Sunday's NYT Down Dec 28 - Full Vertical Grid Solutions
Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 71 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!
Related Puzzles: January 22 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | April 08 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | July 06 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |
About Today's Down Clues
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | December 28, 2025 |
| Day of Week | Sunday |
| Total Down Clues | 71 clues |
| Direction | Vertical (Top to Bottom) |
| Difficulty | Tricky |
All Down Clues - Complete List
Here are all 71 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.
| Number | Clue |
|---|---|
| 1 Down | 1. Playground area, often |
| 2 Down | 2. Fearsome felines |
| 3 Down | 3. Plus |
| 4 Down | 4. "One of These Nights" band |
| 5 Down | 5. Makeshift tip collector |
| 6 Down | 6. Epitome of graceful beauty |
| 7 Down | 7. Arnaz of "I Love Lucy" |
| 8 Down | 8. Certain stock holder |
| 9 Down | 9. Came about |
| 10 Down | 10. Kylo ___ of "Star Wars" |
| 11 Down | 11. Gig of a lifetime |
| 12 Down | 12. Advanced |
| 13 Down | 13. Guitar, slangily |
| 14 Down | 14. Front-of-the-line credential |
| 15 Down | 15. Cousin of a mink |
| 16 Down | 16. Cheep trills? |
| 17 Down | 17. Dodger's comeuppance |
| 18 Down | 18. Indoor recess locale |
| 19 Down | 24. Super-excited, in slang |
| 20 Down | 26. One "T" of TNT |
| 21 Down | 30. Least hale |
| 22 Down | 33. Foxx of 1970s TV |
| 23 Down | 35. Judge pro ___ |
| 24 Down | 36. Piano pupil's practice piece |
| 25 Down | 37. Short boxers, e.g. |
| 26 Down | 39. How some medicines are taken |
| 27 Down | 40. Apt name for a distance runner? |
| 28 Down | 42. Oldsmobile Cutlass model |
| 29 Down | 44. Like 45-Down's flaw |
| 30 Down | 45. Mythical figure undone by hubris |
| 31 Down | 46. Prima ballerina |
| 32 Down | 48. Uses an alternate account to play against easier opponents, in gamer-speak |
| 33 Down | 49. Police weapon |
| 34 Down | 52. Transition points |
| 35 Down | 56. Blue Ribbon brand |
| 36 Down | 57. Ice cream parlor offerings |
| 37 Down | 59. Borscht base |
| 38 Down | 61. Classic theater name |
| 39 Down | 63. Struggles with sibilant sounds |
| 40 Down | 65. Law, but not order |
| 41 Down | 66. Hints |
| 42 Down | 68. Word with record or union |
| 43 Down | 69. World capital near the Andean foothills |
| 44 Down | 70. Give a twist |
| 45 Down | 71. Downright mean |
| 46 Down | 73. Bit of wisdom |
| 47 Down | 74. Founder of the Mughal Empire |
| 48 Down | 77. String-plucking sound |
| 49 Down | 79. Sources in etymology |
| 50 Down | 80. Prone |
| 51 Down | 81. Some summers, in brief |
| 52 Down | 82. Black-and-white desserts |
| 53 Down | 83. Université with a Pierre and Marie Curie campus |
| 54 Down | 85. Shell filling stations |
| 55 Down | 87. Basic programming command |
| 56 Down | 89. Chicken pieces |
| 57 Down | 90. Part of AT&T: Abbr. |
| 58 Down | 92. Ballet or bourrée, in Bourgogne |
| 59 Down | 97. Do a diner job |
| 60 Down | 98. Gathering of moles |
| 61 Down | 100. Setting for Cole Porter's "Anything Goes" |
| 62 Down | 102. Continued interminably |
| 63 Down | 103. Discus throw at the Olympics, e.g. |
| 64 Down | 105. Buzzing nuisance |
| 65 Down | 107. Glitzy fabric |
| 66 Down | 108. Like some cheese |
| 67 Down | 110. "Gotcha" |
| 68 Down | 111. Blue-necked bird |
| 69 Down | 112. "___ Believer" |
| 70 Down | 114. Flock formation |
| 71 Down | 115. Blue-winged bird |
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:
- Xwordhint Crossword Answers September_10
- September 19 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
- January 22 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
- July 31 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
Complete Down Solutions:
1 Down: "1. Playground area, often"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'P' and ends with 'K'
- Word pattern: P__K
- Similar words: car park, commons
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 1
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
PARK
2 Down: "2. Fearsome felines"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: L___S
- Similar words: Leo the Lion, Leo
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 2
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
LIONS
3 Down: "3. Plus"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: A___T
- Similar words: plus
- Opposite of: liability
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a useful or valuable quality
- This is Down clue number 3
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ASSET
4 Down: "4. "One of These Nights" band"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: T_______S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 4
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
THEEAGLES
5 Down: "5. Makeshift tip collector"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
- Similar words: chapeau, lid
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 5
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
HAT
6 Down: "6. Epitome of graceful beauty"
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: ramble, roll
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 6
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SWAN
7 Down: "7. Arnaz of "I Love Lucy""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'D' and ends with 'I'
- Word pattern: D__I
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 7
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
DESI
8 Down: "8. Certain stock holder"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'C' and ends with 'N'
- Word pattern: C_______N
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 8
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
CATTLEPEN
9 Down: "9. Came about"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: A___E
- Similar words: develop, bob up
- Opposite of: go to bed
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: come into existence; take on form or shape
- This is Down clue number 9
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
AROSE
10 Down: "10. Kylo ___ of "Star Wars""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 10
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
REN
11 Down: "11. Gig of a lifetime"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'D' and ends with 'B'
- Word pattern: D______B
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 11
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
DREAMJOB
12 Down: "12. Advanced"
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: loan, add
- 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 12
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
LENT
13 Down: "13. Guitar, slangily"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
- Similar words: ax
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 13
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
AXE
14 Down: "14. Front-of-the-line credential"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'V' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: V_____S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 14
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
VIPPASS
15 Down: "15. Cousin of a mink"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: S___T
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: the ermine in its brown summer coat with black-tipped tail
- This is Down clue number 15
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
STOAT
