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Wednesday, September 24, 2025

NYT Crossword Down September 24, 2025: All 39 Vertical Answers & Strategic Tips

NYT Crossword Down September 24, 2025: All 39 Vertical Answers & Strategic Tips

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 39 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: March 08 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | July 15 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | February 03 2023 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for September 24, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 24, 2025
Day of Week Wednesday
Total Down Clues 39 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Medium

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 39 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Viola of "The Woman King"
2 Down 2. "So long, Oahu!"
3 Down 3. Wrinkle smoother
4 Down 4. Part of a flight
5 Down 5. Clothing chain that began as a surf shop
6 Down 6. Like some tutoring and eldercare
7 Down 7. Smooching on a park bench, e.g., for short
8 Down 8. One who's given many instructions nowadays
9 Down 9. G.P.A. enhancer
10 Down 10. Neutralizing serum
11 Down 11. Masonry
12 Down 12. 100 C-notes
13 Down 15. Stately shade provider
14 Down 19. 2011 Peace Nobelist ___ Johnson Sirleaf
15 Down 21. Word aptly hidden in "unspoiled enclave"
16 Down 25. Lightheaded sorts?
17 Down 27. Capsule
18 Down 28. [Shocking!]
19 Down 29. Least-populous Canadian province: Abbr.
20 Down 31. Ones paying or receiving alimony
21 Down 32. Future amaryllis, e.g.
22 Down 33. Colleague
23 Down 34. Colorful ring-tailed mammals of Asia
24 Down 38. Spy novelist Deighton
25 Down 39. Most-populous Canadian province: Abbr.
26 Down 40. Festival at the end of Ramadan, informally
27 Down 42. Like the scent of some air fresheners
28 Down 43. Floor model, often
29 Down 46. Swiss cough drop brand
30 Down 47. Squealed: Var.
31 Down 49. Word with double or free
32 Down 51. Hurdles for future J.D.s
33 Down 52. Nestlé bars filled with tiny bubbles
34 Down 53. Skillful
35 Down 54. Key of Mozart's Symphony No. 6: Abbr.
36 Down 55. Squealer
37 Down 56. Thick piece
38 Down 58. Cashless deal
39 Down 60. U.K. award

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. Viola of "The Woman King""

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
  • Similar words: Jefferson Davis, John Davys
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DAVIS

2 Down: "2. "So long, Oahu!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A___A
  • Similar words: ciao
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALOHA

3 Down: "3. Wrinkle smoother"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'X'
  • Word pattern: B___X
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BOTOX

4 Down: "4. Part of a flight"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: S__P
  • Similar words: ill-use, footfall
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STEP

5 Down: "5. Clothing chain that began as a surf shop"

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 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PACSUN

6 Down: "6. Like some tutoring and eldercare"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer INHOME

7 Down: "7. Smooching on a park bench, e.g., for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Similar words: organizer, organiser
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PDA

8 Down: "8. One who's given many instructions nowadays"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: S__I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SIRI

9 Down: "9. G.P.A. enhancer"

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 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EASYA

10 Down: "10. Neutralizing serum"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A_______N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an antibody that can neutralize a specific toxin
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ANTITOXIN

11 Down: "11. Masonry"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: S_______K
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: masonry done with stone
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STONEWORK

12 Down: "12. 100 C-notes"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: T__G
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TENG

13 Down: "15. Stately shade provider"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'M'
  • Similar words: elm tree, elmwood
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ELM

14 Down: "19. 2011 Peace Nobelist ___ Johnson Sirleaf"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ELLEN

15 Down: "21. Word aptly hidden in "unspoiled enclave""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: E__N
  • Similar words: Garden of Eden, paradise
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EDEN

16 Down: "25. Lightheaded sorts?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B_____S
  • Similar words: blond, blonde
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a person with fair skin and hair
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BLONDES

17 Down: "27. Capsule"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'D'
  • Similar words: seedpod, seedcase
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer POD

