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

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 12, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Appropriate answer for 1-Across 5
2A 6. Have the sense of 4
3A 10. Females shepherded by shepherds 4
4A 14. Fuel-bearing ship 5
5A 15. Leer at 4
6A 16. One piece of a three-piece suit 4
7A 17. Listing at an ice cream shop in Ipswich 15
8A 20. Lou Gehrig's disease, in brief 3
9A 21. "___ Robinson" (Simon & Garfunkel song) 3
10A 22. Happen afterward 5
11A 23. Some limb-moving muscles 9
12A 27. Kids' items at a day care in Derby 14
13A 32. Pack tightly 5
14A 33. Spanish for "this" 4
15A 34. Pod tidbit 3
16A 35. Spoke to a convention, say 6
17A 37. Members of the aristocracy 6
18A 40. Establishment that might offer free breakfast 3
19A 41. Quaint lead-in to while 4
20A 45. Leads off 5
21A 46. Areas on a map of Manchester 14
22A 50. Sudden, widespread appearances of illness 9
23A 51. Live (in) 5
24A 54. "Thanks a ___!" (informal appreciation) 3
25A 55. Butcher's discard 3
26A 58. "Hmm, why use the spellings of 17-, 27- and 46-Across?" 15
27A 63. Laura of "Jurassic Park" 4
28A 64. A pelican can hold more water in this than in its belly 4
29A 65. Franz ___, Prague-born writer of dark fiction 5
30A 66. Force holding us onto Earth, informally 4
31A 67. Pepsi alternative 4
32A 68. Be present 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Appropriate answer for 1-Across"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the beginning of anything
  • Similar words include: originate, bug out, pop
  • Opposite of: finish, end
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: START

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Have the sense of"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an intuitive awareness; or
  • Similar words include: look, finger, flavour
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Females shepherded by shepherds"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • Similar words include: ewe, Ewe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EWES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Fuel-bearing ship"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a worker who oils engines or machinery
  • Similar words include: tanker, oil well, tank ship
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OILER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Leer at"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that look at with amorous intentions
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. One piece of a three-piece suit"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man's sleeveless garment worn underneath a coat
  • Similar words include: robe, undershirt, invest
  • Opposite of: divest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Listing at an ice cream shop in Ipswich"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLAVOUROFTHEDAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Lou Gehrig's disease, in brief"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that thickening of tissue in the motor tracts of the lateral columns and anterior horns of the spinal cord; results in progressive muscle atrophy that starts in the limbs
  • Similar words include: Heart of Dixie, Camellia State, Al
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. "___ Robinson" (Simon & Garfunkel song)"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a form of address for a married woman
  • Similar words include: Mrs., Mr., Mister
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Happen afterward"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
  • Similar words include: result
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENSUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Some limb-moving muscles"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who unlawfully seizes and detains a victim (usually for ransom)
  • Similar words include: kidnapper, abductor muscle, snatcher
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABDUCTORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Kids' items at a day care in Derby"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "32. Pack tightly"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "33. Spanish for "this""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "34. Pod tidbit"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that seed of a pea plant used for food
  • Similar words include: pea plant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Spoke to a convention, say"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that talk pompously
  • Similar words include: orate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "37. Members of the aristocracy"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status
  • Similar words include: elite, elite group
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. Establishment that might offer free breakfast"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
  • Similar words include: auberge, lodge, hostelry
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Quaint lead-in to while"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that at a previous time
  • Similar words include: erstwhile, once, formerly
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. Leads off"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
  • Similar words include: unfold, give, clear
  • Opposite of: fold, close
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Areas on a map of Manchester"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a surrounding or nearby region
  • Similar words include: neck of the woods, vicinity, locality
  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEIGHBOURHOODS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "50. Sudden, widespread appearances of illness"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sudden violent spontaneous occurrence (usually of some undesirable condition)
  • Similar words include: irruption, outbreak, eruption
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUTBREAKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "51. Live (in)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that think moodily or anxiously about something
  • Similar words include: brood, inhabit, harp
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DWELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "54. "Thanks a ___!" (informal appreciation)"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cypriot monetary unit equal to one thousandth of a pound
  • Similar words include: ml, Swedish mile, cc
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "55. Butcher's discard"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft greasy substance occurring in organic tissue and consisting of a mixture of lipids (mostly triglycerides)
  • Similar words include: rich, adipose tissue, blubber
  • Opposite of: thin, leanness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "58. "Hmm, why use the spellings of 17-, 27- and 46-Across?""

