April 20, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, April 20, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (37 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Thursday Puzzle April 20, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Stick under the bed?	4
2A	5. Served flawlessly?	4
3A	9. Play with, as a catnip mouse	5
4A	14. Off-the-books business, perhaps	9
5A	16. Olympics venue	5
6A	17. Shifty type?	9
7A	18. Lubricate again	5
8A	19. Words before a deadline	5
9A	20. Site of a Herculean task	5
10A	22. Function	3
11A	23. Sparkly wine cocktail	6
12A	25. Praises to the heavens	8
13A	27. Fumble	4
14A	29. Cog on a wheel	5
15A	30. ___ crawl	4
16A	33. Mideast federation since 1971, in brief	3
17A	35. Dunderhead	6
18A	38. Fraternity letter	3
19A	39. Brand of congestion medication	7
20A	41. Where wild animals are most likely to see you	3
21A	42. Old-fashioned "Whoopee!"	6
22A	44. Capital of Brazil until 1960, informally	3
23A	45. Refuses to	4
24A	46. Make broader	5
25A	48. Desert home to the legendary Mongolian death worm	4
26A	50. Conservative, in a sense	8
27A	53. Subject of a fully exposed image?	6
28A	57. Affirming words	3
29A	58. Surprise encounter	5
30A	60. Polite refusal	5
31A	61. Muppet named after a character in "Midnight Cowboy"	5
32A	63. How this puzzle's grid must be rotated in order to read the answers to the starred clues, when written in 17-Across	9
33A	65. Bamboozle	5
34A	66. 1977 Linda Ronstadt hit	9
35A	67. Word before and after "to," in a religious phrase	5
36A	68. Org. endorsing P.P.E. for workers	4
37A	69. Jean who wrote "Wide Sargasso Sea"	4

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. Stick under the bed?"

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 thin strip (wood or metal)
• Words that mean the same thing: spline
• 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: SLAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Served flawlessly?"

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 succeed at easily
• Words that mean the same thing: sail through, breeze through, pass with flying colors
• 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: ACED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Play with, as a catnip mouse"

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: PAWAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Off-the-books business, perhaps"

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

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: CASHTRADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Olympics venue"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a particular environment or walk of life
• Words that mean the same thing: sphere, orbit, domain
• 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: ARENA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Shifty type?"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one of the large alphabetic characters used as the first letter in writing or printing proper names and sometimes for emphasis
• Words that mean the same thing: capital, capital letter, majuscule
• The opposite would be: lowercase
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UPPERCASE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Lubricate again"

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: REOIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Words before a deadline"

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: DUEBY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Site of a Herculean task"

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 valley in southeastern greece where the nemean games were held
• 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: NEMEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Function"

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 act of using
• Words that mean the same thing: practice, exercise, usage
• 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: USE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Sparkly wine cocktail"

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 quick squirt of some liquid (usually carbonated water)
• 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: SPRITZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Praises to the heavens"

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 assign great social importance to
• Words that mean the same thing: lionize, lionise, celebrate
• 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: LIONIZES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Fumble"

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 man who is a stupid incompetent fool
• Words that mean the same thing: goose, twat, blunder
• 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: GOOF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Cog on a wheel"

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 hard bonelike structures in the jaws of vertebrates; used for biting and chewing or for attack and defense
• 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: TOOTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. ___ crawl"

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 information about recent and important events
• Words that mean the same thing: intelligence, word, tidings
• 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: NEWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Mideast federation since 1971, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: UAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Dunderhead"

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 stupid incompetent person
• Words that mean the same thing: dimwit, half-wit, doofus
• 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: NITWIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Fraternity letter"

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 19th letter of the greek alphabet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. Brand of congestion medication"

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 vasoconstrictor (trade names privine and sudafed) used in nasal sprays to treat symptoms of nasal congestion and in eyedrops to treat eye irritation
• Words that mean the same thing: naphazoline, Privine
• 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: SUDAFED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Where wild animals are most likely to see you"

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 facility where wild animals are housed for exhibition
• Words that mean the same thing: zoological garden, menagerie
• 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: ZOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Old-fashioned "Whoopee!""

