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Monday, September 22, 2025

September 17, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, September 17, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (35 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.2 letters

NYT Thursday Crossword Across Clues - September 17, 2020 Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Savings bank, informally 6
2A 7. It's a wrap 4
3A 11. Cry and cry 3
4A 14. "Whoopee!" 6
5A 15. About 600 million viewers watched its pilot in 1969 8
6A 17. Pop-up generator 6
7A 18. Superfan of a certain 2010s pop star 8
8A 19. Third word of many a limerick 3
9A 20. Rx dosages: Abbr. 3
10A 22. Music holder before cloud storage 7
11A 23. Nonclotting blood component 5
12A 25. Supposed crop circle makers, for short 3
13A 26. Garden pest 5
14A 29. Held up 5
15A 31. In-flight announcement, for short? 3
16A 34. Tributary of the Potomac 15
17A 37. Starts to de-camp? 5
18A 39. + ... with a hint to four pairs of answers in this puzzle 3
19A 40. Ish 5
20A 41. Food item whose name is derived from a comic strip 15
21A 44. Many a craft beer 3
22A 45. Runs 5
23A 47. Nimbi 5
24A 48. Absorbed, as a loss 3
25A 49. Section of the Chipotle menu 5
26A 51. Thoughtless sender of emails? 7
27A 55. "Delish!" 3
28A 56. Pop 3
29A 59. Like the browser windows of a multitasker 8
30A 61. "F," on a form 6
31A 63. "Indubitably!" 8
32A 64. "Get what I'm talkin' about?" 6
33A 65. Just squeeze (out) 3
34A 66. Kind of disease with a telltale bull's-eye rash 4
35A 67. Split 6

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. Savings bank, informally"

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 any of numerous sun-loving low-growing evergreens of the genus armeria having round heads of pink or white flowers
  • Words that mean the same thing: penny-pinching, parsimony, parsimoniousness
  • 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: THRIFT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. It's a wrap"

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 one-piece cloak worn by men in ancient rome
  • 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: TOGA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Cry and cry"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a dyspneic condition
  • Words that mean the same thing: bastard, mother fucker, shortness of breath
  • 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: SOB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. "Whoopee!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: HOORAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. About 600 million viewers watched its pilot in 1969"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: APOLLOXI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Pop-up generator"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ADWARE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Superfan of a certain 2010s pop star"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert 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: BELIEBER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Third word of many a limerick"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a state in northwestern united states on the pacific
  • Words that mean the same thing: exist, be, comprise
  • 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: WAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Rx dosages: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that one thousandth (1/1,000) gram
  • Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 12, magnesium, milligram
  • 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: MGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Music holder before cloud storage"

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

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: CDSTAND

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Nonclotting blood component"

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 an amber, watery fluid, rich in proteins, that separates out when blood coagulates
  • Words that mean the same thing: blood serum
  • 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: SERUM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Supposed crop circle makers, for short"

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

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: ETS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Garden pest"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that any of various small plant-sucking insects
  • 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: APHID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Held up"

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 cause to be born
  • Words that mean the same thing: contain, stomach, gestate
  • 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: BORNE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. In-flight announcement, for short?"

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

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: APB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Tributary of the Potomac"

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: SHENANDOAHRIVER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. Starts to de-camp?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (greek mythology) the god of the underworld in ancient mythology; brother of zeus and husband of persephone
  • Words that mean the same thing: adjutant, assist, Aidoneus
  • 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: AIDES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. + ... with a hint to four pairs of answers in this puzzle"

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: AND

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Ish"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy 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: SORTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Food item whose name is derived from a comic strip"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: DAGWOODSANDWICH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Many a craft beer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
  • 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: ALE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. Runs"

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 run away quickly
  • Words that mean the same thing: take flight, fly, flee
  • 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: FLEES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Nimbi"

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 an indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saint
  • Words that mean the same thing: aura, ring, anchor ring
  • 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: HALOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. Absorbed, as a loss"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Words that mean the same thing: feed, rust, exhaust
  • 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: ATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Section of the Chipotle menu"

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 (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
  • Words that mean the same thing: taco, greaser, wetback
  • 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: TACOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "51. Thoughtless sender of emails?"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: SPAMBOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "55. "Delish!""