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OHYOUAREBRITISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "63. Laura of "Jurassic Park""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "64. A pelican can hold more water in this than in its belly"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a statute in draft before it becomes law
  • Similar words include: card, account, circular
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "65. Franz ___, Prague-born writer of dark fiction"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that czech novelist who wrote in german about a nightmarish world of isolated and troubled individuals (1883-1924)
  • Similar words include: Franz Kafka
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAFKA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "66. Force holding us onto Earth, informally"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "67. Pepsi alternative"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that carbon fuel produced by distillation of coal
  • Similar words include: snow, C, Coca Cola
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "68. Be present"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have an existence, be extant
  • Similar words include: live, be, survive
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Divan 4
2D 2. Tens or ones place? 4
3D 3. Lead-in to "poor Yorick!" 4
4D 4. Al Sharpton's title, for short 3
5D 5. Instrument with a Renaissance-era ancestor called a sackbut 8
6D 6. "Absolutely!" 7
7D 7. Sense of self 3
8D 8. Hermey is one, in TV's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" 3
9D 9. Do-over at serving 3
10D 10. "Nevertheless ..." 6
11D 11. Marries 4
12D 12. One son of Isaac and Rebekah 4
13D 13. Bacterial eye malady 4
14D 18. Pakistani language 4
15D 19. Chervil or chive 4
16D 23. Touched down 4
17D 24. Stool pigeons, in police shorthand 3
18D 25. Explosive inits. 3
19D 26. Kind of arch in architecture 4
20D 27. ___ asada 5
21D 28. Resident of a Mideast sultanate 5
22D 29. Chose, with "for" 5
23D 30. Wails 5
24D 31. Give some lip to 4
25D 32. Sign up for 4
26D 36. Some are said to be "swimming" in this 4
27D 38. Resemble 8
28D 39. Ways to raise capital, in brief 4
29D 42. Lowe on TV 3
30D 43. Big ___, West Coast tourist destination 3
31D 44. Shake with fear 7
32D 47. Sandlot QB's order to a receiver 6
33D 48. Streaming service owned by Disney 4
34D 49. Cause of a shower drain clog, maybe 4
35D 51. Birdbrain 4
36D 52. "At what time?" 4
37D 53. BrontΓ« heroine 4
38D 55. Popular female poodle name 4
39D 56. Inquires 4
40D 57. Word after "Copy" or "Fancy" 4
41D 59. Airer of "The View" 3
42D 60. Site of the world's largest Carnival celebration 3
43D 61. Wapiti, by another name 3
44D 62. Put a burden on 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Divan"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an upholstered seat for more than one person
  • Similar words include: lounge, couch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOFA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Tens or ones place?"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that unstratified soil deposited by a glacier; consists of sand and clay and gravel and boulders mixed together
  • Similar words include: cashbox, public treasury, trough
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TILL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Lead-in to "poor Yorick!""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Similar words include: regrettably, unluckily, ala
  • Opposite of: fortunately, luckily
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Al Sharpton's title, for short"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that rate of revolution of a motor
  • Similar words include: rpm, revolutions per minute, rev up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Instrument with a Renaissance-era ancestor called a sackbut"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brass instrument consisting of a long tube whose length can be varied by a u-shaped slide
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROMBONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "Absolutely!""

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Sense of self"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
  • Similar words include: self-importance, self, egotism
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Hermey is one, in TV's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Similar words include: pixy, gremlin, extremely low frequency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Do-over at serving"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
  • Similar words include: Army of the Pure, lease, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba
  • Opposite of: disallow, prevent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. "Nevertheless ...""

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Marries"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fourth day of the week; the third working day
  • Similar words include: splice, Midweek, hook up with
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. One son of Isaac and Rebekah"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

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!

13D: "13. Bacterial eye malady"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Similar words include: sty, eye infection, hordeolum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Pakistani language"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the official literary language of pakistan, closely related to hindi; widely used in india (mostly by moslems); written in arabic script
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URDU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Chervil or chive"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a plant lacking a permanent woody stem; many are flowering garden plants or potherbs; some having medicinal properties; some are pests
  • Similar words include: herbaceous plant
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Touched down"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Stool pigeons, in police shorthand"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an alliance made up of states that had been soviet socialist republics in the soviet union prior to its dissolution in dec 1991
  • Similar words include: Commonwealth of Independent States, curie, Ci
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Explosive inits."

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

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!

