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

Thursday, July 2, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 02, 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: Challenging

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. Flying high 5
2A 6. Romulus and Remus, e.g., for short 4
3A 10. "Hey ...!" 4
4A 14. Skateboarding trick 5
5A 15. "There is nothing on earth so powerful as an ___ whose time has come" (proverb) 4
6A 16. Bird related to the 46-Down 4
7A 17. City center, often 5
8A 18. Groups at the First Continental Congress in 1774 11
9A 20. "Les ___" 3
10A 21. Open mic performer, often 4
11A 22. Setting of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" 4
12A 23. 10 Hamiltons 8
13A 25. American Revolution heroes 8
14A 27. Fig. at a bus depot 3
15A 28. Defeats convincingly 7
16A 31. Fancy Dan 3
17A 32. Daiquiri flavor 6
18A 34. Bit of lore 4
19A 35. Overdo it at the beach, say 3
20A 36. George Washington's presidential status on February 4, 1789 5
21A 37. Chrome alternative 6
22A 39. Simple wooden shoes 6
23A 42. Last full year of John Adams's presidency 5
24A 46. Heart chart, for short 3
25A 49. Fail to engage 4
26A 50. Jewish mysticism 6
27A 52. "Nixon in China" tenor 3
28A 53. Periodic survey started under Secy. of State Thomas Jefferson 8
29A 55. Trunk part 3
30A 56. Disunites 6
31A 58. "Father of the Constitution" and his family 8
32A 60. Like the Revolutionary War battles led by John Paul Jones 5
33A 61. Apple Store offerings 4
34A 63. Show of friendliness 3
35A 64. First signer of the Declaration of Independence 11
36A 66. "The Divine ___" (showbiz nickname) 5
37A 68. Conglomeration 4
38A 69. Regarding, on a memo 4
39A 70. Soul singer Adams 5
40A 71. Angler's hope 4
41A 72. TV programmer's slate, in brief 4
42A 73. American settlement until 1776 ... or a hint to 13 squares in this puzzle 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Flying high"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
  • Similar words include: glad, well-chosen, felicitous
  • Opposite of: unhappy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAPPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Romulus and Remus, e.g., for short"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person's brother or sister
  • Similar words include: sibling, cognate, sib
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. "Hey ...!""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Skateboarding trick"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "There is nothing on earth so powerful as an ___ whose time has come" (proverb)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
  • Similar words include: theme, estimation, musical theme
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Bird related to the 46-Down"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fertility goddess in ancient greek mythology; wife of cronus and mother of zeus; identified with roman ops and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Similar words include: Rhea americana, Pterocnemia pennata, nandu
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. City center, often"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a public square with room for pedestrians
  • Similar words include: place, mall, shopping mall
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLAZA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Groups at the First Continental Congress in 1774"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of representatives or delegates
  • Similar words include: commission, delegacy, relegation
  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELEGATIONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. "Les ___""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Open mic performer, often"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Setting of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in iowa and minnesota and missouri
  • Similar words include: Ioway, IA, Hawkeye State
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOWA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. 10 Hamiltons"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gum resin used especially in treating skin irritation
  • Similar words include: benzoin, gum benjamin, asa dulcis
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BENJAMIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. American Revolution heroes"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who loves and defends his or her country
  • Similar words include: nationalist, patriot
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PATRIOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Fig. at a bus depot"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
  • Similar words include: Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Basque Homeland and Freedom
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Defeats convincingly"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Fancy Dan"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance
  • Similar words include: fashion plate, clotheshorse, swell
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Daiquiri flavor"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several tropical and subtropical treelike herbs of the genus musa having a terminal crown of large entire leaves and usually bearing hanging clusters of elongated fruits
  • Similar words include: banana tree
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BANANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Bit of lore"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
  • Similar words include: narrative, fib, story
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Overdo it at the beach, say"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english painter and art critic (1866-1934)
  • Similar words include: nipper, electrocute, Roger Fry
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "36. George Washington's presidential status on February 4, 1789"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exclusive group of people
  • Similar words include: chosen, elite
