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Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Quick NYT Mini Crossword September 30, 2026 (Trivia Week 4) - Solutions

NYT Mini Answers September 30, 2026 - Trivia Week 4 Special

Today's Mini has 20 clues to get through. Hints and answers for all of them are below.

Popular Puzzles: September 21 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers December 09 | July 27 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for September 30, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 30, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

It's a 5 by 5 grid today — five boxes across, five boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This One Fast

  1. Read through all the clues before filling in a single square.
  2. Start with anything three letters or shorter.
  3. Crossing letters are your best friend for the trickier answers.
  4. Question mark clues (?) almost always mean wordplay, not a literal answer.
  5. Watch for the usual suspects: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT.

Quick Facts

  • Total squares: 25 (5 × 5)
  • Typical solve time: well under a minute for most regulars
  • Good time to play: on a coffee break
  • Difficulty: built to be approachable

Across Clues - 10 Total

These run left to right across the grid.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 59. Hightailed it
2 Across 28. It was you
3 Across 27. Nottingham-to-London dir.
4 Across 52. Great flair
5 Across 58. Sized up
6 Across 14. Isle that's the traditional burial site of Scottish kings
7 Across 1. Much-used pencil
8 Across 15. Mayberry kid on old TV
9 Across 19. Walked while fraught with worry, say
10 Across 31. Culinary connoisseur

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Stuck on one? Hints and answers for each clue are below. A few other guides worth a look:

1 Across: "59. Hightailed it"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'T', ends with 'E'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: T__E

Answer:

Click to reveal TORE

2 Across: "28. It was you"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'T', ends with 'U'.
  • It's a 4-letter word.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal THOU

3 Across: "27. Nottingham-to-London dir."

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • This one runs 3 letters long.
  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal SSE

4 Across: "52. Great flair"

Hints:

  • In plain terms: distinctive and stylish elegance.
  • Starts with 'P', ends with 'E'.
  • You're looking for 7 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal PANACHE

5 Across: "58. Sized up"

Hints:

  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • This one runs 4 letters long.
  • Think of it this way — look at.

Answer:

Click to reveal EYED

6 Across: "14. Isle that's the traditional burial site of Scottish kings"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'I' and wraps up with 'A'.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • It's a 4-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal IONA

7 Across: "1. Much-used pencil"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: S__B
  • Kicks off with 'S' and wraps up with 'B'.
  • It's a 4-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal STUB

8 Across: "15. Mayberry kid on old TV"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'O', last letter's a 'E'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • You're looking for 4 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal OPIE

9 Across: "19. Walked while fraught with worry, say"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: P___D
  • You're looking for 5 letters.
  • In plain terms: walk with slow or fast paces.

Answer:

Click to reveal PACED

10 Across: "31. Culinary connoisseur"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'F', ends with 'E'.
  • Close enough in meaning: gourmet.
  • It's a 6-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal FOODIE

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 11. Be super-successful, in slang
2 Down 54. Rank below sgt.
3 Down 7. Trust eroder
4 Down 31. Offer from many a streaming service
5 Down 48. Targets of some heists
6 Down 45. Where landlubbers are at home
7 Down 24. Collection of dishes?
8 Down 1. Drawn-out attacks
9 Down 50. Was out of other options
10 Down 10. They might get lit at a birthday celebration

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Same deal here — hints then answers. You might also like:

1 Down: "11. Be super-successful, in slang"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: K______T
  • First letter's a 'K', last letter's a 'T'.
  • Count on 8 letters here.

Answer:

Click to reveal KICKBUTT

2 Down: "54. Rank below sgt."

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'C' and wraps up with 'L'.
  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal CPL

3 Down: "7. Trust eroder"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "consist."
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • You're looking for 3 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal LIE

4 Down: "31. Offer from many a streaming service"

Hints:

  • This one runs 9 letters long.
  • If that helps, the shape is: F_______L
  • First letter's a 'F', last letter's a 'L'.

Answer:

Click to reveal FREETRIAL

5 Down: "48. Targets of some heists"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'S'.
  • In plain terms: strongbox where valuables can be safely kept.
  • 'condom' points in the same direction.

Answer:

Click to reveal SAFES

6 Down: "45. Where landlubbers are at home"

Hints:

  • You're looking for 6 letters.
  • Starts with 'A', ends with 'E'.
  • Think of it this way — towards the shore from the water.

