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Thursday, July 23, 2026

NYT Mini Trivia Week 4 July 23, 2026 - Hints & Answers

NYT Mini Trivia Week 4 July 23, 2026 - Hints & Answers

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: March 04 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers September_16 | June 13 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for July 23, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Thursday, July 23, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date July 23, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

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

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

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

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

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

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

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

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 45. Like obsidian rock, once
2 Across 55. Ignominious outcome
3 Across 63. Not admit
4 Across 10. Scruff of the neck
5 Across 17. Pollution portmanteau
6 Across 16. "The Devil's radio"
7 Across 46. Symbol of rebirth in ancient Egypt
8 Across 15. Three-time A.L. M.V.P. of the 2000s, familiarly
9 Across 31. Home run hitter's gait
10 Across 36. Part in a play

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: "45. Like obsidian rock, once"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: M____N

Answer:

Click to reveal MOLTEN


2 Across: "55. Ignominious outcome"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: E________T

Answer:

Click to reveal EPICDEFEAT


3 Across: "63. Not admit"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DENY


4 Across: "10. Scruff of the neck"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal NAPE


5 Across: "17. Pollution portmanteau"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SMOG


6 Across: "16. "The Devil's radio""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: I________P

Answer:

Click to reveal IDLEGOSSIP


7 Across: "46. Symbol of rebirth in ancient Egypt"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SCARAB


8 Across: "15. Three-time A.L. M.V.P. of the 2000s, familiarly"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal AROD


9 Across: "31. Home run hitter's gait"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal TROT


10 Across: "36. Part in a play"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ROLE

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 46. Sphere, e.g.
2 Down 6. Single-masted vessels
3 Down 24. Forensic facilities
4 Down 59. Cabinet dept. since 1889
5 Down 20. Org. with a list of popular baby names
6 Down 44. One level below the majors
7 Down 52. Places to get masks
8 Down 34. Unnamed article
9 Down 56. Original N.Y.C. subway line
10 Down 47. Crinkly fabric

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


1 Down: "46. Sphere, e.g."

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SOLID


2 Down: "6. Single-masted vessels"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SLOOPS


3 Down: "24. Forensic facilities"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DNALABS


4 Down: "59. Cabinet dept. since 1889"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal AGR


5 Down: "20. Org. with a list of popular baby names"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SSA


6 Down: "44. One level below the majors"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal AAA


7 Down: "52. Places to get masks"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SPAS


8 Down: "34. Unnamed article"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal THING


9 Down: "56. Original N.Y.C. subway line"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'T'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal IRT


10 Down: "47. Crinkly fabric"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: C___E

Answer:

Click to reveal CREPE

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 58 seconds
Difficulty: Easy

Common Questions About Trivia Week 4

When can I play the Trivia Week 4 Mini?

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

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

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

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 4?

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

What makes a good Trivia Week 4 solver?

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

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 4?

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


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

Last Updated: July 23, 2026 at 06:14 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, July 23 2026 mini crossword

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 23, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. More than just a disapproving look 10
2A 10. Scruff of the neck 4
3A 13. Fondita offerings 10
4A 15. Three-time A.L. M.V.P. of the 2000s, familiarly 4
5A 16. "The Devil's radio" 10
6A 17. Pollution portmanteau 4
7A 18. Really peeved 3
8A 19. What a pointless game has? 7
9A 21. Outfitted 8
10A 25. Password preceder 6
11A 26. Former Toyota sports cars named for a Latin prefix 6
12A 27. Passover month 5
13A 29. ___-turvy 5
14A 30. Sprint, e.g. 4
15A 31. Home run hitter's gait 4
16A 35. Downed 3
17A 36. Part in a play 4
18A 37. "That's the spot!" 3
19A 38. "Tyrone" singer Erykah 4
20A 40. Not much 4
21A 41. "Will you let me?" 5
22A 43. Desert for which an African country is named 5
23A 45. Like obsidian rock, once 6
24A 46. Symbol of rebirth in ancient Egypt 6
25A 49. Last hurrah 8
26A 51. Trials by fire 7
27A 53. Wholly, but not holey or holy, e.g.: Abbr. 3
28A 54. Helen of Troy's mother 4
29A 55. Ignominious outcome 10
30A 61. Tech product discontinued in 2022 4
31A 62. Proposed cosmological phenomenon that could make up 70% of the universe — and six squares in this puzzle's grid? 10
32A 63. Not admit 4
33A 64. Pottery so named for its hardness 9

