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Thursday, December 18, 2025

NYT Down Today December 18, 2025: Complete Vertical Clues Walkthrough

NYT Down Crossword December 18, 2025 - Master All 41 Top-to-Bottom Clues

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

Related Puzzles: December 05 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | July 14 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | November 16 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 18, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Thursday, December 18, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 18, 2025
Day of Week Thursday
Total Down Clues 41 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Easy

All Down Clues - Complete List

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

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Some queens
2 Down 2. Live
3 Down 3. It comes from the heart
4 Down 4. Glide down a piste
5 Down 5. ___ soldier
6 Down 6. Levels
7 Down 7. One versed in verse
8 Down 8. Agcy. that takes many forms
9 Down 9. Title for a J.D.
10 Down 10. Spirits
11 Down 11. "That's what she said" and others
12 Down 12. Beyond impressive, informally
13 Down 13. Ceremony
14 Down 18. One of several in a watch
15 Down 23. Caribbean music genre
16 Down 25. Rae of "Insecure"
17 Down 26. NaOH
18 Down 27. About 35,000 for the Taj Mahal: Abbr.
19 Down 28. No longer relevant
20 Down 30. ___ Nation (activist organization since 1990)
21 Down 31. Fair
22 Down 32. T.H. White's "The ___ and Future King"
23 Down 33. Knockoff version of a bejeweled Imperial egg, e.g.
24 Down 34. In a class by oneself
25 Down 38. ___ Mawr
26 Down 39. Teeming (with)
27 Down 40. Greeting from Kermit
28 Down 42. Name that sounds like a computer guidebook
29 Down 43. Hosts, for short
30 Down 45. N.F.L. div.
31 Down 46. Lives
32 Down 47. Coming right up
33 Down 50. Eel, at a sushi bar
34 Down 51. "Ratatouille" topper
35 Down 52. Fabrication expert
36 Down 53. "I guess so"
37 Down 55. Barred from competing, for short
38 Down 58. Trail Blazers' grp.
39 Down 59. "Severance" actress Tullock
40 Down 60. Microdosing drug
41 Down 61. "Quit ___ yappin'!"

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues

Need help? Here are comprehensive hints and answers for each Down clue. Also check these helpful guides:

Complete Down Solutions:

1 Down: "1. Some queens"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B__S
  • Similar words: bed, bottom
  • Opposite of: turn out
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BEDS

2 Down: "2. Live"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: O___R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ONAIR

3 Down: "3. It comes from the heart"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AORTA

4 Down: "4. Glide down a piste"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'I'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKI

5 Down: "5. ___ soldier"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: can, tin can
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIN

6 Down: "6. Levels"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: S____A
  • Similar words: level, stratum
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STRATA

7 Down: "7. One versed in verse"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: P__T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer POET

8 Down: "8. Agcy. that takes many forms"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IRS

9 Down: "9. Title for a J.D."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'Q'
  • Similar words: Esquire
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ESQ

10 Down: "10. Spirits"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L_____S
  • Similar words: pot likker, spirits
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LIQUORS

11 Down: "11. "That's what she said" and others"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I_______S
  • Similar words: insinuation, innuendo
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an indirect (and usually malicious) implication
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer INNUENDOS

12 Down: "12. Beyond impressive, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S_______D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCARYGOOD

13 Down: "13. Ceremony"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: P__P
  • Similar words: gaudery, eclat
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: cheap or pretentious or vain display
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer POMP

14 Down: "18. One of several in a watch"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: G__R
  • Similar words: gear mechanism, pitch
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GEAR

15 Down: "23. Caribbean music genre"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKA

16 Down: "25. Rae of "Insecure""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ISSA

17 Down: "26. NaOH"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LYE

18 Down: "27. About 35,000 for the Taj Mahal: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S__T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SQFT

19 Down: "28. No longer relevant"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: M__T
  • Similar words: disputable, consider
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a hypothetical case that law students argue as an exercise
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MOOT

20 Down: "30. ___ Nation (activist organization since 1990)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Q' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: Q___R
  • Similar words: gay, faggot
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: offensive term for an openly homosexual man
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer QUEER

