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Friday, May 15, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 15, 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: Medium

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. To the ___ (as much as possible) 4
2A 5. Electrifying people, so to speak 9
3A 14. Dog howling at night, maybe 4
4A 15. Vintage bike feature 10
5A 16. Good name for a yoga instructor? 4
6A 17. Hairy get-up 10
7A 18. Wych ___ (tree type) 3
8A 19. Miss Doolittle of "Pygmalion" 5
9A 20. Civil rights activist Williams, an associate of Martin Luther King Jr. 5
10A 21. Splits apart 7
11A 23. Annual coll. basketball competition 3
12A 25. Class for some aspiring bilinguals, in brief 3
13A 26. Led 6
14A 27. Play casually, say 5
15A 29. Like some kitchens 5
16A 30. Harps on 8
17A 33. MacMurray of "Double Indemnity" 4
18A 34. Throw in at the end 5
19A 35. Pulls off 4
20A 37. Jarring film transition to a new scene 8
21A 39. Sired 5
22A 40. Give a hand? 5
23A 41. Language of southern India 6
24A 42. Sierra, e.g. 3
25A 45. "Nasty!" 3
26A 46. Rainwater reservoir 7
27A 47. Duane ___ (New York-based pharmacy chain) 5
28A 49. Figures in "Puss in Boots" and "Hop-o'-My-Thumb" 5
29A 51. Sickly-looking 3
30A 52. "I don't care either way" 10
31A 54. Magician's accessory 4
32A 55. Use of a popular song to make a scene iconic, in film-speak 10
33A 56. "Your turn to speak" 4
34A 57. Difficult time for farmers 9
35A 58. Hot ___ 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. To the ___ (as much as possible)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the handle of a sword or dagger
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HILT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Electrifying people, so to speak"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Dog howling at night, maybe"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of something about to happen
  • Similar words include: Muscat and Oman, prognostication, portend
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Vintage bike feature"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Good name for a yoga instructor?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of having little or no contrast; lacking highlights or gloss
  • Similar words include: matte, flat, mat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MATT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Hairy get-up"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Wych ___ (tree type)"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
  • Similar words include: elm tree, elmwood
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Miss Doolittle of "Pygmalion""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Civil rights activist Williams, an associate of Martin Luther King Jr."