Answer:

Click to reveal ASHORE

7 Down: "24. Collection of dishes?"

Hints:

  • This one runs 7 letters long.
  • Starts with 'C', ends with 'E'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: C_____E

Answer:

Click to reveal CUISINE

8 Down: "1. Drawn-out attacks"

Hints:

  • Count on 6 letters here.
  • Blank it out and you get: S____S
  • 'siege' points in the same direction.

Answer:

Click to reveal SIEGES

9 Down: "50. Was out of other options"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'H', last letter's a 'O'.
  • You're looking for 5 letters.
  • Pattern-wise it looks like: H___O

Answer:

Click to reveal HADTO

10 Down: "10. They might get lit at a birthday celebration"

Hints:

  • This one runs 9 letters long.
  • If that helps, the shape is: S_______S
  • Starts with 'S', ends with 'S'.

Answer:

Click to reveal SPARKLERS

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

A few things that actually help once you've been doing these a while:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Read it all first: Go through every clue once before writing anything down — it primes your brain even on the ones you skip.
  2. Grab the short ones: Two and three letter answers (things like "IT" or "ON") are usually the easiest place to start.
  3. Use the crossings: Once a couple of words are in, the crossing letters do a lot of the work for you on the harder ones.
  4. Watch for question marks: A "?" at the end of a clue almost always signals a pun rather than a literal answer.
  5. Keep the regulars in mind: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE — these turn up often enough that it's worth remembering them.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • E is the most common letter in English, so it's worth guessing early.
  • Words ending in S are usually plurals.
  • Blanks ("___") in a clue mean the answer fits exactly into those spaces.
  • An abbreviation in the clue is a signal the answer's abbreviated too.

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You've clearly got the puzzle's patterns down.
30-60 seconds Advanced Solid pace — you're solving quickly.
1-2 minutes Good Right where most regular solvers land.
Over 2 minutes Learning Totally fine — speed comes with reps.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25
Average Time: 58 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

More Puzzle Help

If today's Mini hit the spot, here are a few more you might enjoy:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 4

When does the Trivia Week 4 Mini go live?

It usually goes live around 10 PM Eastern the night before.

How long should Trivia Week 4 take me?

Most people land somewhere between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Slower than that is completely normal too — it gets faster with practice.

Is Trivia Week 4 free to play?

It's free to play, unlike the main NYT Crossword which sits behind a paywall.

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 4?

It mostly comes down to recognizing common short answers and catching puns fast. The rest is just reps.

Does Trivia Week 4 get harder as the week goes on?

Difficulty shifts through the week; expect Monday to be gentle and Saturday to bite a bit more.

About This Page: We put together hints and answers for the NYT Mini to help you learn the ropes and get faster over time. This site isn't affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: September 30, 2026 at 09:51 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, September 30 2026 mini crossword

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XWordHint Crossword Answers September 30, 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

September 30, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

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. Much-used pencil 4
2A 5. Composed 4
3A 9. A bit off 5
4A 14. Isle that's the traditional burial site of Scottish kings 4
5A 15. Mayberry kid on old TV 4
6A 16. Sharp increase 5
7A 17. Market! 9
8A 19. Walked while fraught with worry, say 5
9A 20. Like a moon that is not full but is more than half visible 7
10A 21. Administrative role 5
11A 23. Sign up 6
12A 24. Ticket! 8
13A 27. Nottingham-to-London dir. 3
14A 28. It was you 4
15A 30. Attributed writer of the third Gospel 6
16A 31. Culinary connoisseur 6
17A 33. GPS's guesses 4
18A 34. Planet! 13
19A 38. Desert landform 4
20A 39. San Francisco team, informally 6
21A 40. Best and most awesome, in slang 6
22A 43. Times Sq. squad 4
23A 44. Humanities degs. 3
24A 47. Packet! 8
25A 49. Person's bidding 6
26A 51. Need for a greedy Swede? 5
27A 52. Great flair 7
28A 53. Nail a test 5
29A 55. Locket! 9
30A 57. Pie-in-the-face sound 5
31A 58. Sized up 4
32A 59. Hightailed it 4
33A 60. How a trickster might behave 5
34A 61. Group in a gym routine 4
35A 62. Margarine 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Much-used pencil"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short piece remaining on a trunk or stem where a branch is lost
  • Similar words include: nub, check stub, butt
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STUB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Composed"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that steadiness of mind under stress
  • Similar words include: composure, tranquillise, cool off
  • Opposite of: stormy, stimulate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CALM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. A bit off"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that turned or twisted toward one side; - g.k.chesterton
  • Similar words include: wonky, lopsided, cockeyed
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASKEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Isle that's the traditional burial site of Scottish kings"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Mayberry kid on old TV"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Sharp increase"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a transient variation in voltage or current
  • Similar words include: empale, stiletto heel, spike out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPIKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Market!"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Walked while fraught with worry, say"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that walk with slow or fast paces
  • Similar words include: pace, step
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PACED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Like a moon that is not full but is more than half visible"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characteristic of or suffering from kyphosis, an abnormality of the vertebral column
  • Similar words include: kyphotic, crookback, humpbacked
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIBBOUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Administrative role"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an employee who performs clerical work (e.g., keeps records or accounts)
  • Similar words include: salesclerk, shop clerk, shop assistant
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLERK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Sign up"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that join the military
  • Similar words include: draft, muster in, engage
  • Opposite of: discharge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENLIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Ticket!"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Nottingham-to-London dir."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

