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Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Today's Down Crossword NYT December 02, 2025 - Every Vertical Solution Explained

NYT Down Today December 02, 2025: Complete Vertical Clues Walkthrough

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 38 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: April 07 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | May 17 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | April 04 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 02, 2025 — NYT Down Clues - Tuesday, December 02, 2025

Down Clues Statistics
Detail	Information
Date	December 02, 2025
Day of Week	Tuesday
Total Down Clues	38 clues
Direction	Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty	Challenging

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 38 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number	Clue
1 Down	1. Nicki ___, "Starships" rapper
2 Down	2. Gas brand owned by BP
3 Down	3. Dessert item usually eaten moments after it's made
4 Down	4. Criticize unfairly
5 Down	5. 1960s antiwar grp.
6 Down	6. Hospital staffer, for short
7 Down	7. With 43-Down, seeking funding from investors ... or what you're doing in 4-, 9-, 15- and 38-Down?
8 Down	8. Suffix with Manhattan or Brooklyn
9 Down	9. Brought up the rear
10 Down	10. Prefix that's bigger than kilo-
11 Down	11. Bible figures invoked by O. Henry
12 Down	12. Love of Spanish?
13 Down	15. Grey Goose competitor
14 Down	20. Chicago-to-Indianapolis dir.
15 Down	22. Hairball hacker
16 Down	24. Subject of the Tenth Commandment
17 Down	28. Bit in a friendship bracelet
18 Down	29. Many a Mideast native
19 Down	30. 1970s sitcom title character who "can turn the world on with her smile"
20 Down	31. Superiors to cpls.
21 Down	32. Oaf
22 Down	33. What spicy food has
23 Down	34. Lay eyes on
24 Down	35. Clearasil target
25 Down	38. "Huh, better than I expected"
26 Down	40. Ring of light
27 Down	43. See 7-Down
28 Down	46. Top of the hour?
29 Down	47. Electric guitarist's accessory
30 Down	50. Communication system for almost two billion people
31 Down	51. Belief system for almost two billion people
32 Down	52. Top-tier
33 Down	53. Not drunk
34 Down	54. Dos cubed
35 Down	55. Business that's owned and managed by its members
36 Down	56. Frequently
37 Down	61. Prefix with conscious
38 Down	62. Communication syst. in which the letter Z is drawn with one's index finger

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. Nicki ___, "Starships" rapper"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'M' and ends with 'J'
Word pattern: M___J
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

MINAJ

2 Down: "2. Gas brand owned by BP"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

AMOCO

3 Down: "3. Dessert item usually eaten moments after it's made"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

SMORE

4 Down: "4. Criticize unfairly"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 14 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'T' and ends with 'T'
Word pattern: T____________T
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

TAKEPOTSHOTSAT

5 Down: "5. 1960s antiwar grp."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
Similar words: Coyote State, South Dakota
This is an abbreviation or acronym
Definition: a state in north central United States
This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

SDS

6 Down: "6. Hospital staffer, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'E' and ends with 'C'
Word pattern: E___C
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ERDOC

7 Down: "7. With 43-Down, seeking funding from investors ... or what you're doing in 4-, 9-, 15- and 38-Down?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'R' and ends with 'G'
Word pattern: R_____G
Similar words: rear, put forward
Opposite of: lower
This is an abbreviation or acronym
Definition: the event of something being raised upward
This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

RAISING

8 Down: "8. Suffix with Manhattan or Brooklyn"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ITE

9 Down: "9. Brought up the rear"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
Word pattern: C______T
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

CAMELAST

10 Down: "10. Prefix that's bigger than kilo-"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'M' and ends with 'A'
Word pattern: M__A
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

MEGA

11 Down: "11. Bible figures invoked by O. Henry"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'M' and ends with 'I'
Word pattern: M__I
Similar words: magus, Wise Men
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

MAGI

12 Down: "12. Love of Spanish?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'A' and ends with 'R'
Word pattern: A__R
Similar words: Cupid
This is an abbreviation or acronym
Definition: (Roman mythology) god of love; counterpart of Greek Eros
This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

AMOR

13 Down: "15. Grey Goose competitor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 14 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'B' and ends with 'A'
Word pattern: B____________A
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

BELVEDEREVODKA

14 Down: "20. Chicago-to-Indianapolis dir."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
Similar words: sou'-sou'-east, south southeast
This is an abbreviation or acronym
Definition: the compass point midway between south and southeast
This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

SSE

15 Down: "22. Hairball hacker"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
Similar words: khat, guy
Opposite of: keep down
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

CAT

16 Down: "24. Subject of the Tenth Commandment"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'E' and ends with 'Y'
Word pattern: E__Y
Similar words: begrudge, invidia
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ENVY

