December 31, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Related Puzzles

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• March 28 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
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• January 03 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 28 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 24 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (37 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.2 letters

NYT Tuesday Crossword Across Clues - December 31, 2019 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Diving gear	5
2A	6. Home to seven "-stan" countries	4
3A	10. Drive-up bank conveniences	4
4A	14. Wagner on a very valuable baseball card	5
5A	15. James of Her Majesty's Secret Service	4
6A	16. Actress Patricia of "Hud"	4
7A	17. *Currency replaced by the euro	10
8A	19. ___ a soul (no one)	4
9A	20. G.O.P. fund-raising org.	3
10A	21. Makes a boo-boo	4
11A	22. Apply suddenly, as brakes	6
12A	24. Not go bad	4
13A	26. Just one small bite	6
14A	28. Pigeon's sound	3
15A	29. Trip through the bush	6
16A	31. *Decorative garden feature with fish	7
17A	33. Many an adopted pet	6
18A	36. Star pitchers	4
19A	37. *Almost-identical pair, figuratively	13
20A	41. ___ Sea (mostly dried-up lake)	4
21A	42. Country on an isthmus	6
22A	43. *It flows through Turin	7
23A	46. Big name in sunglasses	6
24A	50. Clinch victory in	3
25A	51. Result of a coup	6
26A	54. Top-notch	4
27A	55. Preachers preach it	6
28A	57. Oodles	4
29A	59. Periods after the fourth qtr.	3
30A	60. Duchess of ___ (Goya subject)	4
31A	61. Common New Year's resolution -- as hinted at by the answers to the four starred clues	10
32A	64. "Dear Santa" requests	4
33A	65. Like 2, 4, 6, 8 ...	4
34A	66. The mermaid in "The Little Mermaid"	5
35A	67. Magnetite and cassiterite	4
36A	68. Common first word	4
37A	69. "___ after class"	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Diving gear"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a device (trade name aqua-lung) that lets divers breathe under water; scuba is an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus
• Words that mean the same thing: aqualung, Aqua-Lung
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCUBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Home to seven "-stan" countries"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Drive-up bank conveniences"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a unit of pressure: the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
• Words that mean the same thing: atmosphere, automatic teller machine, cash dispenser
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Wagner on a very valuable baseball card"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HONUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. James of Her Majesty's Secret Service"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an electrical force linking atoms
• Words that mean the same thing: adhesiveness, bail, hamper
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Actress Patricia of "Hud""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NEAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. *Currency replaced by the euro"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IRISHPOUND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. ___ a soul (no one)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (used with singular count nouns) colloquial for `not a' or `not one' or `never a'
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NARY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. G.O.P. fund-raising org."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RNC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Makes a boo-boo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ERRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Apply suddenly, as brakes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SLAMON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Not go bad"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the financial means whereby one lives
• Words that mean the same thing: support, donjon, hold back
• The opposite would be: lose, break
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KEEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Just one small bite"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ATASTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Pigeon's sound"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: COO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Trip through the bush"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an overland journey by hunters (especially in africa)
• Words that mean the same thing: hunting expedition, campaign
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAFARI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. *Decorative garden feature with fish"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: KOIPOND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Many an adopted pet"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that recovery or preservation from loss or danger
• Words that mean the same thing: saving, deliverance, delivery
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RESCUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Star pitchers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Words that mean the same thing: maven, 1, sensation
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. *Almost-identical pair, figuratively"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TWOPEASINAPOD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. ___ Sea (mostly dried-up lake)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ARAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Country on an isthmus"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a republic on the isthmus of panama; achieved independence from colombia in 1903
• Words that mean the same thing: boater, leghorn, Republic of Panama
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PANAMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. *It flows through Turin"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RIVERPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. Big name in sunglasses"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RAYBAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "50. Clinch victory in"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that water frozen in the solid state
• Words that mean the same thing: shabu, trash, methamphetamine
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "51. Result of a coup"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who ousts or supplants someone else
• Words that mean the same thing: ousting, ejector
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OUSTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "54. Top-notch"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "55. Preachers preach it"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the four books in the new testament (matthew, mark, luke, and john) that tell the story of christ's life and teachings
• Words that mean the same thing: Gospels, creed, religious doctrine
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GOSPEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "57. Oodles"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "59. Periods after the fourth qtr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "60. Duchess of ___ (Goya subject)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. Common New Year's resolution -- as hinted at by the answers to the four starred clues"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LOSEWEIGHT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "64. "Dear Santa" requests"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an artifact designed to be played with
• Words that mean the same thing: flirt, fiddle, dally
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Like 2, 4, 6, 8 ..."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
• Words that mean the same thing: eve, level, even out
• The opposite would be: odd, uneven
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "66. The mermaid in "The Little Mermaid""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ARIEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "67. Magnetite and cassiterite"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
• Words that mean the same thing: ore
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "68. Common first word"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
• Words that mean the same thing: dadaism, pappa, pop
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DADA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "69. "___ after class""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SEEME