18 Down: "28. [Shocking!]"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OMG

19 Down: "29. Least-populous Canadian province: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'I'
  • Similar words: I. M. Pei, Ieoh Ming Pei
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: United States architect (born in China in 1917)
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PEI

20 Down: "31. Ones paying or receiving alimony"

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: x, X
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a man who was formerly a certain woman's husband
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EXES

21 Down: "32. Future amaryllis, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: B__B
  • Similar words: electric light, light bulb
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BULB

22 Down: "33. Colleague"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A_______E
  • Similar words: comrade, colligate
  • Opposite of: dissociate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASSOCIATE

23 Down: "34. Colorful ring-tailed mammals of Asia"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 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 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REDPANDAS

24 Down: "38. Spy novelist Deighton"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'N'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LEN

25 Down: "39. Most-populous Canadian province: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'T'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ONT

26 Down: "40. Festival at the end of Ramadan, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'D'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EID

27 Down: "42. Like the scent of some air fresheners"

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
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PINEY

28 Down: "43. Floor model, often"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: D__O
  • Similar words: demonstration, exhibit
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a visual presentation showing how something works
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DEMO

29 Down: "46. Swiss cough drop brand"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RICOLA

30 Down: "47. Squealed: Var."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: N____D
  • Similar words: irritate, nettle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: cause annoyance in; disturb
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NARKED

31 Down: "49. Word with double or free"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A___T
  • Similar words: agentive role, federal agent
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AGENT

32 Down: "51. Hurdles for future J.D.s"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LSATS

33 Down: "52. Nestlé bars filled with tiny bubbles"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 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 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AEROS

34 Down: "53. Skillful"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A___T
  • Similar words: mavin, ace
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ADEPT

35 Down: "54. Key of Mozart's Symphony No. 6: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'J'
  • Word pattern: F__J
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FMAJ

36 Down: "55. Squealer"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: stinker, shit
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAT

37 Down: "56. Thick piece"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: S__B
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: block consisting of a thick piece of something
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLAB

38 Down: "58. Cashless deal"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: S__P
  • Similar words: trade, barter
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an equal exchange
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SWAP

39 Down: "60. U.K. award"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OBE

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 39 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: September 24, 2025 at 05:13 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, September 24 2025 down clues

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Quick NYT Mini Crossword September 24, 2025 - Mobile-Friendly Solutions & Speed Tips

Wednesday NYT Mini Crossword Answers September 24, 2025 - Quick 5×5 Grid Solutions & Tips

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

Popular Puzzles: 27396 Mon Nov 11 2024 NYT By Patrick | October 24 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | July 10 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for September 24, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 24, 2025
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 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 27. "Odyssey" figure with many suitors
2 Across 23. Cannonball Adderley's musical instrument, informally
3 Across 63. Put off for now
4 Across 42. Hang in the balance
5 Across 64. Situated above
6 Across 65. Witty remark
7 Across 32. Business magnate
8 Across 22. Possible meaning of 54-/57-Across
9 Across 57. See 54-Across
10 Across 54. With 57-Across, gesture depicted by this puzzle's circled letters

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: "27. "Odyssey" figure with many suitors"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P______E

Answer:

Click to reveal PENELOPE

2 Across: "23. Cannonball Adderley's musical instrument, informally"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SAX

3 Across: "63. Put off for now"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal TABLE

4 Across: "42. Hang in the balance"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: P__D

Answer:

Click to reveal PEND

5 Across: "64. Situated above"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: A__P

Answer:

Click to reveal ATOP

6 Across: "65. Witty remark"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal JEST

7 Across: "32. Business magnate"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: B___N

Answer:

Click to reveal BARON

8 Across: "22. Possible meaning of 54-/57-Across"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: I_____G

Answer:

Click to reveal IMLYING

9 Across: "57. See 54-Across"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: C_____D

Answer:

Click to reveal CROSSED

10 Across: "54. With 57-Across, gesture depicted by this puzzle's circled letters"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: F_____S

Answer:

Click to reveal FINGERS

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 46. Swiss cough drop brand
2 Down 31. Ones paying or receiving alimony
3 Down 38. Spy novelist Deighton
4 Down 29. Least-populous Canadian province: Abbr.
5 Down 6. Like some tutoring and eldercare
6 Down 54. Key of Mozart's Symphony No. 6: Abbr.
7 Down 53. Skillful
8 Down 1. Viola of "The Woman King"
9 Down 52. Nestlé bars filled with tiny bubbles
10 Down 34. Colorful ring-tailed mammals of Asia

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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

1 Down: "46. Swiss cough drop brand"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: R____A

Answer:

Click to reveal RICOLA

2 Down: "31. Ones paying or receiving alimony"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal EXES

3 Down: "38. Spy novelist Deighton"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LEN

4 Down: "29. Least-populous Canadian province: Abbr."

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal PEI

5 Down: "6. Like some tutoring and eldercare"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: I____E

Answer:

Click to reveal INHOME

6 Down: "54. Key of Mozart's Symphony No. 6: Abbr."

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal FMAJ

7 Down: "53. Skillful"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ADEPT

8 Down: "1. Viola of "The Woman King""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DAVIS

9 Down: "52. Nestlé bars filled with tiny bubbles"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal AEROS

10 Down: "34. Colorful ring-tailed mammals of Asia"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R_______S

Answer:

Click to reveal REDPANDAS

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 52 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

More Puzzle Help

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

Recent Crossword Solutions:

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

The puzzle comes out at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before. So you can play Monday's puzzle starting Sunday at 10 PM.

How fast should I be able to solve it?

Most people solve the 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?

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

What makes a good Mini solver?

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

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

Unlike the big NYT crossword, the Mini stays about the same difficulty every day. Sometimes Saturday might be a tiny bit harder.

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: September 24, 2025 at 03:48 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, September 24 2025 mini crossword

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XWordHint Crossword Answers September 24, 2025 | 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