19D: "26. Kind of arch in architecture"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a molding that (in section) has the shape of an s with the convex part above and the concave part below
  • Similar words include: cyma reversa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OGEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. ___ asada"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Resident of a Mideast sultanate"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of oman
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMANI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "29. Chose, with "for""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that select as an alternative over another
  • Similar words include: choose, opt, prefer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "30. Wails"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a funeral lament sung with loud wailing
  • Similar words include: keen, lament
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KEENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "31. Give some lip to"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
  • Similar words include: lip, back talk, Special Air Service
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "32. Sign up for"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the shape or manner in which things come together and a connection is made
  • Similar words include: articulation, joint, junction
  • Opposite of: disjoin
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JOIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. Some are said to be "swimming" in this"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of owing something (especially money)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEBT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "38. Resemble"

8 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "39. Ways to raise capital, in brief"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a corporation's first offer to sell stock to the public
  • Similar words include: initial offering, initial public offering, IPO
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IPOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. Lowe on TV"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
  • Similar words include: overcharge, gazump, soak
  • Opposite of: undercharge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "43. Big ___, West Coast tourist destination"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a port in southern lebanon on the mediterranean sea; formerly a major phoenician seaport famous for silks
  • Similar words include: Tyre
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "44. Shake with fear"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reflex motion caused by cold or fear or excitement
  • Similar words include: shake, shiver
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREMBLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Sandlot QB's order to a receiver"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "48. Streaming service owned by Disney"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "49. Cause of a shower drain clog, maybe"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
  • Similar words include: hairsbreadth, pilus, hair's-breadth
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "51. Birdbrain"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone whose style is out of fashion
  • Similar words include: fogy, fogey, Raphus cucullatus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DODO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "52. "At what time?""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "53. BrontΓ« heroine"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shallow salt lake in south central australia about 35 feet below sea level; the largest lake in the country and the lowest point on the continent
  • Similar words include: Lake Eyre
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "55. Popular female poodle name"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "56. Inquires"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that inquire about
  • Similar words include: expect, demand, ask
  • Opposite of: obviate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "57. Word after "Copy" or "Fancy""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "59. Airer of "The View""

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
  • Similar words include: alphabet, ABC's, rudiment
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "60. Site of the world's largest Carnival celebration"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the former capital and 2nd largest city of brazil; chief brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction
  • Similar words include: Rio de Janeiro
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "61. Wapiti, by another name"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called `elk' in europe and `moose' in north america
  • Similar words include: Alces alces, wapiti, red deer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "62. Put a burden on"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that charge against a citizen's person or property or activity for the support of government
  • Similar words include: revenue enhancement, assess, taxation
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAX

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.

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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

32 Across Clues
44 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: May 12, 2026 at 06:25 AM

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Thursday NYT Down Solutions December 11, 2025 - Every Vertical Clue Decoded with Hints

NYT Crossword Down December 11, 2025: All 39 Vertical Answers & Strategic Tips

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: Xwordhint Crossword Answers October 04 | February 29 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | March 30 2023 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 11, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Thursday, December 11, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 11, 2025
Day of Week Thursday
Total Down Clues 39 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Medium

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. Alan of PBS's "Scientific American Frontiers"
2 Down 2. Wrapper at a Japanese restaurant
3 Down 3. Steps up to, as the line
4 Down 4. Right-leaning type
5 Down 5. Super-trendy
6 Down 6. Electrified Olympic weapon
7 Down 7. Collect, as rewards
8 Down 8. Huggers
9 Down 9. In the style of
10 Down 10. Something learned the hard way, often
11 Down 11. Organization promoting international goodwill
12 Down 12. Coin with 12 stars on it
13 Down 15. Acting collectively
14 Down 18. Un-solid-ify
15 Down 22. Be worthy of
16 Down 25. Sol's sister
17 Down 27. Toward the back of the boat
18 Down 28. Big wheels in the Vatican?
19 Down 29. Ray Charles's first #1 R&B single (1954)
20 Down 30. Hand sanitizer eliminates the need to do this
21 Down 31. Quit
22 Down 32. Art class staple
23 Down 33. Abrupt endings, of a sort
24 Down 34. 2022 book paying tribute to a 1960s rock legend
25 Down 38. Narrow openings
26 Down 39. Big Apple debut in 2010
27 Down 42. This clue's number, for the youngest U.S. president
28 Down 44. "Lux-ur-ious!"
29 Down 46. Nick of "Cape Fear"
30 Down 47. Pan in the butt?
31 Down 50. Cybersecurity concern
32 Down 52. Electrical units
33 Down 53. Maze runners, sometimes
34 Down 54. Universal donor's type, informally
35 Down 56. Children's author Blyton
36 Down 57. Popular stick-figure webcomic
37 Down 58. Quizzes
38 Down 60. ___-cone
39 Down 62. New Zealand parrot whose name sounds like a Korean automaker