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Tuesday Puzzle December 31, 2019

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Neglects, as responsibilities	6
2D	2. It's reshaped by Lasik surgery	6
3D	3. Humanitarian org. since 1946	6
4D	4. Clear tables in a restaurant	3
5D	5. Tennis's Arthur ___ Stadium	4
6D	6. Call off, as a mission	5
7D	7. Composer whose work might be appropriate during March Madness?	5
8D	8. Alternative to an Airbnb	3
9D	9. Supplements	6
10D	10. Elsa's sister in "Frozen"	4
11D	11. Fans of Conan O'Brien, colloquially	8
12D	12. Cast away, like Crusoe	8
13D	13. Subtle acknowledgments	7
14D	18. Give kudos	6
15D	23. Floral necklace	3
16D	25. Sentence shortener	6
17D	27. Yarn purchase	5
18D	30. Gym lifter's unit	3
19D	32. Tropical fruit with orange flesh	6
20D	34. Mafia bosses	5
21D	35. Olympics chant	3
22D	37. Like the French and Italian flags	8
23D	38. Silently bids adieu	8
24D	39. Limited, as a search	6
25D	40. Doctors' org.	3
26D	41. Thank you, in Tokyo	7
27D	44. Eggs on sushi	3
28D	45. Like some teeth, pork and punches	6
29D	47. Get down on the dance floor	6
30D	48. "God Save the Queen," for one	6
31D	49. Big name in chocolate and bottled water	6
32D	52. Zapped at a riot, perhaps	5
33D	53. Kagan on the bench	5
34D	56. Comment at a bridge table	4
35D	58. Herbal brews	4
36D	62. Egg cells	3
37D	63. Emotion that's "raised"	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Neglects, as responsibilities"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that avoid (one's assigned duties)
• Words that mean the same thing: shirk, fiddle, goldbrick
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHIRKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. It's reshaped by Lasik surgery"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the transparent dome-shaped anterior portion of the outer covering of the eye; it covers the iris and pupil and is continuous with the sclera
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CORNEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Humanitarian org. since 1946"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an agency of the united nations responsible for programs to aid education and the health of children and mothers in developing countries
• Words that mean the same thing: United Nations Children's Fund, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNICEF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Clear tables in a restaurant"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a vehicle carrying many passengers; used for public transport
• Words that mean the same thing: coach, motorbus, double-decker
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Tennis's Arthur ___ Stadium"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ASHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Call off, as a mission"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of terminating a project or procedure before it is completed
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABORT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Composer whose work might be appropriate during March Madness?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a expert clue about music.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a united states bandmaster and composer of military marches (1854-1932)
• Words that mean the same thing: John Philip Sousa, March King
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOUSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Alternative to an Airbnb"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
• Words that mean the same thing: lodge, hostelry, auberge
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Supplements"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ADDSTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Elsa's sister in "Frozen""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a former copper coin of pakistan and india
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Fans of Conan O'Brien, colloquially"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TEAMCOCO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Cast away, like Crusoe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that leave stranded or isolated with little hope of rescue
• Words that mean the same thing: maroon, isolated, stranded
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAROONED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Subtle acknowledgments"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SLYNODS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Give kudos"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an expression of approval and commendation
• Words that mean the same thing: extolment, kudos, congratulations
• The opposite would be: criticize
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRAISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "23. Floral necklace"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
• Words that mean the same thing: garland, chaplet, leu
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Sentence shortener"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group
• Words that mean the same thing: word, password, word of honor
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAROLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Yarn purchase"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that coils of worsted yarn
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SKEIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "30. Gym lifter's unit"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that informal abbreviation of `representative'
• Words that mean the same thing: repp
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "32. Tropical fruit with orange flesh"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that tropical american shrub or small tree having huge deeply palmately cleft leaves and large oblong yellow fruit
• Words that mean the same thing: Carica papaya, pawpaw, papaya tree
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAPAYA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "34. Mafia bosses"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the head of a branch of an organized crime syndicate
• Words that mean the same thing: capo
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAPOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "35. Olympics chant"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that north american republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in north america plus alaska in northwest north america and the hawaiian islands in the pacific ocean; achieved independence in 1776
• Words that mean the same thing: United States, United States of America, Army
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "37. Like the French and Italian flags"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a flag having three colored stripes (especially the french flag)
• Words that mean the same thing: trichrome, trichromatic, tricolour
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRICOLOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "38. Silently bids adieu"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WAVESBYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "39. Limited, as a search"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a narrow strait connecting two bodies of water
• Words that mean the same thing: specialize, specialise, peg down
• The opposite would be: widen, broad-minded
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NARROW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Doctors' org."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Thank you, in Tokyo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ARIGATO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "44. Eggs on sushi"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
• Words that mean the same thing: hard roe
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. Like some teeth, pork and punches"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cause to move by pulling
• Words that mean the same thing: pull up, extract, rip
• The opposite would be: push, repel
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PULLED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Get down on the dance floor"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an instrumental version of the blues (especially for piano)
• Words that mean the same thing: boogie-woogie
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOOGIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. "God Save the Queen," for one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a song of devotion or loyalty (as to a nation or school)
• Words that mean the same thing: hymn
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTHEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Big name in chocolate and bottled water"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a close and affectionate (and often prolonged) embrace
• Words that mean the same thing: nest, draw close, cuddle
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NESTLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. Zapped at a riot, perhaps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TASED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Kagan on the bench"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "56. Comment at a bridge table"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls
• Words that mean the same thing: excrete, spend, slip away
• The opposite would be: running, failing
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "58. Herbal brews"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
• Words that mean the same thing: Camellia sinensis, tea leaf, teatime
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "62. Egg cells"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the female reproductive cell; the female gamete
• Words that mean the same thing: ovum, egg cell
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "63. Emotion that's "raised""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
• Words that mean the same thing: choler, wrath, anger
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	56	75.7%
Short Answer	12	16.2%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	4.1%
Geography	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%
Sports	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	74
Average Answer Length	5.2 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	13 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

