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Friday, May 22, 2026

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

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

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May 22, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

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. Guns, so to speak 6
2A 7. Prefix with American 4
3A 11. Charcuterie spread 4
4A 15. Footnote phrase 6
5A 16. Sherwood, e.g. 9
6A 18. Qualifier to an embarrassing question 16
7A 20. Location for some osteoarthritis 4
8A 21. ___-Saint-Michel (French commune on a tidal island) 4
9A 22. Saps 5
10A 23. Sign of desperation 3
11A 24. Consider as one's residence 8
12A 27. Mrs. Addams, to Mr. Addams 4
13A 29. Val who played Iceman in "Top Gun" 6
14A 30. Guimarães greeting 3
15A 33. "Neato!" 6
16A 35. "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" character ___ Linetti 4
17A 36. Genre for Blackpink and Twice 4
18A 37. Counteract negativity using lavish generosity 16
19A 40. Former boy band with the members Harry, Liam, Louis, Niall and Zayn, familiarly 4
20A 41. Bit of marginalia 4
21A 42. Dealt with 6
22A 43. Weight plate units: Abbr. 3
23A 44. Place to get "pawmpered," say 6
24A 46. Case for military police 4
25A 47. Like the Millennium Problems of the Clay Mathematics Institute 8
26A 49. Suffix with peace but not war 3
27A 51. Philosopher William of ___ 5
28A 55. Product for manscaping 4
29A 56. Assuming that 4
30A 57. More sizzle than steak 16
31A 61. Infamous chess trap that ends the game in two moves 9
32A 62. Contents of a kitchen rack 6
33A 63. Bump on a lid 4
34A 64. Thin board 4
35A 65. What some streakers are charged with? 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Guns, so to speak"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any skeletal muscle having two origins (but especially the muscle that flexes the forearm)
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BICEPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Prefix with American"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Charcuterie spread"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that soft creamy white cheese; milder than camembert
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Footnote phrase"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Sherwood, e.g."

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Qualifier to an embarrassing question"

16 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASKINGFORAFRIEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "20. Location for some osteoarthritis"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
  • Similar words include: stifle, human knee, knee joint
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. ___-Saint-Michel (French commune on a tidal island)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Saps"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is not very bright
  • Similar words include: stupe, stupid person, pudding head
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOLTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Sign of desperation"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
  • Similar words include: sol, so, soh
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Consider as one's residence"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Mrs. Addams, to Mr. Addams"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. Val who played Iceman in "Top Gun""

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Guimarães greeting"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm used in india for writing paper
  • Similar words include: olla
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. "Neato!""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" character ___ Linetti"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Genre for Blackpink and Twice"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Counteract negativity using lavish generosity"

16 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KILLWITHKINDNESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Former boy band with the members Harry, Liam, Louis, Niall and Zayn, familiarly"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Bit of marginalia"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brief written record
  • Similar words include: short letter, notation, musical note
  • Opposite of: ignore
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Dealt with"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Weight plate units: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one thousand grams; the basic unit of mass adopted under the systeme international d'unites
  • Similar words include: kilogram, kg, kilo
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Place to get "pawmpered," say"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Case for military police"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who is away or absent without leave
  • Similar words include: truant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Like the Millennium Problems of the Clay Mathematics Institute"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: unresolved
  • Opposite of: solved
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNSOLVED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Suffix with peace but not war"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a family of languages of the fulani of west africa and used as a lingua franca in the sub-saharan regions from senegal to chad; the best known of the west african languages
  • Similar words include: Fulani, Peul, Fula
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FUL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Philosopher William of ___"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english scholastic philosopher and assumed author of occam's razor (1285-1349)
  • Similar words include: Ockham, William of Occam, William of Ockham
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCCAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Product for manscaping"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Assuming that"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. More sizzle than steak"

16 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLBARKANDNOBITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. Infamous chess trap that ends the game in two moves"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Contents of a kitchen rack"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that aromatic substances of vegetable origin used as a preservative
  • Similar words include: zest, spice up, spicery
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPICES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Bump on a lid"

4 letters Category: Common Word

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!

