November 12, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (34 clues)
• Down Clues (38 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, November 12, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (34 Across, 38 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.4 letters

Across Clues Explained - Friday NYT Crossword November 12, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. San Francisco or Fire Island	8
2A	9. Lift one's spirits?	6
3A	15. Brutish boss	8
4A	16. Unnatural	6
5A	17. Orthodontist's recommendation	8
6A	18. Lengthy Twitter post, often	6
7A	19. Not take for granted	5
8A	20. Units equivalent to 1/6 of an inch	5
9A	22. Hosp. diagnostic	3
10A	23. Throw or shoot	6
11A	25. Imitation	4
12A	26. Primed (for)	4
13A	30. Serving with shawarma	4
14A	31. Shrimp in a shell, maybe	4
15A	32. Interminably	7
16A	34. Tusked beast	7
17A	37. Movie series set inside a simulated reality, with "The"	6
18A	38. Home to Mayan ruins like Caracol and Lamanai	6
19A	39. Many a bill's name in Congress	7
20A	41. Spare clothes?	7
21A	42. Young stud	4
22A	43. Troubadour	4
23A	45. Actress Amanda	4
24A	46. Cherry-pick	4
25A	47. Subscripts on Scrabble tiles	6
26A	49. C, for one	3
27A	50. International cricket matches	5
28A	51. Neat and clean	5
29A	56. Heartburn reliever	6
30A	58. Focus of the 2009 Lilly Ledbetter act	8
31A	60. Dot-com whose name is styled with an asterisk	6
32A	61. Prepare on short notice	8
33A	62. Greek locale once described as "the island of overmastering passions"	6
34A	63. Hunter of fish	8

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. San Francisco or Fire Island"

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: GAYMECCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "9. Lift one's spirits?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that take in, also metaphorically
• Words that mean the same thing: sop up, suck, soak 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: IMBIBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "15. Brutish boss"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who has general authority over others
• Words that mean the same thing: lord, master
• 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: OVERLORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "16. Unnatural"

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 to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means :
• Words that mean the same thing: hale, thrust, constrained
• The opposite would be: pull, push
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FORCED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "17. Orthodontist's recommendation"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone
• Words that mean the same thing: servant, consideration
• 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: RETAINER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "18. Lengthy Twitter post, often"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a long monotonous harangue
• 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: SCREED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "19. Not take for granted"

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 something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery
• Words that mean the same thing: select, jimmy, pillage
• The opposite would be: disrespect, disesteem
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRIZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Units equivalent to 1/6 of an inch"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an eating disorder, frequent in children, in which non-nutritional objects are eaten persistently
• Words that mean the same thing: Pica, pica em, pica
• 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: PICAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "22. Hosp. diagnostic"

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 use of nuclear magnetic resonance of protons to produce proton density images
• Words that mean the same thing: magnetic resonance imaging
• 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: MRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "23. Throw or shoot"

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: LETFLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "25. Imitation"

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 something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
• Words that mean the same thing: forge, faux, imitation
• 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: FAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Primed (for)"

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 fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
• Words that mean the same thing: good, mature, right
• The opposite would be: green
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "30. Serving with shawarma"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
• Words that mean the same thing: pocket bread
• 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: PITA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "31. Shrimp in a shell, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
• Words that mean the same thing: greaser, wetback
• 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: TACO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. Interminably"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONANDON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Tusked beast"

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 african wild swine with warty protuberances on the face and large protruding tusks
• 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: WARTHOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. Movie series set inside a simulated reality, with "The""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (mathematics) a rectangular array of quantities or expressions set out by rows and columns; treated as a single element and manipulated according to rules
• Words that mean the same thing: intercellular substance, ground substance
• 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: MATRIX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Home to Mayan ruins like Caracol and Lamanai"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a country on the northeastern coast of central america on the caribbean; formerly under british control
• Words that mean the same thing: British Honduras
• 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: BELIZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. Many a bill's name in Congress"

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 word formed from the initial letters of the several words in the name
• 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: ACRONYM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Spare clothes?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an atoll in the marshall islands; formerly used by the united states as a site for testing nuclear weapons
• Words that mean the same thing: bikini, two-piece, Bikini
• 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: BIKINIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Young stud"