21 Down: "31. Fair"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: E__O
  • Similar words: exhibition, exposition
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EXPO

22 Down: "32. T.H. White's "The ___ and Future King""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O__E
  • Similar words: at one time, formerly
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: on one occasion
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ONCE

23 Down: "33. Knockoff version of a bejeweled Imperial egg, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: F_______E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FAUXBERGE

24 Down: "34. In a class by oneself"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: U_______D
  • Similar words: unique, unparalleled
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: radically distinctive and without equal
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UNEQUALED

25 Down: "38. ___ Mawr"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: B__N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BRYN

26 Down: "39. Teeming (with)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R__E
  • Similar words: predominant, prevalent
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: most frequent or common
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RIFE

27 Down: "40. Greeting from Kermit"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HIHO

28 Down: "42. Name that sounds like a computer guidebook"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: E_____L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EMANUEL

29 Down: "43. Hosts, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: MHz, megahertz
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: one million periods per second
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MCS

30 Down: "45. N.F.L. div."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Q' and ends with 'R'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer QTR

31 Down: "46. Lives"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E____S
  • Similar words: live, subsist
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: have an existence
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EXISTS

32 Down: "47. Coming right up"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: N__T
  • Similar words: following, succeeding
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: immediately following in time or order
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NEXT

33 Down: "50. Eel, at a sushi bar"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: U___I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UNAGI

34 Down: "51. "Ratatouille" topper"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T___E
  • Similar words: turban, pillbox
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a tall white hat with a pouched crown; worn by chefs
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TOQUE

35 Down: "52. Fabrication expert"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: L__R
  • Similar words: prevaricator
  • Opposite of: square shooter
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LIAR

36 Down: "53. "I guess so""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S__E
  • Similar words: for sure, trusted
  • Opposite of: unsure
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SURE

37 Down: "55. Barred from competing, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: D__D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DQED

38 Down: "58. Trail Blazers' grp."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NBA

39 Down: "59. "Severance" actress Tullock"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'N'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JEN

40 Down: "60. Microdosing drug"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LSD

41 Down: "61. "Quit ___ yappin'!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YER

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

  • Down clues often reveal key letters for intersecting words
  • Vertical patterns can unlock difficult sections
  • Many prefixes and suffixes run vertically
  • Down answers often help solve Across clues

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

  1. Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Down entries
  2. Prefixes and suffixes: Common word parts often run vertically
  3. Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
  4. Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Down
  5. Pop culture references: Names and titles often appear vertically

Time-Saving Down Techniques

Technique How It Helps
Scan all Down first Get a mental map of the vertical flow
Fill short Down words 3-4 letter words are often prefixes or connectors
Use crossing letters Across letters help confirm Down answers
Look for themes Related Down answers often share a theme

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 41 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Down clues often contain helpful prefixes, suffixes, and word parts that can be easier to guess.

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

Down and Across clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.

About This Page: We provide comprehensive Down clues solutions and hints for the NYT Crossword to help you improve your solving skills. This site is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 18, 2025 at 05:17 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 18 2025 down clues

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XWordHint Crossword Answers December 18, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

December 18, 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. "We're the best!," e.g. 5
2A 6. Lengthy pitch 5
3A 11. Web access co. 3
4A 14. Mushroom in ramen 5
5A 15. Trunks 5
6A 16. Platoon sgt., e.g. 3
7A 17. Feats performed on knights' quests 11
8A 19. "Platoon" setting, for short 3
9A 20. ___ tight 3
10A 21. Dig in 3
11A 22. Appropriate inappropriately 5
12A 24. Go off on 6
13A 27. Bear with a message 6
14A 29. "Colorful" Atlantic Coast Conference team 12
15A 32. Helpful 5
16A 35. Some radar blips 4
17A 36. Reveal private data of, in modern lingo 3
18A 37. Mama's mama 4
19A 38. Jake's love in "The Sun Also Rises" 5
20A 40. Bit of aerial arts equipment 4
21A 41. Word with ball or card 3
22A 42. Lake ___, body formerly known as Lac du Chat 4
23A 43. Botch 5
24A 44. Follow-up to an oath 12
25A 48. Fluid for a lighter 6
26A 49. Crosses off 6
27A 52. Get schooled 5
28A 53. Volleyball team count 3
29A 54. OK signal 3
30A 56. Off-line, online 3
31A 57. Point at the wrong person 11
32A 62. The time of one's life? 3
33A 63. He said "Every great film should seem new every time you see it" 5
34A 64. Smooth transition 5
35A 65. Visibly embarrassed 3
36A 66. Alley components 5
37A 67. Preserved, in a way 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. "We're the best!," e.g."

