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Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Tuesday NYT Down Solutions December 09, 2025 - Every Vertical Clue Decoded with Hints

All NYT Down Clues December 09, 2025 - 39 Vertical Answers with Hints

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

Related Puzzles: Tuesday NYT Mini Crossword Answers | July 22 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | May 11 2023 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 09, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Tuesday, December 09, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 09, 2025
Day of Week Tuesday
Total Down Clues 39 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Tricky

All Down Clues - Complete List

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

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Computing pioneer Lovelace
2 Down 2. Argue
3 Down 3. Neutralized, as an explosive situation
4 Down 4. Launch
5 Down 5. Org. in charge of school fund-raisers
6 Down 6. One who might ask "Fair dinkum?"
7 Down 7. Like some minor celebrities
8 Down 8. Asahi Super Dry or Kirin Lager
9 Down 9. Org. that oversees air quality initiatives
10 Down 10. Bit in a round of "He loves me, he loves me not"
11 Down 11. Professor ___ (title for some retirees)
12 Down 12. Light lager
13 Down 13. The Cards, on scoreboards
14 Down 18. Cover letter accompaniment
15 Down 19. Mardi Gras city, informally
16 Down 23. Poke
17 Down 24. Music app named for a figure in Greek myth
18 Down 25. Pigmented rings
19 Down 26. Part of L.G.B.T.Q.+
20 Down 32. "By Jove, that's it!"
21 Down 33. 33-Across, across the Atlantic
22 Down 34. Web portal launched with Windows 95
23 Down 36. Malfunctions in the Matrix, in "The Matrix"
24 Down 37. Sound of a sad trombone
25 Down 38. Many an animated meme loop
26 Down 39. To date
27 Down 40. Silverback, for one
28 Down 43. Built to last
29 Down 44. Give for safekeeping
30 Down 45. "How stupid of me!"
31 Down 47. "Edie & ___: A Very Long Engagement" (2009 documentary)
32 Down 48. Bring into harmony
33 Down 51. With a wink, say
34 Down 52. Smooths (out)
35 Down 53. On a regular basis
36 Down 57. Special ___
37 Down 58. "J to ___ L-O! The Remixes" (2002 Jennifer Lopez album)
38 Down 59. One of the four fundamental states of matter
39 Down 60. Some Ph.D. students

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. Computing pioneer Lovelace"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ADA

2 Down: "2. Argue"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: D_____E
  • Similar words: difference, gainsay
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a disagreement or argument about something important
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DISPUTE

3 Down: "3. Neutralized, as an explosive situation"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: D_____D
  • Similar words: defuse
  • Opposite of: fuse
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: remove the triggering device from
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DEFUSED

4 Down: "4. Launch"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S___T
  • Similar words: embark on, go
  • Opposite of: stop
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the beginning of anything
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer START

5 Down: "5. Org. in charge of school fund-raisers"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PTA

6 Down: "6. One who might ask "Fair dinkum?""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A____E
  • Similar words: Australian
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a native or inhabitant of Australia
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AUSSIE

7 Down: "7. Like some minor celebrities"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: D___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DLIST

8 Down: "8. Asahi Super Dry or Kirin Lager"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RICEBEER

9 Down: "9. Org. that oversees air quality initiatives"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EPA

10 Down: "10. Bit in a round of "He loves me, he loves me not""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: P___L
  • Similar words: flower petal
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: part of the perianth that is usually brightly colored
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PETAL

11 Down: "11. Professor ___ (title for some retirees)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: E_____A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EMERITA

12 Down: "12. Light lager"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: P_____R
  • Similar words: Pilsener
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PILSNER

13 Down: "13. The Cards, on scoreboards"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'L'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STL

14 Down: "18. Cover letter accompaniment"

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
  • Similar words: re-start, restart
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: short descriptive summary (of events)
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RESUME

15 Down: "19. Mardi Gras city, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: N__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NOLA

16 Down: "23. Poke"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'B'
  • Similar words: prod, thrusting
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JAB

17 Down: "24. Music app named for a figure in Greek myth"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: P_____A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PANDORA

18 Down: "25. Pigmented rings"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A_____S
  • Similar words: ring of color, areola
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AREOLAS

19 Down: "26. Part of L.G.B.T.Q.+"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'Y'
  • Similar words: homosexual, mirthful
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GAY

20 Down: "32. "By Jove, that's it!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AHA

21 Down: "33. 33-Across, across the Atlantic"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Z' and ends with 'D'
  • Similar words: z, zee
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the 26th letter of the Roman alphabet
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ZED

22 Down: "34. Web portal launched with Windows 95"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'N'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MSN

