March 26, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (37 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

March 26, 2020 Across Hints: NYT Thursday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Amount to make do with	4
2A	5. Slip up	3
3A	8. Teleprompter user	6
4A	14. Late Surrealist Turner	4
5A	15. Second person	3
6A	16. Country singer Carly	6
7A	17. Mercury or Sun, e.g.	8
8A	19. Volume 1, Number 1 and others	6
9A	20. Sporty 1980s Pontiac	5
10A	21. Reprobate	5
11A	23. Common man's name from Hebrew	3
12A	24. Some diplomats working in N.Y.C.	6
13A	26. Mercury or Venus, e.g.	8
14A	28. ___ Lobos	3
15A	29. Something to chew on	3
16A	31. Bronze Age fertility deity	7
17A	32. ___ Pass (means of foreign travel)	6
18A	34. Smack	4
19A	35. Mercury or Earth, e.g.	11
20A	38. "Yikes!"	4
21A	40. Invented	6
22A	41. Liquid absorbed by surrounding soil	7
23A	44. "Bill ___ Saves the World"	3
24A	45. Shots fired?	3
25A	48. Mercury or Mars, e.g.	8
26A	50. ITV spot	6
27A	52. Handel's "___ for St. Cecilia's Day"	3
28A	53. 72 things in this puzzle	5
29A	55. Carson City's lake	5
30A	56. Lightly burned	6
31A	58. Mercury or Saturn, e.g.	8
32A	60. Deep down	6
33A	61. Vegas casino with the Penn & Teller Theater	3
34A	62. Kennington cricket ground, with "the"	4
35A	63. Waged a long campaign against	6
36A	64. Place for a slop bucket	3
37A	65. Patches (up)	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Amount to make do with"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree
• Words that mean the same thing: to a lesser extent
• The opposite would be: more
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Slip up"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Words that mean the same thing: slip, mistake, stray
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Teleprompter user"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who delivers a speech or oration
• Words that mean the same thing: speechifier, public speaker, speechmaker
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORATOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Late Surrealist Turner"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Second person"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YOU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Country singer Carly"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEARCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Mercury or Sun, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WNBATEAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Volume 1, Number 1 and others"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an important question that is in dispute and must be settled
• Words that mean the same thing: upshot, cut, issuing
• The opposite would be: recall
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ISSUES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Sporty 1980s Pontiac"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FIERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Reprobate"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel
• Words that mean the same thing: rascal, scalawag, rapscallion
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROGUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Common man's name from Hebrew"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Some diplomats working in N.Y.C."

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNREPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Mercury or Venus, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROMANGOD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. ___ Lobos"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Something to chew on"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a preparation (usually made of sweetened chicle) for chewing
• Words that mean the same thing: mumble, gumwood, mucilage
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Bronze Age fertility deity"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an ancient phoenician goddess of love and fertility; the phoenician counterpart to ishtar
• Words that mean the same thing: Ashtoreth
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASTARTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. ___ Pass (means of foreign travel)"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EURAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Smack"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)
• Words that mean the same thing: candy kiss, buss, osculate
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KISS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. Mercury or Earth, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INNERPLANET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. "Yikes!""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OHNO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Invented"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that form by stamping, punching, or printing
• Words that mean the same thing: coin, strike, mint
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COINED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Liquid absorbed by surrounding soil"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the process of becoming softened and saturated as a consequence of being immersed in water (or other liquid)
• Words that mean the same thing: soaking, soak
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOAKAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. "Bill ___ Saves the World""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Shots fired?"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a computer that is running software that allows users to leave messages and access information of general interest
• Words that mean the same thing: bulletin board system, bulletin board, electronic bulletin board
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Mercury or Mars, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone who plays a musical instrument (as a profession)
• Words that mean the same thing: instrumentalist, player
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MUSICIAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. ITV spot"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a public promotion of some product or service
• Words that mean the same thing: advertising, pay heed, bring up
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADVERT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Handel's "___ for St. Cecilia's Day""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "53. 72 things in this puzzle"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a slight indication
• Words that mean the same thing: cue, clew, hint
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLUES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Carson City's lake"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAHOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. Lightly burned"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that burn superficially or lightly
• Words that mean the same thing: spill the beans, blab, let the cat out of the bag
• The opposite would be: keep quiet
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SINGED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. Mercury or Saturn, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AUTOMAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "60. Deep down"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the region that is inside of something
• Words that mean the same thing: deep down, at heart, in spite of appearance
• The opposite would be: outwardly, outdoors
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INSIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "61. Vegas casino with the Penn & Teller Theater"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the former capital and 2nd largest city of brazil; chief brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction
• Words that mean the same thing: Rio de Janeiro
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "62. Kennington cricket ground, with "the""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it
• Words that mean the same thing: ellipse, egg-shaped, oval-shaped
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "63. Waged a long campaign against"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIEGED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "64. Place for a slop bucket"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
• Words that mean the same thing: stye, pigsty, eye infection
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "65. Patches (up)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fasten by sewing; do needlework
• Words that mean the same thing: tailor, run up, stitch
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEWS