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!

14A: "28. It was you"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
  • Similar words include: K, M, chiliad
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THOU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Attributed writer of the third Gospel"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Culinary connoisseur"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person devoted to refined sensuous enjoyment (especially good food and drink)
  • Similar words include: epicurean, gastronome, epicure
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FOODIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. GPS's guesses"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Planet!"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SURPRISEPARTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Desert landform"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ridge of sand created by the wind; found in deserts or near lakes and oceans
  • Similar words include: sand dune
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. San Francisco team, informally"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
  • Similar words include: niner, 9, nine
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Best and most awesome, in slang"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
  • Similar words include: sick, inauspicious, ill
  • Opposite of: well
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ILLEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Times Sq. squad"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Humanities degs."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group; found in barite
  • Similar words include: Ba, Bachelor of Arts, AB
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Packet!"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a portable rectangular container for carrying clothes
  • Similar words include: travelling bag, bag, traveling bag
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUITCASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Person's bidding"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an authoritative command or request
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEHEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Need for a greedy Swede?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money in sweden
  • Similar words include: Swedish krona, Icelandic krona
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KRONA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Great flair"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that distinctive and stylish elegance
  • Similar words include: flair, dash, style
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PANACHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Nail a test"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Locket!"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Pie-in-the-face sound"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a single splash
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPLAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Sized up"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having an eye or eyes or eyelike feature especially as specified; often used in combination
  • Similar words include: eyeball, eye
  • Opposite of: eyeless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Hightailed it"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
  • Similar words include: pluck, bust, tear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "60. How a trickster might behave"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in an artful manner
  • Similar words include: trickily, foxily, knavishly
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLYLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "61. Group in a gym routine"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: set up, lay, set
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "62. Margarine"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a spread made chiefly from vegetable oils and used as a substitute for butter
  • Similar words include: marge, margarine, oleomargarine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Drawn-out attacks 6
2D 2. Things to be cleansed from the body 6
3D 3. Powerless 6
4D 4. Movie with the record for the longest time between its release and the release of its sequel (63 years) 5
5D 5. Writing partner 8
6D 6. Many tech start-up ideas 4
7D 7. Trust eroder 3
8D 8. Some concert gear, informally 5
9D 9. Feature 6
10D 10. They might get lit at a birthday celebration 9
11D 11. Be super-successful, in slang 8
12D 12. Scrape (by) 3
13D 13. Give a ring, say 3
14D 18. Surgery recovery period, in brief 6
15D 22. "___ Troyens" (five-hour French opera) 3
16D 24. Collection of dishes? 7
17D 25. Up to snuff 4
18D 26. Treasure map markings 3
19D 29. God whose name has one "I," fittingly 4
20D 31. Offer from many a streaming service 9
21D 32. Start of a counting rhyme 4
22D 34. "Star Trek" helmsman 4
23D 35. Doubtful 8
24D 36. Musical promoters of school spirit 8
25D 37. Impassioned 6
26D 38. Insult 3
27D 41. "Star Trek" engineer 6
28D 42. Trig function that can output every real number 3
29D 44. "Don't freak out, dude" 6
30D 45. Where landlubbers are at home 6
31D 46. It often features panels with speakers 6
32D 48. Targets of some heists 5
33D 50. Was out of other options 5
34D 52. Word found at the start of "Poe, to name one" 4
35D 53. Burro 3
36D 54. Rank below sgt. 3
37D 56. Bread choice 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Drawn-out attacks"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack
  • Similar words include: military blockade, besieging, beleaguering
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIEGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Things to be cleansed from the body"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a poisonous substance produced during the metabolism and growth of certain microorganisms and some higher plant and animal species
  • Similar words include: toxin
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOXINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Powerless"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
  • Similar words include: ineffective, ineffectual
  • Opposite of: able
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Movie with the record for the longest time between its release and the release of its sequel (63 years)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Writing partner"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a writer who collaborates with others in writing something
  • Similar words include: joint author
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COAUTHOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Many tech start-up ideas"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Trust eroder"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
  • Similar words include: Trygve Halvden Lie, lie down, Trygve Lie
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Some concert gear, informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Feature"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinct feature or element in a problem
  • Similar words include: facial expression, panorama, prospect
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. They might get lit at a birthday celebration"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a firework that burns slowly and throws out a shower of sparks
  • Similar words include: ice, sparkler
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPARKLERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Be super-successful, in slang"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Scrape (by)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Give a ring, say"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fourth day of the week; the third working day
  • Similar words include: tie, Wednesday, marry
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Surgery recovery period, in brief"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. "___ Troyens" (five-hour French opera)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints)
  • Similar words include: LE, lupus erythematosus
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Collection of dishes?"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the practice or manner of preparing food or the food so prepared
  • Similar words include: culinary art
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUISINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Up to snuff"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an endorsement
  • Similar words include: hunky-dory, o.k., sanction
  • Opposite of: disapprove
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OKAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Treasure map markings"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colorless odorless inert gaseous element occurring in the earth's atmosphere in trace amounts
  • Similar words include: x, Adam, X
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: XES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. God whose name has one "I," fittingly"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (norse mythology) ruler of the aesir; supreme god of war and poetry and knowledge and wisdom (for which he gave an eye) and husband of frigg; identified with the teutonic wotan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Offer from many a streaming service"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Start of a counting rhyme"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. "Star Trek" helmsman"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Doubtful"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred
  • Similar words include: unbelievable, unconvincing, improbable
  • Opposite of: likely, probable
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNLIKELY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Musical promoters of school spirit"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "37. Impassioned"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characterized by intense emotion
  • Similar words include: perfervid, fervent, impassioned
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARDENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Insult"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that god of the underworld; counterpart of greek pluto
  • Similar words include: Orcus
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. "Star Trek" engineer"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Trig function that can output every real number"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
  • Similar words include: suntan, topaz, tangent
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. "Don't freak out, dude""

