June 27, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (39 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (39 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

June 27, 2023 Tuesday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. "Oh yeah, love your stuff"	6
2A	7. Sharp prod	3
3A	10. Instruction for cooking corn on the cob	4
4A	14. Tame	6
5A	15. Not well	3
6A	16. ___ Mae Bullock (Tina Turner's birth name)	4
7A	17. One-act Strauss opera adapted from an Oscar Wilde play	6
8A	18. Ziggy Stardust's music genre	8
9A	20. Fish that's often canned	4
10A	21. Japanese vehicle manufacturer	5
11A	22. Beret-wearing rebel, familiarly	3
12A	23. Painfully particular	4
13A	25. Change priorities, say	7
14A	27. One form of savings, for short	3
15A	30. Walker who wrote "The Color Purple"	5
16A	32. Part of a book jacket	4
17A	33. Famed 1990s TV psychic	8
18A	35. Shows for soldiers, informally	4
19A	36. Year before jr.	4
20A	37. Shiftless sort	5
21A	39. 18-wheelers	4
22A	42. Horse coloring	4
23A	44. Horror film monster who has become an L.G.B.T.Q. icon, with "the"	8
24A	46. Combine, as resources	4
25A	47. "Bro!"	5
26A	48. Org. in which Wizards battle Kings	3
27A	49. Baby shower guest of honor	7
28A	51. Disbands, say	4
29A	53. Nail polish brand	3
30A	54. Pat Sajak and Vanna White, for "Wheel of Fortune"	5
31A	56. Heartburn relief brand	4
32A	59. What each set of circled letters in this grid represents	8
33A	61. Certain Muslim	6
34A	63. Fútbol cheers	4
35A	64. Looney Tunes frame	3
36A	65. A No. 2 one is more widely popular than a No. 1	6
37A	66. Verdi opera	4
38A	67. Subj. for some refugees	3
39A	68. Infuriates	6

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. "Oh yeah, love your stuff""

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: IMAFAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. Sharp prod"

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 sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)
• Words that mean the same thing: poking, thrusting, prod
• 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: JAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Instruction for cooking corn on the cob"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a painful sore with a hard core filled with pus
• Words that mean the same thing: boiling point, furuncle, roil
• The opposite would be: freeze
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Tame"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that willing to be taught or led or supervised or directed
• Words that mean the same thing: gentle, teachable
• The opposite would be: stubborn
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOCILE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Not well"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
• Words that mean the same thing: ominous, complaint, sick
• The opposite would be: well
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ILL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. ___ Mae Bullock (Tina Turner's birth name)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a former copper coin of pakistan and india
• 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: ANNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. One-act Strauss opera adapted from an Oscar Wilde play"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that woman whose dancing beguiled herod into giving her the head of john the baptist
• 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: SALOME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Ziggy Stardust's music genre"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GLAMROCK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Fish that's often canned"

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 tropical american prickly pear of jamaica
• Words that mean the same thing: tuna fish, Anguilla sucklandii, Opuntia tuna
• 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: TUNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Japanese vehicle manufacturer"

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: ISUZU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Beret-wearing rebel, familiarly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Painfully particular"

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 of or related to the anus
• Words that mean the same thing: anal retentive
• The opposite would be: oral
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Change priorities, say"

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 focus once again; the physicist refocused the light beam"
• 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: REFOCUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. One form of savings, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
• Words that mean the same thing: Irish Republican Army, individual retirement account, wrath
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Walker who wrote "The Color Purple""

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: ALICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Part of a book jacket"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any broad thin and limber covering attached at one edge; hangs loose or projects freely
• Words that mean the same thing: flaps, dither, fuss
• 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: FLAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Famed 1990s TV psychic"

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: MISSCLEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Shows for soldiers, informally"

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: USOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "36. Year before jr."