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that speaking of yourself in superlatives
  • Similar words include: feature, self-praise, brag
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Lengthy pitch"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)
  • Similar words include: line of gab, patter, play
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPIEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Web access co."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Mushroom in ramen"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Trunks"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the body excluding the head and neck and limbs
  • Similar words include: torso, body, trunk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORSI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Platoon sgt., e.g."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Feats performed on knights' quests"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARINGRESQQ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. "Platoon" setting, for short"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. ___ tight"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be around, often idly or without specific purpose
  • Similar words include: model, pose, sit around
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Dig in"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in solid food
  • Similar words include: feed, exhaust, eat up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Appropriate inappropriately"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
  • Similar words include: seize, arrogate, assume
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USURP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Go off on"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Bear with a message"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. "Colorful" Atlantic Coast Conference team"

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SYRAQQORANGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Helpful"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Some radar blips"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an (apparently) flying object whose nature is unknown; especially those considered to have extraterrestrial origins
  • Similar words include: unidentified flying object, flying saucer, UFO
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UFOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Reveal private data of, in modern lingo"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Mama's mama"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Jake's love in "The Sun Also Rises""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Bit of aerial arts equipment"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light curved skeleton to spread out a skirt
  • Similar words include: basketball hoop, wicket, basket
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Word with ball or card"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech
  • Similar words include: prompt, discriminative stimulus, pool stick
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Lake ___, body formerly known as Lac du Chat"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
  • Similar words include: Lake Erie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Botch"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that do wrongly or improperly
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MISDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "44. Follow-up to an oath"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXQQMYFRENCH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Fluid for a lighter"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that occurs in natural gas; used in the manufacture of rubber and fuels
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUTANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Crosses off"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Get schooled"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gain knowledge or skills
  • Similar words include: acquire, instruct, get wind
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Volleyball team count"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
  • Similar words include: sestet, sixer, half dozen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. OK signal"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of assent or salutation or command
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Off-line, online"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Point at the wrong person"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNJUSTLYAQQ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. The time of one's life?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how long something has existed
  • Similar words include: years, historic period, get on
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. He said "Every great film should seem new every time you see it""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Smooth transition"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of changing smoothly from one state or situation to another
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEGUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Visibly embarrassed"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
  • Similar words include: redness, flushed, ruddy
  • Opposite of: gain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Alley components"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow way or road
  • Similar words include: lane
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. Preserved, in a way"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the moisture from and make dry
  • Similar words include: desiccated, dry out, dehydrated
  • Opposite of: wet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Some queens 4
2D 2. Live 5
3D 3. It comes from the heart 5
4D 4. Glide down a piste 3
5D 5. ___ soldier 3
6D 6. Levels 6
7D 7. One versed in verse 4
8D 8. Agcy. that takes many forms 3
9D 9. Title for a J.D. 3
10D 10. Spirits 7
11D 11. "That's what she said" and others 9
12D 12. Beyond impressive, informally 9
13D 13. Ceremony 4
14D 18. One of several in a watch 4
15D 23. Caribbean music genre 3
16D 25. Rae of "Insecure" 4
17D 26. NaOH 3
18D 27. About 35,000 for the Taj Mahal: Abbr. 4
19D 28. No longer relevant 4
20D 30. ___ Nation (activist organization since 1990) 5
21D 31. Fair 4
22D 32. T.H. White's "The ___ and Future King" 4
23D 33. Knockoff version of a bejeweled Imperial egg, e.g. 9
24D 34. In a class by oneself 9
25D 38. ___ Mawr 4
26D 39. Teeming (with) 4
27D 40. Greeting from Kermit 4
28D 42. Name that sounds like a computer guidebook 7
29D 43. Hosts, for short 3
30D 45. N.F.L. div. 3
31D 46. Lives 6
32D 47. Coming right up 4
33D 50. Eel, at a sushi bar 5
34D 51. "Ratatouille" topper 5
35D 52. Fabrication expert 4
36D 53. "I guess so" 4
37D 55. Barred from competing, for short 4
38D 58. Trail Blazers' grp. 3
39D 59. "Severance" actress Tullock 3
40D 60. Microdosing drug 3
41D 61. "Quit ___ yappin'!" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Some queens"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
