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Showing posts sorted by date for query OILPAINT. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Monday, December 8, 2025

All NYT Down Clues December 08, 2025 - 39 Vertical Answers with Hints

NYT Down Clues Answers December 08, 2025 - All 39 Vertical Solutions & Expert Hints

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 39 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: December 10 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | February 16 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | September 02 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 08, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Monday, December 08, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 08, 2025
Day of Week Monday
Total Down Clues 39 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Challenging

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 39 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Magic charms
2 Down 2. Not together
3 Down 3. Interior design
4 Down 4. Genesis boat
5 Down 5. The eyes may have it
6 Down 6. Scuba gear
7 Down 7. Remnants of a volcanic spew
8 Down 8. Corp. exec overseeing engineers, say
9 Down 9. Stuff on an artist's palette
10 Down 10. Eleventh-hour
11 Down 11. Potatoes, in Indian cooking
12 Down 12. From ___ to dusk
13 Down 15. Actor Sam of "Jurassic Park"
14 Down 18. Acorn droppers
15 Down 23. Salt, in Paris
16 Down 25. Money across the Atlantic
17 Down 27. Messages on which you might be cc'd
18 Down 29. Iraqis and Iranians
19 Down 31. Biblical brother of Jacob
20 Down 32. Psychedelic tab
21 Down 33. Toy on a string that's not a kite
22 Down 34. Center of a stone fruit
23 Down 36. Film special effects, for short
24 Down 38. After-hours source of $$$
25 Down 40. Lost moisture
26 Down 41. Nonspecific amount
27 Down 44. Pet that stores food in cheek pouches
28 Down 46. Author Fleming
29 Down 47. What empty stomachs do
30 Down 49. In ___ of
31 Down 51. No longer available
32 Down 53. "There ___ enough hours in the day"
33 Down 54. "That's the truth!"
34 Down 55. Mosaic pieces
35 Down 56. Covering over a wound
36 Down 57. Pause in the action
37 Down 59. "It's gonna ___ you!"
38 Down 63. Hwy.
39 Down 64. Early Chinese dynasty

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. Magic charms"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M___S
  • Similar words: mojo
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a magic power or magic spell
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MOJOS


2 Down: "2. Not together"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A___T
  • Similar words: obscure, aside
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: remote and separate physically or socially; ; - W.H.Hudson
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer APART


3 Down: "3. Interior design"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: D___R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DECOR


4 Down: "4. Genesis boat"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARK


5 Down: "5. The eyes may have it"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: M_____A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: makeup that is used to darken and thicken the eye lashes
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MASCARA


6 Down: "6. Scuba gear"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: T__K
  • Similar words: storage tank, cooler
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TANK


7 Down: "7. Remnants of a volcanic spew"

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: ash tree, ash
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the residue that remains when something is burned
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASHES


8 Down: "8. Corp. exec overseeing engineers, say"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CTO


9 Down: "9. Stuff on an artist's palette"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: O______T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OILPAINT


10 Down: "10. Eleventh-hour"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: L_______H
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LASTDITCH


11 Down: "11. Potatoes, in Indian cooking"

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
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALOO


12 Down: "12. From ___ to dusk"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: D__N
  • Similar words: cockcrow, sunup
  • Opposite of: sunset
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the first light of day
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DAWN


13 Down: "15. Actor Sam of "Jurassic Park""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: N___L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NEILL


14 Down: "18. Acorn droppers"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: O__S
  • Similar words: oak, oak tree
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OAKS


15 Down: "23. Salt, in Paris"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'L'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEL


16 Down: "25. Money across the Atlantic"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: E__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EURO


17 Down: "27. Messages on which you might be cc'd"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E____S
  • Similar words: e-mail, email
  • Opposite of: snail mail
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EMAILS


18 Down: "29. Iraqis and Iranians"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A____S
  • Similar words: Asiatic, Asian
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a native or inhabitant of Asia
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASIANS


19 Down: "31. Biblical brother of Jacob"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'U'
  • Word pattern: E__U
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ESAU


20 Down: "32. Psychedelic tab"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'D'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LSD


21 Down: "33. Toy on a string that's not a kite"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: Y__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YOYO


22 Down: "34. Center of a stone fruit"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: C_______T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CHERRYPIT