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: HUZZAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Capital of Brazil until 1960, informally"

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

  The answer is: RIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Refuses to"

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 established custom
• Words that mean the same thing: habit
• 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: WONT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Make broader"

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 become broader or wider or more extensive
• Words that mean the same thing: extend, broaden, let out
• The opposite would be: narrow, take in
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WIDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Desert home to the legendary Mongolian death worm"

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 desert in central china
• Words that mean the same thing: Gobi Desert
• 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: GOBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. Conservative, in a sense"

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 people who are fearful and cautious
• Words that mean the same thing: conservative, timid
• The opposite would be: brave, incautious
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAUTIOUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "53. Subject of a fully exposed image?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who practices nudity for reasons of health or religion
• Words that mean the same thing: naturist
• 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: NUDIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "57. Affirming words"

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 artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
• 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: IDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "58. Surprise encounter"

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: RUNIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "60. Polite refusal"

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: NOSIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. Muppet named after a character in "Midnight Cowboy""

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: RIZZO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "63. How this puzzle's grid must be rotated in order to read the answers to the starred clues, when written in 17-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that in the same direction as the rotating hands of a clock
• The opposite would be: counterclockwise
• 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: CLOCKWISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Bamboozle"

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 be false to; be dishonest with
• Words that mean the same thing: lead on, deceive, delude
• 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: COZEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "66. 1977 Linda Ronstadt hit"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: ITSSOEASY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "67. Word before and after "to," in a religious phrase"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the residue that remains when something is burned
• Words that mean the same thing: ash, ash 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: ASHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "68. Org. endorsing P.P.E. for workers"

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 government agency in the department of labor to maintain a safe and healthy work environment
• Words that mean the same thing: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• 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: OSHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "69. Jean who wrote "Wide Sargasso Sea""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RHYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Thursday Puzzle April 20, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Moves quickly, as a cloud	5
2D	2. Really enjoy	5
3D	3. In keeping with	5
4D	4. Video game franchise starring major-league baseballers	7
5D	5. Shortest path connecting two points on a sphere	3
6D	6. Surname of father/son actors James and Scott	4
7D	7. Henry Ford's sole heir	5
8D	8. Consider something to be	6
9D	9. Overly suspicious	8
10D	10. Word often abbreviated to its middle letter in texts	3
11D	11. *Like a household with a stay-at-home parent, maybe	9
12D	12. Sambuca flavoring	5
13D	13. Padded accounts?	5
14D	15. "___ see it from my perspective …"	5
15D	21. *Longtime Mazda catchphrase	8
16D	24. *Annual gathering of superhero fans	8
17D	26. Member of TV's Addams Family	3
18D	28. It comes and goes	3
19D	30. Last in a series	3
20D	31. Mer makeup	3
21D	32. *Babe-in-the-woods quality	9
22D	34. Where the smallest bones in the body are found	3
23D	36. Tiny particle	3
24D	37. Wee 'un	3
25D	39. Antique tools for pressing clothes	8
26D	40. Ficus fruit	3
27D	43. Mighty Patch target	3
28D	45. Lot in Genesis, e.g.	7
29D	47. Papal emissary	6
30D	49. Swindle	5
31D	50. More or less, in time	5
32D	51. Señor's send-off	5
33D	52. River deposits	5
34D	54. N.B.A. Hall-of-Famer Thomas	5
35D	55. Best-selling 2019 memoir subtitled "A Coming-of-Gender Story"	5
36D	56. Components of a hard six, in craps	5
37D	59. Quick bite	4
38D	62. Last in a series	3
39D	64. Farm delivery letters	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. Moves quickly, as a cloud"

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 moving along swiftly (as before a gale)
• Words that mean the same thing: scudding, scud, scoot
• 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: SCUDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Really enjoy"

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: LAPUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. In keeping with"

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 20 aspers equal 1 kurus in turkey
• 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: ASPER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Video game franchise starring major-league baseballers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: THEBIGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Shortest path connecting two points on a sphere"

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, bow, electric arc
• 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 6 Down: "6. Surname of father/son actors James and Scott"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CAAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Henry Ford's sole heir"

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: EDSEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Consider something to be"

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: DEEMIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Overly suspicious"

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 a person afflicted with paranoia
• Words that mean the same thing: paranoiac
• 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: PARANOID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Word often abbreviated to its middle letter in texts"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
• Words that mean the same thing: embody, constitute, cost
• The opposite would be: differ
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. *Like a household with a stay-at-home parent, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WEOUZHWZO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Sambuca flavoring"

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 native to egypt but cultivated widely for its aromatic seeds and the oil from them used medicinally and as a flavoring in cookery
• Words that mean the same thing: aniseed, anise plant, Pimpinella anisum
• 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: ANISE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Padded accounts?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a 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
• Words that mean the same thing: story, fib, narrative
• 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: TALES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. "___ see it from my perspective …""

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: TRYTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. *Longtime Mazda catchphrase"

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: EOONEOON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. *Annual gathering of superhero fans"