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Where landlubbers are at home"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that towards the shore from the water
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASHORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. It often features panels with speakers"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that reproducer in which two microphones feed two or more loudspeakers to give a three-dimensional effect to the sound
  • Similar words include: two-channel, stereoscopic picture, stereophony
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. Targets of some heists"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strongbox where valuables can be safely kept
  • Similar words include: rubber, safe, condom
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAFES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Was out of other options"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Word found at the start of "Poe, to name one""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. Burro"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: arse, stern, buns
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. Rank below sgt."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Bread choice"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seed of the cereal grass
  • Similar words include: rye whisky, rye whiskey, Secale cereale
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RYE

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

35 Across Clues
37 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

Last updated: September 30, 2026 at 09:51 AM

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Sunday, September 28, 2025

December 27, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Related Puzzles

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, December 27, 2019

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 68 (35 Across, 33 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.8 letters

December 27, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions

NYT Friday Crossword Across Clues - December 27, 2019 Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Cracker boxes? 5
2A 6. Criticized continuously 4
3A 10. Shareable PC files 4
4A 14. Military trainee 5
5A 15. Co-creator of the "Watchmen" comic books 9
6A 17. Earmark 5
7A 18. Where stars may align 9
8A 19. "That was mean" 7
9A 21. Malicious creations of hackers 7
10A 22. "Well, well" 4
11A 23. In a way 7
12A 25. Rested 3
13A 26. Like Goldilocks 6
14A 27. Things opened in bars 4
15A 31. "You said what?" 3
16A 32. Locale of Dingle and Donegal 4
17A 33. Historic speaker at Israel's Knesset on 11/20/1977 5
18A 34. It's icy and coated with salt 15
19A 38. Light unit 5
20A 39. Weirdo 4
21A 40. Contraction missing a "v" 3
22A 41. ___ error 4
23A 42. Mountebanks, less formally 6
24A 44. Onetime part of the Air France fleet, in brief 3
25A 45. "Heavens!" 7
26A 47. Brand with a paw print in its logo 4
27A 48. Completely shunned 7
28A 51. Follow-up series to MTV's "16 and Pregnant" 7
29A 53. The National Weather Service has one for storm severity 9
30A 55. Hill on the Hill, once 5
31A 56. Express affection from afar 9
32A 57. Jason of "How I Met Your Mother" 5
33A 58. Golfer Carol who won the 1965 U.S. Women's Open 4
34A 59. TV time 4
35A 60. Forum troublemaker 5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Cracker boxes?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that strongbox where valuables can be safely kept
  • Words that mean the same thing: safe, rubber, prophylactic
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAFES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Criticized continuously"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
  • Words that mean the same thing: depend on, cod, tantalize
  • The opposite would be: walk
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RODE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Shareable PC files"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: PDFS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Military trainee"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a military trainee (as at a military academy)
  • Words that mean the same thing: cadet
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PLEBE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Co-creator of the "Watchmen" comic books"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ALANMOORE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Earmark"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that allow to have
  • Words that mean the same thing: dish out, accord, administer
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALLOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Where stars may align"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: REDCARPET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. "That was mean""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: NOTNICE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Malicious creations of hackers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: BOTNETS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. "Well, well""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ISAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. In a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: OFSORTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Rested"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
  • Words that mean the same thing: model, posture, seat
  • The opposite would be: stand, arise
