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Thursday, January 1, 2026

Down Clues NYT January 01, 2026 - Today's Complete Vertical Solutions

NYT Down Clues Answers January 01, 2026 - All 42 Vertical Solutions & Expert Hints

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 42 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: August 10 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | October 14 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | November 25 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for January 01, 2026
NYT Down Clues - Thursday, January 01, 2026
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date January 01, 2026
Day of Week Thursday
Total Down Clues 42 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Medium

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 42 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Idly pluck, as a banjo
2 Down 2. It always wins, they say
3 Down 3. One of Us, say?
4 Down 4. Driver of some engines
5 Down 5. Like most oysters served with mignonette
6 Down 6. Some Bavarian cries
7 Down 7. Majestic
8 Down 8. Which unit of data storage could hold 200,000 HD movies?
9 Down 9. 19th letter
10 Down 10. Sephora competitor
11 Down 11. Gallant
12 Down 12. ___ Gay
13 Down 13. Steel rod with ridges
14 Down 16. Maliciously publishes the private info of online
15 Down 20. Actor Fishburne of "The Matrix"
16 Down 24. Org. for the Fever and the Dream
17 Down 26. Filled
18 Down 29. End of many modern addresses
19 Down 30. Cat breed from an island in the Irish Sea
20 Down 31. Educational support grp.
21 Down 32. Sounds of realization
22 Down 33. Who won Best Supporting Actor for Martin Scorsese's "GoodFellas?"
23 Down 34. Pitchers' stats
24 Down 36. What Mediterranean nation lies between Italy and Libya?
25 Down 37. Go for the gold?
26 Down 38. Apropos
27 Down 40. Initialism for an online advertiser
28 Down 41. Pitted fruit
29 Down 43. Take over for
30 Down 45. Undisguised
31 Down 46. "Sit!"
32 Down 47. "Horrors!"
33 Down 48. Group of experts
34 Down 49. 2010 release now owned by Meta, informally
35 Down 52. Entry in red ink
36 Down 53. So-called "fifth taste"
37 Down 54. Kind of wind ... or an alternative to wind
38 Down 55. "Mob Psycho 100" genre
39 Down 57. Singer Stefani
40 Down 59. Negative for Nikolai
41 Down 62. Heart chart, for short
42 Down 63. Buffalo-to-Baltimore dir.

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. Idly pluck, as a banjo"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: T___M
  • Similar words: drum, strum
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a thrumming sound
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THRUM

2 Down: "2. It always wins, they say"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: H___E
  • Similar words: menage, household
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOUSE

3 Down: "3. One of Us, say?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: I___E
  • Similar words: outlet, matter
  • Opposite of: recall
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ISSUE

4 Down: "4. Driver of some engines"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: S___M
  • Similar words: steamer, steam clean
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: water at boiling temperature diffused in the atmosphere
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STEAM

5 Down: "5. Like most oysters served with mignonette"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'W'
  • Similar words: cutting, birthday suit
  • Opposite of: cooked
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: informal terms for nakedness
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAW

6 Down: "6. Some Bavarian cries"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACHS

7 Down: "7. Majestic"

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: courtly, imposing
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: impressive in appearance
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STATELY

8 Down: "8. Which unit of data storage could hold 200,000 HD movies?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P______E
  • Similar words: pebibyte, PB
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PETABYTE

9 Down: "9. 19th letter"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'U'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the 19th letter of the Greek alphabet
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TAU

10 Down: "10. Sephora competitor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: U__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ULTA

11 Down: "11. Gallant"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: N___E
  • Similar words: nobleman, stately
  • Opposite of: noblewoman
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a titled peer of the realm
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NOBLE

12 Down: "12. ___ Gay"

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
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENOLA

13 Down: "13. Steel rod with ridges"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: R___R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REBAR

14 Down: "16. Maliciously publishes the private info of online"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: D___S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DOXES

15 Down: "20. Actor Fishburne of "The Matrix""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: L______E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LAURENCE

16 Down: "24. Org. for the Fever and the Dream"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: W__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WNBA

17 Down: "26. Filled"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S______D
  • Similar words: replete, binge
  • Opposite of: insatiate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: fill to satisfaction
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SATIATED

18 Down: "29. End of many modern addresses"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'M'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer COM

