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

Monday, October 19, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 19, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Center of the solar system, with "the" 3
2A 4. "A Fish Called ___" 5
3A 9. Tiny terror 3
4A 12. "Where the Wild Things ___" 3
5A 13. Cafe overhang 6
6A 15. Hotel booking 4
7A 17. Supermarket franchise inits. 3
8A 18. Giving excessive praise and flattery 11
9A 20. Second-in-command 6
10A 22. Will of "Arrested Development" 6
11A 23. Gives the nod 3
12A 24. Dutch beer brand 6
13A 27. Bundle of hay 4
14A 29. Branch plant? 4
15A 30. "The Raven" writer, in footnotes 5
16A 34. Used goods disclaimer 4
17A 35. Urban casual fashion 10
18A 37. Sombrero or fedora 3
19A 38. Lout 3
20A 39. U.K. thank-yous 3
21A 40. Alias letters 3
22A 41. "You are correct" 10
23A 44. Perfect tennis serves 4
24A 45. Muscle-bone connector 5
25A 46. Some jeans that aren't Wranglers or Levi's 4
26A 47. Philosopher Descartes 4
27A 48. Made some waves? 6
28A 50. See 61-Across 3
29A 51. "Is it OK for me to leave?" 6
30A 54. Home country of Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling 6
31A 57. Punches the air ... or a hint to what 1-Across creates in this puzzle 11
32A 61. With 50-Across, many a feel-good flick 3
33A 62. Giveaway, in poker 4
34A 63. Like a meditation retreat 6
35A 64. Letter between phi and psi 3
36A 65. Month with Mother's Day 3
37A 66. Law school class 5
38A 67. "You ___ to be there!" 3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Center of the solar system, with "the""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
  • Similar words include: Lord's Day, Dominicus, sunlight
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. "A Fish Called ___""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Tiny terror"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Similar words include: pixy, elf, hob
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "12. "Where the Wild Things ___""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
  • Similar words include: represent, cost, embody
  • Opposite of: differ
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "13. Cafe overhang"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a canopy made of canvas to shelter people or things from rain or sun
  • Similar words include: sunshade, sunblind
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWNING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Hotel booking"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
  • Similar words include: board, way, elbow room
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Supermarket franchise inits."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the most common of the five major classes of immunoglobulins; the chief antibody in the membranes of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts
  • Similar words include: immunoglobulin A
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Giving excessive praise and flattery"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Second-in-command"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone authorized to exercise the powers of sheriff in emergencies
  • Similar words include: lieutenant, deputy sheriff, surrogate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEPUTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Will of "Arrested Development""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Gives the nod"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in south central united states
  • Similar words include: OK, okay, Oklahoma
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Dutch beer brand"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Bundle of hay"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large bundle bound for storage or transport
  • Similar words include: Basle, Basel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Branch plant?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
  • Similar words include: Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, shoetree, tree diagram
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. "The Raven" writer, in footnotes"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. Used goods disclaimer"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Urban casual fashion"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Sombrero or fedora"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
  • Similar words include: chapeau, lid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Lout"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. U.K. thank-yous"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Alias letters"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. "You are correct""