34A: "64. Thin board"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a thin strip (wood or metal)
  • Similar words include: spline
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. What some streakers are charged with?"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Woodpeckers' peckers 5
2D 2. "Really, my pleasure" 10
3D 3. "Sticky" birthday treats? 10
4D 4. Tahari or Saab of fashion 4
5D 5. Blame (on) 3
6D 6. Symbol used in summation 5
7D 7. Classical piece said to be the inspiration for Chopin's "Fantaisie-Impromptu" 15
8D 8. Kepler-22b or Kepler-186f, e.g. 15
9D 9. Calypso cousin 3
10D 10. Flat, say 3
11D 11. Zest 4
12D 12. Highlight ___ 4
13D 13. ___ fussy (can be very flexible) 4
14D 14. Some airport data, in brief 4
15D 17. Carnivora or Lagomorpha 5
16D 19. Word with rock or medicine 4
17D 24. When doubled, a fluffy Chinese dog 4
18D 25. Hilton competitor 4
19D 26. Is 5
20D 28. Went (for) 4
21D 30. Workplace with few barriers 10
22D 31. Became tarnished 10
23D 32. Lhasa ___ 4
24D 33. "I heard you the first time! Geez!" 4
25D 34. Wrapping material in mummification 5
26D 36. Had no doubt 4
27D 38. Deep-fried side dish, familiarly 4
28D 39. Unexciting, as a party 4
29D 44. Catamounts 5
30D 45. Like some readers 4
31D 48. Young's partner in accounting 5
32D 50. Rich soil deposit 5
33D 51. Saps 4
34D 52. Stop the bleeding, say 4
35D 53. Sicken with sweetness 4
36D 54. Fit 4
37D 56. Sacred bird to the Egyptians 4
38D 58. Info on Zillow: Abbr. 3
39D 59. ___-El (Superman) 3
40D 60. Shout at a Greek wedding 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Woodpeckers' peckers"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that beaklike mouth of animals other than birds (e.g., turtles)
  • Similar words include: bill, neb, schnozzle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Really, my pleasure""

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "Sticky" birthday treats?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Tahari or Saab of fashion"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Blame (on)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment
  • Similar words include: tholepin, peg, bowling pin
  • Opposite of: unpin
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Symbol used in summation"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 18th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIGMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Classical piece said to be the inspiration for Chopin's "Fantaisie-Impromptu""

15 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Kepler-22b or Kepler-186f, e.g."

15 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Calypso cousin"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Flat, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that kill intentionally and with premeditation
  • Similar words include: polish off, murder, cancelled
  • Opposite of: on
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OFF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Zest"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quality of being active or spirited or alive and vigorous
  • Similar words include: vivification, spiritedness, invigoration
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Highlight ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a roll of photographic film holding a series of frames to be projected by a movie projector
  • Similar words include: stagger, bobbin, whirl
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. ___ fussy (can be very flexible)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Some airport data, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a system for screening luggage in airports; an agent passes a swab around or inside luggage and then runs the swab through a machine that can detect trace amounts of explosives
  • Similar words include: explosive trace detection, ETD
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "17. Carnivora or Lagomorpha"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
  • Similar words include: rules of order, prescribe, ordain
  • Opposite of: disorderliness, disorder
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "19. Word with rock or medicine"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people in general (often used in the plural)
  • Similar words include: common people, family line, sept
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOLK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. When doubled, a fluffy Chinese dog"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the imperial dynasty of china from 1122 to 221 bc; notable for the rise of confucianism and taoism
  • Similar words include: eats, grub, Chow dynasty
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Hilton competitor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Is"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how a result is obtained or an end is achieved
  • Similar words include: entail, think, substance
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Went (for)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent
  • Similar words include: sell, trade, deal
  • Opposite of: buy, unsold
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Workplace with few barriers"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Became tarnished"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Lhasa ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. "I heard you the first time! Geez!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Wrapping material in mummification"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant
  • Similar words include: linen paper
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. Had no doubt"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
  • Similar words include: know, do it, roll in the hay
  • Opposite of: ignore
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "38. Deep-fried side dish, familiarly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small amount (especially of a drink)
  • Similar words include: tot, yearling, bambino
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "39. Unexciting, as a party"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who are no longer living
  • Similar words include: short, bushed, all in
  • Opposite of: alive, living
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Catamounts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large american feline resembling a lion
  • Similar words include: mountain lion, Felis concolor, catamount
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUMAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Like some readers"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `for') ardently or excessively desirous
  • Similar words include: devouring, esurient, zealous
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Young's partner in accounting"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that painter (born in germany, resident of france and the united states) who was a cofounder of dadaism; developed the technique of collage (1891-1976)
  • Similar words include: Max Ernst
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERNST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Rich soil deposit"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fine-grained unstratified accumulation of clay and silt deposited by the wind
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Saps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward stupid person
  • Similar words include: lout, clod, gawk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Stop the bleeding, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lump of material formed from the content of a liquid
  • Similar words include: coagulate, coagulum, clabber
  • Opposite of: homogenize
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. Sicken with sweetness"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that supply or feed to surfeit
  • Similar words include: pall, surfeit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. Fit"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
  • Similar words include: able-bodied, capable
  • Opposite of: unable
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Sacred bird to the Egyptians"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wading birds of warm regions having long slender down-curved bills
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IBIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Info on Zillow: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. ___-El (Superman)"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. Shout at a Greek wedding"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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
40 Down Clues
75 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: May 22, 2026 at 07:00 AM