23 Down: "36. Film special effects, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'I'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CGI


24 Down: "38. After-hours source of $$$"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'M'
  • Similar words: cash machine, cash dispenser
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATM


25 Down: "40. Lost moisture"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: D______T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DRIEDOUT


26 Down: "41. Nonspecific amount"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S__E
  • Similar words: more or less, around
  • Opposite of: no
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOME


27 Down: "44. Pet that stores food in cheek pouches"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: H_____R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HAMSTER


28 Down: "46. Author Fleming"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'N'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IAN


29 Down: "47. What empty stomachs do"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: G___L
  • Similar words: grumble, rumble
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the sound of growling (as made by animals)
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GROWL


30 Down: "49. In ___ of"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'U'
  • Word pattern: L__U
  • Similar words: position, stead
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LIEU


31 Down: "51. No longer available"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: T___N
  • Similar words: take, have
  • Opposite of: give
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: carry out
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TAKEN


32 Down: "53. "There ___ enough hours in the day""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARENT


33 Down: "54. "That's the truth!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: N___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NOLIE


34 Down: "55. Mosaic pieces"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T___S
  • Similar words: roofing tile, tile
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TILES


35 Down: "56. Covering over a wound"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: S__B
  • Similar words: blackleg, fink
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCAB


36 Down: "57. Pause in the action"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: L__L
  • Similar words: calm down, tranquillise
  • Opposite of: agitate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LULL


37 Down: "59. "It's gonna ___ you!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: C__T
  • Similar words: toll, be
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer COST


38 Down: "63. Hwy."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RTE


39 Down: "64. Early Chinese dynasty"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'I'
  • Similar words: Wei dynasty
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WEI

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 39 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: December 08, 2025 at 05:16 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 08 2025 down clues