19 Down: "30. Cat breed from an island in the Irish Sea"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'X'
  • Word pattern: M__X
  • Similar words: Manx cat
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MANX

20 Down: "31. Educational support grp."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PTA

21 Down: "32. Sounds of realization"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AHS

22 Down: "33. Who won Best Supporting Actor for Martin Scorsese's "GoodFellas?""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: P___I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PESCI

23 Down: "34. Pitchers' stats"

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: geological era, ERA
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ERAS

24 Down: "36. What Mediterranean nation lies between Italy and Libya?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: M___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MALTA

25 Down: "37. Go for the gold?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: genus Pan, pan off
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: cooking utensil consisting of a wide metal vessel
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PAN

26 Down: "38. Apropos"

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: tending, minded
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: (usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer APT

27 Down: "40. Initialism for an online advertiser"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEO

28 Down: "41. Pitted fruit"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: P__M
  • Similar words: plum tree, clean
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PLUM

29 Down: "43. Take over for"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R_____E
  • Similar words: assuage, exempt
  • Opposite of: enforce
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: provide physical relief
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RELIEVE

30 Down: "45. Undisguised"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: O___T
  • Similar words: open
  • Opposite of: covert
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: open and observable; not secret or hidden
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OVERT

31 Down: "46. "Sit!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: P____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PARKIT

32 Down: "47. "Horrors!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E___S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EGADS

33 Down: "48. Group of experts"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: P___L
  • Similar words: dialog box, jury
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PANEL

34 Down: "49. 2010 release now owned by Meta, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: I___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer INSTA

35 Down: "52. Entry in red ink"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: D___T
  • Similar words: debit entry
  • Opposite of: credit
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an accounting entry acknowledging sums that are owing
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DEBIT

36 Down: "53. So-called "fifth taste""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UMAMI

37 Down: "54. Kind of wind ... or an alternative to wind"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S___R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOLAR

38 Down: "55. "Mob Psycho 100" genre"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A___E
  • Similar words: Zanzibar copal, gum anime
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a hard copal derived from an African tree
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ANIME

39 Down: "57. Singer Stefani"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: G__N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GWEN

40 Down: "59. Negative for Nikolai"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: N__T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NYET

41 Down: "62. Heart chart, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'G'
  • Similar words: EKG, cardiogram
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ECG

42 Down: "63. Buffalo-to-Baltimore dir."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: sou'-sou'-east, south southeast
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the compass point midway between south and southeast
  • This is Down clue number 42

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SSE

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 42 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: January 01, 2026 at 05:22 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, January 01 2026 down clues

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XWordHint Crossword Answers January 01, 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

January 01, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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. You're looking at it! 4
2A 5. File type 4
3A 9. Piano technician 5
4A 14. Parasite's target 4
5A 15. Had no co-conspirators 10
6A 17. Preparation for many a surprise party 4
7A 18. Which 1991 comedy starred Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss? 12
8A 19. Quotidian 5
9A 21. Charon's domain 4
10A 22. Bistecca ___ fiorentina (Italian dish) 4
11A 23. Role for Annie Potts on "Young Sheldon" 6
12A 25. Are: Fr. 4
13A 27. Gift for a musician 3
14A 28. Figure in much W.W. I propaganda 8
15A 31. Kid with a route 8
16A 35. Home to the first N.F.L. team to win a Super Bowl in its own stadium (2021) 5
17A 39. What Edvard Munch painting inspired a poster for "Home Alone"? 9
18A 40. What fictional English heavy metal band consists of David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel and Derek Smalls? 9
19A 42. Like the origins of Buddhism and Hinduism 5
20A 43. Chill pill, essentially 8
21A 44. Investigate 8
22A 47. Prefix with genetics 3
23A 50. Assessment, informally 4
24A 51. Gorgon slain by Perseus 6
25A 56. Cohort 4
26A 58. Where many family names begin O'- 4
27A 60. Denizen of hell 5
28A 61. Test graders' aids ... or what is needed to respond to the six italicized clues in this puzzle? 10
29A 64. Neighbor of Java 4
30A 65. Nancy Drew and Sherlock Holmes 10
31A 66. Prayer leader 4
32A 67. Lit for fun, e.g. 5
33A 68. ___-à-___ 4
34A 69. Bore 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. You're looking at it!"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. File type"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that uttering in an irritated tone
  • Similar words include: wood file, rasping
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Piano technician"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who tunes pianos
  • Similar words include: radio set, receiving set, radio receiver
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUNER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Parasite's target"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
  • Similar words include: emcee, legion, innkeeper
  • Opposite of: parasite
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Had no co-conspirators"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Preparation for many a surprise party"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture)
  • Similar words include: artifice
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Which 1991 comedy starred Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss?"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHATABOUTBOB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Quotidian"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
  • Similar words include: common
  • Opposite of: unusual
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USUAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Charon's domain"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a river in hades across which charon carried dead souls
  • Similar words include: River Styx
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STYX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Bistecca ___ fiorentina (Italian dish)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Role for Annie Potts on "Young Sheldon""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Are: Fr."