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: ZOUUHEOU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Member of TV's Addams Family"

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: ITT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. It comes and goes"

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 an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
• Words that mean the same thing: furore, furor, rage
• 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: FAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Last in a series"

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 last or greatest in an indefinitely large series
• Words that mean the same thing: n-th
• 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: NTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Mer makeup"

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: EAU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. *Babe-in-the-woods quality"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: WUZWUOZZH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. Where the smallest bones in the body are found"

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 sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
• Words that mean the same thing: capitulum, auricle, pinna
• 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: EAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Tiny particle"

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 particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
• 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: ION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Wee 'un"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small amount (especially of a drink)
• Words that mean the same thing: tot up, add together, add up
• 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: TOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Antique tools for pressing clothes"

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: SADIRONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Ficus fruit"

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 diagram or picture illustrating textual material
• Words that mean the same thing: Al-Jama'a al-Islamiyyah al-Muqatilah bi-Libya, Libyan Fighting Group, Ficus carica
• 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: FIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Mighty Patch target"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small inflamed elevation of the skin; a pustule or papule; common symptom in acne
• Words that mean the same thing: pimple, hickey
• 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: ZIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. Lot in Genesis, e.g."

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 man whose wife is dead especially one who has not remarried
• Words that mean the same thing: widowman
• 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: WIDOWER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Papal emissary"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (roman catholic church) a diplomatic representative of the pope having ambassadorial status
• Words that mean the same thing: papal nuncio
• 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: NUNCIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Swindle"

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 swindle in which you cheat at gambling or persuade a person to buy worthless property
• Words that mean the same thing: bunco, hustle, con game
• 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: BUNKO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. More or less, in time"

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: CIRCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. Señor's send-off"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a farewell remark
• Words that mean the same thing: adieu, good-bye, sayonara
• 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: ADIOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. River deposits"

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 mud or clay or small rocks deposited by a river or lake
• Words that mean the same thing: silt, silt up
• 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: SILTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. N.B.A. Hall-of-Famer Thomas"

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: ISIAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. Best-selling 2019 memoir subtitled "A Coming-of-Gender Story""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a timid man or boy considered childish or unassertive
• Words that mean the same thing: pantywaist, cissy, sissyish
• 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: SISSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "56. Components of a hard six, in craps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
• Words that mean the same thing: 3, troika, trine
• 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: TREYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "59. Quick bite"

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 (yiddish) a snack or light meal
• Words that mean the same thing: snack
• 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: NOSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "62. Last in a series"

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 26th letter of the roman alphabet
• Words that mean the same thing: ezed, Z, izzard
• 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: ZEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "64. Farm delivery letters"

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: CSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	67.1%
Short Answer	17	22.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	3.9%
Geography	2	2.6%
Literature	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%
History	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.1 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	9 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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 02, 2025 at 10:38 PM

October 20, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, October 20, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (35 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.6 letters

October 20, 2023 Across Hints: NYT Friday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Stipulation that's more common in a seller's market	4
2A	5. Centers of some centers	5
3A	10. Exchange words, in a way	4
4A	14. Stops along the way, say	10
5A	16. Lamenting words	4
6A	17. It clearly divides people	10
7A	18. Hat material for the paranoid	4
8A	19. Cry during an argument between siblings	3
9A	20. OK, in Oaxaca	5
10A	21. Like an adjustable drinking straw	5
11A	22. Active ingredient in Off!	4
12A	23. Struck down	5
13A	25. Occasions to read the Haggadah	6
14A	28. Gift for guests	8
15A	31. Setting for a battle in "Lawrence of Arabia"	5
16A	32. Spilling a drink on someone or dancing on a host's sofa	9
17A	33. Banksy work	5
18A	34. Slip	3
19A	35. A.C. converter	5
20A	36. Irreverent Christmas tune	9
21A	38. Big name in pest control	5
22A	39. Second half?	8
23A	40. Worries over small details	6
24A	41. Cousin of a wolverine	5
25A	42. What red might indicate	4
26A	43. Spikes, for example	5
27A	45. Help	5
28A	47. Preening sort	3
29A	50. Particle	4
30A	51. One with bright and dark sides	10
31A	53. Godawful	4
32A	54. Sole supporters	10
33A	55. ___ Zimmer, Oscar-winning composer for "Dune"	4
34A	56. Sharon who starred in "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill"	5
35A	57. Frontier direction during frontier times	4

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. Stipulation that's more common in a seller's market"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ASIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Centers of some centers"

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 chamber that is connected to other chambers or passageways (especially one of the two upper chambers of the heart)
• Words that mean the same thing: atrium
• 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: ATRIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Exchange words, in a way"