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 young male horse under the age of four
• 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: COLT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Troubadour"

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 lyric poet
• Words that mean the same thing: caparison, barde, dress 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: BARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Actress Amanda"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: PEET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Cherry-pick"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the person or thing that is rejected or set aside as inferior in quality
• Words that mean the same thing: pluck, pick, reject
• 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: CULL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Subscripts on Scrabble tiles"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that beliefs of a person or social group in which they have an emotional investment (either for or against something)
• Words that mean the same thing: evaluate, value, prise
• The opposite would be: disrespect, disesteem
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VALUES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. C, for one"

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 electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
• Words that mean the same thing: curve, spark, electric arc
• 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: ARC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. International cricket matches"

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 trying something to find out about it
• Words that mean the same thing: tryout, trial, essay
• 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: TESTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. Neat and clean"

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 (of hair) neat and tidy
• Words that mean the same thing: tidy
• 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: KEMPT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. Heartburn reliever"

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: MAALOX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "58. Focus of the 2009 Lilly Ledbetter act"

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: EQUALPAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "60. Dot-com whose name is styled with an asterisk"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ETRADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "61. Prepare on short notice"

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: RUSTLEUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "62. Greek locale once described as "the island of overmastering passions""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an island of eastern greece in the eastern aegean sea; in antiquity it was famous for lyric poetry
• Words that mean the same thing: Mytilene, Lesvos
• 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: LESBOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "63. Hunter of fish"

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: SEAEAGLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Friday NYT Crossword November 12, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Hiker's handful	4
2D	2. Swear	4
3D	3. "Monsters, Inc." character who loves snow cones	4
4D	4. Jason with the 2008 hit "I'm Yours"	4
5D	5. Architect Saarinen	5
6D	6. Fan gathering, informally	3
7D	7. Entered quietly	7
8D	8. Purposeless	6
9D	9. "Imagine a case in which ..."	5
10D	10. Soft shoes, informally	4
11D	11. Zero reaction?	3
12D	12. Hotel hummer	10
13D	13. Covering for a cold one	10
14D	14. Bauer of leisure apparel	5
15D	21. Arcade game feature	4
16D	24. Miniaturist's supply	5
17D	25. Accompanier of a black eye	6
18D	26. 2018 film for which Alfonso Cuarón won Best Director	4
19D	27. Off the mark	10
20D	28. Copper containers?	10
21D	29. Commit to a course	6
22D	31. Long way to go	4
23D	33. By ___ of (due to)	4
24D	35. Countenance	5
25D	36. Heroic exploit	4
26D	40. Ones who'll manage somehow?	4
27D	41. Succinct, if nothing else	7
28D	44. Changes	6
29D	46. Leviticus calls it "unclean" and not fit for consumption	5
30D	47. Puzzles	5
31D	48. Be found not guilty, shockingly	5
32D	50. Rumpus	4
33D	52. Civil rights activist Baker	4
34D	53. Video file format	4
35D	54. Name of six popes, including one in the 20th century	4
36D	55. Info described on a Tinder profile	4
37D	57. Where to fill a flask with alcohol	3
38D	59. 2026 FIFA World Cup co-host	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. Hiker's handful"

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: GORP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Swear"

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 report or maintain
• Words that mean the same thing: say, affirm, allege
• 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: AVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. "Monsters, Inc." character who loves snow cones"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the himalayas
• Words that mean the same thing: abominable snowman
• 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: YETI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Jason with the 2008 hit "I'm Yours""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MRAZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Architect Saarinen"

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: ELIEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Fan gathering, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an argument opposed to a proposal
• Words that mean the same thing: bunko game, learn, inmate
• The opposite would be: pro
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Entered quietly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CREPTIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Purposeless"

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 aimlessly drifting
• Words that mean the same thing: directionless, planless, afloat
• 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: ADRIFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. "Imagine a case in which ...""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: IFSAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Soft shoes, informally"

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: MOCS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Zero reaction?"

