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

Saturday, July 4, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 04, 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. Bar fight? 9
2A 10. Brand of tights with an apostrophe in its name 5
3A 15. Expansive marine exhibits 9
4A 16. Really fancy 5
5A 17. 1991 blockbuster with the tagline "One breath of oxygen and it explodes in a deadly rage" 9
6A 18. Fax predecessor 5
7A 19. Grand Tour, e.g. 8
8A 20. Buyer 6
9A 21. Like ideal arrivals 6
10A 23. "___ pics!" 4
11A 24. Conceptual framework 6
12A 28. Follower of X or G 3
13A 29. Peacock's home 3
14A 30. Word that becomes its opposite when its first letter is removed 5
15A 31. "Gotcha," to a beatnik 4
16A 33. Piece of cartoon memorabilia 3
17A 34. Steamed 5
18A 35. Golden goal periods, for short 3
19A 36. "Miracle on 34th Street" actress Maureen 5
20A 38. Certain Ivy Leaguer 3
21A 39. Painter ___ Thomas, first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum 4
22A 41. Passes (out) 5
23A 42. Bracketed disclaimer 3
24A 43. Lover of sugar 3
25A 44. Results of swiping 6
26A 45. Lend, informally 4
27A 47. Second-smallest U.S. state capital by population (about 14,000 people) 6
28A 49. Animals with prehensile proboscises 6
29A 51. "The One" 8
30A 56. First name in cosmetics 5
31A 57. Pioneering P.D.A. 9
32A 58. Ship back? 5
33A 59. Soft drink originally made with egg whites 9
34A 60. Short 5
35A 61. Rock instrument? 9

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Bar fight?"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "10. Brand of tights with an apostrophe in its name"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. Expansive marine exhibits"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Really fancy"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that love intensely
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. 1991 blockbuster with the tagline "One breath of oxygen and it explodes in a deadly rage""

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Fax predecessor"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a character printer connected to a telegraph that operates like a typewriter
  • Similar words include: telex machine, teleprinter, teletypewriter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Grand Tour, e.g."

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Buyer"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who buys
  • Similar words include: emptor, buyer, purchaser
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VENDEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Like ideal arrivals"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. "___ pics!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to go somewhere
  • Similar words include: place, post, institutionalize
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Conceptual framework"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an internal representation of the world; an organization of concepts and actions that can be revised by new information about the world
  • Similar words include: scheme, outline
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCHEMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "28. Follower of X or G"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the force of workers available
  • Similar words include: hands, man, manpower
  • Opposite of: woman, civilian
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Peacock's home"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Word that becomes its opposite when its first letter is removed"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a location other than here; that place
  • Similar words include: thither, in that respect, at that place
  • Opposite of: here
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. "Gotcha," to a beatnik"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Piece of cartoon memorabilia"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Steamed"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  • Similar words include: chafe, bother, miffed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Golden goal periods, for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. "Miracle on 34th Street" actress Maureen"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Certain Ivy Leaguer"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Painter ___ Thomas, first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Passes (out)"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a share of money or food or clothing that has been charitably given
  • Similar words include: dole, pogy, pogey
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Bracketed disclaimer"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that urge to attack someone
  • Similar words include: set
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Lover of sugar"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Results of swiping"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of taking something from someone unlawfully
  • Similar words include: thieving, stealing, larceny
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THEFTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. Lend, informally"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a point located with respect to surface features of some region
  • Similar words include: recognise, bit, maculation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "47. Second-smallest U.S. state capital by population (about 14,000 people)"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that capital of the state of south dakota; located in central south dakota on the missouri river
  • Similar words include: capital of South Dakota
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIERRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "49. Animals with prehensile proboscises"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large inoffensive chiefly nocturnal ungulate of tropical america and southeast asia having a heavy body and fleshy snout
  • Similar words include: tapir
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPIRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "51. "The One""

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. First name in cosmetics"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Pioneering P.D.A."