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Quick NYT Mini Crossword May 22, 2026 (Trivia Week 4) - Solutions

Trivia Week 4 Manual for NYT Mini May 22, 2026

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

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About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for May 22, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Friday, May 22, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date May 22, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week {week_num} NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 61. Infamous chess trap that ends the game in two moves
2 Across 65. What some streakers are charged with?
3 Across 27. Mrs. Addams, to Mr. Addams
4 Across 30. Guimarães greeting
5 Across 57. More sizzle than steak
6 Across 42. Dealt with
7 Across 63. Bump on a lid
8 Across 41. Bit of marginalia
9 Across 47. Like the Millennium Problems of the Clay Mathematics Institute
10 Across 16. Sherwood, e.g.

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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

1 Across: "61. Infamous chess trap that ends the game in two moves"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: F_______E

Answer:

Click to reveal FOOLSMATE

2 Across: "65. What some streakers are charged with?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T____S

Answer:

Click to reveal TASERS

3 Across: "27. Mrs. Addams, to Mr. Addams"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: T__H

Answer:

Click to reveal TISH

4 Across: "30. Guimarães greeting"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'A'
  • Another word like this: olla

Answer:

Click to reveal OLA

5 Across: "57. More sizzle than steak"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 16 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A______________E

Answer:

Click to reveal ALLBARKANDNOBITE

6 Across: "42. Dealt with"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: S____O

Answer:

Click to reveal SEENTO

7 Across: "63. Bump on a lid"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S__E

Answer:

Click to reveal STYE

8 Across: "41. Bit of marginalia"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: N__E

Answer:

Click to reveal NOTE

9 Across: "47. Like the Millennium Problems of the Clay Mathematics Institute"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: U______D

Answer:

Click to reveal UNSOLVED

10 Across: "16. Sherwood, e.g."

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: O_______T

Answer:

Click to reveal OAKFOREST

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 52. Stop the bleeding, say
2 Down 44. Catamounts
3 Down 7. Classical piece said to be the inspiration for Chopin's "Fantaisie-Impromptu"
4 Down 48. Young's partner in accounting
5 Down 12. Highlight ___
6 Down 9. Calypso cousin
7 Down 19. Word with rock or medicine
8 Down 11. Zest
9 Down 50. Rich soil deposit
10 Down 26. Is

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:

1 Down: "52. Stop the bleeding, say"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: C__T

Answer:

Click to reveal CLOT

2 Down: "44. Catamounts"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P___S

Answer:

Click to reveal PUMAS

3 Down: "7. Classical piece said to be the inspiration for Chopin's "Fantaisie-Impromptu""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 15 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: M_____________A

Answer:

Click to reveal MOONLIGHTSONATA

4 Down: "48. Young's partner in accounting"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: E___T

Answer:

Click to reveal ERNST

5 Down: "12. Highlight ___"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: R__L

Answer:

Click to reveal REEL

6 Down: "9. Calypso cousin"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal SKA

7 Down: "19. Word with rock or medicine"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: F__K

Answer:

Click to reveal FOLK

8 Down: "11. Zest"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: B__O

Answer:

Click to reveal BRIO

9 Down: "50. Rich soil deposit"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L___S

Answer:

Click to reveal LOESS

10 Down: "26. Is"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M___S

Answer:

Click to reveal MEANS

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 1 minute 10 seconds
Difficulty: Normal

More Puzzle Help

If you like the NYT Mini, you might enjoy these other puzzles too:

Recent Crossword Solutions:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 4

When can I play the Trivia Week 4 Mini?

The Trivia Week 4 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 4?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 4 Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 4?

No! The Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 4 solver?

Good Trivia Week 4 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 4?

Trivia Week 4 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.

About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: May 22, 2026 at 07:00 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, May 22 2026 mini crossword

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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

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