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

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 05, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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. Tried-and-true choice, informally 4
2A 5. It's perfect for some musicians 5
3A 10. Motorcyclist's invitation 5
4A 15. Asia's shrinking ___ Sea 4
5A 16. Ruckus 5
6A 17. Where Boise is 5
7A 18. It's a piece of cake 10
8A 20. Computer geeks 5
9A 21. Source of some South American wool 5
10A 22. Alaska politico Palin 5
11A 24. ___-Ball 4
12A 25. Alternative to a Word doc 3
13A 27. It's child's play 9
14A 29. Glassblower, e.g. 7
15A 33. One of three statistical averages 4
16A 34. M.L.B. stadium demolished in 2009 4
17A 35. Ones always blowing off steam? 7
18A 39. Altar promise 3
19A 42. It's a no-brainer 16
20A 45. Starchy tuber 3
21A 46. 2016 Ariana Grande love song 7
22A 47. Drug buster 4
23A 48. Heavy, spiked club 4
24A 50. Bared one's teeth, say 7
25A 52. It's a breeze 9
26A 57. ___-fi 3
27A 58. Sudden or impulsive, as a decision 4
28A 59. Lipstick blunder 5
29A 61. Intermittently offered fast-food pork sandwich 5
30A 65. Oscars host, e.g. 5
31A 67. It's a walk in the park 10
32A 69. Abandon prematurely, as a mission 5
33A 70. Piano exercise 5
34A 71. Fencing blade 4
35A 72. "OMG, same!" 5
36A 73. About 50.7% of all Americans 5
37A 74. Like typical communicators in sign language 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Tried-and-true choice, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. It's perfect for some musicians"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
  • Similar words include: auction pitch, tilt, toss
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Motorcyclist's invitation"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Asia's shrinking ___ Sea"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Ruckus"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Where Boise is"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in the rocky mountains
  • Similar words include: Gem State, ID
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDAHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. It's a piece of cake"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small finger-shaped sponge cake
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LADYFINGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Computer geeks"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a school teaching mechanical and industrial arts and the applied sciences
  • Similar words include: technical school, tech
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TECHS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Source of some South American wool"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wild or domesticated south american cud-chewing animal related to camels but smaller and lacking a hump
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LLAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Alaska politico Palin"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) the wife of abraham and mother of isaac
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. ___-Ball"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Alternative to a Word doc"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. It's child's play"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Glassblower, e.g."

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft
  • Similar words include: craftsman, artificer, journeyman
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTISAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. One of three statistical averages"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an average of n numbers computed by adding some function of the numbers and dividing by some function of n
  • Similar words include: tight, signify, mean value
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. M.L.B. stadium demolished in 2009"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Ones always blowing off steam?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metal pot for stewing or boiling; usually has a lid
  • Similar words include: kettleful, kettle, boiler
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KETTLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Altar promise"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "42. It's a no-brainer"

16 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEADLESSHORSEMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "45. Starchy tuber"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible tuber of any of several yams
  • Similar words include: yam plant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. 2016 Ariana Grande love song"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. Drug buster"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lawman concerned with narcotics violations
  • Similar words include: narcotics agent, nark
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NARC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. Heavy, spiked club"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (trademark) a liquid that temporarily disables a person; prepared as an aerosol and sprayed in the face, it irritates the eyes and causes dizziness and immobilization
  • Similar words include: Chemical Mace, macebearer, macer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Bared one's teeth, say"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that utter in an angry, sharp, or abrupt tone
  • Similar words include: snarl up, entangle, knotty
  • Opposite of: disentangle, unsnarl
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNARLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. It's a breeze"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "57. ___-fi"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Sudden or impulsive, as a decision"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any red eruption of the skin
  • Similar words include: foolhardy, blizzard, efflorescence
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. Lipstick blunder"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slanderous defamation
  • Similar words include: calumniate, daub, smudge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "61. Intermittently offered fast-food pork sandwich"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "65. Oscars host, e.g."