23 Down: "36. Malfunctions in the Matrix, in "The Matrix""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: G______S
  • Similar words: bug, glitch
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a fault or defect in a computer program
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GLITCHES

24 Down: "37. Sound of a sad trombone"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: W____H
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WAHWAH

25 Down: "38. Many an animated meme loop"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'F'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GIF

26 Down: "39. To date"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: A_____W
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASOFNOW

27 Down: "40. Silverback, for one"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: G_____A
  • Similar words: Gorilla gorilla
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GORILLA

28 Down: "43. Built to last"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: D_____E
  • Similar words: long-lasting, lasting
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: existing for a long time
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DURABLE

29 Down: "44. Give for safekeeping"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: E_____T
  • Similar words: confide, leave
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: confer a trust upon
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENTRUST

30 Down: "45. "How stupid of me!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'H'
  • Similar words: ut, do
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DOH

31 Down: "47. "Edie & ___: A Very Long Engagement" (2009 documentary)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: T__A
  • Similar words: Theia
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THEA

32 Down: "48. Bring into harmony"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: adjust or accustom to; bring into harmony with
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATTUNE

33 Down: "51. With a wink, say"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: W___Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: in a wry manner
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WRYLY

34 Down: "52. Smooths (out)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I___S
  • Similar words: press, branding iron
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: metal shackles; for hands or legs
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IRONS

35 Down: "53. On a regular basis"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: O___N
  • Similar words: much, ofttimes
  • Opposite of: infrequently
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: many times at short intervals
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OFTEN

36 Down: "57. Special ___"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OPS

37 Down: "58. "J to ___ L-O! The Remixes" (2002 Jennifer Lopez album)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THA

38 Down: "59. One of the four fundamental states of matter"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: gaseous state, shoot a line
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GAS

39 Down: "60. Some Ph.D. students"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: tantalum, Ta
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TAS

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

  • Down clues often reveal key letters for intersecting words
  • Vertical patterns can unlock difficult sections
  • Many prefixes and suffixes run vertically
  • Down answers often help solve Across clues

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

  1. Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Down entries
  2. Prefixes and suffixes: Common word parts often run vertically
  3. Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
  4. Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Down
  5. Pop culture references: Names and titles often appear vertically

Time-Saving Down Techniques

Technique How It Helps
Scan all Down first Get a mental map of the vertical flow
Fill short Down words 3-4 letter words are often prefixes or connectors
Use crossing letters Across letters help confirm Down answers
Look for themes Related Down answers often share a theme

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 39 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Down clues often contain helpful prefixes, suffixes, and word parts that can be easier to guess.

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

Down and Across clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.

About This Page: We provide comprehensive Down clues solutions and hints for the NYT Crossword to help you improve your solving skills. This site is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 09, 2025 at 05:14 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 09 2025 down clues

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XWordHint Crossword Answers December 09, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

December 09, 2025 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Goes on to say 4
2A 5. San Diego baseballer 5
3A 10. Livens (up) 4
4A 14. Termites, for an aardwolf 4
5A 15. Cup-shaped flower 5
6A 16. Give off 4
7A 17. "Judging from the information available to me ..." 15
8A 20. Unadulterated 4
9A 21. San Francisco-to-Santa Cruz dir. 3
10A 22. Propellers of a shell 4
11A 23. "These are merely my spur-of-the-moment suggestions ..." 15
12A 27. Gobbled up 3
13A 28. Abu Dhabi's country, for short 3
14A 29. Notable time period 3
15A 30. Gossip, in slang 3
16A 31. Accurse 6
17A 33. 33-Down, across the Atlantic 3
18A 34. "Oh, ___!" (hit Broadway farce about Mrs. Lincoln) 4
19A 35. Verdant privacy features ... or a punny description of the four longest answers in this puzzle 9
20A 38. Singer/actress Lady ___ 4
21A 41. Historical 3
22A 42. Got a good reaction, as a joke 6
23A 46. Equal: Prefix 3
24A 47. Swim-bike-run race, for short 3
25A 48. Sound from someone sitting down at the end of a long day 3
26A 49. Game with Skip and Reverse cards 3
27A 50. "Here's my two cents, which might not amount to much ..." 15
28A 54. "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a ___" (old maxim) 4
29A 55. Pre-digital TV screen tech 3
30A 56. Not close by 4
31A 57. "Feel free to dismiss this idea — however ..." 15
32A 61. Survey 4
33A 62. Temporary tattoo dye 5
34A 63. "Frozen" character who sings "Let It Go" 4
35A 64. Influence 4
36A 65. Burros 5
37A 66. Pair in a water polo pool 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Goes on to say"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
  • Similar words include: ADD, append, tot
  • Opposite of: subtract, take away
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. San Diego baseballer"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chaplain in one of the military services
  • Similar words include: military chaplain, sky pilot, Father
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PADRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Livens (up)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that liveliness and energy
  • Similar words include: ginger, pep, peppiness
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Termites, for an aardwolf"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prescribed selection of foods
  • Similar words include: dieting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Cup-shaped flower"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous perennial bulbous herbs having linear or broadly lanceolate leaves and usually a single showy flower
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TULIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Give off"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that expel (gases or odors)
  • Similar words include: breathe, pass off, utter
  • Opposite of: absorb
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. "Judging from the information available to me ...""