17 Down: "28. Bit in a friendship bracelet"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'B' and ends with 'D'
Word pattern: B__D
Similar words: beadwork, beading
This is an abbreviation or acronym
Definition: a small ball with a hole through the middle
This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

BEAD

18 Down: "29. Many a Mideast native"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'A' and ends with 'B'
Word pattern: A__B
Similar words: Arabian
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ARAB

19 Down: "30. 1970s sitcom title character who "can turn the world on with her smile""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'M' and ends with 'Y'
Word pattern: M__Y
Similar words: Madonna, The Virgin
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

MARY

20 Down: "31. Superiors to cpls."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
Word pattern: S__S
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

SGTS

21 Down: "32. Oaf"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'C' and ends with 'D'
Word pattern: C__D
Similar words: oaf, gawk
This is an abbreviation or acronym
Definition: a compact mass
This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

CLOD

22 Down: "33. What spicy food has"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'B' and ends with 'E'
Word pattern: B__E
Similar words: insect bite, prick
This is an abbreviation or acronym
Definition: a wound resulting from biting by an animal or a person
This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

BITE

23 Down: "34. Lay eyes on"

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
Similar words: recognize, smirch
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

SPOT

24 Down: "35. Clearasil target"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
Word pattern: A__E
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ACNE

25 Down: "38. "Huh, better than I expected""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'N' and ends with 'D'
Word pattern: N______D
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

NOTSOBAD

26 Down: "40. Ring of light"

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
Similar words: gloriole, aureole
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

HALO

27 Down: "43. See 7-Down"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'C' and ends with 'L'
Word pattern: C_____L
Similar words: majuscule, Das Kapital
Opposite of: lowercase
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

CAPITAL

28 Down: "46. Top of the hour?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'X' and ends with 'I'
Similar words: dozen, twelve
This is an abbreviation or acronym
Definition: the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

XII

29 Down: "47. Electric guitarist's accessory"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'A' and ends with 'P'
Similar words: ampere, A
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

AMP

30 Down: "50. Communication system for almost two billion people"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'G' and ends with 'L'
Word pattern: G___L
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

GMAIL

31 Down: "51. Belief system for almost two billion people"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'I' and ends with 'M'
Word pattern: I___M
Similar words: Muslimism, Islamism
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ISLAM

32 Down: "52. Top-tier"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
Word pattern: E___E
Similar words: elite group, elect
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ELITE

33 Down: "53. Not drunk"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
Word pattern: S___R
Similar words: serious, drab
Opposite of: playful
This is an abbreviation or acronym
Definition: cause to become sober
This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

SOBER

34 Down: "54. Dos cubed"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'O' and ends with 'O'
Word pattern: O__O
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

OCHO

35 Down: "55. Business that's owned and managed by its members"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'C' and ends with 'P'
Word pattern: C__P
Similar words: hencoop, chicken coop
This is an abbreviation or acronym
Definition: a farm building for housing poultry
This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

COOP

36 Down: "56. Frequently"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
Word pattern: A__T
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ALOT

37 Down: "61. Prefix with conscious"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'E' and ends with 'O'
This is an abbreviation or acronym
This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ECO

38 Down: "62. Communication syst. in which the letter Z is drawn with one's index finger"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
This is an abbreviation or acronym
Definition: the sign language used in the United States
This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ASL

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

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

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

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

Time-Saving Down Techniques

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

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

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

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

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 38 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.

Saturday, September 27, 2025

February 21, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
Across Clues (33 clues)
Down Clues (33 clues)
Category Breakdown
Complete Puzzle Statistics
Pro Solving Tips
Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, February 21, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 66 (33 Across, 33 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.9 letters

February 21, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions

February 21, 2020 Friday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Caseload?	7
2A	8. Not the main action	7
3A	15. Like someone who answers a question with a question	7
4A	16. Time for warm-up shots, in more ways than one	7
5A	17. Land that abuts four oceans	7
6A	18. Obsolescent office desk item	7
7A	19. Common Hawaiian shirt design	11
8A	21. Celebrity with a namesake cereal in the '80s	3
9A	22. Gets down	4
10A	23. Hidden valleys	5
11A	24. Old Italian V.I.P.	4
12A	25. Mount Sinai people: Abbr.	3
13A	26. Make by hand	5
14A	27. Got in line	5
15A	28. Thomas who wrote "Liberty Tree"	5
16A	29. Attempts to befriend, with "up"	5
17A	30. It's a rush, appropriately enough	11
18A	32. Prayers	5
19A	33. The America's Cup and others	5
20A	34. Monk in "The Da Vinci Code"	5
21A	35. Sam with clubs	5
22A	36. Chap	3
23A	39. "___ pass"	4
24A	40. Egyptian Nobelman?	5
25A	41. Some camel riders of note	4
26A	42. Helpful word in solving cryptograms	3
27A	43. A mare might be found in one	11
28A	45. Bit of road trip entertainment	7
29A	47. Not serious	7
30A	48. Big source of political talk	7
31A	49. Part of a book deal	7
32A	50. G.R.E. sitters, e.g.	7
33A	51. Sportscast staples	7

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. Caseload?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

This could be something that a glass or plastic vessel used for storing drinks or other liquids; typically cylindrical without handles and with a narrow neck that can be plugged or capped
Words that mean the same thing: bottle, bottleful, nursing bottle
The word looks like this: _______
Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
Ready for the answer? Click here!