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 any of various nonmetallic minerals (calcite or feldspar) that are light in color and transparent or translucent and cleavable
• Words that mean the same thing: sparring
• 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: SPAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Stops along the way, say"

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: MOTELROOMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Lamenting words"

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: AHME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. It clearly divides people"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a light transparent weather resistant thermoplastic
• Words that mean the same thing: Plexiglas
• 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: PLEXIGLASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Hat material for the paranoid"

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 piece of thin and flexible sheet metal
• Words that mean the same thing: cross, queer, transparency
• 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: FOIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Cry during an argument between siblings"

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 informal terms for a mother
• Words that mean the same thing: mammy, ma, mummy
• 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: MOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. OK, in Oaxaca"

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: BUENO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Like an adjustable drinking straw"

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

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: BENDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Active ingredient in Off!"

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: DEET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Struck 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 inflict a heavy blow on, with the hand, a tool, or a weapon
• Words that mean the same thing: afflict, smite
• 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: SMOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Occasions to read the Haggadah"

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 (judaism) the ceremonial dinner on the first night (or both nights) of passover
• Words that mean the same thing: Seder, Passover supper
• 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: SEDERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Gift for guests"

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: GOODYBAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Setting for a battle in "Lawrence of Arabia""

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 jordan's port; located in southwestern jordan on the gulf of aqaba
• Words that mean the same thing: Akaba, Al Aqabah
• 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: AQABA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Spilling a drink on someone or dancing on a host's sofa"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about food & drink.

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: PARTYFOUL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Banksy work"

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 painting that is applied to a wall surface
• Words that mean the same thing: wall painting
• 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: MURAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Slip"

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 to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Words that mean the same thing: stray, mistake, slip
• 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: ERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. A.C. converter"

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 thermionic tube having two electrodes; used as a rectifier
• Words that mean the same thing: semiconductor diode, rectifying valve, crystal rectifier
• 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: DIODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "36. Irreverent Christmas tune"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: SANTABABY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "38. Big name in pest control"

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: ORKIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "39. Second half?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALTEREGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "40. Worries over small details"

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 excited state of agitation
• Words that mean the same thing: tiff, bicker, hustle
• 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: FUSSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "41. Cousin of a wolverine"

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 fur of an otter
• 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: OTTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "42. What red might indicate"

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 state of owing something (especially money)
• 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: DEBT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "43. Spikes, for example"

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 particular situation
• Words that mean the same thing: skid, brake shoe, place
• 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: SHOES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "45. Help"

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 means of serving
• Words that mean the same thing: help, service
• 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: AVAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "47. Preening sort"

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 man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance
• Words that mean the same thing: clotheshorse, sheik, dandy
• 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: FOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "50. Particle"

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 tiny or scarcely detectable amount
• Words that mean the same thing: smidgen, smidgeon, smidgin
• 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: IOTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "51. One with bright and dark sides"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EVILGENIUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "53. Godawful"

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 not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
• Words that mean the same thing: unappeasable, dark, low
• 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: GRIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "54. Sole supporters"

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: GELINSERTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "55. ___ Zimmer, Oscar-winning composer for "Dune""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that imperial dynasty that ruled china (most of the time from 206 bc to ad 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of chinese civilization
• Words that mean the same thing: Han dynasty, Han
• 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: HANS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "56. Sharon who starred in "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GLESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "57. Frontier direction during frontier times"

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 countries of (originally) europe and (now including) north america and south america
• Words that mean the same thing: due west, Dame Rebecca West, Benjamin West
• The opposite would be: east
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WEST

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Friday Crossword Down Clues - October 20, 2023 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Distinction not used in the military	4
2D	2. Eschewing help	4
3D	3. Tabloid pair	4
4D	4. Undertone of Cole Porter's "Let's Do It"	3
5D	5. Makes the case	6
6D	6. Vacancy sign	5
7D	7. Bookbinding leather	4
8D	8. "My deepest apologies"	9
9D	9. Jerk	3
10D	10. Adage for the risk-averse	11
11D	11. D.I.Y. booster seats	10
12D	12. In an atmosphere of	4
13D	13. Have faith	4
14D	15. Oh, the humanities!	11
15D	21. Some nudes	11
16D	22. Testing grounds for aspiring politicians	11
17D	24. Pithy remark	3
18D	25. Central Asian savory pastry	5
19D	26. ___ rights	5
20D	27. "Heck, yeah!"	10
21D	28. Actress Greta of "Camille"	5
22D	29. ___ Cornish, former co-host of "All Things Considered"	5
23D	30. Dales	5
24D	32. Rocky road ingredient?	9
25D	37. Stingy sort?	3
26D	40. Pretends	6
27D	42. "Venus de Milo With Drawers" and "Lobster Telephone"	5
28D	43. Sound from the satisfied	4
29D	44. Dance in a ring	4
30D	46. Nasty	4
31D	47. Awesome, in modern slang	4
32D	48. Backup plans	4
33D	49. "Hey, you!"	4
34D	51. Drive, with "on"	3
35D	52. Misoneism, n.: Hatred of anything ___	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. Distinction not used in the military"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMPM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Eschewing help"