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. Alan of PBS's "Scientific American Frontiers""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALDA


2 Down: "2. Wrapper at a Japanese restaurant"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: N__I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NORI


3 Down: "3. Steps up to, as the line"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T__S
  • Similar words: toe, toenail
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: one of the digits of the foot
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TOES


4 Down: "4. Right-leaning type"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I_____S
  • Similar words: italic, Italic language
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ITALICS


5 Down: "5. Super-trendy"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: blistering, live
  • Opposite of: cold
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOT


6 Down: "6. Electrified Olympic weapon"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EPEE


7 Down: "7. Collect, as rewards"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: R__P
  • Similar words: draw, harvest
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: gather
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REAP


8 Down: "8. Huggers"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S
  • Similar words: sleeve, branch
  • Opposite of: disarm
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: weapons considered collectively
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARMS


9 Down: "9. In the style of"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALA


10 Down: "10. Something learned the hard way, often"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LIFELESSON


11 Down: "11. Organization promoting international goodwill"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PEACECORPS


12 Down: "12. Coin with 12 stars on it"

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 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EURO


13 Down: "15. Acting collectively"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASONE


14 Down: "18. Un-solid-ify"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: M__T
  • Similar words: unfreeze, dissolve
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MELT


15 Down: "22. Be worthy of"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: M___T
  • Similar words: deserve, deservingness
  • Opposite of: demerit
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any admirable quality or attribute
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MERIT


16 Down: "25. Sol's sister"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LUNA


17 Down: "27. Toward the back of the boat"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: abaft, astern
  • Opposite of: fore
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: (nautical
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AFT


18 Down: "28. Big wheels in the Vatican?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P________E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer POPEMOBILE


19 Down: "29. Ray Charles's first #1 R&B single (1954)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: I________N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IGOTAWOMAN


20 Down: "30. Hand sanitizer eliminates the need to do this"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R___E
  • Similar words: gargle, rinsing
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a liquid preparation used on wet hair to give it a tint
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RINSE


21 Down: "31. Quit"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: E___D
  • Similar words: complete, all over
  • Opposite of: begin
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: have an end
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENDED


22 Down: "32. Art class staple"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: P___R
  • Similar words: theme, wallpaper
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PAPER


23 Down: "33. Abrupt endings, of a sort"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T__S
  • Similar words: TKO
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TKOS


24 Down: "34. 2022 book paying tribute to a 1960s rock legend"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: J__I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JIMI


25 Down: "38. Narrow openings"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S___S
  • Similar words: slit, prick
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a long narrow opening
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLITS


26 Down: "39. Big Apple debut in 2010"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: I__D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IPAD


27 Down: "42. This clue's number, for the youngest U.S. president"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: maturate, geezerhood
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: how long something has existed
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AGE


28 Down: "44. "Lux-ur-ious!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: O_____A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OOHLALA


29 Down: "46. Nick of "Cape Fear""

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 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NOLTE


30 Down: "47. Pan in the butt?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G__T
  • Similar words: caprine animal, butt
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GOAT


31 Down: "50. Cybersecurity concern"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: H__K
  • Similar words: hack on, jade
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: one who works hard at boring tasks
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HACK


32 Down: "52. Electrical units"

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: Georg Simon Ohm, Ohm
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OHMS


33 Down: "53. Maze runners, sometimes"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: M__E
  • Similar words: black eye, mouse
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MICE


34 Down: "54. Universal donor's type, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: O__G
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ONEG


35 Down: "56. Children's author Blyton"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: E__D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a town in north central Oklahoma
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENID


36 Down: "57. Popular stick-figure webcomic"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'X' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: X__D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer XKCD


37 Down: "58. Quizzes"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S
  • Similar words: expect, require
  • Opposite of: obviate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: inquire about
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASKS


38 Down: "60. ___-cone"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SNO


39 Down: "62. New Zealand parrot whose name sounds like a Korean automaker"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: large brownish-green New Zealand parrot
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KEA

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 11, 2025 at 05:17 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 11 2025 down clues