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Gift for a musician"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: capitulum, spike, auricle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Figure in much W.W. I propaganda"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Kid with a route"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a boy who sells or delivers newspapers
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAPERBOY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Home to the first N.F.L. team to win a Super Bowl in its own stadium (2021)"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a resort city in western florida; located on tampa bay on the gulf of mexico
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAMPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "39. What Edvard Munch painting inspired a poster for "Home Alone"?"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. What fictional English heavy metal band consists of David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel and Derek Smalls?"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. Like the origins of Buddhism and Hinduism"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of asia
  • Similar words include: Asiatic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "43. Chill pill, essentially"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a drug that relaxes and relieves tension
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RELAXANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Investigate"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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22A: "47. Prefix with genetics"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a self-report personality inventory based on hans eysenck's factor analysis of personality which assumes three basic factors (the two most important being extraversion to introversion and neuroticism)
  • Similar words include: Eysenck Personality Inventory
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "50. Assessment, informally"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "51. Gorgon slain by Perseus"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a woman transformed into a gorgon by athena; she was slain by perseus
  • Similar words include: medusoid, medusan
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEDUSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "56. Cohort"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an association of criminals
  • Similar words include: crowd, bunch, crew
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "58. Where many family names begin O'-"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an early name of ireland that is now used in poetry
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "60. Denizen of hell"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an evil supernatural being
  • Similar words include: ogre, devil, monster
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEMON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "61. Test graders' aids ... or what is needed to respond to the six italicized clues in this puzzle?"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "64. Neighbor of Java"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an island in indonesia to the east of java; striking volcanic scenery; culture is known for elaborate dances and rituals and for handicrafts
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "65. Nancy Drew and Sherlock Holmes"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a police officer who investigates crimes
  • Similar words include: detective, investigator, police detective
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DETECTIVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "66. Prayer leader"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (islam) the man who leads prayers in a mosque; for shiites an imam is a recognized authority on islamic theology and law and a spiritual guide
  • Similar words include: imaum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "67. Lit for fun, e.g."