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: BRR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Hotel hummer"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: ICEMACHINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Covering for a cold one"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: BEERKOOZIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Bauer of leisure apparel"

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: EDDIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Arcade game feature"

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 sharp curved horny process on the toe of a bird or some mammals or reptiles
• Words that mean the same thing: nipper, chela, hook
• 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: CLAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Miniaturist's supply"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a thermosetting resin; used chiefly in strong adhesives and coatings and laminates
• Words that mean the same thing: epoxy glue, epoxy resin
• 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: EPOXY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Accompanier of a black eye"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FATLIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. 2018 film for which Alfonso Cuarón won Best Director"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of a people with dark skin and hair who speak romany and who traditionally live by seasonal work and fortunetelling; they are believed to have originated in northern india but now are living on all continents (but mostly in europe, north africa, and north america)
• Words that mean the same thing: Gipsy, Bohemian, capital of Italy
• 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: ROMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Off the mark"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• The opposite would be: accurate
• 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: INACCURATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Copper containers?"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: PATROLCARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Commit to a course"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that register formally as a participant or member
• Words that mean the same thing: enrol, recruit, enter
• 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: ENROLL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Long way to go"

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 journey by ox wagon (especially an organized migration by a group of settlers)
• 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: TREK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. By ___ of (due to)"

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 interchangeable with `means' in the expression `by means of'
• 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: DINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Countenance"

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 put up with something or somebody unpleasant
• Words that mean the same thing: endure, bear, stay
• 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: ABIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Heroic exploit"

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: GEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Ones who'll manage somehow?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a master's degree in business
• Words that mean the same thing: Master in Business Administration, Master in Business, MBA
• 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: MBAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Succinct, if nothing else"

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 marked by rude or peremptory shortness
• Words that mean the same thing: brusk, curt, short
• 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: BRUSQUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Changes"

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 cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
• Words that mean the same thing: change, alter, vary
• 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: ALTERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Leviticus calls it "unclean" and not fit for consumption"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cud-chewing mammal used as a draft or saddle animal in desert regions
• 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: CAMEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Puzzles"

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 cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
• Words that mean the same thing: chafe, vex, get to
• The opposite would be: reassure
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VEXES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "48. Be found not guilty, shockingly"

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 sports equipment that is worn on the feet to enable the wearer to glide along and to be propelled by the alternate actions of the legs
• 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: SKATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Rumpus"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TODO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. Civil rights activist Baker"

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: ELLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "53. Video file format"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a set of standards adopted by the moving pictures experts group for the compression of digital video and audio data or a file of data compressed according to those standards
• 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: MPEG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "54. Name of six popes, including one in the 20th century"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states feminist (1885-1977)
• Words that mean the same thing: St. Paul, Paul the Apostle, Alice Paul
• 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: PAUL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Info described on a Tinder profile"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a subdivision of a particular kind of thing
• Words that mean the same thing: typewrite, case, character
• The opposite would be: antitype
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TYPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "57. Where to fill a flask with alcohol"

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 workplace for the conduct of scientific research
• Words that mean the same thing: research laboratory, research lab, science lab
• 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: LAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "59. 2026 FIFA World Cup co-host"

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 north american republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in north america plus alaska in northwest north america and the hawaiian islands in the pacific ocean; achieved independence in 1776
• Words that mean the same thing: United States of America, United States Army, U.S.
• 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: USA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	60	83.3%
Short Answer	6	8.3%
History	2	2.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.8%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%
Sports	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	34
Down Clues	38
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.4 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 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 13, 2025 at 07:13 PM

September 20, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (39 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