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a minor hebrew prophet (8th century bc)
  • Similar words include: Book of Hosea
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOSEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Splits apart"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument
  • Similar words include: rive, adhere, cling
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLEAVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Annual coll. basketball competition"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a luminance unit equal to 1 candle per square meter measured perpendicular to the rays from the source
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Class for some aspiring bilinguals, in brief"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Led"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to go or travel towards
  • Similar words include: lead, maneuver, guide
  • Opposite of: unheaded, headless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEADED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Play casually, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sound of strumming
  • Similar words include: thrum
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STRUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Like some kitchens"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Harps on"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to work at or to absurd length
  • Similar words include: belabour, belabor
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BELABORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. MacMurray of "Double Indemnity""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Throw in at the end"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Pulls off"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the united states; created in 1977
  • Similar words include: answer, serve, doe
  • Opposite of: unmake
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "37. Jarring film transition to a new scene"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Sired"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make children
  • Similar words include: father, get, engender
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEGAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Give a hand?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that building material used as siding or roofing
  • Similar words include: shake up, sway, waggle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. Language of southern India"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the people in southeastern india (andhra pradesh) who speak the telugu language
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELUGU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. Sierra, e.g."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "45. "Nasty!""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "46. Rainwater reservoir"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sac or cavity containing fluid especially lymph or cerebrospinal fluid
  • Similar words include: water tank, cisterna
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CISTERN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "47. Duane ___ (New York-based pharmacy chain)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "49. Figures in "Puss in Boots" and "Hop-o'-My-Thumb""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cruel wicked and inhuman person
  • Similar words include: fiend, devil, ogre
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGRES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "51. Sickly-looking"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a computer network that spans a wider area than does a local area network
  • Similar words include: sick, pallid, wide area network
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "52. "I don't care either way""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "54. Magician's accessory"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
  • Similar words include: ness, mantle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "55. Use of a popular song to make a scene iconic, in film-speak"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "56. "Your turn to speak""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "57. Difficult time for farmers"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "58. Hot ___"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of confusion and disorderliness
  • Similar words include: kettle of fish, raft, mint
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Big name in meal prep kits 8
2D 2. "Tell me!" 9
3D 3. Line of attack? 9
4D 4. Cause of a boom 3
5D 5. Material for the blue eyebrows on the mask of Tutankhamen, in brief 5
6D 6. Mother of Don Juan 4
7D 7. Here goes nothing! 9
8D 8. Brian of ambient music 3
9D 9. Part of a bass in a jug band 7
10D 10. : 4
11D 11. Get new life out of 5
12D 12. Eponym for a lounge chair 5
13D 13. "I can't believe that price" bargain 5
14D 15. Made hay? 5
15D 19. Uniform 4
16D 22. Puma rival 6
17D 24. Setting for the graphic novel series "Persepolis" 4
18D 27. Transition 5
19D 28. Competitor of the early Chevrolet 490 6
20D 30. "Sticks" 9
21D 31. Dangerous ocean phenomenon 9
22D 32. Edible algae dubbed "green caviar" 9
23D 34. Break the ice? 4
24D 36. Knockouts 8
25D 38. Blind followers, informally 7
26D 39. Friend of Nancy Drew 4
27D 41. Moor 5
28D 42. Daily ___ 5
29D 43. Element of a poetry analysis, maybe 5
30D 44. Baseball's Stengel 5
31D 46. Sing like Michael Bublé 5
32D 48. Threads 4
33D 50. Food item whose name comes from the Greek for "turn" 4
34D 53. Occasion that may involve fine china 3
35D 54. Common end to an address 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Big name in meal prep kits"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Tell me!""

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Line of attack?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Cause of a boom"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that explosive consisting of a yellow crystalline compound that is a flammable toxic derivative of toluene
  • Similar words include: trinitrotoluene
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Material for the blue eyebrows on the mask of Tutankhamen, in brief"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Mother of Don Juan"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Here goes nothing!"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Brian of ambient music"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Part of a bass in a jug band"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tub in which clothes or linens can be washed
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WASHTUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. :"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Get new life out of"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that use again after processing
  • Similar words include: reprocess, recycle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Eponym for a lounge chair"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states designer noted for an innovative series of chairs (1907-1978)
  • Similar words include: Charles Eames
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAMES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "I can't believe that price" bargain"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an advantageous purchase
  • Similar words include: bargain, slip, buy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Made hay?"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make into a bale
  • Similar words include: bale
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BALED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Uniform"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
  • Similar words include: evening, even out, yet
  • Opposite of: uneven, odd
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Puma rival"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Setting for the graphic novel series "Persepolis""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a theocratic islamic republic in the middle east in western asia; iran was the core of the ancient empire that was known as persia until 1935; rich in oil
  • Similar words include: Persia, Islamic Republic of Iran
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Transition"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of changing smoothly from one state or situation to another
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEGUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Competitor of the early Chevrolet 490"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. "Sticks""

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a remote and undeveloped area
  • Similar words include: back country, boondocks, hinterland
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BACKWOODS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Dangerous ocean phenomenon"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Edible algae dubbed "green caviar""