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)
  • Similar words include: compere, host, master of ceremonies
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMCEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "67. It's a walk in the park"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NATUREHIKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "69. Abandon prematurely, as a mission"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of terminating a project or procedure before it is completed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABORT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "70. Piano exercise"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short composition for a solo instrument; intended as an exercise or to demonstrate technical virtuosity
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETUDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "71. Fencing blade"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "72. "OMG, same!""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a capacious bag or basket
  • Similar words include: total, tote, tug
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "73. About 50.7% of all Americans"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
  • Similar words include: woman, cleaning woman, adult female
  • Opposite of: man
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WOMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "74. Like typical communicators in sign language"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that people who have severe hearing impairments
  • Similar words include: indifferent, deafen
  • Opposite of: hearing
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEAF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Effrontery 4
2D 2. Not in writing, as an exam 4
3D 3. Magician's "Look what I did!" 4
4D 4. International competition in math, science and other disciplines 8
5D 5. Greek letter that looks like an "O" superimposed with an "I" 3
6D 6. Charged particles 4
7D 7. Roman robes 5
8D 8. French sweetheart 5
9D 9. Prohibited in Islam 5
10D 10. Chart-topper 3
11D 11. Texas setting for 2004's "Friday Night Lights" 6
12D 12. Mule or burro 10
13D 13. "Fancy seeing you here!" 5
14D 14. They may be counted when taking attendance 5
15D 19. Bell-bottom jeans and pet rocks, in the 1970s 4
16D 23. Undeniable successes 8
17D 26. Media misinformation 8
18D 28. Loch ___ monster 4
19D 29. Like a campfire by morning, typically 4
20D 30. Flightless bird from South America 4
21D 31. Figure in a school pep rally 10
22D 32. Empty ___ (home after the kids go off to college) 4
23D 36. Chinese general on a menu 3
24D 37. "___ will be done" 3
25D 38. English facilities 4
26D 40. "Don't you ___!" 4
27D 41. How much 1990s music was issued 4
28D 43. Pet pests 4
29D 44. Having added nutrients 8
30D 49. Obey, with "to" 6
31D 51. Apex 4
32D 52. Pay for at a restaurant, say 5
33D 53. Title role for Sylvester Stallone 5
34D 54. "This is my first day on the job" 5
35D 55. "Groovy" 5
36D 56. Unit of information 5
37D 60. Like checking a dating app while you're on a date 4
38D 62. Fully matured 4
39D 63. Swedish furniture supplier 4
40D 64. Complaint, informally 4
41D 66. Arrivals in the 2016 thriller "Arrival," in brief 3
42D 68. ___ Faire (historical event) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Effrontery"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open sore on the back of a horse caused by ill-fitting or badly adjusted saddle
  • Similar words include: saddle sore, freshness, irk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Not in writing, as an exam"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Similar words include: viva voce, viva, oral exam
  • Opposite of: aboral, anal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Magician's "Look what I did!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. International competition in math, science and other disciplines"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the four-year intervals between olympic games; used to reckon time in ancient greece for twelve centuries beginning in 776 bc
  • Similar words include: Olympics, Olympic Games
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLYMPIAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Greek letter that looks like an "O" superimposed with an "I""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 21st letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Charged particles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of 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
  • Similar words include: ion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Roman robes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
  • Similar words include: toga
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOGAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. French sweetheart"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Prohibited in Islam"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Chart-topper"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (baseball) a successful stroke in an athletic contest (especially in baseball)
  • Similar words include: stumble, reach, slay
  • Opposite of: miss
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Texas setting for 2004's "Friday Night Lights""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a port city of south central ukraine on an arm of the black sea
  • Similar words include: Odesa
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODESSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Mule or burro"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PACKANIMAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "Fancy seeing you here!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. They may be counted when taking attendance"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals
  • Similar words include: horn in, wind, pry
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Bell-bottom jeans and pet rocks, in the 1970s"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an interest followed with exaggerated zeal
  • Similar words include: craze, rage, cult
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Undeniable successes"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Media misinformation"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Loch ___ monster"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
  • Similar words include: cape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Like a campfire by morning, typically"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of a light grey
  • Similar words include: ash-grey, ash-gray
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASHY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Flightless bird from South America"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Figure in a school pep rally"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEAMMASCOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Empty ___ (home after the kids go off to college)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
  • Similar words include: snuggle, draw close, cuddle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Chinese general on a menu"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. "___ will be done""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. English facilities"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that austrian architect (1870-1933)
  • Similar words include: closet, Adolf Loos, water closet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. "Don't you ___!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
  • Similar words include: defy, presume, make bold
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. How much 1990s music was issued"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Pet pests"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wingless usually flattened bloodsucking insect parasitic on warm-blooded animals
  • Similar words include: bird louse, worm, dirt ball
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Having added nutrients"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make better or improve in quality
  • Similar words include: enrich
  • Opposite of: deprive, impoverish
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENRICHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Obey, with "to""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be compatible or in accordance with
  • Similar words include: bind, bond, hold fast
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADHERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Apex"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
  • Similar words include: vertex, summit, pinnacle
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Pay for at a restaurant, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something considered choice to eat
  • Similar words include: care for, plow, deal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Title role for Sylvester Stallone"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. "This is my first day on the job""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. "Groovy""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Unit of information"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an item of factual information derived from measurement or research
  • Similar words include: data point
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DATUM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. Like checking a dating app while you're on a date"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that socially incorrect in behavior
  • Similar words include: uncivil, unmannered, underbred
  • Opposite of: civil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "62. Fully matured"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
  • Similar words include: right, advanced, mature
  • Opposite of: green
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "63. Swedish furniture supplier"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "64. Complaint, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cattle that are reared for their meat
  • Similar words include: gripe, bellyache, bitch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEEF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "66. Arrivals in the 2016 thriller "Arrival," in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "68. ___ Faire (historical event)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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.