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 any activity that is performed alone without assistance
• Words that mean the same thing: alone, unaccompanied
• 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: SOLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Tabloid pair"

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 distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
• Words that mean the same thing: token, detail, particular
• 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: ITEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Undertone of Cole Porter's "Let's Do It""

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 activities associated with sexual intercourse
• Words that mean the same thing: arouse, wind up, gender
• 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: SEX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Makes the case"

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 present reasons and arguments
• Words that mean the same thing: contend, fence, reason
• 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: ARGUES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Vacancy sign"

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: TOLET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Bookbinding leather"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a soft sheepskin leather that is colored and finished to resemble morocco; used in bookbinding
• 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: ROAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. "My deepest apologies""

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: IMSOSORRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Jerk"

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 fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
• Words that mean the same thing: buttocks, fucking, backside
• 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: ASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Adage for the risk-averse"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SAFETYFIRST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. D.I.Y. booster seats"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a directory containing an alphabetical list of telephone subscribers and their telephone numbers
• Words that mean the same thing: telephone book, phone book, phonebook
• 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: PHONEBOOKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. In an atmosphere of"

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: AMID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Have faith"

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 have confidence or faith in
• Words that mean the same thing: swear, trust, bank
• The opposite would be: mistrust
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RELY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Oh, the humanities!"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: LIBERALARTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Some nudes"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: BODYDOUBLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Testing grounds for aspiring politicians"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DEBATETEAMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Pithy remark"

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 clever remark
• Words that mean the same thing: Ministry of Transportation test, bon mot, MOT test
• 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: MOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Central Asian savory pastry"

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: SAMSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. ___ rights"

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 person who is of equal standing with another in a group
• Words that mean the same thing: be, peer, rival
• The opposite would be: inadequate, unequal
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EQUAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. "Heck, yeah!""

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: DARNTOOTIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. Actress Greta of "Camille""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states film actress (born in sweden) known for her reclusiveness (1905-1990)
• Words that mean the same thing: Greta Garbo, Greta Louisa Gustafsson
• 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: GARBO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. ___ Cornish, former co-host of "All Things Considered""

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: AUDIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "30. Dales"

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 narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)
• Words that mean the same thing: glen
• 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: GLENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. Rocky road ingredient?"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PEAGRAVEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Stingy sort?"

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 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 26 Down: "40. Pretends"

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 make believe with the intent to deceive
• Words that mean the same thing: feign, affect, simulate
• 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: FEIGNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. "Venus de Milo With Drawers" and "Lobster Telephone""

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 surrealist spanish painter (1904-1989)
• Words that mean the same thing: Salvador Dali, Dali
• 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: DALIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Sound from the satisfied"

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 utterance made by exhaling audibly
• Words that mean the same thing: suspiration, suspire
• 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: SIGH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. Dance in a ring"

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: HORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Nasty"

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 morally reprehensible
• Words that mean the same thing: loathsome, worthless, noisome
• 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: VILE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Awesome, in modern slang"

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 event of something burning (often destructive)
• Words that mean the same thing: fervour, flack, blast
• The opposite would be: hire
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FIRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Backup plans"

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) a failure by a batter or runner to reach a base safely in baseball
• Words that mean the same thing: come out, come out of the closet, out
• 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: OUTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. "Hey, you!""

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: PSST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. Drive, with "on""

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 animal reproductive body consisting of an ovum or embryo together with nutritive and protective envelopes; especially the thin-shelled reproductive body laid by e.g. female birds
• Words that mean the same thing: eggs, testis, ballock
• 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: EGG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. Misoneism, n.: Hatred of anything ___"

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 not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
• Words that mean the same thing: novel, newfangled, young
• The opposite would be: worn, old
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	55	78.6%
Short Answer	9	12.9%
Food & Drink	2	2.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.9%
Music	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.6 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	11 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 Friday, 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!

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: August 30, 2025 at 04:23 AM