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Break the ice?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
  • Similar words include: melting, thawing, melt
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Knockouts"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very attractive or seductive looking woman
  • Similar words include: mantrap, knockout, beauty
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STUNNERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Blind followers, informally"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Friend of Nancy Drew"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Moor"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Daily ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an insignificant student who is ridiculed as being affected or boringly studious
  • Similar words include: cranch, travail, moil
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GRIND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Element of a poetry analysis, maybe"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of length adopted under the systeme international d'unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
  • Similar words include: time, metre, beat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: METER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. Baseball's Stengel"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Sing like Michael Bublé"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sing softly
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CROON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Threads"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Food item whose name comes from the Greek for "turn""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a greek sandwich: sliced roast lamb with onion and tomato stuffed into pita bread
  • Similar words include: gyroscope
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GYRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Occasion that may involve fine china"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
  • Similar words include: afternoon tea, Camellia sinensis, teatime
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Common end to an address"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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: May 15, 2026 at 06:45 AM

Quick NYT Mini Crossword May 15, 2026 (Trivia Week 3) - Solutions

NYT Mini Trivia Week 3 May 15, 2026 - Hints & Answers

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: March 14 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | Saturday NYT Mini Crossword Answers | All NYT Across Clues December 25 2025 |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for May 15, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Friday, May 15, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date May 15, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

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

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

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

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

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

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

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

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 34. Throw in at the end
2 Across 16. Good name for a yoga instructor?
3 Across 35. Pulls off
4 Across 47. Duane ___ (New York-based pharmacy chain)
5 Across 49. Figures in "Puss in Boots" and "Hop-o'-My-Thumb"
6 Across 57. Difficult time for farmers
7 Across 17. Hairy get-up
8 Across 20. Civil rights activist Williams, an associate of Martin Luther King Jr.
9 Across 37. Jarring film transition to a new scene
10 Across 1. To the ___ (as much as possible)

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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


1 Across: "34. Throw in at the end"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal TAGON


2 Across: "16. Good name for a yoga instructor?"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal MATT


3 Across: "35. Pulls off"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DOES


4 Across: "47. Duane ___ (New York-based pharmacy chain)"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal READE


5 Across: "49. Figures in "Puss in Boots" and "Hop-o'-My-Thumb""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal OGRES


6 Across: "57. Difficult time for farmers"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: D_______N

Answer:

Click to reveal DRYSEASON


7 Across: "17. Hairy get-up"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A________E

Answer:

Click to reveal APECOSTUME


8 Across: "20. Civil rights activist Williams, an associate of Martin Luther King Jr."

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: H___A

Answer:

Click to reveal HOSEA


9 Across: "37. Jarring film transition to a new scene"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S______T

Answer:

Click to reveal SMASHCUT


10 Across: "1. To the ___ (as much as possible)"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal HILT

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 22. Puma rival
2 Down 3. Line of attack?
3 Down 36. Knockouts
4 Down 7. Here goes nothing!
5 Down 54. Common end to an address
6 Down 24. Setting for the graphic novel series "Persepolis"
7 Down 53. Occasion that may involve fine china
8 Down 2. "Tell me!"
9 Down 46. Sing like Michael Bublé
10 Down 15. Made hay?

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


1 Down: "22. Puma rival"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ADIDAS


2 Down: "3. Line of attack?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: L_______M

Answer:

Click to reveal LETMEATEM


3 Down: "36. Knockouts"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S______S

Answer:

Click to reveal STUNNERS


4 Down: "7. Here goes nothing!"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: V_______T

Answer:

Click to reveal VACANTLOT


5 Down: "54. Common end to an address"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal COM


6 Down: "24. Setting for the graphic novel series "Persepolis""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal IRAN


7 Down: "53. Occasion that may involve fine china"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
  • Another word like this: teatime

Answer:

Click to reveal TEA


8 Down: "2. "Tell me!""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I_______S

Answer:

Click to reveal IMALLEARS


9 Down: "46. Sing like Michael Bublé"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal CROON


10 Down: "15. Made hay?"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal BALED

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 58 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

Common Questions About Trivia Week 3

When can I play the Trivia Week 3 Mini?

The Trivia Week 3 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 3?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 3 Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 3?

No! The Trivia Week 3 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 3 solver?

Good Trivia Week 3 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 3?

Trivia Week 3 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.