More Crossword Resources

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

• July 28 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 26 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 29 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 28 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 17 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 04 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 05 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers September_6
• Universal Crossword Guide Solving Tips
• July 09 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

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

Last Updated: September 27, 2025 at 11:38 PM

February 17, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• April 26 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 27 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 27 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 21 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers September_18

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, February 17, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (35 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Monday Puzzle February 17, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Young dog or seal	3
2A	4. Ire	5
3A	9. Bakery fixtures	5
4A	14. Communication system for the deaf, for short	3
5A	15. Second-largest city in Oklahoma	5
6A	16. High-quality black tea	5
7A	17. Author of the memoir "Spoken From the Heart" (2010)	9
8A	19. Supreme Court justice Kagan	5
9A	20. In ___ (as found)	4
10A	21. Busy buzzer	3
11A	22. Shape of a rainbow	3
12A	23. Author of the memoir "First Lady From Plains" (1984)	14
13A	29. Attempt	3
14A	30. "I apologize!"	7
15A	31. "Shogun" or "The Lord of the Rings"	4
16A	33. Attend, as an event	4
17A	35. Inits. in some church names	3
18A	36. Author of the memoir "Becoming" (2018)	13
19A	40. Sly animal	3
20A	41. Internet forum overseers, informally	4
21A	42. Swiss peaks	4
22A	43. Kind of seat in a fighter jet	7
23A	46. Sign of a B'way success	3
24A	47. Author of the memoir "Living History" (2003)	14
25A	52. Even a single one	3
26A	53. Bagel topper	3
27A	54. Egg cell	4
28A	56. Gerontologist's study	5
29A	59. Author of the memoir "The Times of My Life" (1978)	9
30A	61. Geico mascot	5
31A	62. Wash	5
32A	63. Mag. number	3
33A	64. "What ___!" ("It's so sloppy!")	5
34A	65. Symbol of Christianity	5
35A	66. Actor Billy ___ Williams	3

