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Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Down Clues NYT December 17, 2025 - Today's Complete Vertical Solutions

Wednesday's NYT Down Dec 17 - Full Vertical Grid Solutions

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 41 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: October 25 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | October 19 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | August 29 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 17, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 17, 2025
Day of Week Wednesday
Total Down Clues 41 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Challenging

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 41 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Tarot suit associated with the element of water
2 Down 2. Yamaha product
3 Down 3. What makes a stud become studious?
4 Down 4. Fully get
5 Down 5. Hog's home
6 Down 6. "That's a real shame"
7 Down 7. Steakhouse order
8 Down 8. Marchers in sidewalk cracks
9 Down 9. Howl at the moon
10 Down 10. Chevy S.U.V.
11 Down 11. Authentic
12 Down 12. Ones from platypuses have leathery shells
13 Down 13. Fly by night ... or by day
14 Down 18. Compact holder
15 Down 22. Neighbor of Ont.
16 Down 24. Red carpet hairstyle, perhaps
17 Down 25. Jost's longtime "Weekend Update" co-anchor
18 Down 26. Food you might eat wearing a bib
19 Down 27. Overplay for the audience
20 Down 28. Was the bigger person, say
21 Down 29. Follow, as advice
22 Down 30. Have faith in
23 Down 31. Canines, e.g.
24 Down 32. Mega-
25 Down 33. Big name in chicken or boxing
26 Down 38. 1990s comedy inspired by "Emma"
27 Down 40. "Get Smart" bad guys
28 Down 42. Suffix with beat or neat
29 Down 43. Throw off
30 Down 46. Stick in the ground?
31 Down 47. Just about anything on a string
32 Down 50. With 42-Across, the Mafia
33 Down 51. Cultivated, in a way
34 Down 52. Start a turn in Twister
35 Down 53. Time to do without
36 Down 54. Gary's ___ Towne Tavern (rival bar on "Cheers")
37 Down 56. Minuscule amount
38 Down 57. Short stroke
39 Down 58. Batting avg., e.g.
40 Down 60. Rocksteady relative
41 Down 61. "___ bin ein Berliner"

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. Tarot suit associated with the element of water"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C__S
  • Similar words: cup, loving cup
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CUPS

2 Down: "2. Yamaha product"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O__E
  • Similar words: hautbois, hautboy
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OBOE

3 Down: "3. What makes a stud become studious?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I__S
  • Similar words: IOU
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an informal debt instrument; representing `I owe you'
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IOUS

4 Down: "4. Fully get"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: F____M
  • Similar words: fthm, sound
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FATHOM

5 Down: "5. Hog's home"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Similar words: pigpen, eye infection
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STY

6 Down: "6. "That's a real shame""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S
  • Similar words: unfortunately, unluckily
  • Opposite of: luckily
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALAS

7 Down: "7. Steakhouse order"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R__E
  • Similar words: uncommon, rarified
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RARE

8 Down: "8. Marchers in sidewalk cracks"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S
  • Similar words: pismire, emmet
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ANTS

9 Down: "9. Howl at the moon"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'Y'
  • Similar words: alcove, bay tree
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BAY

10 Down: "10. Chevy S.U.V."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: S______N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: relating to or characteristic of or situated in suburbs
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SUBURBAN

11 Down: "11. Authentic"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 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 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TRUETOLIFE

12 Down: "12. Ones from platypuses have leathery shells"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E__S
  • Similar words: testis, egg
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EGGS

13 Down: "13. Fly by night ... or by day"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: P__T
  • Similar words: pestis, pesterer
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PEST

14 Down: "18. Compact holder"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P___E
  • Similar words: handbag, bag
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PURSE

15 Down: "22. Neighbor of Ont."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Q' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer QUE

16 Down: "24. Red carpet hairstyle, perhaps"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: U__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UPDO

17 Down: "25. Jost's longtime "Weekend Update" co-anchor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CHE

18 Down: "26. Food you might eat wearing a bib"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C___S
  • Similar words: pubic louse, crab
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: infestation of the pubic hair by crab lice
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CRABS