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

Last Updated: May 15, 2026 at 06:44 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, May 15 2026 mini crossword

Saturday, September 27, 2025

February 20, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, February 20, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (35 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

February 20, 2020 Across Hints: NYT Thursday Crossword Answers

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Cantina 3
2A 4. Two-time Time magazine Person of the Year 5
3A 9. Say maybe, maybe 4
4A 13. "The Americans" K.G.B. officer ___ Burov 4
5A 15. Robert Galbraith, to J. K. Rowling 5
6A 16. Summer cooler 4
7A 17. Awake during the wee hours, say 6
8A 18. Gut feeling 5
9A 19. "That was a close one!" 4
10A 20. Journalism 15
11A 23. Showed sudden interest 5
12A 24. They close at 9 p.m. in New York 5
13A 27. Smith of punk rock 5
14A 31. "Excuse me!" 6
15A 32. Nail site 3
16A 35. Dismissive response to critics 15
17A 37. Approximately, informally 3
18A 38. French greeting 5
19A 39. Nuke 3
20A 40. Parking lot event 13
21A 44. Nation's borders? 3
22A 45. Basketball Hall-of-Famer Dantley 6
23A 46. "Sweet and healing medicine of troubles," per Horace 5
24A 48. Town that inspired "The House of the Seven Gables" 5
25A 49. Goes (through) laboriously 5
26A 53. Pirate plunder ... or a hint to interpreting an appropriate number of squares in this puzzle 13
27A 59. Adult 6
28A 61. At dinner and then the cinema, say 7
29A 62. What a volcano may leave 6
30A 63. Opposite of drain 4
31A 64. One may be held by candlelight 5
32A 65. Hat worn by Charles de Gaulle 4
33A 66. Go down 4
34A 67. Chicago's ___ Expressway 5
35A 68. Taste 3

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. Cantina"

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 room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
  • Words that mean the same thing: block off, stop, Browning automatic rifle
  • The opposite would be: unbar
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. Two-time Time magazine Person of the Year"

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: OBAMA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Say maybe, maybe"

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: RSVP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. "The Americans" K.G.B. officer ___ Burov"

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: OLEG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Robert Galbraith, to J. K. Rowling"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a name that has been assumed temporarily
  • Words that mean the same thing: also known as, assumed name, a.k.a.
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALIAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Summer cooler"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ICEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Awake during the wee hours, say"

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: UPLATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Gut feeling"

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 impression that something might be the case
  • Words that mean the same thing: hunch forward, intuition, hunch over
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HUNCH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. "That was a close one!""

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: PHEW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Journalism"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: THEFOURTHESTATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Showed sudden interest"

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: SATUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. They close at 9 p.m. in New York"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the place where people vote
  • Words that mean the same thing: canvass, opinion poll, crown
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: POLLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Smith of punk rock"

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: PATTI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "31. "Excuse me!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the act of excusing a mistake or offense
  • Words that mean the same thing: forgiveness, amnesty, free pardon
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PARDON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. Nail site"

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 clawed foot of an animal especially a quadruped
  • Words that mean the same thing: manus, mitt, hand
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PAW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Dismissive response to critics"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: HATERSGONNAHATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. Approximately, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ISH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. French greeting"

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: SALUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. Nuke"

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 sudden event that imparts energy or excitement, usually with a dramatic impact
  • Words that mean the same thing: nuke, atomise, microwave
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ZAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. Parking lot event"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: TAILGATEPARTY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Nation's borders?"