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Young dog or seal"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that young of any of various canines such as a dog or wolf
• Words that mean the same thing: whelp, puppy
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. Ire"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
• Words that mean the same thing: choler, wrath, see red
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANGER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Bakery fixtures"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting
• Words that mean the same thing: oven
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Communication system for the deaf, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sign language used in the united states
• Words that mean the same thing: American sign language
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Second-largest city in Oklahoma"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a major city of northeastern oklahoma on the arkansas river; once known as the oil capital of the world and still heavily involved in the oil and gas industries
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TULSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. High-quality black tea"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a superior grade of black tea; grown in india and sri lanka and java
• Words that mean the same thing: orange pekoe
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEKOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Author of the memoir "Spoken From the Heart" (2010)"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LAURABUSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Supreme Court justice Kagan"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. In ___ (as found)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SITU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Busy buzzer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Shape of a rainbow"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
• Words that mean the same thing: discharge, electric arc, electric discharge
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Author of the memoir "First Lady From Plains" (1984)"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ROSALYNNCARTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "29. Attempt"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
• Words that mean the same thing: render, adjudicate, hear
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. "I apologize!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OHSORRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. "Shogun" or "The Lord of the Rings""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
• Words that mean the same thing: epical, heroic, heroic poem
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EPIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Attend, as an event"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GOTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Inits. in some church names"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Author of the memoir "Becoming" (2018)"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MICHELLEOBAMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Sly animal"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs
• Words that mean the same thing: trick, Charles James Fox, fob
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FOX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Internet forum overseers, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a youth subculture that began in london in the early 1960s; a working-class movement with highly stylized dress and short hair; listened to rhythm and blues music and travelled on motor scooters
• Words that mean the same thing: mod
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MODS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Swiss peaks"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a large mountain system in south-central europe; scenic beauty and winter sports make them a popular tourist attraction
• Words that mean the same thing: the Alps, alp
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Kind of seat in a fighter jet"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who ousts or supplants someone else
• Words that mean the same thing: ouster, cartridge ejector
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EJECTOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. Sign of a B'way success"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. Author of the memoir "Living History" (2003)"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HILLARYCLINTON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "52. Even a single one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one or some or every or all without specification
• Words that mean the same thing: whatsoever, whatever
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "53. Bagel topper"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a bluish translucent magnetic liquid obtained by compressing gaseous oxygen and then cooling it below its boiling point; used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants
• Words that mean the same thing: liquid oxygen
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "54. Egg cell"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the female reproductive cell; the female gamete
• Words that mean the same thing: egg cell
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "56. Gerontologist's study"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that acquiring desirable qualities by being left undisturbed for some time
• Words that mean the same thing: ageing, get on, maturate
• The opposite would be: rejuvenate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "59. Author of the memoir "The Times of My Life" (1978)"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BETTYFORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "61. Geico mascot"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various small chiefly tropical and usually nocturnal insectivorous terrestrial lizards typically with immovable eyelids; completely harmless
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GECKO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "62. Wash"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BATHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "63. Mag. number"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ISS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "64. "What ___!" ("It's so sloppy!")"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "65. Symbol of Christianity"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a wooden structure consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece
• Words that mean the same thing: hybrid, scotch, thwart
• The opposite would be: uncross
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CROSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "66. Actor Billy ___ Williams"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Monday Puzzle February 17, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Buddies	4
2D	2. Former competitor of Southwest	5
3D	3. Demoted planet	5
4D	4. One day ___ time	3
5D	5. Rough and textured, as fabric	6
6D	6. Sticky	5
7D	7. German steel city	5
8D	8. "Go team!"	3
9D	9. "La Traviata" and "Carmen"	6
10D	10. Alternative to shoelaces	6
11D	11. Barely make, with "out"	3
12D	12. Opposite of oui	3
13D	13. Mediterranean or Adriatic	3
14D	18. Suitable for the country	6
15D	22. Sound before someone says "Gesundheit!"	5
16D	24. Prefix with angel or enemy	4
17D	25. Jots down	5
18D	26. Disney's "Lady and the ___"	5
19D	27. Humorist Bombeck and others	5
20D	28. Bread for a Reuben sandwich	3
21D	31. Texter's pictograph	5
22D	32. Dot in a 31-Down	5
23D	33. See 34-Down	5
24D	34. With 33-Down, the U.S. flag, affectionately	3
25D	37. Prestigious Atlanta university	5
26D	38. Farm building	4
27D	39. Many	6
28D	40. Sound of disgust	3
29D	44. Chain-rattling sounds	6
30D	45. Argentine partner dances	6
31D	46. Generous portions of pie	6
32D	48. Cloudless	5
33D	49. Game of chance whose results are often televised	5
34D	50. Egg-shaped	5
35D	51. One taking vitals, perhaps	5
36D	55. Commercial goods: Abbr.	4
37D	56. Turkish title	3
38D	57. "Columbia, the ___ of the Ocean"	3
39D	58. What's dispensed from the middle of many a soda dispenser	3
40D	59. Network on the telly	3
41D	60. "Affirmative"	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Buddies"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
• Words that mean the same thing: pal, brother, crony
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PALS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Former competitor of Southwest"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: USAIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Demoted planet"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a cartoon character created by walt disney
• Words that mean the same thing: Aides, Aidoneus, Hades
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLUTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. One day ___ time"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ATA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Rough and textured, as fabric"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that of textiles; having a rough surface