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "37. Chrome alternative"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an overland journey by hunters (especially in africa)
  • Similar words include: hunting expedition, campaign
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAFARI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "39. Simple wooden shoes"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shoe carved from a single block of wood
  • Similar words include: patten, wooden shoe, geta
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SABOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Last full year of John Adams's presidency"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Heart chart, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph
  • Similar words include: EKG, cardiogram, electrocardiogram
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Fail to engage"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who evokes boredom
  • Similar words include: tire, digest, have a bun in the oven
  • Opposite of: interest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Jewish mysticism"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an esoteric or occult matter resembling the kabbalah that is traditionally secret
  • Similar words include: kabbalah, kabala, qabala
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CABALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. "Nixon in China" tenor"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine and serotonin)
  • Similar words include: Mao Zedong, Mao Tsetung, monoamine oxidase
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Periodic survey started under Secy. of State Thomas Jefferson"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Trunk part"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that support resembling the rib of an animal
  • Similar words include: make fun, blackguard, roast
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Disunites"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that undo the ties of
  • Similar words include: unbrace, untie, loosen
  • Opposite of: tie
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNTIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. "Father of the Constitution" and his family"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 4th president of the united states; member of the continental congress and rapporteur at the constitutional convention in 1776; helped frame the bill of rights (1751-1836)
  • Similar words include: President Madison, capital of Wisconsin, Madison
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MADISONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Like the Revolutionary War battles led by John Paul Jones"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that connected with or belonging to or used in a navy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAVAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Apple Store offerings"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric
  • Similar words include: mack, macintosh, mackintosh
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. Show of friendliness"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tight or amorous embrace
  • Similar words include: squeeze, bosom, clinch
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HUG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. First signer of the Declaration of Independence"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. "The Divine ___" (showbiz nickname)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Conglomeration"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Regarding, on a memo"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Soul singer Adams"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "71. Angler's hope"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wound resulting from biting by an animal or a person
  • Similar words include: chomp, seize with teeth, morsel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "72. TV programmer's slate, in brief"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "73. American settlement until 1776 ... or a hint to 13 squares in this puzzle"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a body of people who settle far from home but maintain ties with their homeland; inhabitants remain nationals of their home state but are not literally under the home state's system of government
  • Similar words include: settlement, dependency
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COLONY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Word with bar or bunny 3
2D 2. Unadulterated by plastic, say 8
3D 3. Ordinary 9
4D 4. You knead dough to make it 5
5D 5. A word of support 3
6D 6. Location of "Sloop John B" on the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" album 7
7D 7. Just chillaxing 4
8D 8. Salad ingredient often paired with goat cheese 4
9D 9. Long account 4
10D 10. A ___ 6
11D 11. Hot dog on a roll? 7
12D 12. One whose qualifications are enumerated in Article I, Section 3, of the Constitution 7
13D 13. Some coll. instructors 3
14D 19. Uneasy giggle 6
15D 21. Printing size 4
16D 23. Two-time Tony winner Neuwirth 4
17D 24. "Yowza!" 3
18D 25. Comedian Poundstone 5
19D 26. Bug exterminator? 3
20D 29. ___ Island 6
21D 30. Graceless ones 4
22D 33. Gets going 4
23D 37. Ticked off 4
24D 38. Website that added podcast info in 2021 4
25D 40. Granada grandma 6
26D 41. Pears used for cooking 5
27D 43. Musical with the song "What's the Use of Wond'rin'?" 8
28D 44. Doesn't let go of 8
29D 45. Street fleet 4
30D 46. World's second-tallest bird 3
31D 47. Trattoria treat in a shell 7
32D 48. Doubled, say 7
33D 50. Things to chew on 4
34D 51. Start to live and breathe? 3
35D 54. Kissed or whacked 7
36D 57. Rowena's love, in fiction 7
37D 59. 1970 Neil Diamond song about an imaginary childhood friend 5
38D 61. One living an orderly life? 4
39D 62. 4,840 square yards 4
40D 64. ZipRecruiter listing 3
41D 65. CBS drama starting in 2003 4
42D 66. Soft slip-on, for short 3
43D 67. Lots of 4