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Ship back?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the rear part of a ship
  • Similar words include: unforgiving, tail end, austere
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STERN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. Soft drink originally made with egg whites"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "60. Short"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brief and to the point; effectively cut short
  • Similar words include: curt, crisp, laconic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TERSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "61. Rock instrument?"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. One of the Starks on "Game of Thrones" 4
2D 2. Berry spelled with a cedilla 4
3D 3. Small smack 4
4D 4. Brown, in a way 4
5D 5. Milky Way's nearest major galaxy 9
6D 6. #MeToo movement activist Burke 6
7D 7. Expanse 5
8D 8. Observation by Oscar Wilde about the relationship between reality and creativity 15
9D 9. "Mangia!" 3
10D 10. Not 21-Across 4
11D 11. Elysia 5
12D 12. False idol in the Old Testament 10
13D 13. Army specialist with a headwear-inspired nickname 10
14D 14. Where students learn about congress 10
15D 20. "___ Sancte Spiritus" (medieval Latin hymn) 4
16D 22. Things often refilled, informally 4
17D 24. Cardiac exam on a treadmill 10
18D 25. Gochujang, e.g. 10
19D 26. Blade runner? 10
20D 27. Before, in olden times 3
21D 32. "Lord, have mercy!" 9
22D 35. One attracted to all gender identities, for short 4
23D 37. Tilling aid 3
24D 40. The Indianapolis 500 has 200 of them 4
25D 44. President who married one of his kindergarten classmates 6
26D 46. Membership categories 5
27D 48. Loggers' competition 5
28D 50. Former French president ___ Coty 4
29D 52. Weather phenomenon often appearing in the evening 4
30D 53. Dum ___ (potato-based curry dish) 4
31D 54. List header 4
32D 55. List ender 4
33D 57. Some notebooks, in brief 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. One of the Starks on "Game of Thrones""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Berry spelled with a cedilla"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Small smack"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
  • Similar words include: mickle, slew, muckle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PECK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Brown, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cook and make edible by putting in a hot oven
  • Similar words include: broil
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Milky Way's nearest major galaxy"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that broad-leaved evergreen asiatic shrub with glossy leaves and drooping clusters of white flowers
  • Similar words include: lily-of-the-valley tree, Pieris japonica, Japanese andromeda
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANDROMEDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. #MeToo movement activist Burke"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Expanse"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extended area of land
  • Similar words include: piece of ground, nerve tract, pamphlet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Observation by Oscar Wilde about the relationship between reality and creativity"

15 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "Mangia!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in solid food
  • Similar words include: consume, deplete, wipe out
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Not 21-Across"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
  • Similar words include: recent, former, belated
  • Opposite of: early
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Elysia"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • Similar words include: Eden, nirvana, heaven
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. False idol in the Old Testament"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Army specialist with a headwear-inspired nickname"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Where students learn about congress"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. "___ Sancte Spiritus" (medieval Latin hymn)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Things often refilled, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a master's degree in education
  • Similar words include: Master of Education, MEd
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Cardiac exam on a treadmill"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Gochujang, e.g."

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Blade runner?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an aircraft without wings that obtains its lift from the rotation of overhead blades
  • Similar words include: eggbeater, chopper, whirlybird
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HELICOPTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Before, in olden times"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. "Lord, have mercy!""

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. One attracted to all gender identities, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. Tilling aid"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tool with a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "40. The Indianapolis 500 has 200 of them"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the upper side of the thighs of a seated person
  • Similar words include: lap covering, wash, circuit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "44. President who married one of his kindergarten classmates"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that elected vice president in roosevelt's 4th term; became 33rd president of the united states on roosevelt's death in 1945 and was elected president in 1948; authorized the use of atomic bombs against japan (1884-1972)
  • Similar words include: Harry S Truman, President Truman, Harry Truman
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "46. Membership categories"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
  • Similar words include: tier, tier up, level
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "48. Loggers' competition"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "50. Former French president ___ Coty"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "52. Weather phenomenon often appearing in the evening"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin fog with condensation near the ground
  • Similar words include: mist over, cloud, befog
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "53. Dum ___ (potato-based curry dish)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "54. List header"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "55. List ender"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "57. Some notebooks, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small digital computer based on a microprocessor and designed to be used by one person at a time
  • Similar words include: microcomputer, PC, personal computer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PCS

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

35 Across Clues
33 Down Clues
68 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: July 04, 2026 at 06:32 AM

Friday, December 12, 2025

NYT Down Clues Answers December 12, 2025 - All 37 Vertical Solutions & Expert Hints

Friday NYT Down Solutions December 12, 2025 - Every Vertical Clue Decoded with Hints

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 37 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: NYT Across Today November 03 2025 | March 21 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | November 10 2022 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 12, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Friday, December 12, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 12, 2025
Day of Week Friday
Total Down Clues 37 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Easy