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Unadulterated"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that free of extraneous elements of any kind
  • Similar words include: double-dyed, virginal, gross
  • Opposite of: unsaturated, impure
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. San Francisco-to-Santa Cruz dir."

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the compass point midway between south and southeast
  • Similar words include: sou'-sou'-east, south southeast
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Propellers of a shell"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
  • Similar words include: oar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. "These are merely my spur-of-the-moment suggestions ...""

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "27. Gobbled up"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Similar words include: eat, eat on, wipe out
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Abu Dhabi's country, for short"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Notable time period"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: earned run average, epoch, geological era
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Gossip, in slang"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
  • Similar words include: tea leaf, afternoon tea, teatime
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Accurse"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wish harm upon; invoke evil upon
  • Similar words include: damn, beshrew, anathemize
  • Opposite of: bless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEDAMN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. 33-Down, across the Atlantic"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 26th letter of the roman alphabet
  • Similar words include: zed, z, Z
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. "Oh, ___!" (hit Broadway farce about Mrs. Lincoln)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the mother of jesus; christians refer to her as the virgin mary; she is especially honored by roman catholics
  • Similar words include: The Virgin, Madonna, Blessed Virgin
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Verdant privacy features ... or a punny description of the four longest answers in this puzzle"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes
  • Similar words include: hedgerow, hedge
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEDGEROWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Singer/actress Lady ___"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mentally or physically infirm with age
  • Similar words include: dotty, doddering, senile
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Historical"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
  • Similar words include: one-time, honest-to-god, erstwhile
  • Opposite of: young, new
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Got a good reaction, as a joke"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reach or come to rest
  • Similar words include: shoot down, put down, set down
  • Opposite of: landless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANDED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. Equal: Prefix"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Swim-bike-run race, for short"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Sound from someone sitting down at the end of a long day"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express admiration and pleasure by uttering `ooh' or `aah'
  • Similar words include: ooh
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Game with Skip and Reverse cards"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. "Here's my two cents, which might not amount to much ...""

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a ___" (old maxim)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the event of something burning (often destructive)
  • Similar words include: burn, sack, flame
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Pre-digital TV screen tech"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vacuum tube in which a hot cathode emits a beam of electrons that pass through a high voltage anode and are focused or deflected before hitting a phosphorescent screen
  • Similar words include: cathode-ray tube
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Not close by"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. "Feel free to dismiss this idea — however ...""