NYT Wednesday Crossword Across Clues - September 20, 2023 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. "Insecure" star Rae	4
2A	5. Deck divided into the Major and Minor Arcana	5
3A	10. It has small orbits	4
4A	14. Footwear to knock around in	4
5A	15. Israel's national tree	5
6A	16. All-night dance party	4
7A	17. 2015 hit for Little Mix	10
8A	19. Tiny pest	4
9A	20. Fan	7
10A	21. Who blows thar?	3
11A	23. Rowing machine, informally	3
12A	24. Own up (to)	3
13A	25. Intentions	4
14A	27. ___ Elise Goldsberry, portrayer of Angelica Schuyler in the original "Hamilton" cast	5
15A	29. M.S.G. athlete	5
16A	31. 1971 hit for the Carpenters	9
17A	34. Useful shot against a volleyer	3
18A	36. Michelle Obama ___ Robinson	3
19A	37. House sitter's responsibility, perhaps	3
20A	38. Slow rock song with an emotional vocal delivery ... whose start can follow each half of 17-, 31-, 44- and 63-Across	11
21A	41. Campaign grp.	3
22A	42. Be litigious	3
23A	43. One of a famous septet	3
24A	44. 1972 hit for Elton John	9
25A	47. Orbitz listings	5
26A	51. Top-tier invitees	5
27A	52. Castle defense	4
28A	54. ___-country (music genre)	3
29A	55. One who cries "Foul!"	3
30A	56. Ingredient in Roman concrete	3
31A	59. Word with clam or trunk	7
32A	61. Children's author Blyton	4
33A	63. 1986 hit for Steve Winwood (and a 2019 hit for Whitney Houston)	10
34A	65. "Handle" of a pumpkin	4
35A	66. "So long!"	5
36A	67. Snake eyes	4
37A	68. Sea dogs	4
38A	69. Implied	5
39A	70. Treats, as leather	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. "Insecure" star Rae"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ISSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Deck divided into the Major and Minor Arcana"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of a set of (usually 72) cards that include 22 cards representing virtues and vices and death and fortune etc.; used by fortunetellers
• Words that mean the same thing: tarot card
• 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: TAROT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. It has small orbits"

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 (physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element
• Words that mean the same thing: speck, corpuscle, particle
• 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: ATOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Footwear to knock around in"

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: MOCS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Israel's national tree"

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 small ovoid fruit of the european olive tree; important food and source of oil
• Words that mean the same thing: European olive tree, Olea europaea
• 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: OLIVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. All-night dance party"

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 dance party that lasts all night and electronically synthesized music is played
• Words that mean the same thing: gush, jabber, mouth off
• 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: RAVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. 2015 hit for Little Mix"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: BLACKMAGIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Tiny pest"

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 any wingless bloodsucking parasitic insect noted for ability to leap
• 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: FLEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Fan"

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 a person who backs a politician or a team etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: friend, champion, adorer
• 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: ADMIRER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Who blows thar?"

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: SHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Rowing machine, informally"

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 cgs unit of work or energy; the work done by a force of one dyne acting over a distance of one centimeter
• 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: ERG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Own up (to)"

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 uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
• Words that mean the same thing: hook, apprehend, arrest
• 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: COP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Intentions"

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 an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
• Words that mean the same thing: object, aspire, drive
• 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: AIMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. ___ Elise Goldsberry, portrayer of Angelica Schuyler in the original "Hamilton" cast"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: RENEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. M.S.G. athlete"

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: KNICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. 1971 hit for the Carpenters"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
• Words that mean the same thing: mavin, whiz, wiz
• 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: SUPERSTAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. Useful shot against a volleyer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an easy return of a tennis ball in a high arc
• 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: LOB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Michelle Obama ___ Robinson"

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 (meaning literally `born') used to indicate the maiden or family name of a married woman
• 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: NEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. House sitter's responsibility, perhaps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
• Words that mean the same thing: best-loved, darling, favored
• 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: PET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Slow rock song with an emotional vocal delivery ... whose start can follow each half of 17-, 31-, 44- and 63-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert 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: POWERBALLAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Campaign 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 committee formed by a special-interest group to raise money for their favorite political candidates
• Words that mean the same thing: political action committee
• 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: PAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Be litigious"

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 french writer whose novels described the sordid side of city life (1804-1857)
• Words that mean the same thing: process, litigate, Eugene Sue
• 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: SUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. One of a famous septet"

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 estrangement from god
• Words that mean the same thing: goof, trespass, blunder
• 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: SIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. 1972 hit for Elton John"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: ROCKETMAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Orbitz listings"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an agenda of things to do
• Words that mean the same thing: make out, menu, transportation
• 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: FARES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "51. Top-tier invitees"

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: ALIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Castle defense"

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 ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water
• Words that mean the same thing: fosse
• 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: MOAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. ___-country (music genre)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
• Words that mean the same thing: altitude, elevation, EL
• 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: ALT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. One who cries "Foul!""

