Down: "44. Ballpark figure"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: O__S
  • Similar words: out, come out
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OUTS


31 Down: "45. Kind of tea"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: A___M
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: state in northeastern India
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASSAM


32 Down: "46. Sierra automaker"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'C'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GMC


33 Down: "47. Shylock's security"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: F___H
  • Similar words: pulp, anatomy
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FLESH


34 Down: "48. Adele song with the lyric "I must have called a thousand times""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: H___O
  • Similar words: hi, how-do-you-do
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an expression of greeting
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HELLO


35 Down: "50. Non-premium option in a rideshare app"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UBERX


36 Down: "51. Gaming mogul Gabe"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: N____L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NEWELL


37 Down: "52. Ernst Stavro Blofeld, to James Bond"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: E___Y
  • Similar words: foe, opposition
  • Opposite of: friend
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an opposing military force
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENEMY


38 Down: "53. Put into piles, perhaps"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S__T
  • Similar words: variety, classify
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SORT


39 Down: "54. Swear"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: A__W
  • Similar words: affirm, avouch
  • Opposite of: disavow
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AVOW


40 Down: "57. Parking space for an Airstream, say, in brief"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: R___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RVLOT


41 Down: "61. Did some school reporting?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: T_____D
  • Similar words: talk, tittle-tattle
  • Opposite of: keep quiet
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TATTLED


42 Down: "63. Exceptionally hard timber"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: I______D
  • Similar words: ironwood tree, iron tree
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 42

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IRONWOOD


43 Down: "65. Amy Winehouse, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: A__O
  • Similar words: contralto, countertenor
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a singer whose voice lies in the alto clef
  • This is Down clue number 43

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALTO


44 Down: "66. Thumbprint alternative on iPhones"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: F____D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 44

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FACEID


45 Down: "68. Reluctant to ask out one's crush, maybe"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Similar words: unsure, timid
  • Opposite of: confident
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a quick throw
  • This is Down clue number 45

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SHY


46 Down: "70. Particularly particular"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: A__L
  • Similar words: anal retentive
  • Opposite of: oral
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: of or related to the anus
  • This is Down clue number 46

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ANAL


47 Down: "72. Cafeterias"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C______S
  • Similar words: mobile canteen, canteen
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a flask for carrying water; used by soldiers or travelers
  • This is Down clue number 47

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CANTEENS


48 Down: "75. Like many indie films"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: A__Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: showily imitative of art or artists
  • This is Down clue number 48

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARTY


49 Down: "76. Many characters in the 2007 comedy "Superbad""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T___S
  • Similar words: adolescent, teenager
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the time of life between the ages of 12 and 20
  • This is Down clue number 49

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TEENS


50 Down: "78. He had a Billboard Hot 100 hit with "Rubber Duckie""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 50

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ERNIE


51 Down: "79. Tortilla de patatas, por ejemplo"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: T__A
  • Similar words: tapa bark, tappa
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 51

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TAPA


52 Down: "82. Where high schoolers work on their numbers?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: G______B
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 52

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GLEECLUB


53 Down: "84. Starship's medical facility"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: S_____Y
  • Similar words: sick berth
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 53

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SICKBAY


54 Down: "85. Ren faire prop akin to a halberd"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P_____E
  • Similar words: poleax
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 54

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer POLEAXE


55 Down: "86. "Sign me up!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: I_____N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 55

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IWANTIN


56 Down: "87. Hair-care item associated with Black culture"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: D___G
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 56

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DURAG


57 Down: "89. Like YouTube offerings"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: O_____O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 57

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ONVIDEO


58 Down: "91. Commences"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: O___S
  • Similar words: unfold, spread
  • Opposite of: close
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
  • This is Down clue number 58

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OPENS


59 Down: "92. Rough drafts?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: G___S
  • Similar words: gale
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 59

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GALES


60 Down: "93. Interview guest whom Ali G calls "my man Buzz Lightyear here""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A____N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 60

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALDRIN


61 Down: "94. Like lowercase i's and j's"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: D____D
  • Similar words: dust, dashed
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: scatter or intersperse like dots or studs
  • This is Down clue number 61

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DOTTED


62 Down: "95. Sci-fi sequel of 1986"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A____S
  • Similar words: stranger, outlander
  • Opposite of: acquaintance
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 62

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALIENS


63 Down: "96. Like soft rolls"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: Y____Y
  • Similar words: yeastlike, zesty
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: of or resembling or containing yeast
  • This is Down clue number 63

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YEASTY


64 Down: "102. Wordless entertainment"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: M__E
  • Similar words: dumb show, mimer
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 64

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MIME


65 Down: "104. Other, to Octavio"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: O__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 65

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OTRA


66 Down: "106. Brief announcements from a pilot"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E__S
  • Similar words: ETA, eta
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 66

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ETAS


67 Down: "107. ___ alla bolognese (slow-cooked sauce)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'U'
  • Word pattern: R__U
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 67

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAGU


68 Down: "109. Like hell!"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: spicy, live
  • Opposite of: cold
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 68

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOT


69 Down: "110. Play a part, or part of a play"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: do, roleplay
  • Opposite of: refrain
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 69

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACT


70 Down: "111. Part of N.Y.E."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: eventide, evening
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 70

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EVE

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

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

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

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

Time-Saving Down Techniques

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

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

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

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

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 70 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

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

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

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


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

Last Updated: December 14, 2025 at 05:14 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 14 2025 down clues