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: YUM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "56. Pop"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
  • Words that mean the same thing: pa, pappa, papa
  • 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: DAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "59. Like the browser windows of a multitasker"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: KEPTOPEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "61. "F," on a form"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an animal that produces gametes (ova) that can be fertilized by male gametes (spermatozoa)
  • Words that mean the same thing: female person, distaff
  • The opposite would be: male, androgynous
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FEMALE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "63. "Indubitably!""

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: YESSIREE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "64. "Get what I'm talkin' about?""

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: FEELME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Just squeeze (out)"

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: EKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "66. Kind of disease with a telltale bull's-eye rash"

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: LYME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "67. Split"

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 division of a group into opposing factions
  • Words that mean the same thing: split
  • 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: SCHISM

    Great job if you got it right!

September 17, 2020 Down Hints: NYT Thursday Crossword Guide

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Become more relaxed 4
2D 2. Newswoman Kotb 4
3D 3. Feuds 4
4D 4. George's lyricist brother 3
5D 5. Subcontracted, with "out" 6
6D 6. Major Nashville landmark 15
7D 7. Key under a tilde 3
8D 8. Kuwait is a member of it, in brief 4
9D 9. Financial incentive for an executive to stay at a company 15
10D 10. Stars 8
11D 11. Gluten-free noodle variety 4
12D 12. They work as a team 4
13D 13. Middle finger, with "the" 4
14D 16. No-fault rulings at court? 4
15D 21. Hero 3
16D 23. Muscle-to-bone connector 5
17D 24. Lunar phenomenon 7
18D 26. Carne ___ 5
19D 27. Small glass container 5
20D 28. Avoid commitment 5
21D 30. Meas. equal to 180°/π 3
22D 31. Spring month in Paris 5
23D 32. Chain where you can buy wet or dry food 5
24D 33. Guy friends, in slang 5
25D 36. Midwest tribe 5
26D 38. Prepare runny, as an egg 8
27D 39. Drink suffix 3
28D 46. For argument's sake 3
29D 47. Housekeeping 101 6
30D 48. Totals: Abbr. 4
31D 51. Scottish isle connected by road bridge to the mainland in the 1990s 4
32D 52. Sneaky look 4
33D 53. Place for an icon in church 4
34D 54. Be lousy (with) 4
35D 56. Artist given the derisive nickname "Avida Dollars," an anagram of his full name 4
36D 57. Charitable giving 4
37D 58. Consider 4
38D 60. Elizabeth Warren, ___ Herring 3
39D 62. Verbal shrug 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. Become more relaxed"

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 process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
  • Words that mean the same thing: melt, dissolve, unthaw
  • 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: THAW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Newswoman Kotb"

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: HODA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Feuds"

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 an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
  • Words that mean the same thing: words, quarrel, run-in
  • 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: ROWS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. George's lyricist brother"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
  • Words that mean the same thing: Irish Republican Army, wrath, Provisional Irish Republican Army
  • 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: IRA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Subcontracted, with "out""

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 be a farmer; work as a farmer
  • Words that mean the same thing: grow, farm, produce
  • 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: FARMED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Major Nashville landmark"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: THEGRANDOLEOPRY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Key under a tilde"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the bill in a restaurant
  • Words that mean the same thing: yellow journalism, lozenge, tablet
  • 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: TAB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Kuwait is a member of it, in brief"

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 an organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the production and sale of petroleum
  • Words that mean the same thing: Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries
  • 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: OPEC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Financial incentive for an executive to stay at a company"

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: GOLDENHANDCUFFS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Stars"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a medium 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: ALISTERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Gluten-free noodle variety"

