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Friday, June 12, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 12, 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: Moderate

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. Get-up 4
2A 5. Exhibiting a green face, stereotypically 7
3A 12. Children's book title character in a green suit 5
4A 13. Ambassador's aide 7
5A 14. Inheritance source, for good or ill 14
6A 16. "Red, the color of ___ / Black, the color of despair" ("Les Misérables" lyric) 6
7A 17. Prefix with present 4
8A 18. Farm grazer 3
9A 19. "Empire of the ___" (1977 sci-fi film with an approval rating of 5% on Rotten Tomatoes) 4
10A 20. Velociraptor, e.g., informally 4
11A 22. ___ asada 5
12A 24. Followers of the guru Nanak 5
13A 26. Elate 4
14A 28. Some fragrant gifts 4
15A 29. Half ass reply? 3
16A 30. Microscopic 4
17A 32. Weight 6
18A 34. Style with spotty coverage? 11
19A 37. Good market news 6
20A 39. Slip material 4
21A 40. Tally: Abbr. 3
22A 43. Ex- 4
23A 44. Big name in cups 4
24A 46. Contents of a modern flood 5
25A 48. Lock 5
26A 50. Some camera moves 4
27A 52. Commedia dell'___ 4
28A 53. Needing no script 3
29A 54. Deuce follower 4
30A 56. "That's good to hear" 6
31A 58. Home of the world's largest independently owned bookstore (spanning an entire city block) 14
32A 61. Windflower 7
33A 62. Play again 5
34A 63. Cone holders 7
35A 64. Cost of a hand 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Get-up"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for clothing
  • Similar words include: flop, turkey, dud
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Exhibiting a green face, stereotypically"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that experiencing motion sickness
  • Similar words include: carsick, airsick, air sick
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEASICK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "12. Children's book title character in a green suit"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an imaginary elephant that appears in a series of french books for children
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BABAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Ambassador's aide"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a specialist assigned to the staff of a diplomatic mission
  • Similar words include: attache case
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATTACHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Inheritance source, for good or ill"

14 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENETICLOTTERY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. "Red, the color of ___ / Black, the color of despair" ("Les Misérables" lyric)"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
  • Similar words include: trust, hope, want
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DESIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Prefix with present"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Farm grazer"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that female of domestic cattle:
  • Similar words include: overawe, moo-cow
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "19. "Empire of the ___" (1977 sci-fi film with an approval rating of 5% on Rotten Tomatoes)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: emmet, pismire, ant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "20. Velociraptor, e.g., informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. ___ asada"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Followers of the guru Nanak"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adherent of sikhism
  • Similar words include: Sikh
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIKHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Elate"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to go somewhere
  • Similar words include: broadcast, ship, post
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Some fragrant gifts"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
  • Similar words include: garland, coronal, lei
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Half ass reply?"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Microscopic"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: lilliputian, petite, flyspeck
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TINY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Weight"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the striking of one body against another
  • Similar words include: affect, touch, bear on
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMPACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Style with spotty coverage?"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a school of painters who used a technique of painting with tiny dots of pure colors that would blend in the viewer's eye; developed by georges seurat and his followers late in 19th century france
  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POINTILLISM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Good market news"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an upward movement or trend as in business activity
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UPTURN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Slip material"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SILK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Tally: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a heavy precious metallic element; grey-white and resistant to corroding; occurs in some nickel and copper ores and is also found native in some deposits
  • Similar words include: atomic number 78, Pt, platinum
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Ex-"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time that has elapsed
  • Similar words include: yesteryear, by, retiring
  • Opposite of: present, future
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Big name in cups"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any activity that is performed alone without assistance
  • Similar words include: alone, unaccompanied
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Contents of a modern flood"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (computer science) a system of world-wide electronic communication in which a computer user can compose a message at one terminal that can be regenerated at the recipient's terminal when the recipient logs in
  • Similar words include: netmail, electronic mail, e-mail
  • Opposite of: snail mail
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Lock"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
  • Similar words include: plait, twist, braid
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Some camera moves"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cooking utensil consisting of a wide metal vessel
  • Similar words include: pan, genus Pan, tear apart
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Commedia dell'___"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Needing no script"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (of securities) not traded on a stock exchange
  • Similar words include: over-the-counter
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Deuce follower"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. "That's good to hear""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Home of the world's largest independently owned bookstore (spanning an entire city block)"