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Word with bar or bunny"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
  • Similar words include: hop-skip, skip, hops
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Unadulterated by plastic, say"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Ordinary"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. You knead dough to make it"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that italian open pie made of thin bread dough spread with a spiced mixture of e.g. tomato sauce and cheese
  • Similar words include: pizza pie
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIZZA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. A word of support"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an affirmative
  • Similar words include: yeah
  • Opposite of: nay
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Location of "Sloop John B" on the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" album"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Just chillaxing"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
  • Similar words include: slug, unused, light
  • Opposite of: busy, work
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Salad ingredient often paired with goat cheese"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that biennial eurasian plant usually having a swollen edible root; widely cultivated as a food crop
  • Similar words include: common beet, beetroot, Beta vulgaris
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Long account"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrative telling the adventures of a hero or a family; originally (12th to 14th centuries) a story of the families that settled iceland and their descendants but now any prose narrative that resembles such an account
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. A ___"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Hot dog on a roll?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. One whose qualifications are enumerated in Article I, Section 3, of the Constitution"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a senate
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SENATOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Some coll. instructors"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hard grey lustrous metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion; occurs in niobite and fergusonite and tantalite
  • Similar words include: tantalum, Ta, atomic number 73
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "19. Uneasy giggle"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nervous restrained laugh
  • Similar words include: giggle
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TITTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Printing size"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an eating disorder, frequent in children, in which non-nutritional objects are eaten persistently
  • Similar words include: pica em, em, genus Pica
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PICA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Two-time Tony winner Neuwirth"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. "Yowza!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
  • Similar words include: humankind, human race, valet
  • Opposite of: civilian, woman
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Comedian Poundstone"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Bug exterminator?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
  • Similar words include: snoop, sight, spot
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. ___ Island"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Graceless ones"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward stupid person
  • Similar words include: gawk, lout, lummox
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Gets going"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a new testament book describing the development of the early church from christ's ascension to paul's sojourn at rome
  • Similar words include: human activity, dissemble, do
  • Opposite of: refrain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "37. Ticked off"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open skin infection
  • Similar words include: mad, tender, painful
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Website that added podcast info in 2021"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. Granada grandma"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Pears used for cooking"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that greenish-yellow pear
  • Similar words include: bosc
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOSCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "43. Musical with the song "What's the Use of Wond'rin'?""

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conveyer belt that carries luggage to be claimed by air travelers
  • Similar words include: whirligig, roundabout, carrousel
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAROUSEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Doesn't let go of"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Street fleet"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a compartment at the front of a motor vehicle or locomotive where driver sits
  • Similar words include: hack, taxi, cab
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. World's second-tallest bird"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
  • Similar words include: Emu novaehollandiae, electromagnetic unit, Dromaius novaehollandiae
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Trattoria treat in a shell"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Doubled, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Things to chew on"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that food of a ruminant regurgitated to be chewed again
  • Similar words include: wad, chew, chaw
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Start to live and breathe?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Kissed or whacked"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that deliver a hard blow to
  • Similar words include: peck, thwack, smack
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMACKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Rowena's love, in fiction"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "59. 1970 Neil Diamond song about an imaginary childhood friend"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "61. One living an orderly life?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation and prayer and work
  • Similar words include: Thelonious Sphere Monk, Thelonious Monk, monastic
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MONK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. 4,840 square yards"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
  • Similar words include: Akko, Akka, Accho
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "64. ZipRecruiter listing"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
  • Similar words include: caper, line of work, line
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JOB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "65. CBS drama starting in 2003"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "66. Soft slip-on, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "67. Lots of"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by `as' or `too' or `so' or `that'; amounting to a large but indefinite number
  • Opposite of: few
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

42 Across Clues
43 Down Clues
85 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: July 02, 2026 at 06:53 AM

Sunday, October 12, 2025

NYT Down Clues Answers October 12, 2025 - All 83 Vertical Solutions & Expert Hints

