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Tuesday, October 13, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 13, 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. ___ classic ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show" or "Pulp Fiction," e.g.) 4
2A 5. Spongy wetlands 4
3A 9. Titleholder 5
4A 14. Engrave 4
5A 15. Dirt pie ingredient 4
6A 16. Greek goddesses of the seasons 5
7A 17. Optional mission in a video game 9
8A 19. Gradually eat away 5
9A 20. Selfless sort 8
10A 21. Shindig for someone to announce whether they're having a boy or a girl 6
11A 22. – 6
12A 23. Lie next to 4
13A 25. Show on which Tina Fey and Seth Meyers have worked as head writers, in brief 3
14A 26. Tropical cocktail with bananas, strawberries, rum and coconut cream 8
15A 31. Go downhill fast 3
16A 34. Feedbag contents 4
17A 36. Shindig for someone settling into a new home 5
18A 37. – 7
19A 40. Flips, say 7
20A 42. Skirt, as an issue 5
21A 43. Jennifer who wrote "A Visit From the Goon Squad" 4
22A 45. Auction unit 3
23A 46. Cowboy's kerchief 8
24A 48. Show stoppers? 3
25A 51. Goes bad 4
26A 52. Shindig for someone who's about to tie the knot 6
27A 56. – 6
28A 60. Like a dish of veal or chicken dipped in egg and breadcrumbs, then fried in butter 8
29A 62. Surfers ride them 5
30A 63. Lunchroom 9
31A 64. Wolf in "The Jungle Book" 5
32A 65. Initials on a map until 1991 4
33A 66. Shindig for the cast and crew after filming is done ... with a hint to entering this answer and three others in the grid 4
34A 67. – 5
35A 68. Boxing stats 4
36A 69. Jazz singer Sylvia 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. ___ classic ("The Rocky Horror Picture Show" or "Pulp Fiction," e.g.)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices
  • Similar words include: fad, rage, cultus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CULT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Spongy wetlands"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wet spongy ground of decomposing vegetation; has poorer drainage than a swamp; soil is unfit for cultivation but can be cut and dried and used for fuel
  • Similar words include: bog, bog down, peat bog
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Titleholder"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who has won first place in a competition
  • Similar words include: chomp, title-holder, champion
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHAMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Engrave"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make an etching of
  • Similar words include: engrave
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Dirt pie ingredient"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chocolate cookie with white cream filling
  • Similar words include: oreo cookie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Greek goddesses of the seasons"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Optional mission in a video game"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Gradually eat away"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become ground down or deteriorate
  • Similar words include: gnaw, wear away, eat away
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Selfless sort"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being
  • Similar words include: philanthropist
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALTRUIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Shindig for someone to announce whether they're having a boy or a girl"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a grammatical category in inflected languages governing the agreement between nouns and pronouns and adjectives; in some languages it is quite arbitrary but in indo-european languages it is usually based on sex or animateness
  • Similar words include: sex, sexuality, grammatical gender
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. –"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make visible
  • Similar words include: discover, let out, unwrap
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REVEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Lie next to"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
  • Similar words include: butt, butt on, adjoin
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Show on which Tina Fey and Seth Meyers have worked as head writers, in brief"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Tropical cocktail with bananas, strawberries, rum and coconut cream"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Go downhill fast"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used in pairs for gliding over snow
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Feedbag contents"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that annual grass of europe and north africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: `oats')
  • Similar words include: oat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Shindig for someone settling into a new home"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
  • Similar words include: theatre, firm, planetary house
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. –"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the process of becoming warmer; a rising temperature
  • Similar words include: heating, thaw, thawing
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WARMING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Flips, say"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sell (something) again after having bought it
  • Similar words include: resell
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESELLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Skirt, as an issue"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
  • Similar words include: deflect, stave off, head off
  • Opposite of: validate, confront
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVOID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Jennifer who wrote "A Visit From the Goon Squad""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Auction unit"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
  • Similar words include: hatful, spate, batch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. Cowboy's kerchief"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large and brightly colored handkerchief; often used as a neckerchief
  • Similar words include: bandana
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BANDANNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "48. Show stoppers?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Goes bad"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor
  • Similar words include: buncombe, decomposition, molder
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "52. Shindig for someone who's about to tie the knot"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that archaic terms for a wedding or wedding feast
  • Similar words include: espousal, spousal, nuptial
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIDAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. –"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you
  • Similar words include: exhibitor, shower bath, rain shower
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOWER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "60. Like a dish of veal or chicken dipped in egg and breadcrumbs, then fried in butter"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of milan
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILANESE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "62. Surfers ride them"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
  • Similar words include: Wave, flourish, waving
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "63. Lunchroom"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a restaurant where you serve yourself and pay a cashier