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: SOBA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. They work as a team"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that domesticated bovine animals as a group regardless of sex or age; ; ; - bible
  • Words that mean the same thing: kine, cattle, ox
  • 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: OXEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Middle finger, with "the""

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 warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
  • Words that mean the same thing: hiss, razz, fowl
  • 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: BIRD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "16. No-fault rulings at court?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
  • Words that mean the same thing: Lashkar-e-Taiba, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Army of the Pure
  • The opposite would be: forbid, disallow
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LETS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Hero"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments); different names are used in different sections of the united states
  • Words that mean the same thing: poor boy, fill in, torpedo
  • 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: SUB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Muscle-to-bone connector"

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 cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
  • Words that mean the same thing: brawn, heftiness, muscularity
  • 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: SINEW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Lunar phenomenon"

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: MOONSET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Carne ___"

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: ASADA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Small glass container"

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 small bottle that contains a drug (especially a sealed sterile container for injection by needle)
  • Words that mean the same thing: vial, ampoule, ampule
  • 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: PHIAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Avoid commitment"

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 fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes
  • Words that mean the same thing: put off, fudge, sidestep
  • 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: HEDGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Meas. equal to 180°/π"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a unit of absorbed ionizing radiation equal to 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material
  • Words that mean the same thing: radian
  • 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: RAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Spring month in Paris"

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: AVRIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Chain where you can buy wet or dry food"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: PETCO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. Guy friends, in slang"

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: BRAHS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Midwest tribe"

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 member of the siouan people formerly living in iowa and minnesota and missouri
  • Words that mean the same thing: Hawkeye State, IA, Iowa
  • 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: IOWAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. Prepare runny, as an egg"

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: SOFTBOIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Drink suffix"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice
  • Words that mean the same thing: fruit drink
  • 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: ADE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. For argument's sake"

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 chance to speak
  • Words that mean the same thing: order, state, sound out
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Housekeeping 101"

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: HOMEEC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. Totals: Abbr."

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

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: AMTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Scottish isle connected by road bridge to the mainland in the 1990s"

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: SKYE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. Sneaky look"

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 secret look
  • Words that mean the same thing: glint, peep, glance
  • 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: PEEK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Place for an icon in church"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church; usually contains the altar
  • Words that mean the same thing: apsis
  • 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: APSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. Be lousy (with)"

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 be teeming, be abuzz
  • Words that mean the same thing: pour, swarm, stream
  • 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: TEEM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. Artist given the derisive nickname "Avida Dollars," an anagram of his full name"

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 surrealist spanish painter (1904-1989)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Salvador Dali
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DALI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "57. Charitable giving"

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 money or goods contributed to the poor
  • 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: ALMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "58. Consider"

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 keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view
  • Words that mean the same thing: hold, view as, take for
  • 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: DEEM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "60. Elizabeth Warren, ___ Herring"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (meaning literally `born') used to indicate the maiden or family name of a married woman
  • 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: NEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "62. Verbal shrug"

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: MEH

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 46 62.2%
Short Answer 14 18.9%
Abbreviation 4 5.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment 3 4.1%
Food & Drink 3 4.1%
History 2 2.7%
Music 1 1.4%
Sports 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 35
Down Clues 39
Total Clues 74
Average Answer Length 5.2 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 Thursday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 5 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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 22, 2025 at 01:47 PM

September 23, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (37 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