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Like Goldilocks"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a person with fair skin and hair
  • Words that mean the same thing: blond, light-haired
  • The opposite would be: brunet
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BLONDE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Things opened in bars"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the bill in a restaurant
  • Words that mean the same thing: tabloid, tablet, pill
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TABS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. "You said what?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: HUH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Locale of Dingle and Donegal"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of ireland; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1921
  • Words that mean the same thing: Republic of Ireland, Irish Republic, Ireland
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EIRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Historic speaker at Israel's Knesset on 11/20/1977"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that egyptian statesman who (as president of egypt) negotiated a peace treaty with menachem begin (then prime minister of israel) (1918-1981)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Anwar Sadat, Anwar el-Sadat
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SADAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. It's icy and coated with salt"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: FROZENMARGARITA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Light unit"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a unit of luminous flux equal to the amount of light given out through a solid angle of 1 steradian by a point source of 1 candela intensity radiating uniformly in all directions
  • Words that mean the same thing: lm
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LUMEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Weirdo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that someone regarded as eccentric or crazy and standing out from a group
  • Words that mean the same thing: queer duck, odd fellow, odd fish
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KOOK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Contraction missing a "v""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: OER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. ___ error"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a person who makes use of a thing; someone who uses or employs something
  • Words that mean the same thing: exploiter, substance abuser, drug user
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: USER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "42. Mountebanks, less formally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that weedy annual grass often occurs in grainfields and other cultivated land; seeds sometimes considered poisonous
  • Words that mean the same thing: wander, cheat, bearded darnel
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CHEATS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. Onetime part of the Air France fleet, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. "Heavens!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: OHLORDY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "47. Brand with a paw print in its logo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: IAMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "48. Completely shunned"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ICEDOUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. Follow-up series to MTV's "16 and Pregnant""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: TEENMOM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "53. The National Weather Service has one for storm severity"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: COLORCODE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Hill on the Hill, once"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ANITA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "56. Express affection from afar"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: BLOWAKISS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "57. Jason of "How I Met Your Mother""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SEGEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "58. Golfer Carol who won the 1965 U.S. Women's Open"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that united states educator who introduced reforms that significantly altered the system of public education (1796-1859)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Thomas Mann, Horace Mann
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MANN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "59. TV time"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a position in a grammatical linguistic construction in which a variety of alternative units are interchangeable
  • Words that mean the same thing: time slot, expansion slot, one-armed bandit
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SLOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "60. Forum troublemaker"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (scandanavian folklore) a supernatural creature (either a dwarf or a giant) that is supposed to live in caves or in the mountains
  • Words that mean the same thing: trolling, round
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TROLL

    Great job if you got it right!