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Thursday Crossword Down Clues - March 26, 2020 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Within bounds	6
2D	2. Current event?	6
3D	3. They go into battle at the sides of cavalrymen	6
4D	4. Capture	5
5D	5. ___ of Providence (image on a dollar bill)	3
6D	6. Sound in a circus act	4
7D	7. Buzz	5
8D	8. Poppy products	6
9D	9. Upgrade to a box, perhaps	6
10D	10. Wiimote batteries	3
11D	11. Only movie for which John Wayne won an Oscar	8
12D	12. Striped and spotted felines	7
13D	13. Lives	7
14D	18. Highest-grossing movie of 1986	6
15D	22. Not hold back	7
16D	25. Positive	4
17D	27. Uncovered	5
18D	30. Only performer with a speaking part in 1976's "Silent Movie"	7
19D	32. Slender Japanese mushroom	5
20D	33. Bit of Wall St. news	3
21D	35. So to speak	8
22D	36. Novelist Seton	4
23D	37. Must	6
24D	38. Unconscious assimilation	7
25D	39. Subject of the 2006 biography "Escape!"	7
26D	42. Submit	6
27D	43. ___ Age (late 19th century)	6
28D	45. Parent's admonition	6
29D	46. NBC Nightly News anchor before Brian Williams	6
30D	47. Braces	6
31D	49. Gets in the neighborhood of	5
32D	51. "Let's go!," in Spanish	5
33D	54. Hearts, but not minds	4
34D	57. It's a job	3
35D	59. Little dog	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Within bounds"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that conformable to or allowed by law
• Words that mean the same thing: rule-governed, true, licit
• The opposite would be: unlawful
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAWFUL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Current event?"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELNINO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. They go into battle at the sides of cavalrymen"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a fencing sword with a v-shaped blade and a slightly curved handle
• Words that mean the same thing: saber, cavalry sword, sabre
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SABERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Capture"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares
• Words that mean the same thing: trammel, side drum, ensnare
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. ___ of Providence (image on a dollar bill)"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the organ of sight
• Words that mean the same thing: eyeball, middle, heart
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Sound in a circus act"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a deep prolonged loud noise
• Words that mean the same thing: hollo, ululate, howl
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Buzz"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that gossip (usually a mixture of truth and untruth) passed around by word of mouth
• Words that mean the same thing: rumour, hearsay, bruit
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUMOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Poppy products"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an addictive narcotic extracted from seed capsules of the opium poppy
• Words that mean the same thing: opium
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPIUMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Upgrade to a box, perhaps"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that provide with a new seat
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RESEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Wiimote batteries"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an associate degree in applied science
• Words that mean the same thing: Associate in Applied Science, AA, Alcoholics Anonymous
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Only movie for which John Wayne won an Oscar"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRUEGRIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Striped and spotted felines"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that nocturnal wildcat of central america and south america having a dark-spotted buff-brown coat
• Words that mean the same thing: panther cat, ocelot, Felis pardalis
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OCELOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Lives"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make one's home in a particular place or community
• Words that mean the same thing: repose, reside, occupy
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RESIDES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Highest-grossing movie of 1986"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOPGUN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Not hold back"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GOALLIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Positive"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
• Words that mean the same thing: for sure, surely, sure as shooting
• The opposite would be: unsure, uncertain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Uncovered"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that completely unclothed
• Words that mean the same thing: bare, au naturel, raw
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAKED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "30. Only performer with a speaking part in 1976's "Silent Movie""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that french mime famous for his sad-faced clown (born in 1923)
• Words that mean the same thing: Marcel Marceau
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MARCEAU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "32. Slender Japanese mushroom"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENOKI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "33. Bit of Wall St. news"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a corporation's first offer to sell stock to the public
• Words that mean the same thing: initial public offering, initial offering
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "35. So to speak"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INASENSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "36. Novelist Seton"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANYA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "37. Must"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEEDTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "38. Unconscious assimilation"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (biology, chemistry) diffusion of molecules through a semipermeable membrane from a place of higher concentration to a place of lower concentration until the concentration on both sides is equal
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OSMOSIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Subject of the 2006 biography "Escape!""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states magician (born in hungary) famous for his ability to escape from chains or handcuffs or straitjackets or padlocked containers (1874-1926)
• Words that mean the same thing: Harry Houdini, Erik Weisz
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOUDINI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "42. Submit"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that yield to another's wish or opinion
• Words that mean the same thing: enter, assent, defer
• The opposite would be: dissent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACCEDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. ___ Age (late 19th century)"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that decorate with, or as if with, gold leaf or liquid gold
• Words that mean the same thing: gold, deluxe, gilt
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GILDED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. Parent's admonition"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
• Words that mean the same thing: conduct, bear, do
• The opposite would be: misbehave
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEHAVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. NBC Nightly News anchor before Brian Williams"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BROKAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Braces"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
• Words that mean the same thing: sword, blade, nerve
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEELS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Gets in the neighborhood of"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that move towards
• Words that mean the same thing: come near, near, draw near
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. "Let's go!," in Spanish"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VAMOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. Hearts, but not minds"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a set of garments (usually including a jacket and trousers or skirt) for outerwear all of the same fabric and color
• Words that mean the same thing: courtship, lawsuit, accommodate
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "57. It's a job"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that long and light rowing boat; especially for racing
• Words that mean the same thing: fishgig, fizgig, spear
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "59. Little dog"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an artifact designed to be played with
• Words that mean the same thing: diddle, play, plaything
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOY