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAFETERIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. Wolf in "The Jungle Book""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "65. Initials on a map until 1991"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a former communist country in eastern europe and northern asia; established in 1922; included russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (ukraine and byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 december 1991
  • Similar words include: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Soviet Union, Russia
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USSR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "66. Shindig for the cast and crew after filming is done ... with a hint to entering this answer and three others in the grid"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cloak that is folded or wrapped around a person
  • Similar words include: enwrap, twine, wrapping
  • Opposite of: unwind, unwrap
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WRAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "67. –"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization to gain political power
  • Similar words include: political party, company
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "68. Boxing stats"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a knockout declared by the referee who judges one boxer unable to continue
  • Similar words include: TKO, technical knockout
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TKOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "69. Jazz singer Sylvia"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. ___ Millan, celebrity dog trainer 5
2D 2. Handy 5
3D 3. High-def flat screen, for short 5
4D 4. "Ay, ___ the rub" 6
5D 5. Broth that might come from a dissolved cube 8
6D 6. Magnetite and bauxite 4
7D 7. Whole that's greater than the sum of its parts, from the German 7
8D 8. Barfly 3
9D 9. Spotted African sprinters 8
10D 10. Car's honker 4
11D 11. Longtime Yankee slugger, familiarly 4
12D 12. Earned 4
13D 13. Member of a jury 4
14D 18. Ke Huy ___, "Everything Everywhere All at Once" actor 4
15D 21. Boss, in Britain 3
16D 24. Major Iraqi port city 5
17D 27. Adversary 3
18D 28. Quiet period 4
19D 29. Scandinavian capital 4
20D 30. Toward sunset 4
21D 31. Mop, as the deck 4
22D 32. Polynesian brew 4
23D 33. Smooth out, as a wrinkled shirt 4
24D 35. Talent broker 5
25D 38. Mediocre, in modern slang 3
26D 39. "'Tis entirely likely" 8
27D 41. Those going along with others' unhealthy habits 8
28D 44. Item worn with a hazmat suit 7
29D 47. Negative connector 3
30D 49. "Curses!" 4
31D 50. Fibrous connecting tissues 6
32D 53. Second-largest city in Northern Ireland 5
33D 54. "Take me ___" 5
34D 55. Bounds 5
35D 56. Substitute 4
36D 57. Ceremonial Maori dance 4
37D 58. Done 4
38D 59. Mark left by a whip 4
39D 61. "Should that be true ..." 4
40D 63. Word before "one's losses" or "both ways" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. ___ Millan, celebrity dog trainer"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Handy"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being of use or service
  • Similar words include: useful
  • Opposite of: useless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. High-def flat screen, for short"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "Ay, ___ the rub""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a location other than here; that place
  • Similar words include: there
  • Opposite of: here
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THERES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Broth that might come from a dissolved cube"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clear seasoned broth
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOUILLON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Magnetite and bauxite"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Similar words include: ore
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Whole that's greater than the sum of its parts, from the German"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a configuration or pattern of elements so unified as a whole that it cannot be described merely as a sum of its parts
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GESTALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Barfly"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chronic drinker
  • Similar words include: drunk, wino, rummy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Spotted African sprinters"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long-legged spotted cat of africa and southwestern asia having nonretractile claws; the swiftest mammal; can be trained to run down game
  • Similar words include: chetah, cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHEETAHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Car's honker"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it
  • Similar words include: tusk, trump, car horn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Longtime Yankee slugger, familiarly"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Earned"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give certain properties to something
  • Similar words include: progress to, create, cause
  • Opposite of: unmake, unmade
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Member of a jury"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is of equal standing with another in a group
  • Similar words include: match, compeer, equal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Ke Huy ___, "Everything Everywhere All at Once" actor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Boss, in Britain"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Major Iraqi port city"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the second largest city in iraq; an oil port in southern iraq
  • Similar words include: Basia
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Adversary"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force)
  • Similar words include: foeman, opposition, enemy
  • Opposite of: friend
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Quiet period"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished
  • Similar words include: quiet, calm down, still
  • Opposite of: agitate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LULL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Scandinavian capital"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of norway; the country's main port; located at the head of a fjord on norway's southern coast
  • Similar words include: capital of Norway, Christiania
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Toward sunset"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the countries of (originally) europe and (now including) north america and south america
  • Similar words include: Occident, western United States, Rebecca West
  • Opposite of: east
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Mop, as the deck"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that implement consisting of a small piece of cotton that is used to apply medication or cleanse a wound or obtain a specimen of a secretion
  • Similar words include: mop, dab, swob
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Polynesian brew"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an alcoholic drink made from the aromatic roots of the kava shrub
  • Similar words include: kavakava
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Smooth out, as a wrinkled shirt"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
  • Similar words include: cast-iron, Fe, atomic number 26
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Talent broker"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Mediocre, in modern slang"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that used in combination to denote the middle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. "'Tis entirely likely""