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Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
42 Down Clues
79 Total Clues

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Last updated: May 05, 2026 at 06:01 AM

Sunday, January 4, 2026

NYT Down Crossword January 04, 2026 - Master All 73 Top-to-Bottom Clues

Today's Down Crossword NYT January 04, 2026 - Every Vertical Solution Explained

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 73 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: November 26 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | September 19 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | Down Clues NYT December 14 2025 Todays |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for January 04, 2026
NYT Down Clues - Sunday, January 04, 2026
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date January 04, 2026
Day of Week Sunday
Total Down Clues 73 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Tricky

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 73 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Kelly of morning TV
2 Down 2. "Come on and let loose for a while!"
3 Down 3. Name of Ohio State's buckeye mascot
4 Down 4. Wrinkly fruits
5 Down 5. Parts of many online handles
6 Down 6. Davis of "Thelma & Louise"
7 Down 7. "___ quam videri" (North Carolina's motto)
8 Down 8. 1940s spy grp.
9 Down 9. Ready ... or a word after ready
10 Down 10. Chemist's variant
11 Down 11. Violent seizure, as of property
12 Down 12. "Sign me up"
13 Down 13. He scattered his brother's remains across the land and usurped his throne
14 Down 14. Soothing goo
15 Down 15. Hawaiian for "long mountain"
16 Down 16. Intermission follower on Broadway
17 Down 17. War zone for Rambo, informally
18 Down 19. Poe's "The Narrative of Arthur Gordon ___"
19 Down 20. Wicket and Teebo of Endor, e.g.
20 Down 23. Hosp. areas
21 Down 26. "I'm flattered!"
22 Down 30. Believing his friend and ally had too much power, he led a party of conspirators to put an end to him
23 Down 32. State capital that's closest to the U.S. Capitol
24 Down 33. Like five Across answers by five Down answers in this puzzle, literally and figuratively
25 Down 35. Kids' summer getaway
26 Down 36. Kyrgyzstani mountain range
27 Down 37. Urchins
28 Down 38. Fans out
29 Down 39. Where idols go head-to-head?
30 Down 42. Small part in a gig
31 Down 44. British isle
32 Down 46. It's in your jeans
33 Down 48. Plot divisions
34 Down 50. Traumatize
35 Down 51. "Assuming that's true ..."
36 Down 52. He led his brother to his demise by endangering his nephew
37 Down 54. "Not gonna lie ..."
38 Down 56. First enactors of democracy
39 Down 57. Fencing contests
40 Down 60. Chemistry lab dropper
41 Down 62. Prepare quickly, as eggs for breakfast
42 Down 63. Chop-chop
43 Down 64. Wrinkly fruit
44 Down 65. GPS lines: Abbr.
45 Down 66. Programming language that's also a musical key
46 Down 69. He sold out his master in exchange for silver
47 Down 71. Baby in a pouch
48 Down 72. Pandemonium
49 Down 75. Title for a guru
50 Down 76. Survivor's affliction, for short
51 Down 77. Elf portrayed by Cate Blanchett in "The Fellowship of the Ring"
52 Down 78. Big name in makeup
53 Down 79. Music score squiggle
54 Down 81. Disagrees (with)
55 Down 84. Ixnays from Irkutsk
56 Down 87. Obnoxious fratty sort, colloquially
57 Down 89. Possible scenario, to a coder
58 Down 91. 2011 Lady Gaga hit
59 Down 92. Steamy
60 Down 94. Paired chips with dips?
61 Down 95. Touch lightly, as a gas pedal
62 Down 97. Floral victory symbol
63 Down 98. Lead-in to Tech
64 Down 100. Spawned
65 Down 102. Camera inits.
66 Down 103. ___ me tangere (Latin warning)
67 Down 105. Jafar's parrot in "Aladdin"
68 Down 107. Driven by envy toward his comrades, he fabricated events that led to their downfall
69 Down 108. Official lang. of Liberia
70 Down 110. Acorn, in the future
71 Down 111. Messenger ___
72 Down 112. Birth month of most Virgos: Abbr.
73 Down 114. "Ruh-___!" (cry from Astro on "The Jetsons")