The answer is: BOTTLES

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "8. Not the main action"

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: SIDEBET

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "15. Like someone who answers a question with a question"

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

Here's how to solve it:

This could be something that deliberately vague or ambiguous
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: EVASIVE

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "16. Time for warm-up shots, in more ways than one"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard 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: PREGAME

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "17. Land that abuts four oceans"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

This could be something that the land mass formed by the continents of europe and asia
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: EURASIA

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "18. Obsolescent office desk item"

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

Here's how to solve it:

This could be something that (trademark) a desktop rotary card index with removable cards; usually used for names, addresses, and telephone numbers
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: ROLODEX

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "19. Common Hawaiian shirt design"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: FLORALPRINT

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "21. Celebrity with a namesake cereal in the '80s"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

The answer is: MRT

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "22. Gets 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 informal terms for a meal
Words that mean the same thing: feed, corrode, grub
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: EATS

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "23. Hidden valleys"

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 narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)
Words that mean the same thing: glen
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: GLENS

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. Old Italian V.I.P."

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 formerly the chief magistrate in the republics of venice and genoa
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: DOGE

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Mount Sinai people: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

The answer is: DRS

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Make by hand"

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 the skilled practice of a practical occupation
Words that mean the same thing: wiliness, trade, foxiness
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: CRAFT

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Got in line"

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 make level, square, balanced, or concentric
Words that mean the same thing: true up, true
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: TRUED

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. Thomas who wrote "Liberty Tree""

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 american revolutionary leader and signer of the declaration of independence (1731-1814)
Words that mean the same thing: Robert Treat Paine, Tom Paine, Thomas Paine
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: PAINE

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "29. Attempts to befriend, with "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 an informal conversation
Words that mean the same thing: gossip, chatter, confabulate
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: CHATS

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "30. It's a rush, appropriately enough"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: RUNNERSHIGH

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "32. Prayers"

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 specific instance of feeling hopeful
Words that mean the same thing: promise, Hope, trust
The opposite would be: despair
Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
Ready for the answer? Click here!

The answer is: HOPES

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "33. The America's Cup and others"

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 open vessel with a handle and a spout for pouring
Words that mean the same thing: ewer, pitcher
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: EWERS

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "34. Monk in "The Da Vinci Code""

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: SILAS

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "35. Sam with clubs"

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 golfer known for the graceful arc of his swing (1912-2002)
Words that mean the same thing: Samuel Jackson Snead, Sam Snead
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: SNEAD

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "36. Chap"

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 boy or man
Words that mean the same thing: chap, laddie, bloke
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: LAD

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "39. "___ pass""

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: ITLL

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "40. Egyptian Nobelman?"

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 egyptian statesman who (as president of egypt) negotiated a peace treaty with menachem begin (then prime minister of israel) (1918-1981)
Words that mean the same thing: Anwar Sadat, Anwar el-Sadat
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: SADAT

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "41. Some camel riders of note"

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 (new testament) the sages who visited jesus and mary and joseph shortly after jesus was born; the gospel according to matthew says they were guided by a star and brought gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh; because there were three gifts it is usually assumed that there were three of them
Words that mean the same thing: magus, Wise Men
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: MAGI

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "42. Helpful word in solving cryptograms"

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: THE

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "43. A mare might be found in one"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: LUNARCRATER

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "45. Bit of road trip entertainment"

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

Here's how to solve it:

This could be something that distribute (multimedia files) over the internet for playback on a mobile device or a personal 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: PODCAST

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "47. Not serious"

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 be silly or tease one another
Words that mean the same thing: banter, jolly, josh
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: JOSHING

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "48. Big source of political talk"

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: AMRADIO

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "49. Part of a book deal"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

This could be something that a movement forward
Words that mean the same thing: march on, overture, approach
The opposite would be: demote, back
Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
Ready for the answer? Click here!

The answer is: ADVANCE

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "50. G.R.E. sitters, e.g."