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Those going along with others' unhealthy habits"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Item worn with a hazmat suit"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protective mask with a filter; protects the face and lungs against poisonous gases
  • Similar words include: gas helmet, respirator
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GASMASK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Negative connector"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. "Curses!""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Fibrous connecting tissues"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
  • Similar words include: tendon, brawniness, muscularity
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINEWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. Second-largest city in Northern Ireland"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "54. "Take me ___""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "55. Bounds"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
  • Similar words include: jump, jump off, bound
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Substitute"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Ceremonial Maori dance"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. Done"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (cricket) the division of play during which six balls are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
  • Similar words include: concluded, complete, ended
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Mark left by a whip"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a raised mark on the skin (as produced by the blow of a whip); characteristic of many allergic reactions
  • Similar words include: flog, weal, strap
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WELT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. "Should that be true ...""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "63. Word before "one's losses" or "both ways""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a share of the profits
  • Similar words include: mown, excision, cold shoulder
  • Opposite of: uncut, untrimmed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUT

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

36 Across Clues
40 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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: October 13, 2026 at 10:49 AM

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Across Clues NYT December 28, 2025 - Today's Complete Horizontal Solutions

Across Clues NYT December 28, 2025 - Today's Complete Horizontal Solutions

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 69 Across clues. We have all the horizontal answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: January 15 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | June 16 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | November 12 2022 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Across Clues

NYT Across clues solutions for December 28, 2025
NYT Across Clues - Sunday, December 28, 2025
Across Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 28, 2025
Day of Week Sunday
Total Across Clues 69 clues
Direction Horizontal (Left to Right)
Difficulty Medium

All Across Clues - Complete List

Here are all 69 Across clues for today's puzzle. These go horizontally from left to right.