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. Kelly of morning TV"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RIPA


2 Down: "2. "Come on and let loose for a while!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: I_______N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ITLLBEFUN


3 Down: "3. Name of Ohio State's buckeye mascot"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BRUTUS


4 Down: "4. Wrinkly fruits"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C_____S
  • Similar words: casaba melon, casaba
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: melon having yellowish rind and whitish flesh
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CASABAS


5 Down: "5. Parts of many online handles"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: at, astatine
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATS


6 Down: "6. Davis of "Thelma & Louise""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: G___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GEENA


7 Down: "7. "___ quam videri" (North Carolina's motto)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ESSE


8 Down: "8. 1940s spy grp."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: os, oculus sinister
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OSS


9 Down: "9. Ready ... or a word after ready"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: ready, rig
  • Opposite of: rise
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SET


10 Down: "10. Chemist's variant"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: I____R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ISOMER


11 Down: "11. Violent seizure, as of property"

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: rape
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the act of despoiling a country in warfare
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAPINE


12 Down: "12. "Sign me up""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IMIN


13 Down: "13. He scattered his brother's remains across the land and usurped his throne"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: ready, rig
  • Opposite of: rise
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SET


14 Down: "14. Soothing goo"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: A_____L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALOEGEL


15 Down: "15. Hawaiian for "long mountain""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: M______A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MAUNALOA


16 Down: "16. Intermission follower on Broadway"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACTTWO


17 Down: "17. War zone for Rambo, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'M'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NAM


18 Down: "19. Poe's "The Narrative of Arthur Gordon ___""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PYM


19 Down: "20. Wicket and Teebo of Endor, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E___S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EWOKS


20 Down: "23. Hosp. areas"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: Beaver State, OR
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a state in northwestern United States on the Pacific
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ORS


21 Down: "26. "I'm flattered!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OHGEE


22 Down: "30. Believing his friend and ally had too much power, he led a party of conspirators to put an end to him"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BRUTUS


23 Down: "32. State capital that's closest to the U.S. Capitol"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A_______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ANNAPOLIS


24 Down: "33. Like five Across answers by five Down answers in this puzzle, literally and figuratively"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 13 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: D___________D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DOUBLECROSSED


25 Down: "35. Kids' summer getaway"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: C__P
  • Similar words: summer camp, ingroup
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CAMP


26 Down: "36. Kyrgyzstani mountain range"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALAI


27 Down: "37. Urchins"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I__S
  • Similar words: imp, elf
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IMPS


28 Down: "38. Fans out"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S____S
  • Similar words: slip, turn out
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPLAYS


29 Down: "39. Where idols go head-to-head?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: T___M
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TOTEM


30 Down: "42. Small part in a gig"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: B__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BYTE


31 Down: "44. British isle"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AIT


32 Down: "46. It's in your jeans"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: D___M
  • Similar words: dungaree, blue jean
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DENIM


33 Down: "48. Plot divisions"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACRES


34 Down: "50. Traumatize"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S__R
  • Similar words: cicatrix, scrape
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCAR


35 Down: "51. "Assuming that's true ...""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: I__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IFSO


36 Down: "52. He led his brother to his demise by endangering his nephew"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S__R
  • Similar words: cicatrix, scrape
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCAR