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 37 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Stone
2 Down 2. Vaudeville highlight
3 Down 3. Pulitzer-winning journalist Applebaum
4 Down 4. You might pull one out for a guest
5 Down 5. With 38-Across, one way to sit
6 Down 6. Feel gross
7 Down 7. "Gross"
8 Down 8. Playwright who wrote "You see things; and you say 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say 'Why not?'"
9 Down 9. "Tell Mama" singer James
10 Down 10. Rocky road ingredient?
11 Down 11. Distinction for a classic underground work
12 Down 12. Bind
13 Down 13. Sticks a fork in
14 Down 15. Part of NOW
15 Down 21. "Fiddlesticks!"
16 Down 23. Disney princess in New Orleans
17 Down 24. Workshop debris
18 Down 26. Possible need for entry
19 Down 27. Each
20 Down 28. Colleague who might be solutions-oriented?
21 Down 29. Tropical plants said to bring good fortune
22 Down 32. "That's the truth"
23 Down 33. Kid's parent
24 Down 34. Hagfish lookalikes
25 Down 36. Company whose logo has a hidden arrow between its fourth and fifth letters
26 Down 39. Performance that isn't prerecorded
27 Down 40. Word from the Greek for "folded paper"
28 Down 43. Butcher shop buys
29 Down 44. Pleasing to the palate
30 Down 45. "Buss It" rapper ___ Banks
31 Down 48. Way
32 Down 49. Arm of the Dept. of Labor
33 Down 51. Part of a cabinet
34 Down 52. French 101 verb
35 Down 55. Whitehouse in D.C., e.g.: Abbr.
36 Down 56. Physics unit equivalent to roughly 624 gigaelectronvolts
37 Down 57. Thoroughly evaluate

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. Stone"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: pock, Inferno
  • Opposite of: Heaven
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PIT


2 Down: "2. Vaudeville highlight"

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
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a short theatrical episode
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKIT


3 Down: "3. Pulitzer-winning journalist Applebaum"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ANNE


4 Down: "4. You might pull one out for a guest"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 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 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOFABED


5 Down: "5. With 38-Across, one way to sit"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C________S
  • Similar words: mark, cross
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a marking that consists of lines that cross each other
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CRISSCROSS


6 Down: "6. Feel gross"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • Similar words: garlic, trouble
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: aromatic bulb used as seasoning
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AIL


7 Down: "7. "Gross""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'H'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UGH


8 Down: "8. Playwright who wrote "You see things; and you say 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say 'Why not?'""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: S__W
  • Similar words: Josh Billings, G. B. Shaw
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SHAW


9 Down: "9. "Tell Mama" singer James"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 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 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ETTA


10 Down: "10. Rocky road ingredient?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A_____T
  • Similar words: mineral pitch
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASPHALT


11 Down: "11. Distinction for a classic underground work"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C________S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CULTSTATUS


12 Down: "12. Bind"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: T___P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIEUP


13 Down: "13. Sticks a fork in"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S___S
  • Similar words: shot, thrust
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a sudden sharp feeling
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STABS


14 Down: "15. Part of NOW"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: W___N
  • Similar words: adult female, char
  • Opposite of: man
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WOMEN


15 Down: "21. "Fiddlesticks!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S___T
  • Similar words: scud, pullulate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a new branch
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SHOOT


16 Down: "23. Disney princess in New Orleans"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: T___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIANA


17 Down: "24. Workshop debris"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S_____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: fine particles of wood made by sawing wood
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SAWDUST


18 Down: "26. Possible need for entry"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VISA


19 Down: "27. Each"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer APOP


20 Down: "28. Colleague who might be solutions-oriented?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: L________R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LABPARTNER


21 Down: "29. Tropical plants said to bring good fortune"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M________S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MONEYTREES


22 Down: "32. "That's the truth""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: F___S
  • Similar words: fact
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FACTS


23 Down: "33. Kid's parent"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G__T
  • Similar words: laughingstock, caprine animal
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GOAT


24 Down: "34. Hagfish lookalikes"

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: eel
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EELS


25 Down: "36. Company whose logo has a hidden arrow between its fourth and fifth letters"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'X'
  • Word pattern: F___X
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FEDEX


26 Down: "39. Performance that isn't prerecorded"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: L_____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LIVESET


27 Down: "40. Word from the Greek for "folded paper""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: D_____A
  • Similar words: sheepskin
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DIPLOMA


28 Down: "43. Butcher shop buys"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L___S
  • Similar words: pubes, lumbus
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LOINS


29 Down: "44. Pleasing to the palate"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S___D
  • Similar words: flavourous, flavorful
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: full of flavor
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SAPID


30 Down: "45. "Buss It" rapper ___ Banks"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: E___A
  • Similar words: true heath
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any plant of the genus Erica
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ERICA


31 Down: "48. Way"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: P__H
  • Similar words: track, course
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a course of conduct
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PATH


32 Down: "49. Arm of the Dept. of Labor"

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 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OSHA


33 Down: "51. Part of a cabinet"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: K__B
  • Similar words: thickening, pommel
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a circular rounded projection or protuberance
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KNOB


34 Down: "52. French 101 verb"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 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 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ETRE


35 Down: "55. Whitehouse in D.C., e.g.: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEN


36 Down: "56. Physics unit equivalent to roughly 624 gigaelectronvolts"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'G'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ERG


37 Down: "57. Thoroughly evaluate"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: veterinarian, veterinary
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a doctor who practices veterinary medicine
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VET

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 37 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 12, 2025 at 05:16 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 12 2025 down clues