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 second-year undergraduate
• Words that mean the same thing: sophomore
• 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: SOPH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "37. Shiftless sort"

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 person who does no work
• Words that mean the same thing: unused, layabout, bum
• The opposite would be: busy
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDLER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "39. 18-wheelers"

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 gear (including necessary machinery) for a particular enterprise
• Words that mean the same thing: equipage, getup, trucking rig
• 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: RIGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Horse coloring"

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 soft sheepskin leather that is colored and finished to resemble morocco; used in bookbinding
• 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: ROAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. Horror film monster who has become an L.G.B.T.Q. icon, with "the""

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BABADOOK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Combine, as resources"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an excavation that is (usually) filled with water
• Words that mean the same thing: pond, syndicate, pocket billiards
• 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: POOL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. "Bro!""

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: MYMAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Org. in which Wizards battle Kings"

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: NBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "49. Baby shower guest of honor"

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: MOMTOBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. Disbands, say"

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 either extremity of something that has length
• Words that mean the same thing: cease, conclusion, remainder
• The opposite would be: beginning, begin
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "53. Nail polish brand"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OPI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "54. Pat Sajak and Vanna White, for "Wheel of Fortune""

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 person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
• Words that mean the same thing: emcee, host, master of ceremonies
• The opposite would be: parasite
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOSTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "56. Heartburn relief brand"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an enlarged and muscular saclike organ of the alimentary canal; the principal organ of digestion
• Words that mean the same thing: stomach, breadbasket, tum
• 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: TUMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. What each set of circled letters in this grid represents"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an unshaved growth of hair on the upper lip
• Words that mean the same thing: moustache
• 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: MUSTACHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "61. Certain Muslim"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the branch of islam that regards ali as the legitimate successor to mohammed and rejects the first three caliphs
• Words that mean the same thing: Shi'ite, Shia Muslim, Shi'ite Muslim
• 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: SHIITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "63. Fútbol cheers"

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: OLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "64. Looney Tunes frame"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "65. A No. 2 one is more widely popular than a No. 1"

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 a thin cylindrical pointed writing implement; a rod of marking substance encased in wood
• 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: PENCIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "66. Verdi opera"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AIDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "67. Subj. for some refugees"

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: ESL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "68. Infuriates"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
• Words that mean the same thing: choler, wrath, ire
• 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: ANGERS

  Great job if you got it right!

June 27, 2023 Down Hints: NYT Tuesday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Selects out of a lineup, informally	3
2D	2. What a drawbridge may cross	4
3D	3. Org. that denounced Japanese internment during W.W. II	4
4D	4. Grammy-winning Apple	5
5D	5. Annual reference work	7
6D	6. Formerly known as	3
7D	7. Celebratory dances	4
8D	8. Enticing quality	6
9D	9. Reason to call the fire department	5
10D	10. Classic joke locale	3
11D	11. Every so often	10
12D	12. Creep forward	6
13D	13. Minnesota has more than 10,000 of them	5
14D	19. Botches	5
15D	21. Phrase of fessing up	5
16D	24. Bold poker bet	5
17D	26. Prayer starter	5
18D	27. Some online communications, in brief	3
19D	28. Home of Christ the Redeemer, informally	3
20D	29. "Just like I said I would …"	10
21D	31. Maine college whose name is also a variety of cheese	5
22D	34. Photography session	5
23D	35. Counterpart of rural	5
24D	38. Chair designer Charles or Ray	5
25D	40. Small lump or big bunch	3
26D	41. Reggae relative	3
27D	43. Hawaii hello	5
28D	45. Segue in a story	7
29D	46. Vox ___	6
30D	47. Fits well (with)	6
31D	49. "Justice League" actor Jason	5
32D	50. Italian lawn game	5
33D	52. Taking to court	5
34D	55. Betray a secret	4
35D	57. Mickey and Minnie, for two	4
36D	58. Mix, as batter	4
37D	60. Grp. checking carry-ons	3
38D	61. Place for a Swedish massage	3
39D	62. Features of lollipops but not suckers?	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. Selects out of a lineup, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a state in the rocky mountains
• Words that mean the same thing: I.D., ID, Gem State
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. What a drawbridge may cross"