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. Survey"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an inquiry into public opinion conducted by interviewing a random sample of people
  • Similar words include: canvas, canvass, pollard
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. Temporary tattoo dye"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reddish brown dye used especially on hair
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HENNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. "Frozen" character who sings "Let It Go""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. Influence"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that controlling influence
  • Similar words include: shake, persuade, careen
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "65. Burros"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: hindquarters, tail end, tush
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "66. Pair in a water polo pool"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
  • Similar words include: cyberspace, sack, lucre
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Computing pioneer Lovelace 3
2D 2. Argue 7
3D 3. Neutralized, as an explosive situation 7
4D 4. Launch 5
5D 5. Org. in charge of school fund-raisers 3
6D 6. One who might ask "Fair dinkum?" 6
7D 7. Like some minor celebrities 5
8D 8. Asahi Super Dry or Kirin Lager 8
9D 9. Org. that oversees air quality initiatives 3
10D 10. Bit in a round of "He loves me, he loves me not" 5
11D 11. Professor ___ (title for some retirees) 7
12D 12. Light lager 7
13D 13. The Cards, on scoreboards 3
14D 18. Cover letter accompaniment 6
15D 19. Mardi Gras city, informally 4
16D 23. Poke 3
17D 24. Music app named for a figure in Greek myth 7
18D 25. Pigmented rings 7
19D 26. Part of L.G.B.T.Q.+ 3
20D 32. "By Jove, that's it!" 3
21D 33. 33-Across, across the Atlantic 3
22D 34. Web portal launched with Windows 95 3
23D 36. Malfunctions in the Matrix, in "The Matrix" 8
24D 37. Sound of a sad trombone 6
25D 38. Many an animated meme loop 3
26D 39. To date 7
27D 40. Silverback, for one 7
28D 43. Built to last 7
29D 44. Give for safekeeping 7
30D 45. "How stupid of me!" 3
31D 47. "Edie & ___: A Very Long Engagement" (2009 documentary) 4
32D 48. Bring into harmony 6
33D 51. With a wink, say 5
34D 52. Smooths (out) 5
35D 53. On a regular basis 5
36D 57. Special ___ 3
37D 58. "J to ___ L-O! The Remixes" (2002 Jennifer Lopez album) 3
38D 59. One of the four fundamental states of matter 3
39D 60. Some Ph.D. students 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Computing pioneer Lovelace"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an enzyme found in mammals that can catalyze the deamination of adenosine into inosine and ammonia
  • Similar words include: adenosine deaminase
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Argue"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disagreement or argument about something important
  • Similar words include: quarrel, gainsay, difference
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISPUTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Neutralized, as an explosive situation"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the triggering device from
  • Similar words include: defuse
  • Opposite of: fuse
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEFUSED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Launch"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Org. in charge of school fund-raisers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. One who might ask "Fair dinkum?""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of australia
  • Similar words include: Australian
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AUSSIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Like some minor celebrities"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Asahi Super Dry or Kirin Lager"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Org. that oversees air quality initiatives"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an independent federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment
  • Similar words include: Environmental Protection Agency
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Bit in a round of "He loves me, he loves me not""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that part of the perianth that is usually brightly colored
  • Similar words include: flower petal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PETAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Professor ___ (title for some retirees)"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Light lager"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pale lager with strong flavor of hops; first brewed in the bohemian town of pilsen
  • Similar words include: Pilsener
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PILSNER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. The Cards, on scoreboards"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Cover letter accompaniment"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that short descriptive summary (of events)
  • Similar words include: summarize, re-start, sum up
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RESUME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Mardi Gras city, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Poke"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)
  • Similar words include: jabbing, dig, thrust
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Music app named for a figure in Greek myth"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) the first woman; created by hephaestus on orders from zeus who presented her to epimetheus along with a box filled with evils
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PANDORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Pigmented rings"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small space in a tissue or body part such as the area between veins on a leaf or an insect's wing
  • Similar words include: ring of color, areola
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AREOLAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Part of L.G.B.T.Q.+"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who practices homosexuality; having a sexual attraction to persons of the same sex
  • Similar words include: homophile, jovial, sunny
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. "By Jove, that's it!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. 33-Across, across the Atlantic"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 26th letter of the roman alphabet
  • Similar words include: zee, z, Z
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Web portal launched with Windows 95"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Malfunctions in the Matrix, in "The Matrix""

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fault or defect in a computer program, system, or machine
  • Similar words include: glitch, bug
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLITCHES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Sound of a sad trombone"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Many an animated meme loop"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. To date"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Silverback, for one"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that largest anthropoid ape; terrestrial and vegetarian; of forests of central west africa
  • Similar words include: Gorilla gorilla
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GORILLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Built to last"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that existing for a long time
  • Similar words include: perdurable, long-wearing, lasting
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DURABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Give for safekeeping"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that confer a trust upon
  • Similar words include: trust, commit, intrust
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTRUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. "How stupid of me!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the syllable naming the first (tonic) note of any major scale in solmization
  • Similar words include: do, ut
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. "Edie & ___: A Very Long Engagement" (2009 documentary)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) the titaness who was mother of helios and selene and eos in ancient mythology
  • Similar words include: Theia
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Bring into harmony"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that adjust or accustom to; bring into harmony with
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATTUNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. With a wink, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in a wry manner
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WRYLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Smooths (out)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that metal shackles; for hands or legs
  • Similar words include: chains, branding iron, iron
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. On a regular basis"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that many times at short intervals
  • Similar words include: oftentimes, frequently, much
  • Opposite of: rarely, infrequently
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OFTEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Special ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (roman mythology) goddess of abundance and fertility; wife of saturn; counterpart of greek rhea and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. "J to ___ L-O! The Remixes" (2002 Jennifer Lopez album)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. One of the four fundamental states of matter"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity; relatively great expansion and contraction with changes in pressure and temperature; the ability to diffuse readily; and the spontaneous tendency to become distributed uniformly throughout any container
  • Similar words include: accelerator, tout, boast
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "60. Some Ph.D. students"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

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: atomic number 73, tantalum, Ta
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAS

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

37 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

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Last updated: December 09, 2025 at 04:02 AM

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