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Perfect tennis serves"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: pass with flying colors, angiotensin-converting enzyme, sensation
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Muscle-bone connector"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
  • Similar words include: heftiness, brawniness, brawn
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Some jeans that aren't Wranglers or Levi's"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sediment from fermentation of an alcoholic beverage
  • Similar words include: Robert Edward Lee, Bruce Lee, Richard Henry Lee
  • Opposite of: windward
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Philosopher Descartes"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. Made some waves?"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give a permanent wave to
  • Similar words include: perm
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERMED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. See 61-Across"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "51. "Is it OK for me to leave?""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. Home country of Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Gosling"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nation in northern north america; the french were the first europeans to settle in mainland canada
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CANADA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Punches the air ... or a hint to what 1-Across creates in this puzzle"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that go through boxing motions without an opponent
  • Similar words include: shadowbox
  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHADOWBOXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. With 50-Across, many a feel-good flick"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (computer science) memory whose contents can be accessed and read but cannot be changed
  • Similar words include: read-only storage, fixed storage, read-only memory
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. Giveaway, in poker"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer; according to legend an austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap)
  • Similar words include: order, recite, separate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "63. Like a meditation retreat"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not agitated; without losing self-possession
  • Similar words include: calm, tranquil, unagitated
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "64. Letter between phi and psi"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the circulating life energy that in chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things; in traditional chinese medicine the balance of negative and positive forms in the body is believed to be essential for good health
  • Similar words include: ki, ch'i, qi
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "65. Month with Mother's Day"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the month following april and preceding june
  • Similar words include: whitethorn, Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus oxycantha
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "66. Law school class"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (law) any wrongdoing for which an action for damages may be brought
  • Similar words include: tort, civil wrong
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "67. "You ___ to be there!""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense
  • Similar words include: hold, throw, have got
  • Opposite of: lack, abstain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Uttered 4
2D 2. Strong desire 4
3D 3. Tricolored ice cream flavor 10
4D 4. Floats in the breeze 5
5D 5. Not home 4
6D 6. 180° from SSE 3
7D 7. Cacophony 3
8D 8. Darth Vader's childhood nickname 3
9D 9. Rule with no exceptions 7
10D 10. Change places 4
11D 11. What everyone becomes at the touch of love, per Plato's "Symposium" 4
12D 14. Little annoyance you might swat at 4
13D 16. "Rocky III" actor with a mohawk 3
14D 19. Waves to, e.g. 6
15D 21. Luau strings, informally 4
16D 24. Work likely to be shown at an independent cinema 7
17D 25. Debussy's "La ___" 3
18D 26. Was fuming mad 7
19D 27. Thai currency units 5
20D 28. Sapporo rival 5
21D 29. Pre-1917 Russian autocrat 4
22D 31. Antiwar protest 10
23D 32. Like some wine casks 5
24D 33. Clear, as a chalkboard 5
25D 36. Uber ___ 4
26D 38. New York city, county or river 6
27D 42. Without enthusiasm 7
28D 43. "Golly!" 3
29D 44. Elvis Presley's middle name 4
30D 49. Uses oars 4
31D 50. Assignments for lawyers and judges 5
32D 51. Winter hrs. in Wichita 3
33D 52. Attention-getting sound 4
34D 53. Simba's mate in "The Lion King" 4
35D 54. Penny 4
36D 55. Capital of Qatar 4
37D 56. In amongst 4
38D 58. Wager 3
39D 59. Gold, in Granada 3
40D 60. Gen ___ (Zoomer's parent) 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Uttered"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express in words
  • Similar words include: order, enunciate, allege
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Strong desire"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an instinctive motive
  • Similar words include: urge on, press, impulse
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Tricolored ice cream flavor"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of naples
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEAPOLITAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Floats in the breeze"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long flag; often tapering
  • Similar words include: pennon, pennant, streamer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAFTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Not home"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not present; having left
  • Similar words include: forth, by, outside
  • Opposite of: home
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. 180° from SSE"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the compass point that is midway between north and northwest
  • Similar words include: north northwest, nor'-nor'-west
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NNW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Cacophony"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud harsh or strident noise
  • Similar words include: rumpus, cacophony, commotion
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Darth Vader's childhood nickname"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that black tropical american cuckoo
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Rule with no exceptions"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Change places"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of deciding to do something
  • Similar words include: prompt, displace, impress
  • Opposite of: stay, rest
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. What everyone becomes at the touch of love, per Plato's "Symposium""

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!

12D: "14. Little annoyance you might swat at"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various small biting flies: midges; biting midges; black flies; sand flies
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GNAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "16. "Rocky III" actor with a mohawk"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "19. Waves to, e.g."