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 ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water
• Words that mean the same thing: fosse
• 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: MOAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Org. that denounced Japanese internment during W.W. II"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ACLU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Grammy-winning Apple"

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: FIONA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Annual reference work"

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 an annual publication including weather forecasts and other miscellaneous information arranged according to the calendar of a given year
• Words that mean the same thing: farmer's calendar
• 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: ALMANAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Formerly known as"

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 (meaning literally `born') used to indicate the maiden or family name of a married woman
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Celebratory dances"

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 music in three-four time for dancing a jig
• Words that mean the same thing: jig, gigue
• 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: JIGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Enticing quality"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the power to entice or attract through personal charm
• Words that mean the same thing: tempt, allurement, temptingness
• 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: ALLURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Reason to call the fire department"

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 strong flame that burns brightly
• Words that mean the same thing: hell, glare, blazing
• 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: BLAZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Classic joke locale"

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 room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
• Words that mean the same thing: barricade, cake, stop
• The opposite would be: unbar
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Every so often"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONOCCASION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Creep forward"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: INCHUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Minnesota has more than 10,000 of them"

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 body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
• Words that mean the same thing: lake
• 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: LAKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Botches"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a warm tubular covering for the hands
• Words that mean the same thing: bungle, bobble, botch 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: MUFFS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Phrase of fessing up"

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: ILIED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Bold poker bet"

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: ALLIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Prayer starter"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: OLORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Some online communications, 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: IMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Home of Christ the Redeemer, informally"

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 former capital and 2nd largest city of brazil; chief brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction
• Words that mean the same thing: Rio de Janeiro
• 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: RIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. "Just like I said I would …""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ASPROMISED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Maine college whose name is also a variety of cheese"

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: COLBY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. Photography session"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a new branch
• Words that mean the same thing: photograph, pullulate, sprout
• 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: SHOOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Counterpart of rural"

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 relating to or concerned with a city or densely populated area
• The opposite would be: rural
• 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: URBAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "38. Chair designer Charles or Ray"

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 united states designer noted for an innovative series of chairs (1907-1978)
• Words that mean the same thing: Charles Eames
• 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: EAMES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Small lump or big bunch"

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 man who serves as a sailor
• Words that mean the same thing: Jack-tar, cakehole, hole
• 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: GOB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Reggae relative"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Hawaii hello"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
• Words that mean the same thing: ciao
• 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: ALOHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. Segue in a story"

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: ANDTHEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Vox ___"

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: POPULI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Fits well (with)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the number of openings per linear inch of a screen; measures size of particles
• Words that mean the same thing: meshwork, mesh topology, net
• The opposite would be: disengage
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MESHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. "Justice League" actor Jason"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: MOMOA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Italian lawn game"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that italian bowling played on a long narrow dirt court
• Words that mean the same thing: boccie, bocci
• 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: BOCCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. Taking to court"

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 institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
• Words that mean the same thing: sue, litigate, action
• 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: SUING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "55. Betray a secret"

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 swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer; according to legend an austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son's head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap)
• Words that mean the same thing: say, enjoin, assure
• 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: TELL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "57. Mickey and Minnie, for two"

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 any of numerous small rodents typically resembling diminutive rats having pointed snouts and small ears on elongated bodies with slender usually hairless tails
• Words that mean the same thing: black eye, shiner, mouse
• 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: MICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "58. Mix, as batter"

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 prominent or sensational but short-lived news event
• Words that mean the same thing: splash, touch, call forth
• 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: STIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "60. Grp. checking carry-ons"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an agency established in 2001 to safeguard united states transportation systems and insure safe air travel
• Words that mean the same thing: Transportation Security Administration
• 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: TSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "61. Place for a Swedish massage"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
• Words that mean the same thing: watering hole, watering place, health club
• 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: SPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "62. Features of lollipops but not suckers?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
• Words that mean the same thing: elevated railroad, elevated, altitude
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELS