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 (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or american football) who is expected to ensure fair play
• Words that mean the same thing: referee
• 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: REF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. Ingredient in Roman concrete"

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 residue that remains when something is burned
• Words that mean the same thing: ash tree
• 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: ASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "59. Word with clam or trunk"

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 clam that is usually steamed in the shell
• Words that mean the same thing: steamship, Mya arenaria, soft-shell clam
• 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: STEAMER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "61. Children's author Blyton"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a town in north central oklahoma
• 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: ENID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "63. 1986 hit for Steve Winwood (and a 2019 hit for Whitney Houston)"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: HIGHERLOVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "65. "Handle" of a pumpkin"

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 (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed
• Words that mean the same thing: prow, root word, radical
• 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: STEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "66. "So long!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a farewell remark
• Words that mean the same thing: sayonara, goodby, adieu
• 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: ADIOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "67. Snake eyes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Words that mean the same thing: single, one, unity
• 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: ONES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "68. Sea dogs"

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 any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
• Words that mean the same thing: sea dog, seafarer, tar
• 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: TARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "69. Implied"

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 mean or intend to express or convey
• Words that mean the same thing: imply, think, mean
• 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: MEANT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "70. Treats, as leather"

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 browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
• Words that mean the same thing: burn, sunburn, bronze
• 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: TANS

  Great job if you got it right!

September 20, 2023 Down Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. "It's me again!"	6
2D	2. Convinced about	6
3D	3. Garlicky shrimp dish	6
4D	4. Saclike structures produced by fungi	4
5D	5. Marisa ___, portrayer of Aunt May in the Marvel Universe	5
6D	6. Wake-up calls	6
7D	7. Sailboat apparatus	3
8D	8. Sheep genus	4
9D	9. A.I., e.g.	4
10D	10. Canine warning	3
11D	11. Gifted	8
12D	12. Celebrate Thanksgiving, maybe	7
13D	13. Scant	6
14D	18. Onetime capital of Poland	6
15D	22. "The cautious seldom ___": Confucius	3
16D	26. Ray of light	7
17D	28. Neighbor of Francia	6
18D	30. They have time on their hands	6
19D	32. "Once Upon a Mattress" prop	3
20D	33. Creatures that are often catadromous, meaning they live in fresh water and breed in salt water	4
21D	35. Top	4
22D	38. Something Maggie is always seen with on "The Simpsons"	8
23D	39. Captain Morgan offering	3
24D	40. Ending with shop or weight	6
25D	41. Italian cornmeal dish	7
26D	44. Like AB negative, among all blood types	6
27D	45. Announcement from the cockpit, for short	3
28D	46. Nibble at	6
29D	48. ___ Quimby, Beverly Cleary heroine	6
30D	49. Record amount of Oscars won by a single film	6
31D	50. Breathwork might help relieve it	6
32D	53. "This is ___ of the emergency ..."	5
33D	57. Pillow cover	4
34D	58. Camouflage	4
35D	60. Oodles	4
36D	62. Private Insta conversations	3
37D	64. Model Carangi	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. "It's me again!""

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: IMBACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Convinced about"

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: SOLDON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Garlicky shrimp dish"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that large shrimp sauteed in oil or butter and garlic
• 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: SCAMPI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Saclike structures produced by fungi"

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 saclike structure in which ascospores are formed through sexual reproduction of ascomycetes
• Words that mean the same thing: ascus
• 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: ASCI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Marisa ___, portrayer of Aunt May in the Marvel Universe"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: TOMEI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Wake-up calls"

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 fear resulting from the awareness of danger
• Words that mean the same thing: alarm system, dismay, warning signal
• 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: ALARMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Sailboat apparatus"

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 gear (including necessary machinery) for a particular enterprise
• Words that mean the same thing: tractor trailer, turnout, outfit
• 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: RIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Sheep genus"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• Words that mean the same thing: genus Ovis
• 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: OVIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. A.I., e.g."