Complete Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 1. Poet with a 1982 posthumous Pulitzer
2 Across 6. S.L.R. insert since the early 2000s
3 Across 12. Baths in Bath
4 Across 16. Comedian Notaro
5 Across 19. Host Tyler of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"
6 Across 20. One sporting an article of apparel
7 Across 21. Sign in a theater
8 Across 22. Droll
9 Across 23. Rock of Ages
10 Across 25. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
11 Across 27. Prop for a proposal
12 Across 28. College credit hours
13 Across 29. Far from fore
14 Across 31. Starting section
15 Across 32. Fab Four drummer
16 Across 34. "I can handle that for you"
17 Across 36. Swallow something hook, line and sinker
18 Across 38. Subject of some modern maps
19 Across 41. Boots out
20 Across 43. Ending with Butler or Bard
21 Across 44. A Class Act
22 Across 47. A Strange Loop
23 Across 50. Played a part
24 Across 51. Baldwin of "30 Rock"
25 Across 53. Ran in the rain, perhaps
26 Across 54. Brig pair
27 Across 55. New Mexico skiing locale
28 Across 56. Full legislative assembly
29 Across 58. Personification of darkness, in Greek myth
30 Across 60. Shapiro of public radio
31 Across 61. Buds
32 Across 62. Chips go-with
33 Across 64. Straight up
34 Across 67. A Little Night Music
35 Across 69. Rent
36 Across 70. A Chorus Line
37 Across 72. Creatures formed from the fingers of the sea goddess Sedna, in Inuit myth
38 Across 73. Personal histories
39 Across 74. Automatons, informally
40 Across 75. Cell letters
41 Across 76. "___ down the hatches!"
42 Across 78. Nursery rhyme couple
43 Across 80. Cribbage markers
44 Across 81. Sine's reciprocal, in trig
45 Across 84. Bit of power
46 Across 86. Japanese noodle
47 Across 87. Wave to, say
48 Across 88. The Producers
49 Across 91. Into the Woods
50 Across 93. ___ Lingus
51 Across 94. Intertwine
52 Across 95. Halloween haul
53 Across 96. In tears
54 Across 99. Eschew the high road, say
55 Across 101. ___ Dame
56 Across 104. Repeatedly hit hard
57 Across 105. Dollop
58 Across 106. Pop group
59 Across 109. Sitar great Shankar
60 Across 111. The Wiz
61 Across 113. Mean Girls
62 Across 116. Chess pieces
63 Across 117. Bombeck who wrote "At Wit's End"
64 Across 118. File often installed with computer programs
65 Across 119. Do penance
66 Across 120. Apply
67 Across 121. Hurdle for a J.D.-to-be
68 Across 122. Became aware of
69 Across 123. "Fiddler on the Roof" matchmaker

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Across Clues

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

Complete Across Solutions:


1 Across: "1. Poet with a 1982 posthumous Pulitzer"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: P___H
  • Similar words: Sylvia Plath
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: United States writer and poet (1932-1963)
  • This is Across clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer PLATH


2 Across: "6. S.L.R. insert since the early 2000s"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S____D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SDCARD


3 Across: "12. Baths in Bath"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L__S
  • Similar words: lav, lavatory
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
  • This is Across clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer LAVS


4 Across: "16. Comedian Notaro"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'G'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer TIG


5 Across: "19. Host Tyler of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer AISHA


6 Across: "20. One sporting an article of apparel"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: W____R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer WEARER


7 Across: "21. Sign in a theater"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: E__T
  • Similar words: kick the bucket, croak
  • Opposite of: be born
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an opening that permits escape or release
  • This is Across clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer EXIT


8 Across: "22. Droll"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'Y'
  • Similar words: ironic, dry
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: humorously sarcastic or mocking
  • This is Across clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer WRY


9 Across: "23. Rock of Ages"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 12 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R__________E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ROSETTASTONE


10 Across: "25. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: N______M
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer NEPOTISM


11 Across: "27. Prop for a proposal"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: K__E
  • Similar words: genu, knee joint
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer KNEE


12 Across: "28. College credit hours"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: U___S
  • Similar words: social unit, building block
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer UNITS


13 Across: "29. Far from fore"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: astern, abaft
  • Opposite of: fore
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: (nautical
  • This is Across clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer AFT


14 Across: "31. Starting section"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: P___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer PARTA


15 Across: "32. Fab Four drummer"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S___R
  • Similar words: Richard Starkey, Starkey
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: rock star and drummer for the Beatles (born in 1940)
  • This is Across clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer STARR


16 Across: "34. "I can handle that for you""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: L___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer LETME