37 Down: "54. "Not gonna lie ...""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: N___P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NOCAP


38 Down: "56. First enactors of democracy"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A_______S
  • Similar words: Athenian
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a resident of Athens
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATHENIANS


39 Down: "57. Fencing contests"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: D___S
  • Similar words: duel
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DUELS


40 Down: "60. Chemistry lab dropper"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: P___T
  • Similar words: pipette
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PIPET


41 Down: "62. Prepare quickly, as eggs for breakfast"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: F___P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FRYUP


42 Down: "63. Chop-chop"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: A__P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: as soon as possible
  • This is Down clue number 42

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASAP


43 Down: "64. Wrinkly fruit"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: U__I
  • Similar words: tangelo, ugli fruit
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 43

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UGLI


44 Down: "65. GPS lines: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R__S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 44

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RTES


45 Down: "66. Programming language that's also a musical key"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: F____P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 45

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FSHARP


46 Down: "69. He sold out his master in exchange for silver"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: J___S
  • Similar words: Judas Iscariot, Thaddaeus
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 46

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JUDAS


47 Down: "71. Baby in a pouch"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: J__Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 47

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JOEY


48 Down: "72. Pandemonium"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: U____R
  • Similar words: garboil, brouhaha
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a state of commotion and noise and confusion
  • This is Down clue number 48

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UPROAR


49 Down: "75. Title for a guru"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'I'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 49

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SRI


50 Down: "76. Survivor's affliction, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: P__D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 50

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PTSD


51 Down: "77. Elf portrayed by Cate Blanchett in "The Fellowship of the Ring""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: G_______L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 51

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GALADRIEL


52 Down: "78. Big name in makeup"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A__N
  • Similar words: River Avon, Upper Avon
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 52

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AVON


53 Down: "79. Music score squiggle"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: R__T
  • Similar words: relief, breathe
  • Opposite of: be active
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: something left after other parts have been taken away
  • This is Down clue number 53

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REST


54 Down: "81. Disagrees (with)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'F'
  • Word pattern: H______F
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 54

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HASABEEF


55 Down: "84. Ixnays from Irkutsk"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: N___S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 55

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NYETS


56 Down: "87. Obnoxious fratty sort, colloquially"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: D_____O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 56

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DUDEBRO


57 Down: "89. Possible scenario, to a coder"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer USECASE


58 Down: "91. 2011 Lady Gaga hit"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: J___S
  • Similar words: Judas Iscariot, Thaddaeus
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 58

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JUDAS


59 Down: "92. Steamy"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: E____C
  • Similar words: titillating
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an erotic person
  • This is Down clue number 59

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EROTIC


60 Down: "94. Paired chips with dips?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: R____D
  • Similar words: rhyming, rime
  • Opposite of: unrhymed
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: compose rhymes
  • This is Down clue number 60

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RHYMED


61 Down: "95. Touch lightly, as a gas pedal"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EASEON


62 Down: "97. Floral victory symbol"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: L____L
  • Similar words: laurel wreath, bay wreath
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any of various aromatic trees of the laurel family
  • This is Down clue number 62

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LAUREL


63 Down: "98. Lead-in to Tech"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CAL


64 Down: "100. Spawned"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: B___T
  • Similar words: sire, beget
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: make children
  • This is Down clue number 64

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BEGOT


65 Down: "102. Camera inits."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 65

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLR


66 Down: "103. ___ me tangere (Latin warning)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: N__I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 66

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NOLI


67 Down: "105. Jafar's parrot in "Aladdin""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: I__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 67

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IAGO


68 Down: "107. Driven by envy toward his comrades, he fabricated events that led to their downfall"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: I__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 68

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IAGO


69 Down: "108. Official lang. of Liberia"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'G'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 69

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENG


70 Down: "110. Acorn, in the future"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'K'
  • Similar words: oak tree
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 70

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OAK


71 Down: "111. Messenger ___"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 71

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RNA


72 Down: "112. Birth month of most Virgos: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'P'
  • Similar words: Sept, September
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the month following August and preceding October
  • This is Down clue number 72

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEP


73 Down: "114. "Ruh-___!" (cry from Astro on "The Jetsons")"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'H'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 73

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROH

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 73 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: January 04, 2026 at 05:20 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, January 04 2026 down clues