Across Clues Explained - Wednesday NYT Crossword September 23, 2020

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Kitchen item on a roll 5
2A 6. Serum vessel 4
3A 10. End of a "happy" simile 4
4A 14. The Pequod and others 10
5A 16. University of New Mexico mascot 4
6A 17. Like an illustrator's fingertips, maybe 10
7A 18. Milk sources for feta cheese 4
8A 19. One of 10 when one "hangs ten" 3
9A 20. Philosopher who posited that the simplest explanation is the most likely one 5
10A 21. Tongue ties? 5
11A 22. Microwave 4
12A 23. Classroom missile that might be grounds for detention 5
13A 25. Minor injury for an office clerk 3
14A 26. Major attack 9
15A 30. Musical riffing from Ella Fitzgerald 4
16A 32. "Kitchy-kitchy-___!" 3
17A 33. Number on a yarn skein 6
18A 34. Mtn. measure 3
19A 35. Some Japanese luxury cars 7
20A 37. They: Fr. 3
21A 38. Need for a sobfest 6
22A 40. Whole load 3
23A 41. Start for the Top 40 song titles "Sixteen," "Time" and "You" 4
24A 42. Focal point of an earthquake 9
25A 44. Lunch carrier, often 3
26A 45. One making empty threats 5
27A 46. Furry Endor resident 4
28A 48. Primer libro del Nuevo Testamento 5
29A 50. "___ a doctor, but ..." 5
30A 52. Audio brand Beats by ___ 3
31A 55. Environmental activist Brockovich 4
32A 56. Series of documents that trace a path, as suggested by this puzzle 10
33A 58. Immunity-boosting element 4
34A 59. Bouncy strips that test one's balance 10
35A 60. Fringe 4
36A 61. "Out of Africa" writer Dinesen 4
37A 62. Bird on the Mexican flag 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. Kitchen item on a roll"

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 rectangular piece of absorbent cloth (or paper) for drying or wiping
  • 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: TOWEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Serum vessel"

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 small bottle that contains a drug (especially a sealed sterile container for injection by needle)
  • Words that mean the same thing: ampoule, phial, ampule
  • 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: VIAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. End of a "happy" simile"

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 burrowing marine mollusk living on sand or mud; the shell closes with viselike firmness
  • Words that mean the same thing: dollar bill, dollar, one dollar bill
  • 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: CLAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. The Pequod and others"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a long narrow boat designed for quick turning and use in rough seas
  • Words that mean the same thing: whaleboat
  • 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: WHALEBOATS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. University of New Mexico mascot"

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: LOBO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Like an illustrator's fingertips, maybe"

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: INKSTAINED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Milk sources for feta cheese"

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 member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • Words that mean the same thing: Ewe, ewe
  • 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: EWES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. One of 10 when one "hangs ten""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that one of the digits of the foot
  • Words that mean the same thing: toenail
  • 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: TOE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Philosopher who posited that the simplest explanation is the most likely one"

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 english scholastic philosopher and assumed author of occam's razor (1285-1349)
  • Words that mean the same thing: William of Ockham, William of Occam, Ockham
  • 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: OCCAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Tongue ties?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
  • Words that mean the same thing: fortify, plait, braid
  • The opposite would be: untwine
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LACES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Microwave"

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 the warhead of a missile designed to deliver an atom bomb
  • Words that mean the same thing: microwave, zap, atomize
  • 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: NUKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Classroom missile that might be grounds for detention"

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 an aircraft that has a fixed wing and is powered by propellers or jets
  • Words that mean the same thing: sheet, woodworking plane, airplane
  • 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: PLANE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Minor injury for an office clerk"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a share of the profits
  • Words that mean the same thing: slash, abridge, stinger
  • The opposite would be: uncut, unmown
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Major attack"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet) intended for wide distribution
  • Words that mean the same thing: bill, flyer, circular
  • 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: BROADSIDE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Musical riffing from Ella Fitzgerald"

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 singing jazz; the singer substitutes nonsense syllables for the words of the song and tries to sound like a musical instrument
  • Words that mean the same thing: lam, bunk, fly the coop
  • 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: SCAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. "Kitchy-kitchy-___!""