Sunday's NYT Down Oct 12 - Full Vertical Grid Solutions

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 83 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: NYT Down Today October 01 2025 Complete | August 11 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | August 10 2023 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for October 12, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Sunday, October 12, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date October 12, 2025
Day of Week Sunday
Total Down Clues 83 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Easy

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 83 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Green or black African menace
2 Down 2. Spider-Man, for one
3 Down 3. Freak out
4 Down 4. Good name for an apiarist?
5 Down 5. Rocker ___ Rose
6 Down 6. UPS competitor
7 Down 7. Sends to Hades
8 Down 8. Mishmash
9 Down 9. Bloke
10 Down 10. Religious title whose name comes from the Hebrew for "father"
11 Down 11. Chews (out)
12 Down 12. Classic car that shared its name with a planet, informally
13 Down 13. Postdebate areas
14 Down 14. Some old game consoles
15 Down 15. ___ Gay, author of "Bad Feminist"
16 Down 16. Fairy tale sibling
17 Down 17. Doofuses, north of the border
18 Down 20. Absolutely, in slang
19 Down 24. Never-ending
20 Down 26. CPR pressure points
21 Down 29. Cycle at night?
22 Down 31. Core-strengthening Pilates exercises
23 Down 32. Badly
24 Down 33. It's covered in kernels
25 Down 37. ___ gin fizz
26 Down 38. "Charlotte's Web" author's inits.
27 Down 39. Wood found in restaurant furniture
28 Down 40. Speck
29 Down 41. Online shorthand meaning "Victory!"
30 Down 42. Afore
31 Down 43. Previously known as
32 Down 44. Of help
33 Down 45. "Turn that frown upside down!"
34 Down 46. Clever sort
35 Down 49. Big name in vacuum cleaners
36 Down 50. [It's time for bed!]
37 Down 51. Sharply dressed
38 Down 52. Part
39 Down 53. The Bronx Bombers, on scoreboards
40 Down 55. Pittance
41 Down 56. Camera type, for short
42 Down 60. Barista's flourish
43 Down 61. ___ Eminence
44 Down 63. Mouthy bird?
45 Down 64. Name found in "whole milk"
46 Down 65. Prefix with matter
47 Down 66. One of many in the book of Job
48 Down 67. Actor Firth
49 Down 68. Employ
50 Down 69. Hot French beverage
51 Down 70. "Resolute" item in the Oval Office
52 Down 71. Hold dear, perhaps
53 Down 75. Men who marry later in life
54 Down 76. Rafts
55 Down 77. Ripen
56 Down 78. Settings of many Patrick O'Brian novels
57 Down 79. Recite
58 Down 80. Moody music genre
59 Down 81. Light up?
60 Down 82. Worker with a handler
61 Down 84. Easy-listening radio category
62 Down 85. "More or less"
63 Down 86. Business name abbr.
64 Down 90. Poor grade
65 Down 91. Took off
66 Down 92. Man who might be installing a baby gate
67 Down 93. Gild the lily, with "it"
68 Down 94. Facade
69 Down 95. Not distracted at work
70 Down 96. Email attachment type
71 Down 99. Body parts examined for arrhythmia
72 Down 100. Big name in vacuum cleaners
73 Down 101. Company that owns Words With Friends
74 Down 102. A, in Ashkelon
75 Down 103. "Totally cool!"
76 Down 104. Old Scratch
77 Down 106. Chow
78 Down 107. Pretty cool stuff
79 Down 108. Big Apple's bravest, in brief
80 Down 109. Something a beach lifeguard monitors
81 Down 113. Cry of frustration
82 Down 114. Insta chats
83 Down 115. Fair-hiring inits.