17 Across: "36. Swallow something hook, line and sinker"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: E_____P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer EATITUP


18 Across: "38. Subject of some modern maps"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: G____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer GENOME


19 Across: "41. Boots out"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E____S
  • Similar words: release, squeeze out
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: put out or expel from a place
  • This is Across clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer EJECTS


20 Across: "43. Ending with Butler or Bard"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'U'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer EDU


21 Across: "44. A Class Act"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: F_______P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer FIELDTRIP


22 Across: "47. A Strange Loop"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 11 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: M_________P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer MOBIUSSTRIP


23 Across: "50. Played a part"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: A___D
  • Similar words: pretend, move
  • Opposite of: refrain
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: perform an action
  • This is Across clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ACTED


24 Across: "51. Baldwin of "30 Rock""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: A__C
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ALEC


25 Across: "53. Ran in the rain, perhaps"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: B__D
  • Similar words: shed blood, phlebotomise
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: lose blood from one's body
  • This is Across clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer BLED


26 Across: "54. Brig pair"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M___S
  • Similar words: mast
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a vertical spar for supporting sails
  • This is Across clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer MASTS


27 Across: "55. New Mexico skiing locale"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T__S
  • Similar words: Tao, Taoist
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a member of the Pueblo people living in northern New Mexico
  • This is Across clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer TAOS


28 Across: "56. Full legislative assembly"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: P____M
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer PLENUM


29 Across: "58. Personification of darkness, in Greek myth"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer EREBUS


30 Across: "60. Shapiro of public radio"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'I'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ARI


31 Across: "61. Buds"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P__S
  • Similar words: brother, chum up
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer PALS


32 Across: "62. Chips go-with"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: S___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SALSA


33 Across: "64. Straight up"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: E___T
  • Similar words: raise, set up
  • Opposite of: level
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: construct
  • This is Across clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ERECT


34 Across: "67. A Little Night Music"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: L_____Y
  • Similar words: cradlesong, berceuse
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a quiet song intended to lull a child to sleep
  • This is Across clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer LULLABY


35 Across: "69. Rent"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S___T
  • Similar words: disconnected, schism
  • Opposite of: unite
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SPLIT


36 Across: "70. A Chorus Line"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: R_____N
  • Similar words: abstain, chorus
  • Opposite of: consume
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer REFRAIN


37 Across: "72. Creatures formed from the fingers of the sea goddess Sedna, in Inuit myth"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S___S
  • Similar words: seal, sealskin
  • Opposite of: unseal
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SEALS


38 Across: "73. Personal histories"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P___S
  • Similar words: past tense, past times
  • Opposite of: future
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the time that has elapsed
  • This is Across clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer PASTS


39 Across: "74. Automatons, informally"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B__S
  • Similar words: bot
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer BOTS


40 Across: "75. Cell letters"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer RNA


41 Across: "76. "___ down the hatches!""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: B____N
  • Similar words: secure, batten down
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer BATTEN


42 Across: "78. Nursery rhyme couple"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S____S
  • Similar words: brisling, Clupea sprattus
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 42

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SPRATS


43 Across: "80. Cribbage markers"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P__S
  • Similar words: stick, rowlock
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface
  • This is Across clue number 43

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer PEGS


44 Across: "81. Sine's reciprocal, in trig"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: C___C
  • Similar words: cosecant
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 44

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer COSEC


45 Across: "84. Bit of power"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: W__T
  • Similar words: W, James Watt
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 45

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer WATT


46 Across: "86. Japanese noodle"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: S__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 46

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SOBA


47 Across: "87. Wave to, say"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G___T
  • Similar words: recognise, recognize
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: express greetings upon meeting someone
  • This is Across clue number 47

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer GREET


48 Across: "88. The Producers"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 11 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: P_________T
  • Similar words: working class, labor
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 48

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer PROLETARIAT


49 Across: "91. Into the Woods"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: O_______Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: characteristic of or suitable to outdoor life
  • This is Across clue number 49