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 half the width of an em
  • Words that mean the same thing: nut, en
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ENS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Basketball Hall-of-Famer Dantley"

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 roman emperor who was the adoptive son of trajan; travelled throughout his empire to strengthen its frontiers and encourage learning and architecture; on a visit to britain in 122 he ordered the construction of hadrian's wall (76-138)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Edgar Douglas Adrian, Baron Adrian, Hadrian
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ADRIAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. "Sweet and healing medicine of troubles," per Horace"

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 artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
  • Words that mean the same thing: euphony, medicine
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MUSIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. Town that inspired "The House of the Seven Gables""

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 capital of the state of oregon in the northwestern part of the state on the willamette river
  • Words that mean the same thing: capital of Oregon
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SALEM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Goes (through) laboriously"

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 farm tool having one or more heavy blades to break the soil and cut a furrow prior to sowing
  • Words that mean the same thing: treat, plough, turn
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PLOWS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "53. Pirate plunder ... or a hint to interpreting an appropriate number of squares in this puzzle"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: PIECESOFEIGHT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "59. Adult"

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: XRATED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "61. At dinner and then the cinema, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ONADATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "62. What a volcano may leave"

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 bowl-shaped geological formation at the top of a volcano
  • Words that mean the same thing: volcanic crater
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CRATER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "63. Opposite of drain"

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 quantity sufficient to satisfy
  • Words that mean the same thing: meet, filling, fill up
  • The opposite would be: empty
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FILL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "64. One may be held by candlelight"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a period of sleeplessness
  • Words that mean the same thing: watch
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: VIGIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "65. Hat worn by Charles de Gaulle"

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 cap with a flat circular top and a visor
  • Words that mean the same thing: yachting cap, service cap, peaked cap
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KEPI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "66. Go down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
  • Words that mean the same thing: miss, fall behind, suffer
  • The opposite would be: keep, profit
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "67. Chicago's ___ Expressway"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • Words that mean the same thing: nirvana, paradise, Garden of Eden
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EDENS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "68. Taste"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a small drink
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SIP

    Great job if you got it right!

NYT Thursday Crossword Down Clues - February 20, 2020 Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Fits 5
2D 2. ___ dog 5
3D 3. Subleased 5
4D 4. Where the Ko'olau Range is located 4
5D 5. Busy day, in retrospect 4
6D 6. "___ that somethin'?" 4
7D 7. Speed measure 4
8D 8. He beat Connors in the Wimbledon final in 1975 4
9D 9. Oscar-nominated actor with nearly synonymous first and last names 7
10D 10. Spike Lee film set at a historically black college 10
11D 11. Notch shape 3
12D 12. Support for a religious group? 3
13D 14. Flub 6
14D 21. Hawaiian food fish 4
15D 22. Cross 4
16D 25. Actress Lindsay of "Mean Girls" 5
17D 26. Is nosy 6
18D 28. "We can't joke about that yet?" 7
19D 29. Golfer's obstacle 4
20D 30. Nation of ___ 5
21D 31. Actress Annie of "Young Sheldon" 5
22D 32. Pockets of the Middle East? 5
23D 33. Grilled, at a taqueria 5
24D 34. Eddies 10
25D 36. Expert 4
26D 41. Gather dust 7
27D 42. Hearts or spades 4
28D 43. Cry of surprise 4
29D 47. Hit it off 5
30D 50. People eaters 5
31D 51. Oprah's "The Color Purple" co-star 6
32D 52. Word after New York or Las Vegas 5
33D 54. Spot to lay anchor 4
34D 55. Blyton who wrote "The Enchanted Wood" 4
35D 56. Stuffing ingredient 4
36D 57. For whom Wednesday is named 4
37D 58. Tricks 5
38D 59. Sports org. with the New York Guardians and Seattle Dragons 3
39D 60. Brazil's ___ Roosevelt 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. Fits"

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 (sports) a division during which one team is on the offensive
  • Words that mean the same thing: binge, bout, round
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BOUTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. ___ dog"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the 1st letter of the greek alphabet
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALPHA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Subleased"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: RELET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Where the Ko'olau Range is located"

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 an island of central hawaii (between molokai and kauai); the chief island of the state
  • Words that mean the same thing: Oahu Island
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OAHU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Busy day, in retrospect"

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 hazy or indistinct representation
  • Words that mean the same thing: slur, smear, film over
  • The opposite would be: focus
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BLUR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. "___ that somethin'?""