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 school teaching mechanical and industrial arts and the applied sciences
• Words that mean the same thing: technical school
• 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: TECH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Canine warning"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Gifted"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that endowed with talent or talents
• Words that mean the same thing: gifted
• The opposite would be: untalented
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TALENTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Celebrate Thanksgiving, maybe"

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 overeat or eat immodestly; make a pig of oneself
• Words that mean the same thing: gormandise, scarf out, satiate
• 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: OVEREAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Scant"

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 deficient in amount or quality or extent
• Words that mean the same thing: scrimpy, stingy, meagerly
• The opposite would be: ample
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEAGER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Onetime capital of Poland"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an industrial city in southern poland on the vistula
• Words that mean the same thing: Cracow, Krakau
• 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: KRAKOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. "The cautious seldom ___": Confucius"

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

  The answer is: ERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "26. Ray of light"

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 a ray of sunlight
• Words that mean the same thing: sunray
• 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: SUNBEAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "28. Neighbor of Francia"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern europe on the iberian peninsula; a former colonial power
• Words that mean the same thing: Spain, Kingdom of Spain
• 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: ESPANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "30. They have time on their hands"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that european weed naturalized in southwestern united states and mexico having reddish decumbent stems with small fernlike leaves and small deep reddish-lavender flowers followed by slender fruits that stick straight up; often grown for forage
• Words that mean the same thing: alfilaria, alfileria, redstem storksbill
• 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: CLOCKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "32. "Once Upon a Mattress" prop"

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 seed of a pea plant used for food
• Words that mean the same thing: pea plant
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "33. Creatures that are often catadromous, meaning they live in fresh water and breed in salt water"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
• Words that mean the same thing: eel
• 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: EELS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "35. Top"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the supreme effort one can make
• Words that mean the same thing: skilful, beneficial, practiced
• The opposite would be: worst, evil
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "38. Something Maggie is always seen with on "The Simpsons""

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 someone who tries to bring peace
• Words that mean the same thing: baby's dummy, make-peace, teething ring
• 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: PACIFIER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "39. Captain Morgan offering"

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 liquor distilled from fermented molasses
• Words that mean the same thing: singular, rummy, curious
• 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: RUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "40. Ending with shop or weight"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an athlete who lifts barbells
• Words that mean the same thing: shoplifter, booster, weightlifter
• 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: LIFTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "41. Italian cornmeal dish"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a thick mush made of cornmeal boiled in stock or water
• 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: POLENTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "44. Like AB negative, among all blood types"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
• Words that mean the same thing: rarified, rare, uncommon
• 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: RAREST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "45. Announcement from the cockpit, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
• Words that mean the same thing: Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Homeland and Freedom
• 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: ETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. Nibble at"

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: NOSHON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. ___ Quimby, Beverly Cleary heroine"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that shrubby plant with aromatic greyish-green leaves used as a cooking herb
• Words that mean the same thing: Salvia officinalis, common sage
• 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: RAMONA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Record amount of Oscars won by a single film"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of ten and one
• Words that mean the same thing: xi, football team, XI
• 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: ELEVEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. Breathwork might help relieve it"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)
• Words that mean the same thing: tension, emphasise, tenseness
• 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: STRESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. "This is ___ of the emergency ...""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: ATEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "57. Pillow cover"

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 that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
• Words that mean the same thing: feign, imposter, pretended
• 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: SHAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "58. Camouflage"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the dressed skin of an animal (especially a large animal)
• Words that mean the same thing: fell, shroud, skin
• The opposite would be: show
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "60. Oodles"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "62. Private Insta conversations"

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 diabetes caused by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin and characterized by polyuria
• Words that mean the same thing: decimetre, DM, dm
• 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: DMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "64. Model Carangi"

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 terrorist organization of islamic extremists whose violent activities began in 1992; aims to overthrow the secular algerian regime and replace it with an islamic state
• Words that mean the same thing: Armed Islamic Group
• 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: GIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	49	64.5%
Short Answer	17	22.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	3.9%
Geography	2	2.6%
Food & Drink	2	2.6%
History	1	1.3%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	39
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	4.9 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	11 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 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: August 30, 2025 at 05:37 PM