16 Down: "16. Cheep trills?"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: T______S
- Similar words: chitter, chirrup
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a series of chirps
- This is Down clue number 16
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TWITTERS
17 Down: "17. Dodger's comeuppance"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'I' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: I______T
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 17
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
IRSAUDIT
18 Down: "18. Indoor recess locale"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'G' and ends with 'M'
- Similar words: gymnasium
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: athletic facility equipped for sports or physical training
- This is Down clue number 18
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
GYM
19 Down: "24. Super-excited, in slang"
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
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 19
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TURNT
20 Down: "26. One "T" of TNT"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'I'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 20
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TRI
21 Down: "30. Least hale"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'F' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: F______T
- Similar words: weakly, rickety
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness
- This is Down clue number 21
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
FEEBLEST
22 Down: "33. Foxx of 1970s TV"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'R' and ends with 'D'
- Word pattern: R__D
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 22
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
REDD
23 Down: "35. Judge pro ___"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'M'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 23
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TEM
24 Down: "36. Piano pupil's practice piece"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: E___E
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 24
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ETUDE
25 Down: "37. Short boxers, e.g."
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: P__S
- Similar words: whelp, puppy
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: young of any of various canines such as a dog or wolf
- This is Down clue number 25
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
PUPS
26 Down: "39. How some medicines are taken"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'O' and ends with 'Y'
- Word pattern: O____Y
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 26
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ORALLY
27 Down: "40. Apt name for a distance runner?"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: M___S
- Similar words: mil, Admiralty mile
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a unit of length equal to 1
- This is Down clue number 27
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
MILES
28 Down: "42. Oldsmobile Cutlass model"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 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 28
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
CIERA
29 Down: "44. Like 45-Down's flaw"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'F' and ends with 'L'
- Word pattern: F___L
- Similar words: disastrous, calamitous
- Opposite of: nonfatal
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: bringing death
- This is Down clue number 29
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
FATAL
30 Down: "45. Mythical figure undone by hubris"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: I____S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 30
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ICARUS
31 Down: "46. Prima ballerina"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: E____E
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 31
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ETOILE
32 Down: "48. Uses an alternate account to play against easier opponents, in gamer-speak"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: S____S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 32
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SMURFS
33 Down: "49. Police weapon"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'R'
- Word pattern: T___R
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 33
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TASER
34 Down: "52. Transition points"
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: leaflet, cusp
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 34
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
CUSPS
35 Down: "56. Blue Ribbon brand"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: P___T
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 35
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
PABST
36 Down: "57. Ice cream parlor offerings"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: M___S
- Similar words: malted, malt
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a milkshake made with malt powder
- This is Down clue number 36
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
MALTS
37 Down: "59. Borscht base"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: B___S
- Similar words: Beta vulgaris, beet
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 37
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
BEETS
38 Down: "61. Classic theater name"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: P____E
- Similar words: castle
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a large and stately mansion
- This is Down clue number 38
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
PALACE
39 Down: "63. Struggles with sibilant sounds"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: L___S
- Similar words: LISP, lisp
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 39
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
LISPS
40 Down: "65. Law, but not order"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'C' and ends with 'R'
- Word pattern: C____R
- Similar words: life history, vocation
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: the particular occupation for which you are trained
- This is Down clue number 40
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
CAREER
41 Down: "66. Hints"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: T____S
- Similar words: speck, jot
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a slight but appreciable amount
- This is Down clue number 41
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TINGES
42 Down: "68. Word with record or union"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'L' and ends with 'L'
- Word pattern: L___L
- Similar words: judge, tag
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a brief description given for purposes of identification
- This is Down clue number 42
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
LABEL
43 Down: "69. World capital near the Andean foothills"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'O'
- Word pattern: S______O
- Similar words: Gran Santiago
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: city in the northern Dominican Republic
- This is Down clue number 43
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SANTIAGO
44 Down: "70. Give a twist"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: R____E