14 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PORTLANDOREGON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. Windflower"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any woodland plant of the genus anemone grown for its beautiful flowers and whorls of dissected leaves
  • Similar words include: windflower, sea anemone
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANEMONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. Play again"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. Cone holders"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the innermost light-sensitive membrane covering the back wall of the eyeball; it is continuous with the optic nerve
  • Similar words include: retina
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETINAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. Cost of a hand"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Pastry with Austrian origins, despite its name 6
2D 2. Cab alternative 4
3D 3. Passé 5
4D 4. Sanskrit honorific 3
5D 5. Certain ladder climber 6
6D 6. ___ collar 4
7D 7. Ghost story? 5
8D 8. Didn't play 3
9D 9. Place where customers get their licks in? 14
10D 10. Persistent 7
11D 11. Home of the Ernest Hemingway House 7
12D 12. Hidden gem 14
13D 14. One who might say "You wish!" 5
14D 15. Site of America's first roller coaster 11
15D 16. T, in Morse code 4
16D 21. "___ it?" 4
17D 23. Locale for 11 Winter Olympics 4
18D 25. Mix up 4
19D 27. Tzatziki ingredient 4
20D 31. Quality establishments? 4
21D 33. M.C.'s need 4
22D 35. Baseball trio 4
23D 36. Symbol of courage 4
24D 37. Satisfactory 7
25D 38. Epic beginning 7
26D 41. Saturn satellite 5
27D 42. Runners carry it 4
28D 45. Puts in one's two cents 6
29D 47. Smith who has won the Triple Crown of Acting 6
30D 49. Do business? 5
31D 51. Obstacle for Odysseus 5
32D 55. ___ Point, Calif. 4
33D 57. Central point 4
34D 59. "OMG, stop!" 3
35D 60. Pray, in Latin 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Pastry with Austrian origins, despite its name"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a scandinavian language that is the official language of denmark
  • Similar words include: danish pastry
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DANISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Cab alternative"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Passé"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that go on a date with
  • Similar words include: go out, date stamp, date
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Sanskrit honorific"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Certain ladder climber"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various large food and game fishes of northern waters; usually migrate from salt to fresh water to spawn
  • Similar words include: Salmon River, pink-orange, pinkish-orange
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SALMON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. ___ collar"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Ghost story?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage
  • Similar words include: dome, Classical Greek, garret
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATTIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Didn't play"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
  • Similar words include: posture, Saturday, model
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Place where customers get their licks in?"

14 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICECREAMPARLOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Persistent"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being long-lasting and recurrent or characterized by long suffering
  • Similar words include: continuing, inveterate
  • Opposite of: acute
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHRONIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Home of the Ernest Hemingway House"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Hidden gem"

14 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BESTKEPTSECRET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "14. One who might say "You wish!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (islam) an invisible spirit mentioned in the koran and believed by muslims to inhabit the earth and influence mankind by appearing in the form of humans or animals
  • Similar words include: jinni, djinny, djinn
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Site of America's first roller coaster"

11 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CONEYISLAND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "16. T, in Morse code"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that distinctive and stylish elegance
  • Similar words include: smash, frighten off, flash
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "21. "___ it?""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "23. Locale for 11 Winter Olympics"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large mountain system in south-central europe; scenic beauty and winter sports make them a popular tourist attraction
  • Similar words include: alp, the Alps
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Mix up"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prominent or sensational but short-lived news event
  • Similar words include: stimulate, arouse, evoke
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Tzatziki ingredient"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that aromatic old world herb having aromatic threadlike foliage and seeds used as seasoning
  • Similar words include: Anethum graveolens, dill weed
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Quality establishments?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
  • Similar words include: hostel, auberge, inn
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. M.C.'s need"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that device for converting sound waves into electrical energy
  • Similar words include: microphone
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "35. Baseball trio"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (baseball) a failure by a batter or runner to reach a base safely in baseball
  • Similar words include: come out, come out of the closet, out
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Symbol of courage"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large gregarious predatory feline of africa and india having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male
  • Similar words include: Panthera leo, Leo, king of beasts
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Satisfactory"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Epic beginning"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Saturn satellite"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person of exceptional importance and reputation
  • Similar words include: colossus, giant, heavyweight
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TITAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Runners carry it"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow
  • Similar words include: sleigh, sledge
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "45. Puts in one's two cents"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
  • Similar words include: animadvert, speak out, suppose
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPINES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. Smith who has won the Triple Crown of Acting"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Do business?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gallery where works of art can be displayed
  • Similar words include: beauty parlor, beauty salon, beauty parlour
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SALON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Obstacle for Odysseus"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sea nymph (part woman and part bird) supposed to lure sailors to destruction on the rocks where the nymphs lived
  • Similar words include: temptress, femme fatale, enchantress
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIREN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "55. ___ Point, Calif."

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that celtic goddess who was the mother of the tuatha de danann; identified with the welsh don
  • Similar words include: Danu
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "57. Central point"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
  • Similar words include: essence, nub, heart and soul
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "59. "OMG, stop!""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "60. Pray, in Latin"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Similar words include: OS, Os, os
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORA

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

35 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
70 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: June 12, 2026 at 08:08 AM

Friday, November 28, 2025

NYT Down Crossword November 28, 2025 - Master All 35 Top-to-Bottom Clues

Friday's NYT Down Nov 28 - Full Vertical Grid Solutions

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 35 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: January 27 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers September_19 | July 08 2023 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for November 28, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Friday, November 28, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date November 28, 2025
Day of Week Friday
Total Down Clues 35 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Medium