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express greetings upon meeting someone
  • Similar words include: recognise, recognize, greet
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GREETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Luau strings, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small guitar having four strings
  • Similar words include: uke, ukulele
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UKES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Work likely to be shown at an independent cinema"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Debussy's "La ___""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that denoting a quantity consisting of 1,000 items or units
  • Similar words include: m, one thousand, thousand
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Was fuming mad"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be noisy with activity
  • Similar words include: hum, roll, boil
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEETHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Thai currency units"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of money in thailand
  • Similar words include: tical, baht
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAHTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Sapporo rival"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Pre-1917 Russian autocrat"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
  • Similar words include: czar, tzar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Antiwar protest"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Like some wine casks"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that consisting of or made of wood of the oak tree
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAKEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Clear, as a chalkboard"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from memory or existence
  • Similar words include: rub out, score out, delete
  • Opposite of: record
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Uber ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for a meal
  • Similar words include: grub, consume, eat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. New York city, county or river"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Without enthusiasm"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in an unenthusiastically lukewarm manner
  • Similar words include: lukewarmly
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEPIDLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. "Golly!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity; used to indicate the force to which a body is subjected when it is accelerated
  • Similar words include: g-force, g
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Elvis Presley's middle name"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "49. Uses oars"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
  • Similar words include: wrangle, row, quarrel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Assignments for lawyers and judges"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an occurrence of something
  • Similar words include: typesetter's case, case, instance
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CASES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Winter hrs. in Wichita"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that standard time in the 6th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 90th meridian; used in the central united states
  • Similar words include: Central Standard Time, Central Time
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Attention-getting sound"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the utterance of a sound similar to clearing the throat; intended to get attention, express hesitancy, fill a pause, hide embarrassment, warn a friend, etc.
  • Similar words include: hem
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AHEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Simba's mate in "The Lion King""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Penny"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fractional monetary unit of several countries
  • Similar words include: penny, centime
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Capital of Qatar"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and chief port of qatar
  • Similar words include: Bida, El Beda, capital of Qatar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. In amongst"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Wager"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the money risked on a gamble
  • Similar words include: reckon, look, play
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. Gold, in Granada"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. Gen ___ (Zoomer's parent)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being one more than nine
  • Similar words include: x, 10, ten
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: XER

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

38 Across Clues
40 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: October 19, 2026 at 09:07 AM

Friday, December 5, 2025

Friday's NYT Down Dec 05 - Full Vertical Grid Solutions

Friday's NYT Down Dec 05 - Full Vertical Grid Solutions

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 36 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: August 19 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | NYT Mini Crossword October 13 2025 | June 18 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 05, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Friday, December 05, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 05, 2025
Day of Week Friday
Total Down Clues 36 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Tricky

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 36 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. What clones share
2 Down 2. It might be on a rack
3 Down 3. Ski town that shares its name with a tree
4 Down 4. "High" time
5 Down 5. Image that's just over a foot, informally
6 Down 6. "Arrested Development," e.g.
7 Down 7. Pines
8 Down 8. Relatives of banjoleles
9 Down 9. Nebraska senator Fischer
10 Down 10. Repeat
11 Down 11. Council, in Russian
12 Down 12. Got misty
13 Down 13. Sea shanty singer
14 Down 14. Skin layer with hair follicles
15 Down 15. Show stoppers, sometimes
16 Down 20. Items on many a back-to-school supply list
17 Down 22. "Is this possible?!?"
18 Down 24. Take a little off the top
19 Down 25. Dog treat
20 Down 27. Silent sort
21 Down 28. Fancy
22 Down 30. Kind of instinct
23 Down 31. Mohamed ___, Egyptian soccer star
24 Down 32. Shade of red
25 Down 33. Big name in fast food
26 Down 34. "Honor Thy Father" writer, 1971
27 Down 35. Argumentative
28 Down 36. Get to
29 Down 37. Minimal coverage provider?
30 Down 39. Hearty steakhouse serving
31 Down 42. Tricks
32 Down 43. Unwitting mark
33 Down 45. Thickening agent found in many vegan recipes
34 Down 46. Raced
35 Down 49. Dot follower in academia
36 Down 50. Spicy

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. What clones share"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G_____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GENESET