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. More than just a disapproving look"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "10. Scruff of the neck"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the back side of the neck
  • Similar words include: scruff, nucha
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "13. Fondita offerings"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tortilla with meat filling baked in tomato sauce seasoned with chili
  • Similar words include: enchilada
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENCHILADAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Three-time A.L. M.V.P. of the 2000s, familiarly"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. "The Devil's radio""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Pollution portmanteau"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog
  • Similar words include: smogginess
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMOG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Really peeved"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
  • Similar words include: red-hot, blistering, live
  • Opposite of: cold
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. What a pointless game has?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Outfitted"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that provide with (something) usually for a specific purpose
  • Similar words include: fit out, furnished, equip
  • Opposite of: unequipped, unfurnished
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EQUIPPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. Password preceder"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "26. Former Toyota sports cars named for a Latin prefix"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Passover month"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seventh month of the civil year; the first month of the ecclesiastic year (in march and april)
  • Similar words include: Nissan
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NISAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "29. ___-turvy"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Sprint, e.g."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any competition
  • Similar words include: bucket along, run, backwash
  • Opposite of: linger
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Home run hitter's gait"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slow pace of running
  • Similar words include: crib, Trotskyite, pony
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Downed"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Similar words include: eat up, run through, feed
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Part in a play"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
  • Similar words include: theatrical role, character, function
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. "That's the spot!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express admiration and pleasure by uttering `ooh' or `aah'
  • Similar words include: ooh
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. "Tyrone" singer Erykah"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Not much"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. "Will you let me?""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Desert for which an African country is named"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Like obsidian rock, once"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reduce or cause to be reduced from a solid to a liquid state, usually by heating
  • Similar words include: liquified, mellow out, run
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOLTEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Symbol of rebirth in ancient Egypt"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that scarabaeid beetle considered divine by ancient egyptians
  • Similar words include: Scarabaeus sacer, scarabaeus
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCARAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Last hurrah"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Trials by fire"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a severe or trying experience
  • Similar words include: ordeal, trial by ordeal
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORDEALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Wholly, but not holey or holy, e.g.: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Helen of Troy's mother"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) a queen of sparta who was raped by zeus who had taken the form of a swan; helen of troy was conceived in the rape of leda
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Ignominious outcome"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Tech product discontinued in 2022"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (trademark) a pocket-sized device used to play music files
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IPOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. Proposed cosmological phenomenon that could make up 70% of the universe — and six squares in this puzzle's grid?"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. Not admit"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that declare untrue; contradict
  • Similar words include: refuse, traverse, abnegate
  • Opposite of: admit, allow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Pottery so named for its hardness"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ceramic ware that is fired in high heat and vitrified and nonporous
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STONEWARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Agnus ___ 3
2D 2. Word after tight or defensive 3
3D 3. Knee stabilizer, in brief 3
4D 4. Not just any 3
5D 5. Attractive feature of a job 7
6D 6. Single-masted vessels 6
7D 7. Sweet or sour 5
8D 8. Podcast interruptions 3
9D 9. Frequent forecast in Seattle 4
10D 10. Strong suit? 5
11D 11. Unleavened South Asian flatbread 5
12D 12. Follower of double or gilt 5
13D 14. Champion, as a cause 7
14D 15. Budding 7
15D 20. Org. with a list of popular baby names 3
16D 21. Minimum, in a way 5
17D 22. Increased 5
18D 23. Letters before ".gov" 3
19D 24. Forensic facilities 7
20D 26. Sign abbr. meaning "founded in" 5
21D 28. Coffee or tea specification 4
22D 30. Unleavened South Asian flatbread 4
23D 32. Sought comfort from, say 5
24D 33. Like granola 5
25D 34. Unnamed article 5
26D 39. Ill-prepared 7
27D 40. Didn't stay on topic 7
28D 41. Come together 7
29D 42. Lou Gehrig's disease, for short 3
30D 44. One level below the majors 3
31D 45. Infuriate 6
32D 46. Sphere, e.g. 5
33D 47. Crinkly fabric 5
34D 48. Extension 5
35D 50. Totally bizarre 5
36D 52. Places to get masks 4
37D 56. Original N.Y.C. subway line 3
38D 57. Handful 3
39D 58. Long stretch 3
40D 59. Cabinet dept. since 1889 3
41D 60. Gospel musician Tribbett 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Agnus ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Word after tight or defensive"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either extremity of something that has length
  • Similar words include: conclusion, goal, terminal
  • Opposite of: begin, beginning
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: END