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: KOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Number on a yarn skein"

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: DYELOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Mtn. measure"

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 angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
  • Words that mean the same thing: elevation, altitude, EL
  • 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: ALT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. Some Japanese luxury cars"

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: LEXUSES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "37. They: Fr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a midwestern state in north-central united states
  • Words that mean the same thing: Illinois, IL, Prairie State
  • 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: ILS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "38. Need for a sobfest"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that part of an organism consisting of an aggregate of cells having a similar structure and function
  • Words that mean the same thing: tissue paper, weave
  • 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: TISSUE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "40. Whole load"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a united states unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds
  • Words that mean the same thing: long ton, gross ton, short ton
  • 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: TON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "41. Start for the Top 40 song titles "Sixteen," "Time" and "You""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that being the only one; single and isolated from others
  • Words that mean the same thing: just, but, entirely
  • 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: ONLY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "42. Focal point of an earthquake"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the point on the earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake
  • Words that mean the same thing: epicentre
  • 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: EPICENTER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "44. Lunch carrier, often"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a flexible container with a single opening
  • Words that mean the same thing: purse, traveling bag, handbag
  • 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: BAG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "45. One making empty threats"

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 fierce or audacious person
  • Words that mean the same thing: Panthera tigris
  • 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: TIGER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "46. Furry Endor resident"

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: EWOK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "48. Primer libro del Nuevo Testamento"

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: MATEO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "50. "___ a doctor, but ...""

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: IMNOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "52. Audio brand Beats by ___"

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: DRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. Environmental activist Brockovich"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an early name of ireland that is now used in poetry
  • 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: ERIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "56. Series of documents that trace a path, as suggested by this puzzle"

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: PAPERTRAIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "58. Immunity-boosting element"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a bluish-white lustrous metallic element; brittle at ordinary temperatures but malleable when heated; used in a wide variety of alloys and in galvanizing iron; it occurs naturally as zinc sulphide in zinc blende
  • Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 30, Zn
  • 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: ZINC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "59. Bouncy strips that test one's balance"

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: SLACKLINES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "60. Fringe"

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 the boundary of a surface
  • Words that mean the same thing: bound, boundary, butt on
  • 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: EDGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "61. "Out of Africa" writer Dinesen"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium 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: ISAK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "62. Bird on the Mexican flag"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
  • Words that mean the same thing: bird of Jove, double birdie
  • 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: EAGLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Wednesday NYT Crossword September 23, 2020

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Ninny 4
2D 2. "Ai-yi-yi!" 4
3D 3. What's aft a ship's aft 4
4D 4. Chicago trains 3
5D 5. Make less tight, as a waistband 6
6D 6. Larynx 8
7D 7. Ending with Louis 4
8D 8. At the previous speed, in scores 6
9D 9. It's dropped before a trip 3
10D 10. Detox 7
11D 11. Feature of a crawl space 10
12D 12. Have ___ in one's bonnet 4
13D 13. Something soft to sit on 4
14D 15. Lower-priced edition of a book 4
15D 21. ___-slipper 5
16D 22. Granola bit 3
17D 24. Full of cargo 5
18D 25. Activity that might involve setting out saucers of milk 10
19D 27. Old-fashioned newsboy's assignment 5
20D 28. Toy with tabs and interchangeable outfits 4
21D 29. Handicraft e-tail site 4
22D 30. Fulfill 4
23D 31. Alternative to a staple 4
24D 32. Writer Carolyn, the pen name of more than 10 authors of the Nancy Drew series 5
25D 35. "Hasta ___!" 5
26D 36. Result of whiplash, maybe 8
27D 39. Something that's "true whether or not you believe in it," per Neil deGrasse Tyson 7
28D 41. Flavor imparter to chardonnay 3
29D 43. Tests 6
30D 44. Hide, with "up" 6
31D 47. Forms to process 4
32D 48. Mediterranean appetizer 4
33D 49. Desertlike 4
34D 51. Longtime film rating org. 4
35D 52. "Oh, fudge!" 4
36D 53. Cambodian currency 4
37D 54. Otherwise 4
38D 56. Letters on a tire 3
39D 57. Coastal inlet 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. Ninny"

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 who is regarded as contemptible
  • Words that mean the same thing: tease, razz, taunting
  • 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: TWIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "Ai-yi-yi!""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy 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: OHNO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. What's aft a ship's aft"

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 consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event)
  • Words that mean the same thing: awake, come alive, fire up
  • The opposite would be: sleep, fall asleep
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WAKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Chicago trains"