  • Similar words include: be intimate, bottom, layer
  • Opposite of: turn out, get up
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Live"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. It comes from the heart"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the large trunk artery that carries blood from the left ventricle of the heart to branch arteries
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AORTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Glide down a piste"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used in pairs for gliding over snow
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. ___ soldier"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
  • Similar words include: cannister, put up, canister
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Levels"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of several parallel layers of material arranged one on top of another (such as a layer of tissue or cells in an organism or a layer of sedimentary rock)
  • Similar words include: class, socio-economic class, layer
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STRATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. One versed in verse"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Agcy. that takes many forms"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bureau of the treasury department responsible for tax collections
  • Similar words include: Internal Revenue Service
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Title for a J.D."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a title of respect for a member of the english gentry ranking just below a knight; placed after the name
  • Similar words include: Esquire
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESQ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Spirits"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
  • Similar words include: strong drink, spirits, John Barleycorn
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIQUORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. "That's what she said" and others"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an indirect (and usually malicious) implication
  • Similar words include: insinuation, innuendo
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INNUENDOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Beyond impressive, informally"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Ceremony"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cheap or pretentious or vain display
  • Similar words include: eclat, gaudery
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. One of several in a watch"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a toothed wheel that engages another toothed mechanism in order to change the speed or direction of transmitted motion
  • Similar words include: geartrain, gearing, train
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Caribbean music genre"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Rae of "Insecure""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. NaOH"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. About 35,000 for the Taj Mahal: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. No longer relevant"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hypothetical case that law students argue as an exercise
  • Similar words include: turn over, consider, debate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. ___ Nation (activist organization since 1990)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that offensive term for an openly homosexual man
  • Similar words include: fairy, foil, bilk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QUEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Fair"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a collection of things (goods or works of art etc.) for public display
  • Similar words include: exposition, exhibition
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. T.H. White's "The ___ and Future King""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on one occasion
  • Similar words include: formerly, one time, in one case
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Knockoff version of a bejeweled Imperial egg, e.g."

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. In a class by oneself"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that radically distinctive and without equal
  • Similar words include: unparalleled, unique, unequalled
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNEQUALED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. ___ Mawr"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Teeming (with)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that most frequent or common
  • Similar words include: predominant, plethoric, prevalent
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIFE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Greeting from Kermit"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Name that sounds like a computer guidebook"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Hosts, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one million periods per second
  • Similar words include: megahertz, megacycle per second, megacycle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. N.F.L. div."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Lives"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have an existence, be extant
  • Similar words include: exist, survive, subsist
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXISTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Coming right up"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that immediately following in time or order
  • Similar words include: following, side by side, adjacent
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEXT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Eel, at a sushi bar"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. "Ratatouille" topper"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tall white hat with a pouched crown; worn by chefs
  • Similar words include: pillbox, turban
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOQUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Fabrication expert"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly
  • Similar words include: prevaricator
  • Opposite of: square shooter
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. "I guess so""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
  • Similar words include: certain, trusted, surely
  • Opposite of: uncertain, unsure
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "55. Barred from competing, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Trail Blazers' grp."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "59. "Severance" actress Tullock"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. Microdosing drug"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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!

41D: "61. "Quit ___ yappin'!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: December 18, 2025 at 04:08 AM

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