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February 12, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (35 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

February 12, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions

NYT Wednesday Crossword Across Clues - February 12, 2020 Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Vegetable that can get slimy when overcooked 4
2A 5. Exhausted, with "up" 3
3A 8. Basketball shots from beyond the arc 6
4A 14. Frozen treats 8
5A 16. Locale in the Lord's Prayer 6
6A 17. Optimistic maxim from Virgil 15
7A 19. "You ___ me one" 3
8A 20. Chart topper 3
9A 21. Fanfare 4
10A 22. Jacob had 12 of them 4
11A 23. Call to a toreador 3
12A 24. Genre for Fall Out Boy 3
13A 27. Reliable things, to Ben Franklin 13
14A 30. Business index, with "the" 3
15A 31. Chi-Town or Beantown team 3
16A 32. Team sharing an arena with the Flyers, informally 6
17A 33. Means of control 5
18A 35. Bit of Halloween décor 3
19A 37. About 5
20A 38. Mint in a tin 6
21A 40. Research facility 3
22A 42. Extra periods, in brief 3
23A 43. They make loud noises during showers 13
24A 46. Nurse 3
25A 47. Lead-in to a Pen used by nurses 3
26A 48. Old Pontiacs 4
27A 49. Pasta ___ Norma 4
28A 50. Actress Hagen 3
29A 51. Car rental add-on 3
30A 54. Overly optimistic 1910s appellation 15
31A 59. "Let me try that again ..." 6
32A 60. Phrase on an egg carton 8
33A 61. Pest 6
34A 62. What each set of circled letters is, relative to the first word in its answer 3
35A 63. Tumbler turners 4

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. Vegetable that can get slimy when overcooked"

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 long green edible beaked pods of the okra plant
  • Words that mean the same thing: Hibiscus esculentus, okra plant, Abelmoschus esculentus
  • 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: OKRA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Exhausted, with "up""

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 goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Words that mean the same thing: eat on, deplete, consume
  • 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 3 Across: "8. Basketball shots from beyond the arc"

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 the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Words that mean the same thing: deuce-ace, troika, trinity
  • 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: THREES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Frozen treats"

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: SNOCONES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Locale in the Lord's Prayer"

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 any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • Words that mean the same thing: Shangri-la, promised land, Eden
  • The opposite would be: Hell
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HEAVEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Optimistic maxim from Virgil"

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: LOVECONQUERSALL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "19. "You ___ me one""

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 be obliged to pay or repay
  • 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: OWE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Chart topper"

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 (baseball) a successful stroke in an athletic contest (especially in baseball)
  • Words that mean the same thing: attain, come to, rack up
  • The opposite would be: miss
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Fanfare"

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 cheap or pretentious or vain display
  • Words that mean the same thing: eclat, gaudery
  • 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: POMP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Jacob had 12 of them"

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 male human offspring
  • Words that mean the same thing: Son, son, boy
  • The opposite would be: daughter, girl
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SONS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Call to a toreador"

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: OLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Genre for Fall Out Boy"

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: EMO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Reliable things, to Ben Franklin"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: DEATHANDTAXES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Business index, with "the""

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: DOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Chi-Town or Beantown team"

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

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: SOX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Team sharing an arena with the Flyers, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
  • Words that mean the same thing: sise, six, sextet
  • 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: SIXERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Means of control"

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 one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse
  • Words that mean the same thing: rein, rein in, rule
  • 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: REINS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Bit of Halloween décor"

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 an intricate network suggesting something that was formed by weaving or interweaving
  • Words that mean the same thing: entanglement, vane, net
  • 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: WEB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. About"

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: CIRCA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Mint in a tin"

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: ALTOID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Research facility"

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 workplace for the conduct of scientific research
  • Words that mean the same thing: laboratory, research laboratory, science laboratory
  • 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: LAB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Extra periods, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: OTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. They make loud noises during showers"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a storm resulting from strong rising air currents; heavy rain or hail along with thunder and lightning
  • Words that mean the same thing: electric storm, thunderstorm, electrical storm
  • 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: THUNDERSTORMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Nurse"

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 small 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: SIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Lead-in to a Pen used by nurses"

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 self-report personality inventory based on hans eysenck's factor analysis of personality which assumes three basic factors (the two most important being extraversion to introversion and neuroticism)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Eysenck Personality Inventory
  • 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: EPI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Old Pontiacs"

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: GTOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "49. Pasta ___ Norma"

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: ALLA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "50. Actress Hagen"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a reptile genus of iguanidae
  • Words that mean the same thing: genus Uta
  • 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: UTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "51. Car rental add-on"

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 navigational system involving satellites and computers that can determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on earth by computing the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver
  • Words that mean the same thing: Global Positioning System
  • 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: GPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "54. Overly optimistic 1910s appellation"

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: WARTOENDALLWARS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "59. "Let me try that again ...""