19 Down: "27. Overplay for the audience"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HAMUP

20 Down: "28. Was the bigger person, say"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: A________D
  • Similar words: rationalize, justify
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer APOLOGIZED

21 Down: "29. Follow, as advice"

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 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACTON

22 Down: "30. Have faith in"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: T___T
  • Similar words: believe, rely
  • Opposite of: distrust
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TRUST

23 Down: "31. Canines, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: T___H
  • Similar words: tooth, dentition
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TEETH

24 Down: "32. Mega-"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: U___A
  • Similar words: radical, extremist
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: (used of opinions and actions) far beyond the norm
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ULTRA

25 Down: "33. Big name in chicken or boxing"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: T___N
  • Similar words: Mike Tyson
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TYSON

26 Down: "38. 1990s comedy inspired by "Emma""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CLUELESS

27 Down: "40. "Get Smart" bad guys"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: K__S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KAOS

28 Down: "42. Suffix with beat or neat"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'K'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NIK

29 Down: "43. Throw off"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: R___L
  • Similar words: gross out, fight off
  • Opposite of: attract
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: cause to move back by force or influence
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REPEL

30 Down: "46. Stick in the ground?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: teeing ground, golf tee
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TEE

31 Down: "47. Just about anything on a string"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: C____Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CATTOY

32 Down: "50. With 42-Across, the Mafia"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: C__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer COSA

33 Down: "51. Cultivated, in a way"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: H__D
  • Similar words: hoe
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: dig with a hoe
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOED

34 Down: "52. Start a turn in Twister"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: S__N
  • Similar words: twirl, spin around
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a swift whirling motion (usually of a missile)
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPIN

35 Down: "53. Time to do without"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: L__T
  • Similar words: Lententide, impart
  • Opposite of: borrow
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LENT

36 Down: "54. Gary's ___ Towne Tavern (rival bar on "Cheers")"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OLDE

37 Down: "56. Minuscule amount"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: I__A
  • Similar words: scintilla, tittle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IOTA

38 Down: "57. Short stroke"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: P__T
  • Similar words: putting
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PUTT

39 Down: "58. Batting avg., e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 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 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STAT

40 Down: "60. Rocksteady relative"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKA

41 Down: "61. "___ bin ein Berliner""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'H'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ICH

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 41 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 17, 2025 at 05:16 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 17 2025 down clues

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XWordHint Crossword Answers December 17, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

December 17, 2025 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Lock combinations? 5
2A 6. ___ League 4
3A 10. Single instruction 4
4A 14. Enemy W.W. II vessel 5
5A 15. Turner of old movies 4
6A 16. Powerful impulse 4
7A 17. Group of grumps sitting around kvetching? 10
8A 19. Elmer's nemesis 4
9A 20. Meeting, casually 4
10A 21. A smartphone has lots of these 4
11A 22. Centerpiece of "The Hobbit" 5
12A 23. Community property pronoun 3
13A 25. Like barked orders 4
14A 26. Ali vs. Frazier, e.g.? 15
15A 34. Genre for GloRilla 3
16A 35. Official mandate 6
17A 36. Fellow fighter 4
18A 37. Brand once known as "Standard Oil Company of Indiana" 5
19A 39. Mardi Gras day, in brief 3
20A 40. Works on a muffler, say 5
21A 41. Welcome figure on Wall Street, unwelcome figure in a china shop 4
22A 42. See 50-Down 6
23A 44. To and ___ 3
24A 45. Welcome sight on a whale-watching cruise? 15
25A 48. Poindexter 4
26A 49. TV freebie of a sort 3
27A 50. Easter Island's country 5
28A 52. Dark-skinned fruit 4
29A 55. Pieces of advice 4
30A 59. Primordial substance 4
31A 60. Painstakingly explain something ... or a hint to 17-, 26- and 45-Across 10
32A 62. Takes a tour of 4
33A 63. Compassionate 4
34A 64. Terra ___ 5
35A 65. Does the math, in a way 4
36A 66. Pot grower? 4
37A 67. H, on the N.Y.S.E. 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Lock combinations?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the arrangement of the hair (especially a woman's hair)
  • Similar words include: hairdo, hairstyle, do
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COIFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. ___ League"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a semitic people originally from the arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks arabic and who inhabits much of the middle east and northern africa
  • Similar words include: Arabian
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Single instruction"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
  • Similar words include: whole tone, tread, tone
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Enemy W.W. II vessel"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Turner of old movies"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Powerful impulse"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Group of grumps sitting around kvetching?"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Elmer's nemesis"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that general term for any insect or similar creeping or crawling invertebrate
  • Similar words include: intercept, bug, glitch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Meeting, casually"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. A smartphone has lots of these"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of using
  • Similar words include: United States of America, utilisation, economic consumption
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Centerpiece of "The Hobbit""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria
  • Similar words include: request, pursuance, seeking
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QUEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Community property pronoun"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Like barked orders"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by rude or peremptory shortness
  • Similar words include: crisp, laconic, brusk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CURT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Ali vs. Frazier, e.g.?"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "34. Genre for GloRilla"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
  • Similar words include: belt, knock, pat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Official mandate"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
  • Similar words include: rescript, rule, fiat
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DECREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Fellow fighter"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a friendly nation
  • Similar words include: friend
  • Opposite of: foe
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Brand once known as "Standard Oil Company of Indiana""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Mardi Gras day, in brief"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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20A: "40. Works on a muffler, say"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fabric made by knitting
  • Similar words include: knit, cockle, knitting
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNITS

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21A: "41. Welcome figure on Wall Street, unwelcome figure in a china shop"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle
  • Similar words include: Taurus, fuzz, bullshit
  • Opposite of: bear
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BULL

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22A: "42. See 50-Down"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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23A: "44. To and ___"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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24A: "45. Welcome sight on a whale-watching cruise?"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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25A: "48. Poindexter"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a carnival performer who does disgusting acts
  • Similar words include: oddball, eccentric, flake
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. TV freebie of a sort"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protein manufactured exclusively by the prostate gland; psa is produced for the ejaculate where it liquifies the semen and allows sperm cells to swim freely; elevated levels of psa in blood serum are associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer
  • Similar words include: prostate specific antigen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Easter Island's country"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in southern south america on the western slopes of the andes on the south pacific coast
  • Similar words include: chilli, Republic of Chile, chili
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Dark-skinned fruit"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wild plum of northeastern united states having dark purple fruits with yellow flesh
  • Similar words include: Allegheny plum, blackthorn, Prunus spinosa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOE

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29A: "55. Pieces of advice"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
  • Similar words include: baksheesh, wind, fee
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIPS

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30A: "59. Primordial substance"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any thick, viscous matter
  • Similar words include: slime, oozing, seepage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OOZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Painstakingly explain something ... or a hint to 17-, 26- and 45-Across"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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32A: "62. Takes a tour of"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: run into, hear, ensure
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEES

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33A: "63. Compassionate"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
  • Similar words include: sort, tolerant, variety
  • Opposite of: unkind
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KIND

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34A: "64. Terra ___"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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35A: "65. Does the math, in a way"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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36A: "66. Pot grower?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. H, on the N.Y.S.E."