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer OUTDOORSY


50 Across: "93. ___ Lingus"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'R'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 50

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer AER


51 Across: "94. Intertwine"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E____E
  • Similar words: interlace, intertwine
  • Opposite of: untwine
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: spin
  • This is Across clue number 51

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ENLACE


52 Across: "95. Halloween haul"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T____S
  • Similar words: process, treat
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: something considered choice to eat
  • This is Across clue number 52

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer TREATS


53 Across: "96. In tears"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: S_____G
  • Similar words: sob
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: convulsive gasp made while weeping
  • This is Across clue number 53

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SOBBING


54 Across: "99. Eschew the high road, say"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: G___W
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 54

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer GOLOW


55 Across: "101. ___ Dame"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: N___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 55

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer NOTRE


56 Across: "104. Repeatedly hit hard"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: P___D
  • Similar words: lbf., Irish punt
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: 16 ounces avoirdupois
  • This is Across clue number 56

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer POUND


57 Across: "105. Dollop"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'B'
  • Similar words: seafarer, tar
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a man who serves as a sailor
  • This is Across clue number 57

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer GOB


58 Across: "106. Pop group"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C___S
  • Similar words: Cola, genus Cola
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: large genus of African trees bearing kola nuts
  • This is Across clue number 58

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer COLAS


59 Across: "109. Sitar great Shankar"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: R__I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 59

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer RAVI


60 Across: "111. The Wiz"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: E______N
  • Similar words: mastermind, brainiac
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 60

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer EINSTEIN


61 Across: "113. Mean Girls"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 12 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__________S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 61

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer AVERAGEJANES


62 Across: "116. Chess pieces"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: humans, man
  • Opposite of: civilian
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the force of workers available
  • This is Across clue number 62

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer MEN


63 Across: "117. Bombeck who wrote "At Wit's End""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: E__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 63

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ERMA


64 Across: "118. File often installed with computer programs"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 64

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer README


65 Across: "119. Do penance"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A___E
  • Similar words: abye, repent
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: make amends for
  • This is Across clue number 65

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ATONE


66 Across: "120. Apply"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: habit, consumption
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the act of using
  • This is Across clue number 66

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer USE


67 Across: "121. Hurdle for a J.D.-to-be"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: L__T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 67

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer LSAT


68 Across: "122. Became aware of"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S____D
  • Similar words: sense, feel
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: perceive by a physical sensation
  • This is Across clue number 68

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SENSED


69 Across: "123. "Fiddler on the Roof" matchmaker"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: Y___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 69

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer YENTE

Expert Strategies for Solving Across Clues

Master the horizontal clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Across Clues?

  • Across clues often provide more letter intersections
  • Reading left to right feels more natural
  • Many common phrases run horizontally
  • Across answers often help solve Down clues

Across Clue Patterns to Recognize

  1. Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Across entries
  2. Common phrases: Many idioms run horizontally
  3. Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
  4. Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Across
  5. Pop culture references: Names and titles often appear horizontally

Time-Saving Across Techniques

Technique How It Helps
Scan all Across first Get a mental map of the horizontal flow
Fill short Across words 3-4 letter words are often articles or prepositions
Use crossing letters Down letters help confirm Across answers
Look for themes Related Across answers often share a theme

Frequently Asked Questions About Across Clues

What are Across clues in crossword puzzles?

Across clues are the horizontal entries in a crossword puzzle that read from left to right. They're numbered and correspond to specific rows in the grid.

Should I solve Across or Down clues first?

Many solvers prefer starting with Across clues because reading left-to-right feels more natural. However, the best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Across clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 69 Across clues.

Are Across clues easier than Down clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Across clues often contain more common phrases and expressions.

How do Across clues interact with Down clues?

Across and Down clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.


About This Page: We provide comprehensive Across clues solutions and hints for the NYT Crossword to help you improve your solving skills. This site is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 28, 2025 at 04:59 AM

Search terms: NYT Across, Across clues, horizontal, crossword answers, left to right, December 28 2025 across clues