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: IMEANT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "60. Phrase on an egg carton"

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: ONEDOZEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "61. Pest"

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: NOODGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "62. What each set of circled letters is, relative to the first word in its answer"

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 supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
  • Words that mean the same thing: divinity, Supreme Being, idol
  • 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: GOD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "63. Tumbler turners"

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 metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
  • Words that mean the same thing: Francis Scott Key, keystone, identify
  • The opposite would be: atonality
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KEYS

    Great job if you got it right!

NYT Wednesday Crossword Down Clues - February 12, 2020 Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Where Edvard Munch's "The Scream" is displayed 4
2D 2. Apt radio station to air "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!" (and it does!) 4
3D 3. Ramble 4
4D 4. Hole in one 3
5D 5. Selects, as a successor 7
6D 6. Circus 8
7D 7. Name ender for a lawyer 3
8D 8. Parents and grandparents, in teen lingo 7
9D 9. Airtight 8
10D 10. Scrape 4
11D 11. "Me" in the Oscar-winning song "You Must Love Me" 3
12D 12. Moray, e.g. 3
13D 13. Where an artist works on a sketch, for short? 3
14D 15. Lorena who was the #1 female golfer for 158 consecutive weeks 5
15D 18. Atop 4
16D 22. Affixed, like a patch 6
17D 24. Puts forth, as effort 6
18D 25. Paid soldiers, informally 5
19D 26. Mount near Olympus 4
20D 27. Throw a party grandly 6
21D 28. Leaps on the ice 5
22D 29. Starts to geometric proofs 6
23D 30. Home to India's Red Fort and Lotus Temple 5
24D 33. "Shoot!" 4
25D 34. Indirect, as a glance 8
26D 36. Fertilizer found in caves 8
27D 39. Use up 7
28D 41. Alternative to canned 7
29D 44. Director Johnson 4
30D 45. Dahl who wrote "James and the Giant Peach" 5
31D 49. Not much 4
32D 51. Stare intensely 4
33D 52. Hunted animals 4
34D 53. Entries on 1040s, for short 4
35D 54. Come out ahead 3
36D 55. Start of a Latin conjugation 3
37D 56. Old auto with its founder's monogram 3
38D 57. Follow relentlessly 3
39D 58. Pad Thai pan 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. Where Edvard Munch's "The Scream" is displayed"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the capital and largest city of norway; the country's main port; located at the head of a fjord on norway's southern coast
  • Words that mean the same thing: capital of Norway, Christiania
  • 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: OSLO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Apt radio station to air "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!" (and it does!)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people
  • Words that mean the same thing: cognize, live, make out
  • The opposite would be: ignore
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KNOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Ramble"

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 move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
  • Words that mean the same thing: roam, roll, reeve
  • 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: ROVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Hole in one"

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 smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Words that mean the same thing: wiz, A-one, tiptop
  • 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: ACE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Selects, as a successor"

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 choose by or as if by divine intervention
  • Words that mean the same thing: anoint, inunct, oil
  • 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: ANOINTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Circus"

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: TENTSHOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Name ender for a lawyer"

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 title of respect for a member of the english gentry ranking just below a knight; placed after the name
  • Words that mean the same thing: Esquire
  • 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: ESQ

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Parents and grandparents, in teen lingo"

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: THEOLDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Airtight"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that completely sealed; completely airtight
  • 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: HERMETIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Scrape"

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 uttering in an irritated tone
  • Words that mean the same thing: wood file, rasping
  • 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: RASP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "Me" in the Oscar-winning song "You Must Love Me""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium 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: EVA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Moray, e.g."

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 fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
  • 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: EEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Where an artist works on a sketch, 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: SNL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Lorena who was the #1 female golfer for 158 consecutive weeks"

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 united states biochemist (born in spain) who studied the biological synthesis of nucleic acids (1905-1993)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Severo Ochoa
  • 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: OCHOA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "18. Atop"

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: UPON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Affixed, like a patch"

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: SEWNON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Puts forth, as effort"

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 have and exercise
  • Words that mean the same thing: maintain, exert, wield
  • 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: EXERTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Paid soldiers, informally"

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: MERCS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Mount near Olympus"

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 mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Words that mean the same thing: operating system, bone, atomic number 76
  • 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: OSSA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Throw a party grandly"

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: DOITUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. Leaps on the ice"

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: AXELS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. Starts to geometric proofs"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits
  • Words that mean the same thing: axiom, maxim
  • 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: AXIOMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "30. Home to India's Red Fort and Lotus Temple"

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 city in north central india
  • Words that mean the same thing: Old Delhi
  • 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: DELHI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. "Shoot!""