- Similar words: go around, turn out
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: turn on or around an axis or a center
- This is Down clue number 44
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ROTATE
45 Down: "71. Downright mean"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'N' and ends with 'Y'
- Word pattern: N___Y
- Similar words: filthy, cruddy
- Opposite of: nice
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 45
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
NASTY
46 Down: "73. Bit of wisdom"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'P' and ends with 'L'
- Word pattern: P___L
- Similar words: ivory, bone
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 46
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
PEARL
47 Down: "74. Founder of the Mughal Empire"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'B' and ends with 'R'
- Word pattern: B___R
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 47
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
BABUR
48 Down: "77. String-plucking sound"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'G'
- Word pattern: T___G
- Similar words: nasal twang
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a sharp vibrating sound (as of a plucked string)
- This is Down clue number 48
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TWANG
49 Down: "79. Sources in etymology"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: R_______S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 49
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ROOTWORDS
50 Down: "80. Prone"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: P_______E
- Similar words: bow down, flat
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: get into a prostrate position
- This is Down clue number 50
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
PROSTRATE
51 Down: "81. Some summers, in brief"
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: CPA
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 51
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
CPAS
52 Down: "82. Black-and-white desserts"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: O______S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 52
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
OREOPIES
53 Down: "83. Université with a Pierre and Marie Curie campus"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: S______E
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a university in Paris; intellectual center of France
- This is Down clue number 53
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SORBONNE
54 Down: "85. Shell filling stations"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: T______S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 54
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TACOBARS
55 Down: "87. Basic programming command"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'G' and ends with 'O'
- Word pattern: G__O
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 55
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
GOTO
56 Down: "89. Chicken pieces"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: T_____S
- Similar words: stamp, attendant
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: something that can be used as an official medium of payment
- This is Down clue number 56
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TENDERS
57 Down: "90. Part of AT&T: Abbr."
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'L'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 57
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TEL
58 Down: "92. Ballet or bourrée, in Bourgogne"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: D___E
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 58
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
DANSE
59 Down: "97. Do a diner job"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
- Similar words: motorbus, omnibus
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 59
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
BUS
60 Down: "98. Gathering of moles"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'I' and ends with 'L'
- Word pattern: I___L
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 60
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
INTEL
61 Down: "100. Setting for Cole Porter's "Anything Goes""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'O' and ends with 'N'
- Word pattern: O___N
- Similar words: sea
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 61
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
OCEAN
62 Down: "102. Continued interminably"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
- Word pattern: R___N
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 62
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
RANON
63 Down: "103. Discus throw at the Olympics, e.g."
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: E___T
- Similar words: effect, result
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: something that happens at a given place and time
- This is Down clue number 63
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
EVENT
64 Down: "105. Buzzing nuisance"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: G__T
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 64
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
GNAT
65 Down: "107. Glitzy fabric"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: L__E
- Similar words: crippled, cripple
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: someone who doesn't understand what is going on
- This is Down clue number 65
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
LAME
66 Down: "108. Like some cheese"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'D'
- Word pattern: A__D
- Similar words: elderly, older
- Opposite of: young
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: people who are old collectively
- This is Down clue number 66
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
AGED
67 Down: "110. "Gotcha""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: I__E
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 67
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ISEE
68 Down: "111. Blue-necked bird"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'U'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 68
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
EMU
69 Down: "112. "___ Believer""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'I' and ends with 'A'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 69
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
IMA
70 Down: "114. Flock formation"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'V' and ends with 'E'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 70
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
VEE
71 Down: "115. Blue-winged bird"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'J' and ends with 'Y'
- Similar words: John Jay
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 71
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
JAY
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
- Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Down entries
- Prefixes and suffixes: Common word parts often run vertically
- Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
- Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Down
- 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 71 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.