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	65.4%
Short Answer	16	20.5%
History	3	3.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	3.8%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	39
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.8 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Tuesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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 01, 2025 at 01:47 PM

December 21, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (42 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, December 21, 2023

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 77 (42 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

December 21, 2023 Thursday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Queue before Q	4
2A	5. Org. with a top 10 list	3
3A	8. Some fluffy slippers	4
4A	12. "The Good Dinosaur" dinosaur	4
5A	13. Predators whose females are the main hunters	5
6A	15. Stand-out performance?	4
7A	16. Water under the drawbridge	4
8A	17. High up	5
9A	18. Nov. or Dec. event for a Sagittarius	4
10A	19. Transport, in a way	3
11A	20. Put in a box	7
12A	22. It's a ball	3
13A	23. Fitting	3
14A	24. Irrigation structure	3
15A	25. Messenger ___	3
16A	26. Teeny	3
17A	27. Reefer and clipper	5
18A	29. Scarf down	3
19A	31. Group known for playing mind games	5
20A	33. See 62-Down	4
21A	34. Not cool	5
22A	36. "Knives Out" director Johnson	4
23A	37. Like a custard	4
24A	38. Farmer's market booth	5
25A	39. Kitchen cabinet climbers	4
26A	40. People don't see through them	9
27A	43. Duo with the 2011 #1 hit "Party Rock Anthem"	5
28A	46. Cook again in oil	5
29A	50. Cooks, as some kernels	7
30A	53. Brown in strips	7
31A	55. Lead-in to season	3
32A	56. "Bet you can't do better!"	7
33A	58. 2010 health law, in brief	3
34A	59. Hard walk	4
35A	61. Fanatical	5
36A	62. Latin love	4
37A	63. Sludge	4
38A	64. Bird that flies with its neck outstretched	5
39A	65. "Good as ___" (Lizzo hit)	4
40A	66. Wild catch?	4
41A	67. Substitute for "subs"	5
42A	68. "Golly!"	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. Queue before Q"

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: LGBT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Org. with a top 10 list"

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 federal law enforcement agency that is the principal investigative arm of the department of justice
• Words that mean the same thing: Federal Bureau of Investigation
• 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: FBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Some fluffy slippers"

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: UGGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "12. "The Good Dinosaur" dinosaur"

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: ARLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "13. Predators whose females are the main hunters"

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 large gregarious predatory feline of africa and india having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male
• Words that mean the same thing: Leo, Panthera leo, king of beasts
• 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: LIONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Stand-out performance?"

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 any activity that is performed alone without assistance
• Words that mean the same thing: unaccompanied, alone
• 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: SOLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. Water under the drawbridge"

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 ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water
• Words that mean the same thing: fosse
• 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: MOAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "17. High up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship
• 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: ALOFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "18. Nov. or Dec. event for a Sagittarius"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BDAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "19. Transport, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a vehicle carrying many passengers; used for public transport
• Words that mean the same thing: busbar, motorbus, double-decker
• 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: BUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "20. Put in a box"

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: CRATEUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "22. It's a ball"

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 ball-shaped capsule containing the vertebrate eye
• Words that mean the same thing: globe, eyeball, orbit
• 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: ORB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "23. Fitting"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward
• Words that mean the same thing: pertinent, minded, apposite
• 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: APT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "24. Irrigation structure"

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 barrier constructed to contain the flow of water or to keep out the sea
• Words that mean the same thing: dike, decametre, dekametre
• 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: DAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "25. Messenger ___"

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 (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from dna to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
• Words that mean the same thing: ribonucleic acid
• 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: RNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "26. Teeny"

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 short time
• Words that mean the same thing: spend a penny, pee, weeny
• 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: WEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "27. Reefer and clipper"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a vessel that carries passengers or freight
• Words that mean the same thing: send, embark, ship
• The opposite would be: disembark
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHIPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "29. Scarf down"