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 any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
  • Words that mean the same thing: git, crumb, squealer
  • 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: RATS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "34. Indirect, as a glance"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (used especially of glances) directed to one side with or as if with doubt or suspicion or envy; - elizabeth bowen
  • Words that mean the same thing: obliquely, lateral, asquint
  • 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: SIDELONG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "36. Fertilizer found in caves"

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: BATGUANO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Use up"

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 use up (resources or materials)
  • Words that mean the same thing: consume, eat, use up
  • 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: DEPLETE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Alternative to canned"

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 store (liquids or gases) in bottles
  • Words that mean the same thing: 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: BOTTLED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. Director Johnson"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: RIAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Dahl who wrote "James and the Giant Peach""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ROALD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Not much"

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: ATAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. Stare intensely"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a long fixed look
  • Words that mean the same thing: stare, regard
  • 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: GAZE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. Hunted animals"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
  • Words that mean the same thing: raven, target, fair game
  • 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: PREY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "53. Entries on 1040s, for short"

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: SSNS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "54. Come out ahead"

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 victory (as in a race or other competition)
  • Words that mean the same thing: pull ahead, profits, advance
  • The opposite would be: lose, losings
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Start of a Latin conjugation"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: AMO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Old auto with its founder's monogram"

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: REO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "57. Follow relentlessly"

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 member of the genus canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
  • Words that mean the same thing: go after, dog-iron, cad
  • 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: DOG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "58. Pad Thai pan"

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 pan with a convex bottom; used for frying in chinese cooking
  • 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: WOK

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 44 59.5%
Short Answer 20 27.0%
Celebrity/Entertainment 5 6.8%
Sports 2 2.7%
Abbreviation 2 2.7%
Music 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 35
Down Clues 39
Total Clues 74
Average Answer Length 5.1 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 Wednesday, 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 27, 2025 at 04:41 AM

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Wednesday, September 24, 2025

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 24, 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

September 24, 2025 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Light touches 4
2A 5. Domino features 4
3A 9. Maine-to-Spain direction 4
4A 13. Frequently 4
5A 14. MacDowell of "Groundhog Day" 5
6A 16. Start of a new deal 4
7A 17. Participate in a blindside on "Survivor," say 4
8A 18. Dance craze named for a Southern city 10
9A 20. Possible meaning of 54-/57-Across 7
10A 22. Possible meaning of 54-/57-Across 7
11A 23. Cannonball Adderley's musical instrument, informally 3
12A 24. Lead-in to struck or luck 4
13A 26. Fashionable time to arrive, it's said 4
14A 27. "Odyssey" figure with many suitors 8
15A 30. Carry a debt 3
16A 32. Business magnate 5
17A 35. A hawk carrying a dove in its talons, in Book 15 of the "Odyssey" 4
18A 36. Affectionate sign-off 3
19A 37. Like thrifted goods 4
20A 38. What's heard exactly twice in a lifetime? 5
21A 40. The Emerald Isle 4
22A 41. Tabs with psychedelic properties 3
23A 42. Hang in the balance 4
24A 43. Soft volleyball hits 5
25A 44. Jazz genre for Cannonball Adderley 3
26A 45. Worked to learn 8
27A 48. James of "The Godfather" 4
28A 50. Thailand, once 4
29A 51. A.L. West team, on scoreboards 3
30A 54. With 57-Across, gesture depicted by this puzzle's circled letters 7
31A 57. See 54-Across 7
32A 59. Taunt that may follow a failed gullibility test 10
33A 61. Bit of merchandise 4
34A 62. ___ impasse 4
35A 63. Put off for now 5
36A 64. Situated above 4
37A 65. Witty remark 4
38A 66. Craft store item 4
39A 67. "Hey!" 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Light touches"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light touch or stroke
  • Similar words include: splatter, swob, dab
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Domino features"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disease of poultry
  • Similar words include: radar target, pip, shoot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Maine-to-Spain direction"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
  • Similar words include: eastward, Orient, eastern United States
  • Opposite of: west
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Frequently"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. MacDowell of "Groundhog Day""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Start of a new deal"

4 letters Category: Common Word

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!