• Words that mean the same thing: nubby, homespun, tweedy
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NUBBLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Sticky"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that having the sticky properties of an adhesive
• Words that mean the same thing: sticky, viscid, pasty
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GLUEY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. German steel city"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a city in western germany; industrial center of the ruhr
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESSEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. "Go team!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. "La Traviata" and "Carmen""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
• Words that mean the same thing: opera, Opera, opera house
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPERAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Alternative to shoelaces"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that nylon fabric used as a fastening
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VELCRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Barely make, with "out""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Opposite of oui"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that negation of a word or group of words
• Words that mean the same thing: not
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Mediterranean or Adriatic"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
• Words that mean the same thing: ocean
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Suitable for the country"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an unsophisticated country person
• Words that mean the same thing: bumpkinly, hick, countrified
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUSTIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Sound before someone says "Gesundheit!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ACHOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Prefix with angel or enemy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a curved shape in the vertical plane that spans an opening
• Words that mean the same thing: wicked, patronizing, puckish
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Jots down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a brief written record
• Words that mean the same thing: government note, note of hand, distinction
• The opposite would be: ignore
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOTES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Disney's "Lady and the ___""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a disreputable vagrant
• Words that mean the same thing: hiker, drift, hobo
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Humorist Bombeck and others"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ERMAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Bread for a Reuben sandwich"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the seed of the cereal grass
• Words that mean the same thing: rye whisky, Secale cereale, rye whiskey
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Texter's pictograph"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EMOJI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Dot in a 31-Down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (computer science) the smallest discrete component of an image or picture on a crt screen (usually a colored dot)
• Words that mean the same thing: pel, picture element
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIXEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. See 34-Down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a state of high honor
• Words that mean the same thing: nimbus, resplendence, aureole
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GLORY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. With 33-Down, the U.S. flag, affectionately"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
• Words that mean the same thing: sure-enough, honest-to-goodness, honest-to-god
• The opposite would be: new, young
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OLD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Prestigious Atlanta university"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EMORY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. Farm building"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals
• Words that mean the same thing: b
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Many"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALOTOF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "40. Sound of disgust"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FEH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. Chain-rattling sounds"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a loud resonant repeating noise
• Words that mean the same thing: clangour, clangor, crash
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLANKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Argentine partner dances"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a ballroom dance of latin-american origin
• Words that mean the same thing: tango
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TANGOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. Generous portions of pie"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that position six in a countable series of things
• Words that mean the same thing: sixth, one-sixth
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIXTHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Cloudless"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of being free of suspicion
• Words that mean the same thing: bring in, clear up, exonerated
• The opposite would be: bounce, unclear
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. Game of chance whose results are often televised"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a expert clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a game in which numbered balls are drawn at random and players cover the corresponding numbers on their cards
• Words that mean the same thing: keno, beano, bingo
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOTTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "50. Egg-shaped"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an egg-shaped object
• Words that mean the same thing: prolate, elliptical, oval-shaped
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVOID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "51. One taking vitals, perhaps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one skilled in caring for young children or the sick (usually under the supervision of a physician)
• Words that mean the same thing: suck, nanny, suckle
• The opposite would be: bottlefeed
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NURSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Commercial goods: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MDSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Turkish title"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that title for a civil or military leader (especially in turkey)
• Words that mean the same thing: Agha
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "57. "Columbia, the ___ of the Ocean""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that art highly prized for its beauty or perfection
• Words that mean the same thing: gemstone, muffin, treasure
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "58. What's dispensed from the middle of many a soda dispenser"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that water frozen in the solid state
• Words that mean the same thing: water ice, frosting, Methedrine
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "59. Network on the telly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BBC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "60. "Affirmative""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an affirmative
• The opposite would be: no
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YES

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	41	53.9%
Short Answer	21	27.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment	6	7.9%
Geography	4	5.3%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Sports	2	2.6%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	4.8 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	14 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Monday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

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• NYT Crossword January 02 1990 Xwordhint
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• NYT Crossword Answers Hints July 17
• June 06 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 02 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 19 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 03 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

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

Last Updated: September 27, 2025 at 02:42 AM