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. Green or black African menace"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MAMBA


2 Down: "2. Spider-Man, for one"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A___S
  • Similar words: assumed name, a.k.a.
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a name that has been assumed temporarily
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALIAS


3 Down: "3. Freak out"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: P___C
  • Similar words: scare, terror
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PANIC


4 Down: "4. Good name for an apiarist?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BEA


5 Down: "5. Rocker ___ Rose"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AXL


6 Down: "6. UPS competitor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'L'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DHL


7 Down: "7. Sends to Hades"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: D___S
  • Similar words: darn, hoot
  • Opposite of: bless
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: something of little value
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DAMNS


8 Down: "8. Mishmash"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: O__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OLIO


9 Down: "9. Bloke"

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: cuss, Ghent
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: informal abbreviation of `gentleman'
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GENT


10 Down: "10. Religious title whose name comes from the Hebrew for "father""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A___T
  • Similar words: archimandrite
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the superior of an abbey of monks
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ABBOT


11 Down: "11. Chews (out)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R___S
  • Similar words: ream
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a large quantity of written matter
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REAMS


12 Down: "12. Classic car that shared its name with a planet, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: M__C
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MERC


13 Down: "13. Postdebate areas"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S_______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPINROOMS


14 Down: "14. Some old game consoles"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATARIS


15 Down: "15. ___ Gay, author of "Bad Feminist""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROXANE


16 Down: "16. Fairy tale sibling"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: G____L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GRETEL


17 Down: "17. Doofuses, north of the border"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: H____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOSERS


18 Down: "20. Absolutely, in slang"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'F'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DEF


19 Down: "24. Never-ending"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: E_____L
  • Similar words: ageless, eonian
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: continuing forever or indefinitely
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ETERNAL


20 Down: "26. CPR pressure points"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: S____A
  • Similar words: sternum, genus Sterna
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a genus of Sterninae
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STERNA


21 Down: "29. Cycle at night?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'M'
  • Similar words: REM sleep
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REM


22 Down: "31. Core-strengthening Pilates exercises"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T_____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TOETAPS


23 Down: "32. Badly"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'L'
  • Similar words: poorly, badly
  • Opposite of: well
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ILL


24 Down: "33. It's covered in kernels"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'B'
  • Similar words: cobnut, filbert
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: nut of any of several trees of the genus Corylus
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer COB


25 Down: "37. ___ gin fizz"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S__E
  • Similar words: blackthorn, Alleghany plum
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLOE


26 Down: "38. "Charlotte's Web" author's inits."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'W'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EBW


27 Down: "39. Wood found in restaurant furniture"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'H'
  • Similar words: ash tree
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the residue that remains when something is burned
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASH


28 Down: "40. Speck"

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: atom, corpuscle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MOTE


29 Down: "41. Online shorthand meaning "Victory!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'W'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FTW


30 Down: "42. Afore"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ERE


31 Down: "43. Previously known as"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NEE


32 Down: "44. Of help"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: U___E
  • Similar words: useful
  • Opposite of: useless
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: being of use or service
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UTILE


33 Down: "45. "Turn that frown upside down!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S___E
  • Similar words: grin, grinning
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SMILE


34 Down: "46. Clever sort"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: humor, humour
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WIT


35 Down: "49. Big name in vacuum cleaners"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: O___K
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ORECK


36 Down: "50. [It's time for bed!]"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: Y__N
  • Similar words: gape, oscitancy
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YAWN


37 Down: "51. Sharply dressed"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: C__C
  • Similar words: modishness, smartness
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: elegance by virtue of being fashionable
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CHIC


38 Down: "52. Part"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R__E
  • Similar words: use, office
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROLE


39 Down: "53. The Bronx Bombers, on scoreboards"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'Y'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NYY


40 Down: "55. Pittance"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'U'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOU


41 Down: "56. Camera type, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLR


42 Down: "60. Barista's flourish"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: S___L
  • Similar words: eddy, convolution
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the shape of something rotating rapidly
  • This is Down clue number 42

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SWIRL


43 Down: "61. ___ Eminence"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'S'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 43

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HIS


44 Down: "63. Mouthy bird?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: M__A
  • Similar words: mina, myna bird
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: tropical Asian starlings
  • This is Down clue number 44

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MYNA


45 Down: "64. Name found in "whole milk""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: E__L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 45

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EMIL


46 Down: "65. Prefix with matter"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: A__I
  • Opposite of: pro
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 46