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Tarot suit associated with the element of water 4
2D 2. Yamaha product 4
3D 3. What makes a stud become studious? 4
4D 4. Fully get 6
5D 5. Hog's home 3
6D 6. "That's a real shame" 4
7D 7. Steakhouse order 4
8D 8. Marchers in sidewalk cracks 4
9D 9. Howl at the moon 3
10D 10. Chevy S.U.V. 8
11D 11. Authentic 10
12D 12. Ones from platypuses have leathery shells 4
13D 13. Fly by night ... or by day 4
14D 18. Compact holder 5
15D 22. Neighbor of Ont. 3
16D 24. Red carpet hairstyle, perhaps 4
17D 25. Jost's longtime "Weekend Update" co-anchor 3
18D 26. Food you might eat wearing a bib 5
19D 27. Overplay for the audience 5
20D 28. Was the bigger person, say 10
21D 29. Follow, as advice 5
22D 30. Have faith in 5
23D 31. Canines, e.g. 5
24D 32. Mega- 5
25D 33. Big name in chicken or boxing 5
26D 38. 1990s comedy inspired by "Emma" 8
27D 40. "Get Smart" bad guys 4
28D 42. Suffix with beat or neat 3
29D 43. Throw off 5
30D 46. Stick in the ground? 3
31D 47. Just about anything on a string 6
32D 50. With 42-Across, the Mafia 4
33D 51. Cultivated, in a way 4
34D 52. Start a turn in Twister 4
35D 53. Time to do without 4
36D 54. Gary's ___ Towne Tavern (rival bar on "Cheers") 4
37D 56. Minuscule amount 4
38D 57. Short stroke 4
39D 58. Batting avg., e.g. 4
40D 60. Rocksteady relative 3
41D 61. "___ bin ein Berliner" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Tarot suit associated with the element of water"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle
  • Similar words include: loving cup, transfuse, cup
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Yamaha product"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
  • Similar words include: hautboy, hautbois
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. What makes a stud become studious?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal debt instrument; representing `i owe you'
  • Similar words include: IOU
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Fully get"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth
  • Similar words include: sound, penetrate, fthm
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FATHOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Hog's home"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Similar words include: pigsty, stye, hordeolum
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "That's a real shame""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Similar words include: unluckily, ala, unfortunately
  • Opposite of: fortunately, luckily
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Steakhouse order"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
  • Similar words include: rarefied, rarified, uncommon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Marchers in sidewalk cracks"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: ant, emmet, pismire
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Howl at the moon"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
  • Similar words include: quest, true laurel, bay laurel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Chevy S.U.V."

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that relating to or characteristic of or situated in suburbs
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUBURBAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Authentic"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Ones from platypuses have leathery shells"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food
  • Similar words include: testis, orchis, ball
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Fly by night ... or by day"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a serious (sometimes fatal) infection of rodents caused by yersinia pestis and accidentally transmitted to humans by the bite of a flea that has bitten an infected animal
  • Similar words include: gadfly, pestis, pesterer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Compact holder"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)
  • Similar words include: pocketbook, handbag, wrinkle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PURSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Neighbor of Ont."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Red carpet hairstyle, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Jost's longtime "Weekend Update" co-anchor"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Food you might eat wearing a bib"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that infestation of the pubic hair by crab lice
  • Similar words include: crab, squawk, bellyache
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Overplay for the audience"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Was the bigger person, say"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing
  • Similar words include: apologize, excuse, justify
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APOLOGIZED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Follow, as advice"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Have faith in"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)
  • Similar words include: believe, corporate trust, cartel
  • Opposite of: distrust, mistrust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. Canines, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
  • Similar words include: tooth, dentition
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEETH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "32. Mega-"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used of opinions and actions) far beyond the norm
  • Similar words include: radical, extremist
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ULTRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "33. Big name in chicken or boxing"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion (born in 1966)
  • Similar words include: Mike Tyson, Michael Gerald Tyson
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TYSON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. 1990s comedy inspired by "Emma""

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that totally uninformed about what is going on; not having even a clue from which to infer what is occurring
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLUELESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. "Get Smart" bad guys"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Suffix with beat or neat"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Throw off"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to move back by force or influence
  • Similar words include: fight off, beat back, drive back
  • Opposite of: attract
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REPEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Stick in the ground?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Similar words include: tee up, golf tee, football tee
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Just about anything on a string"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. With 42-Across, the Mafia"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Cultivated, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dig with a hoe
  • Similar words include: hoe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Start a turn in Twister"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a swift whirling motion (usually of a missile)
  • Similar words include: spin around, twisting, gyrate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. Time to do without"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period of 40 weekdays from ash wednesday to holy saturday
  • Similar words include: bring, Lententide, contribute
  • Opposite of: borrow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. Gary's ___ Towne Tavern (rival bar on "Cheers")"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Minuscule amount"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  • Similar words include: smidgin, smidgen, whit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "57. Short stroke"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
  • Similar words include: putting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUTT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "58. Batting avg., e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. Rocksteady relative"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "61. "___ bin ein Berliner""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: December 17, 2025 at 04:06 AM

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