7A: "17. Participate in a blindside on "Survivor," say"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative
  • Similar words include: balloting, voting, right to vote
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Dance craze named for a Southern city"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that state capital of west virginia in the central part of the state on the kanawha river
  • Similar words include: capital of West Virginia
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHARLESTON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Possible meaning of 54-/57-Across"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Possible meaning of 54-/57-Across"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Cannonball Adderley's musical instrument, informally"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a belgian maker of musical instruments who invented the saxophone (1814-1894)
  • Similar words include: saxophone, Adolphe Sax
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Lead-in to struck or luck"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity; ; ; - thackeray
  • Similar words include: obtuse, dull, dense
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Fashionable time to arrive, it's said"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
  • Similar words include: recent, deep, of late
  • Opposite of: early
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. "Odyssey" figure with many suitors"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) the wife of odysseus and a symbol of devotion and fidelity; for 10 years while odysseus fought the trojan war she resisted numerous suitors until odysseus returned and killed them
  • Similar words include: genus Penelope
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PENELOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Carry a debt"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obliged to pay or repay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Business magnate"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank
  • Similar words include: tycoon, top executive, mogul
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BARON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. A hawk carrying a dove in its talons, in Book 15 of the "Odyssey""

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of something about to happen
  • Similar words include: bode, Oman, augur
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OMEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Affectionate sign-off"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Like thrifted goods"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
  • Similar words include: apply, put-upon, expend
  • Opposite of: misused
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. What's heard exactly twice in a lifetime?"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. The Emerald Isle"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of ireland; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1921
  • Similar words include: Irish Republic, Ireland, Republic of Ireland
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Tabs with psychedelic properties"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
  • Similar words include: lysergic acid diethylamide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LSD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Hang in the balance"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Soft volleyball hits"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a couple who both have careers and no children (an acronym for dual income no kids)
  • Similar words include: drop shot, dink, DINK
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Jazz genre for Cannonball Adderley"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the law enforcement agency of the justice department that operates a nationwide system of prisons and detention facilities to incarcerate inmates sentenced to imprisonment for federal crimes
  • Similar words include: bebop, bonk, whap
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. Worked to learn"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that deprive of freedom
  • Similar words include: intern
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INTERNED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. James of "The Godfather""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "50. Thailand, once"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a country of southeastern asia that extends southward along the isthmus of kra to the malay peninsula
  • Similar words include: Thailand, Kingdom of Thailand
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "51. A.L. West team, on scoreboards"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "54. With 57-Across, gesture depicted by this puzzle's circled letters"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
  • Similar words include: feel, digit, finger's breadth
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FINGERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. See 54-Across"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that travel across or pass over
  • Similar words include: get over, hybridise, cut through
  • Opposite of: uncross, uncrossed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CROSSED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Taunt that may follow a failed gullibility test"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Bit of merchandise"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that articles of the same kind or material; usually used in combination: `silverware', `software'
  • Similar words include: merchandise, squander, consume
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. ___ impasse"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. Put off for now"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a set of data arranged in rows and columns
  • Similar words include: put off, board, tabularise
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "64. Situated above"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on, to, or at the top
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "65. Witty remark"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
  • Similar words include: laugh, joke, jape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "66. Craft store item"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small ball with a hole through the middle
  • Similar words include: beadwork, drop, astragal
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "67. "Hey!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Viola of "The Woman King" 5
2D 2. "So long, Oahu!" 5
3D 3. Wrinkle smoother 5
4D 4. Part of a flight 4
5D 5. Clothing chain that began as a surf shop 6
6D 6. Like some tutoring and eldercare 6
7D 7. Smooching on a park bench, e.g., for short 3
8D 8. One who's given many instructions nowadays 4
9D 9. G.P.A. enhancer 5
10D 10. Neutralizing serum 9
11D 11. Masonry 9
12D 12. 100 C-notes 4
13D 15. Stately shade provider 3
14D 19. 2011 Peace Nobelist ___ Johnson Sirleaf 5
15D 21. Word aptly hidden in "unspoiled enclave" 4
16D 25. Lightheaded sorts? 7
17D 27. Capsule 3
18D 28. [Shocking!] 3
19D 29. Least-populous Canadian province: Abbr. 3
20D 31. Ones paying or receiving alimony 4
21D 32. Future amaryllis, e.g. 4
22D 33. Colleague 9
23D 34. Colorful ring-tailed mammals of Asia 9
24D 38. Spy novelist Deighton 3
25D 39. Most-populous Canadian province: Abbr. 3
26D 40. Festival at the end of Ramadan, informally 3
27D 42. Like the scent of some air fresheners 5
28D 43. Floor model, often 4
29D 46. Swiss cough drop brand 6
30D 47. Squealed: Var. 6
31D 49. Word with double or free 5
32D 51. Hurdles for future J.D.s 5
33D 52. Nestlé bars filled with tiny bubbles 5
34D 53. Skillful 5
35D 54. Key of Mozart's Symphony No. 6: Abbr. 4
36D 55. Squealer 3
37D 56. Thick piece 4
38D 58. Cashless deal 4
39D 60. U.K. award 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Viola of "The Woman King""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english navigator who explored the arctic while searching for the northwest passage (1550-1605)
  • Similar words include: Miles Davis, John Davys, Stuart Davis
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAVIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "So long, Oahu!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
  • Similar words include: ciao
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Wrinkle smoother"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a neurotoxin (trade name botox) that is used clinically in small quantities to treat strabismus and facial spasms and other neurological disorders characterized by abnormal muscle contractions; is also used by cosmetic surgeons to smooth frown lines temporarily
  • Similar words include: botulinum toxin A
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOTOX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Part of a flight"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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5D: "5. Clothing chain that began as a surf shop"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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6D: "6. Like some tutoring and eldercare"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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7D: "7. Smooching on a park bench, e.g., for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lightweight consumer electronic device that looks like a hand-held computer but instead performs specific tasks; can serve as a diary or a personal database or a telephone or an alarm clock etc.
  • Similar words include: personal organizer, personal organiser, organizer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PDA