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Knee stabilizer, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Not just any"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Attractive feature of a job"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Single-masted vessels"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sailing vessel with a single mast set about one third of the boat's length aft of the bow
  • Similar words include: sloop
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Sweet or sour"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sensation that results when taste buds in the tongue and throat convey information about the chemical composition of a soluble stimulus
  • Similar words include: taste perception, discernment, sample
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TASTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Podcast interruptions"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public promotion of some product or service
  • Similar words include: advertising, advertizing, ad
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Frequent forecast in Seattle"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
  • Similar words include: rain down, pelting, rainwater
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Strong suit?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that protective covering made of metal and used in combat
  • Similar words include: armour
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARMOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Unleavened South Asian flatbread"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Follower of double or gilt"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that advance slowly, as if by inches
  • Similar words include: border, butt against, edge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDGED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. Champion, as a cause"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
  • Similar words include: follow, hook up with, conjoin
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESPOUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Budding"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being born or beginning
  • Opposite of: dying
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NASCENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Org. with a list of popular baby names"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an independent government agency responsible for the social security system
  • Similar words include: Social Security Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "21. Minimum, in a way"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prescribed number
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QUOTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "22. Increased"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UPPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "23. Letters before ".gov""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bureau of the treasury department responsible for tax collections
  • Similar words include: Internal Revenue Service
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "24. Forensic facilities"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "26. Sign abbr. meaning "founded in""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Coffee or tea specification"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that decorate with frosting
  • Similar words include: ice, frost
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Unleavened South Asian flatbread"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Sought comfort from, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Like granola"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or related to or derived from oats
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OATEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Unnamed article"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a special situation
  • Similar words include: matter, affair
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Ill-prepared"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not prepared or in a state of readiness; slow to understand or respond
  • Opposite of: ready
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNREADY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Didn't stay on topic"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that continue talking or writing in a desultory manner
  • Similar words include: roam, swan, wander
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAMBLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Come together"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that meet formally
  • Similar words include: convoke
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONVENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. Lou Gehrig's disease, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of the lateral columns and anterior horns of the spinal cord; results in progressive muscle atrophy that starts in the limbs
  • Similar words include: Heart of Dixie, Camellia State, Alabama
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. One level below the majors"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta associated with old age and hypertension
  • Similar words include: abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AAA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "45. Infuriate"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to go crazy; cause to lose one's mind
  • Similar words include: craze
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MADDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "46. Sphere, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that matter that is solid at room temperature and pressure
  • Similar words include: self-colored, whole, hearty
  • Opposite of: hollow, liquid
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "47. Crinkly fabric"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that paper with a crinkled texture; usually colored and used for decorations
  • Similar words include: crape, French pancake, crepe paper
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CREPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "48. Extension"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "50. Totally bizarre"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is regarded as eccentric or mad
  • Similar words include: whacko, nutter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WACKO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "52. Places to get masks"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • Similar words include: health spa, health club, watering place
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Original N.Y.C. subway line"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. Handful"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small elite group
  • Opposite of: many
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "58. Long stretch"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: earned run average, geological era, epoch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "59. Cabinet dept. since 1889"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "60. Gospel musician Tribbett"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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

33 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
74 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: July 23, 2026 at 06:13 AM

Friday, September 12, 2025

February 11, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, February 11, 2022

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 68 (29 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.6 letters

February 11, 2022 Across Hints: NYT Friday Crossword Answers

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Words to a skeptic 15
2A 16. What friendly opponents may do 15
3A 17. Subject of the so-called "surgeon's photograph" of 1934 15
4A 18. Squad leader? 3
5A 19. Cinemax competitor 3
6A 20. Judicial ratings grp. 3
7A 21. Terra's Greek counterpart 4
8A 22. British territory in the Atlantic 7
9A 27. Pioneering automaker 4
10A 28. Handmade signs? 8
11A 29. "En ___!" 5
12A 30. Language spoken along the Mekong 3
13A 31. Account 4
14A 32. Collectible print, in brief 5
15A 33. Morale booster 3
16A 34. Certain list recipient 5
17A 35. Bailiwick 4
18A 36. Big ___ 3
19A 37. Philosopher Diderot 5
20A 38. High point of the Old Testament, for short 8
21A 40. Blues Hall-of-Famer James 4
22A 41. [How horrible!] 7
23A 42. Word of regret 4
24A 43. Down 3
25A 44. Mo. for watching the Perseid meteor shower 3
26A 45. Fade away 3
27A 48. Gives an earful 15
28A 54. Rhetorical question lamenting a lack of respect 15
29A 55. Implicatively 15

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. Words to a skeptic"

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: YEOFLITTLEFAITH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "16. What friendly opponents may do"

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: AGREETODISAGREE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "17. Subject of the so-called "surgeon's photograph" of 1934"

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: LOCHNESSMONSTER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "18. Squad leader?"