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	49	68.1%
Short Answer	15	20.8%
Movies/Film	3	4.2%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.4%
Sports	1	1.4%
Geography	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%
History	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.3 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	11 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Thursday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

• July 23 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 10 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 28 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 09 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• NYT Crossword Down September 24 2025
• June 12 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 25 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 01 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 01 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 10 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 26, 2025 at 07:39 AM

December 23, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• Saturday September 28 2024 NYT
• Ny Times Crossword Answers July 15 2020
• NYT Crossword Answers For Thursday
• February 08 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 18 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (37 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.2 letters

December 23, 2020 Across Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Mint ___	5
2A	6. Franz who wrote "I think we ought to read only the kind of books that wound and stab us"	5
3A	11. Dream time, in brief	3
4A	14. Everything together	5
5A	15. "... the bombs bursting ___"	5
6A	16. I	3
7A	17. Prospect	5
8A	18. Interval for a scheduled blastoff	12
9A	20. 10th and 11th, e.g.	12
10A	22. Serves and receives, say	5
11A	23. Westernmost country in continental Afr.	3
12A	24. Quick haircut	4
13A	26. Blizzards are produced in them, familiarly	3
14A	29. Press (down)	4
15A	32. Extremely	6
16A	36. They intersect in Montréal	4
17A	38. ___ Paulo	3
18A	39. Kind of planning	6
19A	40. Carriers of meteorological instruments ... as suggested by this puzzle's theme?	15
20A	43. Immediately following	6
21A	44. Cloth that goes to waist?	3
22A	45. Overindulger of the grape	4
23A	46. Beginnings	6
24A	47. Lawless figure with legendary fighting skills	4
25A	49. Office linkup	3
26A	50. Repeated things in "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers"	4
27A	52. Worker for a hosp., maybe	3
28A	54. Gradually faster, in mus.	5
29A	57. Rend	11
30A	63. Wonder-ful product?	11
31A	65. Locale of 1974's Rumble in the Jungle	5
32A	66. ___ Honor	3
33A	67. Absinthe flavorer	5
34A	68. Kind of account	5
35A	69. "___-hoo!"	3
36A	70. Speeches that go off the rails	5
37A	71. Smooth and lustrous	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Mint ___"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that bourbon and sugar and mint over crushed ice
• Words that mean the same thing: mint julep
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: JULEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Franz who wrote "I think we ought to read only the kind of books that wound and stab us""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that czech novelist who wrote in german about a nightmarish world of isolated and troubled individuals (1883-1924)
• Words that mean the same thing: Franz Kafka
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KAFKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Dream time, in brief"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a recurring sleep state during which dreaming occurs; a state of rapidly shifting eye movements during sleep
• Words that mean the same thing: rapid eye movement, rapid eye movement sleep, REM sleep
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Everything together"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. "... the bombs bursting ___""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INAIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. I"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
• Words that mean the same thing: self-importance, self, egotism
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Prospect"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the visual percept of a region
• Words that mean the same thing: aspect, scene, prospect
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VISTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Interval for a scheduled blastoff"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAUNCHWINDOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. 10th and 11th, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXTRAINNINGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Serves and receives, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
• Words that mean the same thing: host, boniface, Host
• The opposite would be: parasite
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOSTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Westernmost country in continental Afr."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a fractional monetary unit of japan and indonesia and cambodia; equal to one hundredth of a yen or rupiah or riel
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Quick haircut"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a state of arrangement or appearance
• Words that mean the same thing: clean-cut, trim down, snip
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Blizzards are produced in them, familiarly"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DQS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Press (down)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a tool for tamping (e.g., for tamping tobacco into a pipe bowl or a charge into a drill hole etc.)
• Words that mean the same thing: tamp down, pack, tamper
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. Extremely"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVERSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "36. They intersect in Montréal"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that european strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
• Words that mean the same thing: herb of grace, sorrow, rue
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "38. ___ Paulo"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Kind of planning"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the particular occupation for which you are trained
• Words that mean the same thing: vocation, life history, calling
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAREER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Carriers of meteorological instruments ... as suggested by this puzzle's theme?"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WEATHERBALLOONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "43. Immediately following"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEREON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Cloth that goes to waist?"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (west indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery
• Words that mean the same thing: obeah
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Overindulger of the grape"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a chronic drinker
• Words that mean the same thing: rummy, inebriate, drunkard
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WINO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. Beginnings"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the beginning or early stages
• Words that mean the same thing: oncoming, onslaught, onrush
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONSETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. Lawless figure with legendary fighting skills"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: XENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Office linkup"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a local computer network for communication between computers; especially a network connecting computers and word processors and other electronic office equipment to create a communication system between offices
• Words that mean the same thing: local area network
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. Repeated things in "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that liquid excretory product
• Words that mean the same thing: take a leak, weewee, wee-wee
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Worker for a hosp., maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. Gradually faster, in mus."