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: AINT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Speed measure"

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 austrian physicist and philosopher who introduced the mach number and who founded logical positivism (1838-1916)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Ernst Mach
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MACH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. He beat Connors in the Wimbledon final in 1975"

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 united states tennis player who was the first black to win united states and english singles championships (1943-1993)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Arthur Ashe, Arthur Robert Ashe
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ASHE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Oscar-nominated actor with nearly synonymous first and last names"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: RIPTORN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Spike Lee film set at a historically black college"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert 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: SCHOOLDAZE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Notch shape"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: VEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Support for a religious group?"

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 long bench with backs; used in church by the congregation
  • Words that mean the same thing: church bench
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PEW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Flub"

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: GOOFUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. Hawaiian food fish"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that large elliptical brightly colored deep-sea fish of atlantic and pacific and mediterranean
  • Words that mean the same thing: Lampris regius, moonfish
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OPAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Cross"

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 complete duration of something
  • Words that mean the same thing: couple, twosome, sweep
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Actress Lindsay of "Mean Girls""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a buddhist who has attained nirvana
  • Words that mean the same thing: Arhant, Arhat
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOHAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Is nosy"

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 spy who makes uninvited inquiries into the private affairs of others
  • Words that mean the same thing: snoop, sleuth, stag
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SNOOPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. "We can't joke about that yet?""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: TOOSOON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Golfer's obstacle"

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 device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned
  • Words that mean the same thing: snare, pin, yap
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Nation of ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the civilization of muslims collectively which is governed by the muslim religion
  • Words that mean the same thing: Muhammadanism, Islamism, Mohammedanism
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ISLAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Actress Annie of "Young Sheldon""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: POTTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Pockets of the Middle East?"

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 usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
  • Words that mean the same thing: pita, 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: PITAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Grilled, at a taqueria"

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: ASADA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Eddies"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a powerful circular current of water (usually the result of conflicting tides)
  • Words that mean the same thing: whirlpool, whirl, swirl
  • The word looks like this: __________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WHIRLPOOLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Expert"

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 hindu or buddhist religious leader and spiritual teacher
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GURU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Gather dust"

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: LIEIDLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. Hearts or spades"

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 contest with rules to determine a winner
  • Words that mean the same thing: spunky, stake, gritty
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GAME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Cry of surprise"

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: YIPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Hit it off"

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 short light metallic sound
  • Words that mean the same thing: tick, sink in, penetrate
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CLICK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. People eaters"

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 cruel wicked and inhuman person
  • Words that mean the same thing: fiend, devil, ogre
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OGRES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Oprah's "The Color Purple" co-star"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: WHOOPI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. Word after New York or Las Vegas"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a relatively long narrow piece of something
  • Words that mean the same thing: ransack, landing strip, denude
  • The opposite would be: dress
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STRIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. Spot to lay anchor"

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

    The answer is: COVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "55. Blyton who wrote "The Enchanted Wood""

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 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 35 Down: "56. Stuffing ingredient"

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 mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
  • Words that mean the same thing: salvia, sage-green
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "57. For whom Wednesday is named"

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 (norse mythology) ruler of the aesir; supreme god of war and poetry and knowledge and wisdom (for which he gave an eye) and husband of frigg; identified with the teutonic wotan
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ODIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "58. Tricks"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a person who lacks good judgment
  • Words that mean the same thing: soft touch, mark, take in
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FOOLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "59. Sports org. with the New York Guardians and Seattle Dragons"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: XFL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "60. Brazil's ___ Roosevelt"

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

    The answer is: RIO

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 57 77.0%
Short Answer 9 12.2%
Celebrity/Entertainment 4 5.4%
Movies/Film 1 1.4%
History 1 1.4%
Food & Drink 1 1.4%
Sports 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 35
Down Clues 39
Total Clues 74
Average Answer Length 5.3 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

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

Last Updated: September 26, 2025 at 11:18 PM