2 Down: "2. It might be on a rack"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: lid, chapeau
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HAT


3 Down: "3. Ski town that shares its name with a tree"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASPEN


4 Down: "4. "High" time"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: N__N
  • Similar words: midday, twelve noon
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the middle of the day
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NOON


5 Down: "5. Image that's just over a foot, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A______T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ANKLETAT


6 Down: "6. "Arrested Development," e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SITCOM


7 Down: "7. Pines"

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: languish, ache
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACHES


8 Down: "8. Relatives of banjoleles"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: U__S
  • Similar words: uke, ukulele
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a small guitar having four strings
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UKES


9 Down: "9. Nebraska senator Fischer"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'B'
  • Similar words: debutante
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a young woman making her debut into society
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DEB


10 Down: "10. Repeat"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: I_____E
  • Similar words: reiterate, repeat
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: to say
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ITERATE


11 Down: "11. Council, in Russian"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOVIET


12 Down: "12. Got misty"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: T____D
  • Similar words: bust, shoot
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: separate or cause to separate abruptly
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TEARED


13 Down: "13. Sea shanty singer"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S____R
  • Similar words: boater, Panama hat
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any member of a ship's crew
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SAILOR


14 Down: "14. Skin layer with hair follicles"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: D___A
  • Similar words: corium, dermis
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the deep vascular inner layer of the skin
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DERMA


15 Down: "15. Show stoppers, sometimes"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R___S
  • Similar words: rain down, rainfall
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAINS


16 Down: "20. Items on many a back-to-school supply list"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E_____S
  • Similar words: eraser
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an implement used to erase something
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ERASERS


17 Down: "22. "Is this possible?!?""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CANITBE


18 Down: "24. Take a little off the top"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: S__M
  • Similar words: skim over, skimming
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a thin layer covering the surface of a liquid
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKIM


19 Down: "25. Dog treat"

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
  • Similar words: bone up, mug up
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BONE


20 Down: "27. Silent sort"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: C__M
  • Similar words: dollar bill, dollar
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CLAM


21 Down: "28. Fancy"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: L__E
  • Similar words: same, corresponding
  • Opposite of: unalike
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a similar kind;
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LIKE


22 Down: "30. Kind of instinct"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: M______L
  • Similar words: enate, enatic
  • Opposite of: filial
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: characteristic of a mother; - Dorothy Sayers
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MATERNAL


23 Down: "31. Mohamed ___, Egyptian soccer star"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: S___H
  • Similar words: salaat, salaah
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SALAH


24 Down: "32. Shade of red"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: C____T
  • Similar words: red Bordeaux
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a dark purplish-red color
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CLARET


25 Down: "33. Big name in fast food"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: R_____C
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAYKROC


26 Down: "34. "Honor Thy Father" writer, 1971"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TALESE


27 Down: "35. Argumentative"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: H_____E
  • Similar words: uncongenial, unfriendly
  • Opposite of: amicable
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: troops belonging to the enemy's military forces
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOSTILE


28 Down: "36. Get to"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: A____D
  • Similar words: give ear, assist
  • Opposite of: miss
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: be present at (meetings
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATTEND


29 Down: "37. Minimal coverage provider?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: T___G
  • Similar words: flip-flop, lash
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: leather strip that forms the flexible part of a whip
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THONG


30 Down: "39. Hearty steakhouse serving"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RIBEYE


31 Down: "42. Tricks"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P___S
  • Similar words: ploy, gambit
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PLOYS


32 Down: "43. Unwitting mark"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: P___Y
  • Similar words: gull, sucker
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PATSY


33 Down: "45. Thickening agent found in many vegan recipes"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: A__R
  • Similar words: nutrient agar, agar-agar
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AGAR


34 Down: "46. Raced"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T__E
  • Similar words: bust, shoot
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TORE


35 Down: "49. Dot follower in academia"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'U'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EDU


36 Down: "50. Spicy"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: raging, spicy
  • Opposite of: cold
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOT

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 36 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

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

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

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


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

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

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 05 2025 down clues