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 take in solid food
• Words that mean the same thing: deplete, run through, eat on
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "31. Group known for playing mind games"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a faint constellation in the polar region of the southern hemisphere and containing part of the large magellanic cloud
• 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: MENSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "33. See 62-Down"

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 tropical american prickly pear of jamaica
• Words that mean the same thing: Opuntia tuna, tuna fish, Anguilla sucklandii
• 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: TUNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "34. Not cool"

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: UNHIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "36. "Knives Out" 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 23 Across: "37. Like a custard"

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: EGGY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "38. Farmer's market booth"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a compartment in a stable where a single animal is confined and fed
• Words that mean the same thing: stand, booth, stalling
• 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: STALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "39. Kitchen cabinet climbers"

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 social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
• Words that mean the same thing: ant, pismire, emmet
• 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: ANTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "40. People don't see through them"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: GLASSEYES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "43. Duo with the 2011 #1 hit "Party Rock Anthem""

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: LMFAO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "46. Cook again in oil"

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: REFRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "50. Cooks, as some kernels"

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: AIRPOPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "53. Brown in strips"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CHARLIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. Lead-in to season"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "56. "Bet you can't do better!""

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: TOPTHIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "58. 2010 health law, 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: ACA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "59. Hard walk"

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 journey by ox wagon (especially an organized migration by a group of settlers)
• 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: TREK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "61. Fanatical"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that of or infected by rabies
• Words that mean the same thing: fanatical, fanatic, overzealous
• 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: RABID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "62. Latin love"

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 (roman mythology) god of love; counterpart of greek eros
• Words that mean the same thing: Cupid
• 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: AMOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "63. Sludge"

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 thick, viscous matter
• Words that mean the same thing: gook, seep, transude
• 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: OOZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "64. Bird that flies with its neck outstretched"

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 writer (1871-1900)
• Words that mean the same thing: Hart Crane, Grus, stretch out
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "65. "Good as ___" (Lizzo hit)"

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 any place of pain and turmoil
• Words that mean the same thing: Hades, underworld, the pits
• The opposite would be: Heaven
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HELL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Across: "66. Wild catch?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a 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: quarry, fair game, target
• 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 41 Across: "67. Substitute for "subs""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
• Words that mean the same thing: zep, wedge, submarine
• 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: HEROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Across: "68. "Golly!""

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: ISAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Thursday NYT Crossword December 21, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Criticize harshly	8
2D	2. Squeeze together?	8
3D	3. *What iodine might do	8
4D	4. Squirt	3
5D	5. *Expresses regret about	9
6D	6. Bit of skiwear	4
7D	7. *Blank, e.g., in Scrabble	9
8D	8. Kind of port	3
9D	9. With 47-Down, fail spectacularly ... or what the answers to the starred clues do?	8
10D	10. Gives an angry look	8
11D	11. Protein-rich crop	8
12D	13. TV newswoman Spencer	4
13D	14. Daze	4
14D	20. Bank offerings, in brief	3
15D	21. Receptionist-turned-administrator on "The Office"	3
16D	28. Workplace inequity	6
17D	30. Moments of discovery	4
18D	32. This might get the word out	6
19D	34. Wash. setting	3
20D	35. Layer on a roll	3
21D	41. Booty	4
22D	42. Taylor Swift's record-setting ___ Tour	4
23D	43. Something to work on	6
24D	44. Something to look into	6
25D	45. *Liberated	6
26D	47. See 9-Down	6
27D	48. Maker of Max Throat Care drops	6
28D	49. Adverb for an anniversary	6
29D	51. Delivery site	5
30D	52. *Place to be pampered	5
31D	53. *X, to a sorority sister	5
32D	54. Camouflages	5
33D	57. Way up on a mountain	4
34D	60. Middle C, e.g.	3
35D	62. With 33-Across, deep-sea catch	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. Criticize harshly"

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 beat with a cane
• Words that mean the same thing: call down, chew out, call on the carpet
• 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: LAMBASTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Squeeze together?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GROUPHUG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. *What iodine might do"