XWordHint Crossword Answers December 08, 2025 | 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. Sir's counterpart 5
2A 6. Folded Mexican snack 4
3A 10. Young chap 3
4A 13. "___ is where a guy gets stabbed in the back, and instead of dying, he sings": Robert Benchley 5
5A 14. Sean of "The Lord of the Rings" 5
6A 16. Chicken ___ king 3
7A 17. Wyoming skiing mecca 11
8A 19. Female pig 3
9A 20. Gold, in Spanish 3
10A 21. Dessert with icing 4
11A 22. Motor City hoopster 6
12A 24. Run out of clothes? 6
13A 26. Like an envelope that's ready to be sent 6
14A 28. ___ Major (constellation) 4
15A 30. "Enola Holmes" actress ___ Bobby Brown 6
16A 32. Bicycle shorts material 5
17A 35. Computer image 4
18A 37. ID checkers at an airport 3
19A 39. Gallery-filled Big Apple neighborhood 4
20A 40. Finger or toe ... or, when read as two words, what you can do to the ends of 17- and 62-Across and 10- and 34-Down 5
21A 41. "Get outta here!" 4
22A 42. Artificial colorant 3
23A 43. Half of a train track 4
24A 44. "That's boring!" 5
25A 45. Starting point 6
26A 48. Grand ___ (achievement in baseball or tennis) 4
27A 50. Hardest to find 6
28A 52. "Let me clarify ..." 6
29A 56. Gesture suggesting "I see what you did there" 6
30A 58. Top poker cards 4
31A 60. Monarch at Versailles 3
32A 61. Golfer's target ... or prize 3
33A 62. End successfully 11
34A 65. Comedian Wong 3
35A 66. Medieval stringed instruments 5
36A 67. "___, meenie, miney, mo" 5
37A 68. Crunchy sandwich, for short 3
38A 69. Camp shelter 4
39A 70. Religious ceremonies 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Sir's counterpart"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a woman of refinement
  • Similar words include: dame, gentlewoman, ma'am
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MADAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Folded Mexican snack"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
  • Similar words include: greaser, wetback
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TACO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Young chap"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a boy or man
  • Similar words include: feller, fella, sonny
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. "___ is where a guy gets stabbed in the back, and instead of dying, he sings": Robert Benchley"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
  • Similar words include: opera house
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Sean of "The Lord of the Rings""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Chicken ___ king"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Wyoming skiing mecca"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Female pig"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female hog
  • Similar words include: sow in, inseminate, seed
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Gold, in Spanish"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Dessert with icing"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a block of solid substance (such as soap or wax)
  • Similar words include: coat, patty, bar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Motor City hoopster"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states neoclassical composer (1894-1976)
  • Similar words include: plunger, Walter Piston
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PISTON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Run out of clothes?"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an unbroken series of events
  • Similar words include: run, mottle, stripe
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STREAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Like an envelope that's ready to be sent"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make tight; secure against leakage
  • Similar words include: plastered, seal off, varnish
  • Opposite of: unseal, unsealed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEALED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. ___ Major (constellation)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. "Enola Holmes" actress ___ Bobby Brown"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Bicycle shorts material"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Computer image"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of scanning; systematic examination of a prescribed region
  • Similar words include: skim, CAT scan, glance over
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. ID checkers at an airport"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an agency established in 2001 to safeguard united states transportation systems and insure safe air travel
  • Similar words include: Transportation Security Administration
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Gallery-filled Big Apple neighborhood"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a district in southwestern manhattan noted for its shops and restaurants and galleries and artist's lofts
  • Similar words include: South of Houston
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Finger or toe ... or, when read as two words, what you can do to the ends of 17- and 62-Across and 10- and 34-Down"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the elements that collectively form a system of numeration
  • Similar words include: fingerbreadth, finger, dactyl
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIGIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. "Get outta here!""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that singing jazz; the singer substitutes nonsense syllables for the words of the song and tries to sound like a musical instrument
  • Similar words include: lam, scarper, hightail it
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Artificial colorant"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair
  • Similar words include: dyestuff
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Half of a train track"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports
  • Similar words include: railing, train, vituperate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "44. "That's boring!""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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25A: "45. Starting point"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the place where something begins, where it springs into being
  • Similar words include: root, blood line, rootage
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORIGIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Grand ___ (achievement in baseball or tennis)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that winning all or all but one of the tricks in bridge
  • Similar words include: thrash, gibe, shaft
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Hardest to find"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
  • Similar words include: rarefied, rare, rarified
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAREST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. "Let me clarify ...""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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29A: "56. Gesture suggesting "I see what you did there""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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30A: "58. Top poker cards"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: adept, sensation, I
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Monarch at Versailles"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (corporate finance) the amount, expressed as a percentage, that is earned on a company's total capital calculated by dividing the total capital into earnings before interest, taxes, or dividends are paid
  • Similar words include: return on investment, return on invested capital
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. Golfer's target ... or prize"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle
  • Similar words include: loving cup, transfuse, cupful
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. End successfully"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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34A: "65. Comedian Wong"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
  • Similar words include: Cassius Marcellus Clay, Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALI

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35A: "66. Medieval stringed instruments"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a substance for packing a joint or coating a porous surface to make it impervious to gas or liquid
  • Similar words include: lute, luting
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. "___, meenie, miney, mo""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Crunchy sandwich, for short"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sandwich filled with slices of bacon and tomato with lettuce
  • Similar words include: bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Camp shelter"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
  • Similar words include: camp out, bivouac, encamp
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Religious ceremonies"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an established ceremony prescribed by a religion
  • Similar words include: rite, religious rite, ritual
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Magic charms 5
2D 2. Not together 5
3D 3. Interior design 5
4D 4. Genesis boat 3
5D 5. The eyes may have it 7
6D 6. Scuba gear 4
7D 7. Remnants of a volcanic spew 5
8D 8. Corp. exec overseeing engineers, say 3
9D 9. Stuff on an artist's palette 8
10D 10. Eleventh-hour 9
11D 11. Potatoes, in Indian cooking 4
12D 12. From ___ to dusk 4
13D 15. Actor Sam of "Jurassic Park" 5
14D 18. Acorn droppers 4
15D 23. Salt, in Paris 3
16D 25. Money across the Atlantic 4
17D 27. Messages on which you might be cc'd 6
18D 29. Iraqis and Iranians 6
19D 31. Biblical brother of Jacob 4
20D 32. Psychedelic tab 3
21D 33. Toy on a string that's not a kite 4
22D 34. Center of a stone fruit 9
23D 36. Film special effects, for short 3
24D 38. After-hours source of $$$ 3
25D 40. Lost moisture 8
26D 41. Nonspecific amount 4
27D 44. Pet that stores food in cheek pouches 7
28D 46. Author Fleming 3
29D 47. What empty stomachs do 5
30D 49. In ___ of 4
31D 51. No longer available 5
32D 53. "There ___ enough hours in the day" 5
33D 54. "That's the truth!" 5
34D 55. Mosaic pieces 5
35D 56. Covering over a wound 4
36D 57. Pause in the action 4
37D 59. "It's gonna ___ you!" 4
38D 63. Hwy. 3
39D 64. Early Chinese dynasty 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Magic charms"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a magic power or magic spell
  • Similar words include: mojo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOJOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Not together"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remote and separate physically or socially; ; - w.h.hudson
  • Similar words include: isolated, obscure, aside
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Interior design"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that decoration consisting of the layout and furnishings of a livable interior
  • Similar words include: interior decoration
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DECOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Genesis boat"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (judaism) sacred chest where the ancient hebrews kept the two tablets containing the ten commandments
  • Similar words include: Ark of the Covenant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. The eyes may have it"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that makeup that is used to darken and thicken the eye lashes
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MASCARA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Scuba gear"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an enclosed armored military vehicle; has a cannon and moves on caterpillar treads
  • Similar words include: tankful, tank car, storage tank
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TANK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Remnants of a volcanic spew"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the residue that remains when something is burned
  • Similar words include: ash, ash tree
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASHES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Corp. exec overseeing engineers, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Stuff on an artist's palette"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Eleventh-hour"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Potatoes, in Indian cooking"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. From ___ to dusk"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the first light of day
  • Similar words include: aurora, dayspring, click
  • Opposite of: sunset
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "15. Actor Sam of "Jurassic Park""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Acorn droppers"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
  • Similar words include: oak tree, oak
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Salt, in Paris"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Money across the Atlantic"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic monetary unit of most members of the european union (introduced in 1999); in 2002 twelve european nations (germany, france, belgium, luxembourg, the netherlands, italy, spain, portugal, ireland, greece, austria, finland) adopted the euro as their basic unit of money and abandoned their traditional currencies
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EURO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. Messages on which you might be cc'd"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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: email, netmail, electronic mail
  • Opposite of: snail mail
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMAILS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. Iraqis and Iranians"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of asia
  • Similar words include: Asiatic, Asian
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "31. Biblical brother of Jacob"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) the eldest son of isaac who would have inherited the covenant that god made with abraham and that abraham passed on to isaac; he traded his birthright to his twin brother jacob for a mess of pottage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESAU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. Psychedelic tab"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
  • Similar words include: lysergic acid diethylamide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LSD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Toy on a string that's not a kite"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Center of a stone fruit"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Film special effects, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. After-hours source of $$$"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of pressure: the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
  • Similar words include: atmosphere, standard pressure, cash machine
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. Lost moisture"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Nonspecific amount"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quantifier; used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
  • Similar words include: more or less, or so, roughly
  • Opposite of: no
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "44. Pet that stores food in cheek pouches"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that short-tailed old world burrowing rodent with large cheek pouches
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAMSTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "46. Author Fleming"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "47. What empty stomachs do"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound of growling (as made by animals)
  • Similar words include: grumble, rumble, growling
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GROWL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. In ___ of"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the post or function properly or customarily occupied or served by another
  • Similar words include: position, stead, place
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIEU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. No longer available"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that require (time or space)
  • Similar words include: demand, take away, take aim
  • Opposite of: give, refuse
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAKEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. "There ___ enough hours in the day""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "54. "That's the truth!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "55. Mosaic pieces"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat thin rectangular slab (as of fired clay or rubber or linoleum) used to cover surfaces
  • Similar words include: tile, roofing tile
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TILES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Covering over a wound"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike
  • Similar words include: rat, strikebreaker, fink
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Pause in the action"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. "It's gonna ___ you!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor
  • Similar words include: toll, price, monetary value
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "63. Hwy."

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "64. Early Chinese dynasty"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several imperial dynasties of china ruling from 220 to 265 and from 386 to 556
  • Similar words include: Wei dynasty
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEI

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

39 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: December 08, 2025 at 04:07 AM