September 24, 2025 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Light touches 4
2A 5. Domino features 4
3A 9. Maine-to-Spain direction 4
4A 13. Frequently 4
5A 14. MacDowell of "Groundhog Day" 5
6A 16. Start of a new deal 4
7A 17. Participate in a blindside on "Survivor," say 4
8A 18. Dance craze named for a Southern city 10
9A 20. Possible meaning of 54-/57-Across 7
10A 22. Possible meaning of 54-/57-Across 7
11A 23. Cannonball Adderley's musical instrument, informally 3
12A 24. Lead-in to struck or luck 4
13A 26. Fashionable time to arrive, it's said 4
14A 27. "Odyssey" figure with many suitors 8
15A 30. Carry a debt 3
16A 32. Business magnate 5
17A 35. A hawk carrying a dove in its talons, in Book 15 of the "Odyssey" 4
18A 36. Affectionate sign-off 3
19A 37. Like thrifted goods 4
20A 38. What's heard exactly twice in a lifetime? 5
21A 40. The Emerald Isle 4
22A 41. Tabs with psychedelic properties 3
23A 42. Hang in the balance 4
24A 43. Soft volleyball hits 5
25A 44. Jazz genre for Cannonball Adderley 3
26A 45. Worked to learn 8
27A 48. James of "The Godfather" 4
28A 50. Thailand, once 4
29A 51. A.L. West team, on scoreboards 3
30A 54. With 57-Across, gesture depicted by this puzzle's circled letters 7
31A 57. See 54-Across 7
32A 59. Taunt that may follow a failed gullibility test 10
33A 61. Bit of merchandise 4
34A 62. ___ impasse 4
35A 63. Put off for now 5
36A 64. Situated above 4
37A 65. Witty remark 4
38A 66. Craft store item 4
39A 67. "Hey!" 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Light touches"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light touch or stroke
  • Similar words include: splatter, swob, dab
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Domino features"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disease of poultry
  • Similar words include: radar target, pip, shoot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Maine-to-Spain direction"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Frequently"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. MacDowell of "Groundhog Day""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Start of a new deal"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Participate in a blindside on "Survivor," say"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative
  • Similar words include: balloting, voting, right to vote
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Dance craze named for a Southern city"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that state capital of west virginia in the central part of the state on the kanawha river
  • Similar words include: capital of West Virginia
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHARLESTON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Possible meaning of 54-/57-Across"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IHOPESO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Possible meaning of 54-/57-Across"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMLYING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Cannonball Adderley's musical instrument, informally"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a belgian maker of musical instruments who invented the saxophone (1814-1894)
  • Similar words include: saxophone, Adolphe Sax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Lead-in to struck or luck"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity; ; ; - thackeray
  • Similar words include: obtuse, dull, dense
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Fashionable time to arrive, it's said"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. "Odyssey" figure with many suitors"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) the wife of odysseus and a symbol of devotion and fidelity; for 10 years while odysseus fought the trojan war she resisted numerous suitors until odysseus returned and killed them
  • Similar words include: genus Penelope
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PENELOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Carry a debt"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obliged to pay or repay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Business magnate"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank
  • Similar words include: tycoon, top executive, mogul
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BARON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. A hawk carrying a dove in its talons, in Book 15 of the "Odyssey""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of something about to happen
  • Similar words include: bode, Oman, augur
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Affectionate sign-off"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Like thrifted goods"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
  • Similar words include: apply, put-upon, expend
  • Opposite of: misused
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. What's heard exactly twice in a lifetime?"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. The Emerald Isle"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of ireland; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1921
  • Similar words include: Irish Republic, Ireland, Republic of Ireland
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Tabs with psychedelic properties"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
  • Similar words include: lysergic acid diethylamide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LSD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Hang in the balance"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Soft volleyball hits"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a couple who both have careers and no children (an acronym for dual income no kids)
  • Similar words include: drop shot, dink, DINK
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Jazz genre for Cannonball Adderley"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the law enforcement agency of the justice department that operates a nationwide system of prisons and detention facilities to incarcerate inmates sentenced to imprisonment for federal crimes
  • Similar words include: bebop, bonk, whap
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. Worked to learn"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that deprive of freedom
  • Similar words include: intern
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTERNED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. James of "The Godfather""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Thailand, once"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "51. A.L. West team, on scoreboards"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. With 57-Across, gesture depicted by this puzzle's circled letters"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
  • Similar words include: feel, digit, finger's breadth
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FINGERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. See 54-Across"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that travel across or pass over
  • Similar words include: get over, hybridise, cut through
  • Opposite of: uncross, uncrossed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CROSSED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Taunt that may follow a failed gullibility test"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Bit of merchandise"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that articles of the same kind or material; usually used in combination: `silverware', `software'
  • Similar words include: merchandise, squander, consume
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. ___ impasse"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. Put off for now"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a set of data arranged in rows and columns
  • Similar words include: put off, board, tabularise
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Situated above"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "65. Witty remark"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
  • Similar words include: laugh, joke, jape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "66. Craft store item"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small ball with a hole through the middle