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 radioactive transuranic element produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons
  • Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 99, einsteinium, E
  • 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: ESS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "19. Cinemax competitor"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy 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: TMC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "20. Judicial ratings grp."

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 loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth; worn by arabs
  • 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: ABA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "21. Terra's Greek counterpart"

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 (greek mythology) goddess of the earth and mother of cronus and the titans in ancient mythology
  • Words that mean the same thing: Gaea, Ge
  • 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: GAIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "22. British territory in the Atlantic"

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 group of islands in the atlantic off the carolina coast; british colony; a popular resort
  • Words that mean the same thing: Bermudas
  • 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: BERMUDA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "27. Pioneering automaker"

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: BENZ

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "28. Handmade signs?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that motion of hands or body to emphasize or help to express a thought or feeling
  • Words that mean the same thing: gesture, motion, gesticulate
  • 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: GESTURES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "29. "En ___!""

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: GARDE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "30. Language spoken along the Mekong"

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 member of a buddhist people inhabiting the area of the mekong river in laos and thailand and speaking the lao language; related to the thais
  • Words that mean the same thing: Laotian
  • 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: LAO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "31. Account"

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 message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
  • Words that mean the same thing: tarradiddle, taradiddle, story
  • 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: TALE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "32. Collectible print, in brief"

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: LITHO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Morale booster"

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 victory (as in a race or other competition)
  • Words that mean the same thing: bring home the bacon, winnings, gain ground
  • The opposite would be: fall back, lose
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Certain list recipient"

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 legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at christmas
  • Words that mean the same thing: St. Nick, Father Christmas, Kriss Kringle
  • 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: SANTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Bailiwick"

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 particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
  • Words that mean the same thing: sphere, arena, expanse
  • 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: AREA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Big ___"

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 mountain or tall hill
  • 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: BEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Philosopher Diderot"

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: DENIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. High point of the Old Testament, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert 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: MTARARAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Blues Hall-of-Famer James"

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: ETTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. [How horrible!]"

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 an almost pleasurable sensation of fright
  • Words that mean the same thing: throb, thrill, frisson
  • 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: SHUDDER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "42. Word of regret"

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 flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Words that mean the same thing: unfortunately, regrettably, unluckily
  • The opposite would be: luckily, fortunately
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "43. Down"

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 take in solid food
  • Words that mean the same thing: feed, eat on, use 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: EAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "44. Mo. for watching the Perseid meteor shower"

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 month following july and preceding september
  • Words that mean the same thing: August
  • 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: AUG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "45. Fade away"

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 small cube with 1 to 6 spots on the six faces; used in gambling to generate random numbers
  • Words that mean the same thing: snuff it, dice, give out
  • The opposite would be: be born
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "48. Gives an earful"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: READSTHERIOTACT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. Rhetorical question lamenting a lack of respect"

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: ISNOTHINGSACRED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Implicatively"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: BETWEENTHELINES

    Great job if you got it right!

February 11, 2022 Down Hints: NYT Friday Crossword Guide

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Notable founding of 1701 4
2D 2. Impediments to teamwork 4
3D 3. Tolkien creatures 4
4D 4. "Yuck!" 3
5D 5. Gradually slowing, in music 8
6D 6. Inventory 7
7D 7. Lover of Italian opera 5
8D 8. Field stats 3
9D 9. Food named for a world capital (but pronounced differently) 8
10D 10. 1962 pop hit with a rhyming title 7
11D 11. Some unauthorized drawings 6
12D 12. Justice Dept. bigwigs 3
13D 13. N.Y.C.'s first subway line 3
14D 14. Buttonless garment 3
15D 15. Singer with a 2018 Grammy for Best R&B Album 3
16D 21. ___ Richter, contemporary artist whose painting "Abstraktes Bild (599)" sold at auction for a record-setting $46.3 million dollars 7
17D 23. The X-Men, for example 7
18D 24. Muse for Galileo 6
19D 25. Muscles strengthened by push-ups, informally 5
20D 26. Offshore 4
21D 27. Flat-bottomed riverboat 6
22D 28. Flash 5
23D 29. Circumference 5
24D 32. Hasty getaways 4
25D 33. Become harder to bear 8
26D 34. Give oneself something to aim for 8
27D 36. "Just try to be calm ..." 7
28D 37. Reynolds's co-star in 1981's "The Cannonball Run" 7
29D 39. Carol opener 6
30D 42. Exclamation of exasperation 5
31D 45. Exclamation of disappointment 4
32D 46. Big name in frozen confections 4
33D 47. Some terminal info, for short 4
34D 48. Piece of BBQ 3
35D 49. Amarillo-to-Dallas dir. 3
36D 50. Creature without ears that uses vibrations to "hear" 3
37D 51. Company that introduced Saran Wrap 3
38D 52. Tolkien creature 3
39D 53. Onetime cable giant acquired by AT&T in 1999 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. Notable founding of 1701"