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 35 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Words of affirmation
2 Down 2. Sam's wife in "The Lord of the Rings"
3 Down 3. Setting of the 1888 painting "Café Terrace at Night"
4 Down 4. Genre for Toots and the Maytals
5 Down 5. Bishop for whom a neighborhood in Paris is named
6 Down 6. Junk food that, ironically, has an exercise in its name
7 Down 7. Runs
8 Down 8. Rap figures, for short
9 Down 9. Similarly
10 Down 10. Flash mob group, perhaps
11 Down 11. Decide where to stay
12 Down 12. One wearing the Star of Life emblem, for short
13 Down 13. "Quite so"
14 Down 15. Back in the race?
15 Down 21. French name meaning "born again"
16 Down 23. "Mind your own beeswax!"
17 Down 24. It's not constructive
18 Down 25. Game division
19 Down 26. "I saw that!"
20 Down 28. Eccentric
21 Down 29. Colorful capsule that splatters
22 Down 31. Like samples
23 Down 33. Appetizer
24 Down 34. Anchors might be seen on them
25 Down 35. ___-Latino
26 Down 36. Funny Fred
27 Down 38. Picks up
28 Down 41. Literary protagonist who "generally gave herself very good advice (though she very seldom followed it)"
29 Down 42. Some hailstone "souvenirs"
30 Down 43. "Oof, sounds terrible!"
31 Down 45. Top-tier
32 Down 47. Softball question
33 Down 48. José ___ (Mexican food brand)
34 Down 49. Humble dwelling
35 Down 50. Served as

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues

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

Complete Down Solutions:


1 Down: "1. Words of affirmation"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: I___L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IWILL


2 Down: "2. Sam's wife in "The Lord of the Rings""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROSIE


3 Down: "3. Setting of the 1888 painting "Café Terrace at Night""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A___S
  • Similar words: earnest money
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: money given by a buyer to a seller to bind a contract
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARLES


4 Down: "4. Genre for Toots and the Maytals"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKA


5 Down: "5. Bishop for whom a neighborhood in Paris is named"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S_____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STDENIS


6 Down: "6. Junk food that, ironically, has an exercise in its name"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 11 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C_________S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CHEESECURLS


7 Down: "7. Runs"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S
  • Similar words: vent, air out
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: affected manners intended to impress others
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AIRS


8 Down: "8. Rap figures, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: megahertz, Mc
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: one million periods per second
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MCS


9 Down: "9. Similarly"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: I____D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer INKIND


10 Down: "10. Flash mob group, perhaps"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 11 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: D_________E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DANCETROUPE


11 Down: "11. Decide where to stay"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: B_______M
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BOOKAROOM


12 Down: "12. One wearing the Star of Life emblem, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EMT


13 Down: "13. "Quite so""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: si, te
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIS


14 Down: "15. Back in the race?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E_____E
  • Similar words: second, certify
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: be behind; approve of
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENDORSE


15 Down: "21. French name meaning "born again""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RENE


16 Down: "23. "Mind your own beeswax!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 11 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S_________T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STAYOUTOFIT


17 Down: "24. It's not constructive"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 11 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: B_________E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BADATTITUDE


18 Down: "25. Game division"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: T__N
  • Similar words: wrench, call on
  • Opposite of: unbend
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a circular segment of a curve
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TURN


19 Down: "26. "I saw that!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'Y'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HEY


20 Down: "28. Eccentric"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: D___Y
  • Similar words: nuts, batty
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DOTTY


21 Down: "29. Colorful capsule that splatters"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: P_______L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PAINTBALL


22 Down: "31. Like samples"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: F__E
  • Similar words: justify, innocent
  • Opposite of: obstruct
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: people who are free
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FREE


23 Down: "33. Appetizer"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S_____R
  • Similar words: starter motor, newcomer
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an electric motor for starting an engine
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STARTER


24 Down: "34. Anchors might be seen on them"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: television set, boob tube
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TVS


25 Down: "35. ___-Latino"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: A__O
  • Similar words: Afro hairdo
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a rounded thickly curled hairdo
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AFRO


26 Down: "36. Funny Fred"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A_____N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARMISEN


27 Down: "38. Picks up"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S____S
  • Similar words: Mary Jane, locoweed
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a general conscious awareness
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SENSES


28 Down: "41. Literary protagonist who "generally gave herself very good advice (though she very seldom followed it)""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALICE


29 Down: "42. Some hailstone "souvenirs""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: D___S
  • Similar words: slit, ding
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an appreciable consequence (especially a lessening)
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DENTS


30 Down: "43. "Oof, sounds terrible!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: Y___H
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YEESH


31 Down: "45. Top-tier"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AONE


32 Down: "47. Softball question"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'B'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an easy return of a tennis ball in a high arc
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LOB


33 Down: "48. José ___ (Mexican food brand)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OLE


34 Down: "49. Humble dwelling"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: shack, field hut
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: temporary military shelter
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HUT


35 Down: "50. Served as"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: personify, follow
  • Opposite of: differ
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a state in northwestern United States on the Pacific
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WAS

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

  • Down clues often reveal key letters for intersecting words
  • Vertical patterns can unlock difficult sections
  • Many prefixes and suffixes run vertically
  • Down answers often help solve Across clues

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

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

Time-Saving Down Techniques

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 35 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Down clues often contain helpful prefixes, suffixes, and word parts that can be easier to guess.

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

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


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

Last Updated: November 28, 2025 at 05:15 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, November 28 2025 down clues