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACCEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "57. Rend"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEARASUNDER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "63. Wonder-ful product?"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLICEDBREAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "65. Locale of 1974's Rumble in the Jungle"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the basic unit of money in zaire
• Words that mean the same thing: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Belgian Congo, Congo
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ZAIRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "66. ___ Honor"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "67. Absinthe flavorer"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that native to egypt but cultivated widely for its aromatic seeds and the oil from them used medicinally and as a flavoring in cookery
• Words that mean the same thing: aniseed, anise seed, anise plant
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "68. Kind of account"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (computer science) a system of world-wide electronic communication in which a computer user can compose a message at one terminal that can be regenerated at the recipient's terminal when the recipient logs in
• Words that mean the same thing: e-mail, electronic mail, netmail
• The opposite would be: snail mail
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "69. "___-hoo!""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "70. Speeches that go off the rails"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
• Words that mean the same thing: fustian, mouth off, ranting
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RANTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "71. Smooth and lustrous"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that having a smooth, gleaming surface reflecting light
• Words that mean the same thing: slick, silken, silklike
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SILKY

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Wednesday Puzzle December 23, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Malarkey	4
2D	2. Pioneering computer operating system	4
3D	3. Word with dance or chance	4
4D	4. High rollers?	8
5D	5. World	6
6D	6. Place for a firing	4
7D	7. Stands up for dustpans, say: Abbr.	4
8D	8. Inspiration for "Damn Yankees"	5
9D	9. Family	3
10D	10. Like a newspaper's morgue files	8
11D	11. Puts back in its original state, as a videotape	7
12D	12. Barbra Streisand collection?	4
13D	13. Does a landscaper's job	4
14D	19. ASDFGHJKL;', on a keyboard	7
15D	21. More or less	8
16D	25. Premium movie theater seat	8
17D	26. Long-running sci-fi show, for short	5
18D	27. Contestant on "RuPaul's Drag Race"	5
19D	28. Roebuck's onetime business partner	5
20D	30. Bang up, e.g.	3
21D	31. Alternative to a street address	5
22D	33. Grease up again	5
23D	34. Ingredient in some medicinal teas	5
24D	35. Director Welles	5
25D	37. Saturated (in)	7
26D	41. Where drinks may be charged to a room	8
27D	42. Lisa Simpson's grandpa	3
28D	48. Wows	6
29D	51. Writer Gertrude	5
30D	53. Scary cry on a beach	7
31D	54. Like most fireplace grates	4
32D	55. Royal role for Liz	4
33D	56. Enemy of Antony, in ancient Rome	6
34D	58. From Eden to the land of Nod, e.g.	4
35D	59. Fruit drinks	4
36D	60. Product offering "round the clock protection"	4
37D	61. Composer Satie	4
38D	62. Trust	4
39D	64. Aid in protein synthesis	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Malarkey"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a style of jazz played by big bands popular in the 1930s; flowing rhythms but less complex than later styles of jazz
• Words that mean the same thing: swing music, swing
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: JIVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Pioneering computer operating system"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that trademark for a powerful operating system
• Words that mean the same thing: UNIX system, UNIX operating system
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNIX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Word with dance or chance"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the temporal end; the concluding time
• Words that mean the same thing: finale, finish, concluding
• The opposite would be: first
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. High rollers?"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELTRAINS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. World"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (astronomy) any of the nine large celestial bodies in the solar system that revolve around the sun and shine by reflected light; mercury, venus, earth, mars, jupiter, saturn, uranus, neptune, and pluto in order of their proximity to the sun; viewed from the constellation hercules, all the planets rotate around the sun in a counterclockwise direction
• Words that mean the same thing: satellite, major planet
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLANET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Place for a firing"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a furnace for firing or burning or drying such things as porcelain or bricks
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KILN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Stands up for dustpans, say: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Inspiration for "Damn Yankees""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an alchemist of german legend who sold his soul to mephistopheles in exchange for knowledge
• Words that mean the same thing: Faustus
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FAUST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Family"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person having kinship with another or others
• Words that mean the same thing: clan, akin, blood-related
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Like a newspaper's morgue files"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that of or relating to or contained in or serving as an archive