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 university in connecticut
  • Words that mean the same thing: Elihu Yale, Yale University
  • 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: YALE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Impediments to teamwork"

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

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: egotism, self-importance, self
  • 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: EGOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Tolkien creatures"

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: ORCS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. "Yuck!""

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: FEH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Gradually slowing, in music"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard 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: LENTANDO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Inventory"

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 specify individually
  • Words that mean the same thing: recite, itemise, enumerate
  • 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: ITEMIZE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Lover of Italian opera"

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

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: TOSCA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Field stats"

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: TDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Food named for a world capital (but pronounced differently)"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert 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: LIMABEAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. 1962 pop hit with a rhyming title"

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: ESOBESO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Some unauthorized drawings"

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: FANART

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Justice Dept. bigwigs"

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 soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
  • Words that mean the same thing: silver, atomic number 47, Ag
  • 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: AGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. N.Y.C.'s first subway line"

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: IRT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Buttonless garment"

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 starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Words that mean the same thing: teeing ground, tee up, football tee
  • 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: TEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "15. Singer with a 2018 Grammy for Best R&B Album"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: HER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "21. ___ Richter, contemporary artist whose painting "Abstraktes Bild (599)" sold at auction for a record-setting $46.3 million dollars"

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: GERHARD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. The X-Men, for example"

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 (biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration
  • Words that mean the same thing: mutant, sport, variation
  • 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: MUTANTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. Muse for Galileo"

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 (greek mythology) the muse of astronomy
  • Words that mean the same thing: Venus
  • 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: URANIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "25. Muscles strengthened by push-ups, informally"

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: DELTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Offshore"

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 in the direction of the sea
  • Words that mean the same thing: seaward, seawards
  • 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: ASEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "27. Flat-bottomed riverboat"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: BATEAU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "28. Flash"

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 momentary flash of light
  • Words that mean the same thing: flicker, glisten, glitter
  • 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: GLINT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "29. Circumference"

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 distance around a person's body
  • Words that mean the same thing: cinch
  • 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: GIRTH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. Hasty getaways"

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 rapid escape (as by criminals)
  • Words that mean the same thing: escape, run, scarper
  • 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: LAMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "33. Become harder to bear"

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: WEARTHIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "34. Give oneself something to aim for"

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: SETAGOAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "36. "Just try to be calm ...""

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 draw air into, and expel out of, the lungs
  • Words that mean the same thing: rest, suspire, take a breath
  • 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: BREATHE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "37. Reynolds's co-star in 1981's "The Cannonball Run""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard 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: DELUISE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "39. Carol opener"

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: ADESTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "42. Exclamation of exasperation"

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

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: AARGH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. Exclamation of disappointment"

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 something of little value
  • Words that mean the same thing: tinker's dam, shucks, mend
  • 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: DARN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "46. Big name in frozen confections"

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: ICEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "47. Some terminal info, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a system for screening luggage in airports; an agent passes a swab around or inside luggage and then runs the swab through a machine that can detect trace amounts of explosives
  • Words that mean the same thing: explosive trace detection, ETD
  • 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: ETDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "48. Piece of BBQ"

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 support resembling the rib of an animal
  • Words that mean the same thing: make fun, ridicule, blackguard
  • 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: RIB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "49. Amarillo-to-Dallas dir."

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 compass point midway between east and southeast
  • Words that mean the same thing: east southeast
  • 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: ESE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "50. Creature without ears that uses vibrations to "hear""

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 social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Words that mean the same thing: pismire, emmet
  • 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: ANT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "51. Company that introduced Saran Wrap"

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: DOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "52. Tolkien creature"

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: ENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "53. Onetime cable giant acquired by AT&T in 1999"

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: TCI

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 37 54.4%
Short Answer 19 27.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment 3 4.4%
Abbreviation 2 2.9%
History 2 2.9%
Geography 2 2.9%
Movies/Film 1 1.5%
Sports 1 1.5%
Music 1 1.5%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 29
Down Clues 39
Total Clues 68
Average Answer Length 5.6 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 Friday, 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!

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 11, 2025 at 10:39 PM