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8D: "8. One who's given many instructions nowadays"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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9D: "9. G.P.A. enhancer"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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10D: "10. Neutralizing serum"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an antibody that can neutralize a specific toxin
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTITOXIN

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11D: "11. Masonry"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that masonry done with stone
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STONEWORK

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12D: "12. 100 C-notes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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13D: "15. Stately shade provider"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
  • Similar words include: elm tree, elmwood
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELM

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14D: "19. 2011 Peace Nobelist ___ Johnson Sirleaf"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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15D: "21. Word aptly hidden in "unspoiled enclave""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • Similar words include: promised land, heaven, paradise
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDEN

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16D: "25. Lightheaded sorts?"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person with fair skin and hair
  • Similar words include: blond, blonde
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLONDES

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17D: "27. Capsule"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
  • Similar words include: seedcase, seedpod, fuel pod
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POD

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18D: "28. [Shocking!]"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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19D: "29. Least-populous Canadian province: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states architect (born in china in 1917)
  • Similar words include: Ieoh Ming Pei, I. M. Pei
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEI

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20D: "31. Ones paying or receiving alimony"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man who was formerly a certain woman's husband
  • Similar words include: x, X, ex-wife
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXES

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21D: "32. Future amaryllis, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a modified bud consisting of a thickened globular underground stem serving as a reproductive structure
  • Similar words include: electric-light bulb, light bulb, medulla oblongata
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BULB

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22D: "33. Colleague"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor
  • Similar words include: assort, link, tie in
  • Opposite of: dissociate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSOCIATE

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23D: "34. Colorful ring-tailed mammals of Asia"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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24D: "38. Spy novelist Deighton"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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25D: "39. Most-populous Canadian province: Abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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26D: "40. Festival at the end of Ramadan, informally"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "42. Like the scent of some air fresheners"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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28D: "43. Floor model, often"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a visual presentation showing how something works
  • Similar words include: exhibit, show, demonstration
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEMO

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29D: "46. Swiss cough drop brand"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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30D: "47. Squealed: Var."

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  • Similar words include: get at, bother, vex
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NARKED

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31D: "49. Word with double or free"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
  • Similar words include: broker, agentive role, federal agent
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGENT

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32D: "51. Hurdles for future J.D.s"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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33D: "52. Nestlé bars filled with tiny bubbles"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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34D: "53. Skillful"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
  • Similar words include: skilful, mavin, champion
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADEPT

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35D: "54. Key of Mozart's Symphony No. 6: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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36D: "55. Squealer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
  • Similar words include: puke, git, crumb
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAT

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37D: "56. Thick piece"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that block consisting of a thick piece of something
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAB

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38D: "58. Cashless deal"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an equal exchange
  • Similar words include: swop, switch, trade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWAP

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39D: "60. U.K. award"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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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

39 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 24, 2025 at 03:46 AM

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