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 angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
  • Words that mean the same thing: elevated, elevated railway, overhead railway
  • 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: ELS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Make less tight, as a waistband"

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: LETOUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Larynx"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: VOICEBOX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Ending with Louis"

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: IANA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. At the previous speed, in scores"

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: ATEMPO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. It's dropped before a trip"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
  • Words that mean the same thing: lysergic acid diethylamide
  • 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: LSD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Detox"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that clean one's body or parts thereof, as by washing
  • Words that mean the same thing: clean
  • 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: CLEANSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Feature of a crawl space"

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: LOWCEILING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Have ___ in one's bonnet"

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: ABEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Something soft to sit on"

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 tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants
  • 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: MOSS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Lower-priced edition of a book"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
  • Words that mean the same thing: stake, hind, rearward
  • The opposite would be: front, ahead
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BACK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. ___-slipper"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a polite name for any woman
  • Words that mean the same thing: dame, noblewoman, lady
  • The opposite would be: nobleman, Lord
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LADYS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Granola bit"

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 usually large hard-shelled seed
  • Words that mean the same thing: crackpot, nut case, testis
  • 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: NUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Full of cargo"

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 remove with or as if with a ladle
  • Words that mean the same thing: loaded, oppressed, ladle
  • 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: LADEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Activity that might involve setting out saucers of milk"

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: CATSITTING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Old-fashioned newsboy's assignment"

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 an established line of travel or access
  • Words that mean the same thing: path, itinerary, road
  • 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: ROUTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Toy with tabs and interchangeable outfits"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a small replica of a person; used as a toy
  • Words that mean the same thing: dame, dolly, wench
  • 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: DOLL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Handicraft e-tail site"

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: ETSY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. Fulfill"

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 fill to satisfaction
  • Words that mean the same thing: fill, satiate, replete
  • 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: SATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. Alternative to a staple"

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 metal frame or container holding cartridges; can be inserted into an automatic gun
  • Words that mean the same thing: cartridge holder, snip off, dress
  • The opposite would be: unclip
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CLIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. Writer Carolyn, the pen name of more than 10 authors of the Nancy Drew series"

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: KEENE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. "Hasta ___!""

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: LUEGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "36. Result of whiplash, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SORENECK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Something that's "true whether or not you believe in it," per Neil deGrasse Tyson"

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 particular branch of scientific knowledge
  • Words that mean the same thing: scientific discipline, skill
  • 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: SCIENCE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Flavor imparter to chardonnay"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
  • Words that mean the same thing: oak tree
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OAK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Tests"

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 act of testing something
  • Words that mean the same thing: test, trial run, visitation
  • 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: TRIALS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "44. Hide, with "up""

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 glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped
  • Words that mean the same thing: nursing bottle, bottleful, feeding bottle
  • 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: BOTTLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Forms to process"

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 activity directed toward making or doing something
  • Words that mean the same thing: go, sour, make
  • The opposite would be: idle, malfunction
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WORK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Mediterranean appetizer"

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: MEZE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. Desertlike"

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 lacking sufficient water or rainfall
  • Words that mean the same thing: desiccate, waterless, desiccated
  • 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: ARID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. Longtime film rating org."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium 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: MPAA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. "Oh, fudge!""

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: DANG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "53. Cambodian currency"

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 basic unit of money in cambodia; equal to 100 sen
  • 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: RIEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "54. Otherwise"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy 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: ELSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "56. Letters on a tire"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a unit of pressure
  • Words that mean the same thing: pounds per square inch
  • 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: PSI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "57. Coastal inlet"

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: RIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 55 72.4%
Short Answer 14 18.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment 2 2.6%
Literature 2 2.6%
History 1 1.3%
Science/Technology 1 1.3%
Movies/Film 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 37
Down Clues 39
Total Clues 76
Average Answer Length 5.0 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 10 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 Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 4 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 22, 2025 at 10:44 AM