  • Similar words include: beadwork, drop, astragal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "67. "Hey!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Viola of "The Woman King" 5
2D 2. "So long, Oahu!" 5
3D 3. Wrinkle smoother 5
4D 4. Part of a flight 4
5D 5. Clothing chain that began as a surf shop 6
6D 6. Like some tutoring and eldercare 6
7D 7. Smooching on a park bench, e.g., for short 3
8D 8. One who's given many instructions nowadays 4
9D 9. G.P.A. enhancer 5
10D 10. Neutralizing serum 9
11D 11. Masonry 9
12D 12. 100 C-notes 4
13D 15. Stately shade provider 3
14D 19. 2011 Peace Nobelist ___ Johnson Sirleaf 5
15D 21. Word aptly hidden in "unspoiled enclave" 4
16D 25. Lightheaded sorts? 7
17D 27. Capsule 3
18D 28. [Shocking!] 3
19D 29. Least-populous Canadian province: Abbr. 3
20D 31. Ones paying or receiving alimony 4
21D 32. Future amaryllis, e.g. 4
22D 33. Colleague 9
23D 34. Colorful ring-tailed mammals of Asia 9
24D 38. Spy novelist Deighton 3
25D 39. Most-populous Canadian province: Abbr. 3
26D 40. Festival at the end of Ramadan, informally 3
27D 42. Like the scent of some air fresheners 5
28D 43. Floor model, often 4
29D 46. Swiss cough drop brand 6
30D 47. Squealed: Var. 6
31D 49. Word with double or free 5
32D 51. Hurdles for future J.D.s 5
33D 52. Nestlé bars filled with tiny bubbles 5
34D 53. Skillful 5
35D 54. Key of Mozart's Symphony No. 6: Abbr. 4
36D 55. Squealer 3
37D 56. Thick piece 4
38D 58. Cashless deal 4
39D 60. U.K. award 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Viola of "The Woman King""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english navigator who explored the arctic while searching for the northwest passage (1550-1605)
  • Similar words include: Miles Davis, John Davys, Stuart Davis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAVIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "So long, Oahu!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
  • Similar words include: ciao
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Wrinkle smoother"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a neurotoxin (trade name botox) that is used clinically in small quantities to treat strabismus and facial spasms and other neurological disorders characterized by abnormal muscle contractions; is also used by cosmetic surgeons to smooth frown lines temporarily
  • Similar words include: botulinum toxin A
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOTOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Part of a flight"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
  • Similar words include: whole step, stair, pace
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Clothing chain that began as a surf shop"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Like some tutoring and eldercare"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Smooching on a park bench, e.g., for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lightweight consumer electronic device that looks like a hand-held computer but instead performs specific tasks; can serve as a diary or a personal database or a telephone or an alarm clock etc.
  • Similar words include: personal organizer, personal organiser, organizer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. One who's given many instructions nowadays"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. G.P.A. enhancer"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Neutralizing serum"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an antibody that can neutralize a specific toxin
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTITOXIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Masonry"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that masonry done with stone
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STONEWORK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. 100 C-notes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "15. Stately shade provider"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
  • Similar words include: elm tree, elmwood
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "19. 2011 Peace Nobelist ___ Johnson Sirleaf"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Word aptly hidden in "unspoiled enclave""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • Similar words include: promised land, heaven, paradise
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Lightheaded sorts?"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person with fair skin and hair
  • Similar words include: blond, blonde
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLONDES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Capsule"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
  • Similar words include: seedcase, seedpod, fuel pod
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. [Shocking!]"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Least-populous Canadian province: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states architect (born in china in 1917)
  • Similar words include: Ieoh Ming Pei, I. M. Pei
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Ones paying or receiving alimony"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man who was formerly a certain woman's husband
  • Similar words include: x, X, ex-wife
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Future amaryllis, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a modified bud consisting of a thickened globular underground stem serving as a reproductive structure
  • Similar words include: electric-light bulb, light bulb, medulla oblongata
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BULB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Colleague"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor
  • Similar words include: assort, link, tie in
  • Opposite of: dissociate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSOCIATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Colorful ring-tailed mammals of Asia"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Spy novelist Deighton"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Most-populous Canadian province: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Festival at the end of Ramadan, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Like the scent of some air fresheners"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Floor model, often"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a visual presentation showing how something works
  • Similar words include: exhibit, show, demonstration
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Swiss cough drop brand"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Squealed: Var."

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  • Similar words include: get at, bother, vex
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NARKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Word with double or free"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
  • Similar words include: broker, agentive role, federal agent
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Hurdles for future J.D.s"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Nestlé bars filled with tiny bubbles"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Skillful"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • Similar words include: skilful, mavin, champion
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADEPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Key of Mozart's Symphony No. 6: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Squealer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
  • Similar words include: puke, git, crumb
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Thick piece"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that block consisting of a thick piece of something
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Cashless deal"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an equal exchange
  • Similar words include: swop, switch, trade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "60. U.K. award"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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

39 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: September 24, 2025 at 03:46 AM

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