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARCHIVAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Puts back in its original state, as a videotape"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REWINDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Barbra Streisand collection?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Does a landscaper's job"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a loft in a barn where hay is stored
• Words that mean the same thing: pout, hayloft, cut down
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. ASDFGHJKL;', on a keyboard"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOMEROW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. More or less"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INASENSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Premium movie theater seat"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an armchair whose back can be lowered and foot can be raised to allow the sitter to recline in it
• Words that mean the same thing: reclining chair, lounger
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RECLINER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Long-running sci-fi show, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRWHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Contestant on "RuPaul's Drag Race""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs
• Words that mean the same thing: queen mole rat, queer, female monarch
• The opposite would be: male monarch, king
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: QUEEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Roebuck's onetime business partner"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make very hot and dry
• Words that mean the same thing: singe, sear, char
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Bang up, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the month following february and preceding april
• Words that mean the same thing: deflower, blemish, defect
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Alternative to a street address"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POBOX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Grease up again"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REOIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Ingredient in some medicinal teas"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various plants of the genus senna having pinnately compound leaves and showy usually yellow flowers; many are used medicinally
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SENNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Director Welles"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORSON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Saturated (in)"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that devote (oneself) fully to
• Words that mean the same thing: engross, steep, infuse
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEEPED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Where drinks may be charged to a room"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOTELBAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. Lisa Simpson's grandpa"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "48. Wows"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that affect with wonder
• Words that mean the same thing: bewilder, stupefy, perplex
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMAZES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "51. Writer Gertrude"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mug intended for serving beer
• Words that mean the same thing: beer mug, Gertrude Stein
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "53. Scary cry on a beach"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a cataclysm resulting from a destructive sea wave caused by an earthquake or volcanic eruption
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TSUNAMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "54. Like most fireplace grates"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that of a light grey
• Words that mean the same thing: ash-grey, ash-gray
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASHY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "55. Royal role for Liz"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "56. Enemy of Antony, in ancient Rome"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a linear unit of the size of type slightly larger than an em
• Words that mean the same thing: Marcus Tullius Cicero, Tully
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CICERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "58. From Eden to the land of Nod, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
• Words that mean the same thing: eastern United States, Orient, E
• The opposite would be: west
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "59. Fruit drinks"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice
• Words that mean the same thing: ade, fruit drink
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "60. Product offering "round the clock protection""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the face of a timepiece; graduated to show the hours
• Words that mean the same thing: telephone dial
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "61. Composer Satie"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about music.

Here's how to solve it:

• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERIK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "62. Trust"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that have confidence or faith in
• Words that mean the same thing: trust, bank, swear
• The opposite would be: mistrust
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RELY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "64. Aid in protein synthesis"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from dna to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
• Words that mean the same thing: ribonucleic acid
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	50	65.8%
Short Answer	13	17.1%
Literature	2	2.6%
Geography	2	2.6%
History	2	2.6%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Food & Drink	2	2.6%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%
Music	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.2 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 20, 2025 at 01:38 PM