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 make a strident sound
• Words that mean the same thing: nail, shell, blare
• 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: BLASTING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Squirt"

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 amount (especially of a drink)
• Words that mean the same thing: tally, total, add together
• 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: TOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. *Expresses regret about"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a very slender natural or synthetic fiber
• Words that mean the same thing: filum, fibril, filament
• 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: FILAMENTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Bit of skiwear"

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 footwear that covers the whole foot and lower leg
• Words that mean the same thing: kicking, the boot, kick
• 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: BOOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. *Blank, e.g., in Scrabble"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that incapable of reproducing
• Words that mean the same thing: sterile, unfertile
• The opposite would be: fertile
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INFERTILE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Kind of port"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: USB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. With 47-Down, fail spectacularly ... or what the answers to the starred clues do?"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GODOWNIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Gives an angry look"

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: GLARESAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Protein-rich crop"

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 a source of oil; used for forage and soil improvement and as food
• Words that mean the same thing: soybean, Glycine max, soy
• 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: SOYBEANS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "13. TV newswoman Spencer"

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: LARA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Daze"

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 make senseless or dizzy by or as if by a blow
• Words that mean the same thing: sandbag, bedaze, stupefy
• 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: STUN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "20. Bank offerings, in brief"

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 soft bluish-white ductile malleable toxic bivalent metallic element; occurs in association with zinc ores
• Words that mean the same thing: cadmium, compact disc, Cd
• 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: CDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Receptionist-turned-administrator on "The Office""

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: PAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "28. Workplace inequity"

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: PAYGAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "30. Moments of discovery"

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: AHAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "32. This might get the word out"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an implement used to erase something
• 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: ERASER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "34. Wash. setting"

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 north american republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in north america plus alaska in northwest north america and the hawaiian islands in the pacific ocean; achieved independence in 1776
• Words that mean the same thing: US Army, U. S. Army, U.S.A.
• 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: USA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "35. Layer on a roll"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one of the strands twisted together to make yarn or rope or thread; often used in combination
• Words that mean the same thing: cater, supply, run
• 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: PLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "41. Booty"

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 goods or money obtained illegally
• Words that mean the same thing: dirty money, lolly, ransack
• 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: LOOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "42. Taylor Swift's record-setting ___ Tour"

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 period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Words that mean the same thing: ERA, era, geological era
• 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: ERAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "43. Something to work on"

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 a portable computer small enough to use in your lap
• Words that mean the same thing: laptop computer
• 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: LAPTOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "44. Something to look into"

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 polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
• 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: MIRROR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "45. *Liberated"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the withdrawal of heat to change something from a liquid to a solid
• Words that mean the same thing: immobilise, frost, freeze out
• The opposite would be: unblock, unfreeze
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FREEZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "47. See 9-Down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke
• Words that mean the same thing: flare, flame, fire
• 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: FLAMES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "48. Maker of Max Throat Care drops"

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: RICOLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "49. Adverb for an anniversary"

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 a reference book that is published regularly once every year
• Words that mean the same thing: yearbook, annual, annually
• 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: YEARLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "51. Delivery site"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance
• 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: PORCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "52. *Place to be pampered"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an extra component of a machine or other apparatus
• Words that mean the same thing: free, give up, unembellished
• 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: SPARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "53. *X, to a sorority sister"

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 trousers made with chino cloth
• 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: CHINO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "54. Camouflages"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the dressed skin of an animal (especially a large animal)
• Words that mean the same thing: obscure, conceal, shroud
• The opposite would be: show
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HIDES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "57. Way up on a mountain"

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

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: TBAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "60. Middle C, 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 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: key out, key fruit, fundamental
• 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: KEY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "62. With 33-Across, deep-sea catch"

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: AHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	53	68.8%
Short Answer	17	22.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	3.9%
Sports	2	2.6%
History	1	1.3%
Geography	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	42
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	77
Average Answer Length	4.8 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	9 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Thursday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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: August 28, 2025 at 07:38 PM