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions; often vituperative or vulgar
  • Similar words include: gull, cod, argot
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "68. ___-à-___"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "69. Bore"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hoop that covers a wheel
  • Similar words include: run down, fatigue, outwear
  • Opposite of: interest, refresh
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Idly pluck, as a banjo 5
2D 2. It always wins, they say 5
3D 3. One of Us, say? 5
4D 4. Driver of some engines 5
5D 5. Like most oysters served with mignonette 3
6D 6. Some Bavarian cries 4
7D 7. Majestic 7
8D 8. Which unit of data storage could hold 200,000 HD movies? 8
9D 9. 19th letter 3
10D 10. Sephora competitor 4
11D 11. Gallant 5
12D 12. ___ Gay 5
13D 13. Steel rod with ridges 5
14D 16. Maliciously publishes the private info of online 5
15D 20. Actor Fishburne of "The Matrix" 8
16D 24. Org. for the Fever and the Dream 4
17D 26. Filled 8
18D 29. End of many modern addresses 3
19D 30. Cat breed from an island in the Irish Sea 4
20D 31. Educational support grp. 3
21D 32. Sounds of realization 3
22D 33. Who won Best Supporting Actor for Martin Scorsese's "GoodFellas?" 5
23D 34. Pitchers' stats 4
24D 36. What Mediterranean nation lies between Italy and Libya? 5
25D 37. Go for the gold? 3
26D 38. Apropos 3
27D 40. Initialism for an online advertiser 3
28D 41. Pitted fruit 4
29D 43. Take over for 7
30D 45. Undisguised 5
31D 46. "Sit!" 6
32D 47. "Horrors!" 5
33D 48. Group of experts 5
34D 49. 2010 release now owned by Meta, informally 5
35D 52. Entry in red ink 5
36D 53. So-called "fifth taste" 5
37D 54. Kind of wind ... or an alternative to wind 5
38D 55. "Mob Psycho 100" genre 5
39D 57. Singer Stefani 4
40D 59. Negative for Nikolai 4
41D 62. Heart chart, for short 3
42D 63. Buffalo-to-Baltimore dir. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Idly pluck, as a banjo"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thrumming sound
  • Similar words include: drum, beat, hum
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THRUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. It always wins, they say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
  • Similar words include: menage, put up, sign of the zodiac
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. One of Us, say?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an important question that is in dispute and must be settled
  • Similar words include: offspring, takings, topic
  • Opposite of: recall
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISSUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Driver of some engines"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that water at boiling temperature diffused in the atmosphere
  • Similar words include: steamer, steam clean
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Like most oysters served with mignonette"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for nakedness
  • Similar words include: bare-ass, tender, rude
  • Opposite of: cooked
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Some Bavarian cries"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Majestic"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that impressive in appearance
  • Similar words include: formal, noble, baronial
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STATELY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Which unit of data storage could hold 200,000 HD movies?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of information equal to 1000 terabytes or 10^15 bytes
  • Similar words include: pebibyte, PB, PiB
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PETABYTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. 19th letter"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 19th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Sephora competitor"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Gallant"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a titled peer of the realm
  • Similar words include: stately, Lord, baronial
  • Opposite of: lowborn, ignoble
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOBLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. ___ Gay"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Steel rod with ridges"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "16. Maliciously publishes the private info of online"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Actor Fishburne of "The Matrix""

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Org. for the Fever and the Dream"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Filled"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fill to satisfaction
  • Similar words include: sate, ingurgitate, fill
  • Opposite of: insatiate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SATIATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. End of many modern addresses"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Cat breed from an island in the Irish Sea"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ancient gaelic formerly spoken on the isle of man; the language is sometimes used on ceremonial occasions
  • Similar words include: Manx cat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Educational support grp."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Sounds of realization"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Who won Best Supporting Actor for Martin Scorsese's "GoodFellas?""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Pitchers' stats"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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, geological era
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. What Mediterranean nation lies between Italy and Libya?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic on the island of malta in the mediterranean; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1964
  • Similar words include: Republic of Malta
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MALTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Go for the gold?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cooking utensil consisting of a wide metal vessel
  • Similar words include: goat god, tear apart, cooking pan
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Apropos"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward
  • Similar words include: disposed, minded, clever
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Initialism for an online advertiser"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Pitted fruit"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several trees producing edible oval fruit having a smooth skin and a single hard stone
  • Similar words include: plumb, clean, plum tree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Take over for"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that provide physical relief, as from pain
  • Similar words include: alleviate, salve, assuage
  • Opposite of: enforce
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RELIEVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Undisguised"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that open and observable; not secret or hidden
  • Similar words include: open
  • Opposite of: covert
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. "Sit!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. "Horrors!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "48. Group of experts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sheet that forms a distinct (usually flat and rectangular) section or component of something
  • Similar words include: instrument panel, control board, board
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PANEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "49. 2010 release now owned by Meta, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Entry in red ink"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an accounting entry acknowledging sums that are owing
  • Similar words include: debit entry
  • Opposite of: credit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEBIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. So-called "fifth taste""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "54. Kind of wind ... or an alternative to wind"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that relating to or derived from the sun or utilizing the energies of the sun
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "55. "Mob Psycho 100" genre"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hard copal derived from an african tree
  • Similar words include: gum anime, Zanzibar copal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "57. Singer Stefani"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "59. Negative for Nikolai"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "62. Heart chart, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph
  • Similar words include: EKG, cardiogram, electrocardiogram
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "63. Buffalo-to-Baltimore dir."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the compass point midway between south and southeast
  • Similar words include: south southeast, sou'-sou'-east
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SSE

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

34 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
76 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.

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Last updated: January 01, 2026 at 04:34 AM

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