NYT Friday Crossword Down Clues - December 27, 2019 Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. 1918 pandemic 10
2D 2. Jurassic creature whose name means "different lizard" 10
3D 3. Was completely comfortable 10
4D 4. Key material 5
5D 5. Alien-seeking org. 4
6D 6. Good state for a performer to be in 8
7D 7. Encouraging cheer 3
8D 8. Father figure? 6
9D 9. Encouraging cheer 6
10D 10. Stormy Daniels, e.g. 8
11D 11. "Sweet!" 4
12D 12. Guitar part 4
13D 13. Goes down 4
14D 16. ___ Smith, player of the Doctor on "Doctor Who" 4
15D 20. Michael's "Weekend Update" co-anchor on "S.N.L." 5
16D 24. Bit of court wear 7
17D 26. "It's ___ fun!" 4
18D 28. Alternative to "Hasta la vista!" 10
19D 29. Establishment with 12 cabins in a classic 1960 film 10
20D 30. Don't try to do everything at once 10
21D 33. Noted retailer across the street from Rockefeller Center 4
22D 35. Favorable loan term 8
23D 36. Take for a spin, say 8
24D 37. Singer with the 2012 #1 hit "Somebody That I Used to Know" 5
25D 42. Disapproving sounds 6
26D 43. Deep-frying need 6
27D 46. Wedding circle? 4
28D 47. Private 5
29D 48. Cold War weapon, for short 4
30D 49. Mixer option 4
31D 50. Southern university or the town it's in 4
32D 52. It's right there on the map! 4
33D 54. Brit. military honor 3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

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

Clue 1 Down: "1. 1918 pandemic"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SPANISHFLU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Jurassic creature whose name means "different lizard""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that late jurassic carnivorous dinosaur; similar to but somewhat smaller than tyrannosaurus
  • Words that mean the same thing: allosaur
  • The word looks like this: __________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALLOSAURUS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Was completely comfortable"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: FELTATHOME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Key material"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a very dark black
  • Words that mean the same thing: ebon, ebony tree, jet black
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EBONY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Alien-seeking org."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SETI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Good state for a performer to be in"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: RAREFORM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Encouraging cheer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: OLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Father figure?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: DADBOD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Encouraging cheer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an extra or repeated performance; usually given in response to audience demand
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ENCORE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Stormy Daniels, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: PORNSTAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "Sweet!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that street names for marijuana
  • Words that mean the same thing: gage, smoke, poop
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DOPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Guitar part"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that agitation resulting from active worry
  • Words that mean the same thing: lather, fuss, Greek fret
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FRET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Goes down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Words that mean the same thing: set up, lay out, define
  • The opposite would be: rise
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SETS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "16. ___ Smith, player of the Doctor on "Doctor Who""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the property of having little or no contrast; lacking highlights or gloss
  • Words that mean the same thing: matted, flat, flatness
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MATT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Michael's "Weekend Update" co-anchor on "S.N.L.""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: COLIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Bit of court wear"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a canvas shoe with a pliable rubber sole
  • Words that mean the same thing: tennis shoe, fink, gym shoe
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SNEAKER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. "It's ___ fun!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)
  • Words that mean the same thing: follow, equal, personify
  • The opposite would be: differ
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BEEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Alternative to "Hasta la vista!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ADIOSAMIGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Establishment with 12 cabins in a classic 1960 film"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: BATESMOTEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Don't try to do everything at once"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: STARTSMALL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. Noted retailer across the street from Rockefeller Center"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SAKS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. Favorable loan term"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ZERODOWN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Take for a spin, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ROADTEST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Singer with the 2012 #1 hit "Somebody That I Used to Know""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: GOTYE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "42. Disapproving sounds"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the sound made by a hen (as in calling her chicks)
  • Words that mean the same thing: clucking, cluck, click
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CLUCKS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "43. Deep-frying need"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: HOTOIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "46. Wedding circle?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: HORA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "47. Private"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that located inward; - leonard bernstein; - david denby; - a.r.gurney,jr.
  • Words that mean the same thing: privileged, inside, internal
  • The opposite would be: outer
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: INNER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Cold War weapon, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a ballistic missile that is capable of traveling from one continent to another
  • Words that mean the same thing: intercontinental ballistic missile
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ICBM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Mixer option"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that large genus of african trees bearing kola nuts
  • Words that mean the same thing: El Salvadoran colon, Aspinwall, colon
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COLA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. Southern university or the town it's in"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ELON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. It's right there on the map!"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
  • Words that mean the same thing: Orient, eastern United States, eastward
  • The opposite would be: west
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EAST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. Brit. military honor"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: DSO

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 55 80.9%
Short Answer 6 8.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment 2 2.9%
Literature 1 1.5%
Geography 1 1.5%
Sports 1 1.5%
Movies/Film 1 1.5%
History 1 1.5%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 35
Down Clues 33
Total Clues 68
Average Answer Length 5.8 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

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

Last Updated: September 28, 2025 at 03:50 AM

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