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ANTI


47 Down: "66. One of many in the book of Job"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: T___L
  • Similar words: tryout, trial run
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the act of testing something
  • This is Down clue number 47

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TRIAL


48 Down: "67. Actor Firth"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: C___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 48

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer COLIN


49 Down: "68. Employ"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: apply, practice
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the act of using
  • This is Down clue number 49

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer USE


50 Down: "69. Hot French beverage"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 50

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THE


51 Down: "70. "Resolute" item in the Oval Office"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: O_____K
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 51

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OAKDESK


52 Down: "71. Hold dear, perhaps"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'G'
  • Similar words: embrace, bosom
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a tight or amorous embrace
  • This is Down clue number 52

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HUG


53 Down: "75. Men who marry later in life"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B_______S
  • Similar words: benedick, Ruth Benedict
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: United States anthropologist (1887-1948)
  • This is Down clue number 53

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BENEDICTS


54 Down: "76. Rafts"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L__S
  • Similar words: passel, circle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a large number or amount
  • This is Down clue number 54

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LOTS


55 Down: "77. Ripen"

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: long time, geezerhood
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: how long something has existed
  • This is Down clue number 55

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AGE


56 Down: "78. Settings of many Patrick O'Brian novels"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S__S
  • Similar words: sea, ocean
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 56

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEAS


57 Down: "79. Recite"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'F'
  • Word pattern: N_____F
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 57

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NAMEOFF


58 Down: "80. Moody music genre"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 58

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EMO


59 Down: "81. Light up?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: sunshine, insolate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 59

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SUN


60 Down: "82. Worker with a handler"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Similar words: descry, sight
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 60

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPY


61 Down: "84. Easy-listening radio category"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: L____M
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 61

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LITEFM


62 Down: "85. "More or less""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'H'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 62

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ISH


63 Down: "86. Business name abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'D'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 63

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LTD


64 Down: "90. Poor grade"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 64

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DEE


65 Down: "91. Took off"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: hunt, ply
  • Opposite of: idle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: move fast by using one's feet
  • This is Down clue number 65

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAN


66 Down: "92. Man who might be installing a baby gate"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: N____D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 66

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NEWDAD


67 Down: "93. Gild the lily, with "it""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: O____O
  • Similar words: exaggerate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: do something to an excessive degree
  • This is Down clue number 67

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OVERDO


68 Down: "94. Facade"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: V____R
  • Similar words: facing, veneering
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 68

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VENEER


69 Down: "95. Not distracted at work"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: O____K
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 69

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ONTASK


70 Down: "96. Email attachment type"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'F'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 70

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PDF


71 Down: "99. Body parts examined for arrhythmia"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A___A
  • Similar words: atrium
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 71

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATRIA


72 Down: "100. Big name in vacuum cleaners"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: D___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 72

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DYSON


73 Down: "101. Company that owns Words With Friends"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Z' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: Z___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 73

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ZYNGA


74 Down: "102. A, in Ashkelon"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: A___H
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the 1st letter of the Hebrew alphabet
  • This is Down clue number 74

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALEPH


75 Down: "103. "Totally cool!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: N___O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 75

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NEATO


76 Down: "104. Old Scratch"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: S___N
  • Similar words: Old Nick, Beelzebub
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 76

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SATAN


77 Down: "106. Chow"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: F__E
  • Similar words: make out, get along
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an agenda of things to do
  • This is Down clue number 77

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FARE


78 Down: "107. Pretty cool stuff"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: glass, deoxyephedrine
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: water frozen in the solid state
  • This is Down clue number 78

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ICE


79 Down: "108. Big Apple's bravest, in brief"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: F__Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 79

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FDNY


80 Down: "109. Something a beach lifeguard monitors"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T__E
  • Similar words: surge
  • Opposite of: ebb
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 80

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIDE


81 Down: "113. Cry of frustration"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'H'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 81

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GAH


82 Down: "114. Insta chats"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: dm, decimetre
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 82

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DMS


83 Down: "115. Fair-hiring inits."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 83

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EEO

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 83 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: October 12, 2025 at 05:12 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, October 12 2025 down clues