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 someone who is tested (as by an intelligence test or an academic examination)
Words that mean the same thing: testee, examinee
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: TESTEES

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "51. Sportscast staples"

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

Here's how to solve it:

This could be something that something (especially a game) that is played again
Words that mean the same thing: action replay, rematch, play back
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: REPLAYS

Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Friday NYT Crossword February 21, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Quarreled (with)	6
2D	2. Egglike	6
3D	3. Decks revealing the cards you've been dealt	6
4D	4. They range from terrible to great	5
5D	5. Daughter of Steve Jobs, after whom an early Apple computer was named	4
6D	6. Dastardly looks	9
7D	7. It doesn't have to land on land	8
8D	8. Dash	6
9D	9. Smooths	5
10D	10. Neighbor of a pec	4
11D	11. Nwodim of "S.N.L."	3
12D	12. Trash	8
13D	13. Comes out of one's shell	7
14D	14. Like emojis	6
15D	20. Parts of some ballots	9
16D	24. Party poopers	5
17D	26. Lean on them	5
18D	27. Bronze	5
19D	28. Almost ready to be a butterfly	5
20D	29. Secret for video gamers	9
21D	30. Noted feature of Spanish pronunciation	8
22D	31. Recipient of a lot of #@&! money	8
23D	32. Tug at one's heartstrings, say	7
24D	34. Not take any action	6
25D	35. Brazilian soccer team that Pelé played for	6
26D	36. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, e.g.	6
27D	37. Word with federal or insurance	6
28D	38. Some somber music	6
29D	40. "Calvin and Hobbes" girl	5
30D	41. Palace, in Hindi	5
31D	43. Fill the hold, say	4
32D	44. "Let me know if you're coming"	4
33D	46. Object of veneration in ancient Egypt	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. Quarreled (with)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

Words that mean the same thing: squawk, holler, crab
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: BEEFED

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Egglike"

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 being or of the nature of an ovule
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: OVULAR

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Decks revealing the cards you've been dealt"

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

Here's how to solve it:

This could be something that any of a set of (usually 72) cards that include 22 cards representing virtues and vices and death and fortune etc.; used by fortunetellers
Words that mean the same thing: tarot, tarot card
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: TAROTS

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. They range from terrible to great"

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 male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
Words that mean the same thing: tzar, tsar, czar
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: TSARS

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Daughter of Steve Jobs, after whom an early Apple computer was named"

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: LISA

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Dastardly looks"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: EVILGRINS

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. It doesn't have to land on land"

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 airplane that can land on or take off from water
Words that mean the same thing: hydroplane
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: SEAPLANE

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Dash"

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 quick run
Words that mean the same thing: dash
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: SPRINT

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Smooths"

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 metal shackles; for hands or legs
Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 26, chains, smoothing iron
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: IRONS

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Neighbor of a pec"

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: DELT

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Nwodim of "S.N.L.""

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 inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
Words that mean the same thing: self, self-importance, egotism
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: EGO

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Trash"

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

Here's how to solve it:

This could be something that speak unfavorably about
Words that mean the same thing: malign, drag through the mud, traduce
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: BADMOUTH

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Comes out of one's shell"

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

Here's how to solve it:

This could be something that come out into view, as from concealment
Words that mean the same thing: go forth, emerge, egress
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: EMERGES

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Like emojis"

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: TEXTED

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Parts of some ballots"

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 legislative act is referred for final approval to a popular vote by the electorate
Words that mean the same thing: referendum
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: REFERENDA

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Party poopers"

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 the phenomenon of resistance to motion through a fluid
Words that mean the same thing: dredge, tangle, draw
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: DRAGS

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Lean on them"

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 stick that people can lean on to help them walk
Words that mean the same thing: can, lambaste, tin
The opposite would be: hire
Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
Ready for the answer? Click here!

The answer is: CANES

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Bronze"

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 one of three equal parts of a divisible whole
Words that mean the same thing: third gear, tierce, third base
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: THIRD

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Almost ready to be a butterfly"

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 of the insects in the chrysalis (cocoon) or post larval stage
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: PUPAL

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Secret for video gamers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

The answer is: CHEATCODE

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Noted feature of Spanish pronunciation"

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: ROLLEDRS

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. Recipient of a lot of #@&! money"

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: SWEARJAR

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "32. Tug at one's heartstrings, say"

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: HITHOME

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Not take any action"

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: SITPAT

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. Brazilian soccer team that Pelé played for"

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

Here's how to solve it:

This could be something that a port city in southwestern brazil on an offshore island near sao paulo
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: SANTOS

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "36. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, e.g."

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: LATINA

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "37. Word with federal or insurance"

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 an administrative unit of government
Words that mean the same thing: way, office, representation
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: AGENCY

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "38. Some somber music"

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

Here's how to solve it:

This could be something that a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person
Words that mean the same thing: requiem, threnody, lament
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: DIRGES

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "40. "Calvin and Hobbes" girl"

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: SUSIE

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "41. Palace, in Hindi"

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: MAHAL

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "43. Fill the hold, 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 remove with or as if with a ladle
Words that mean the same thing: load, ladle, laden
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: LADE

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "44. "Let me know if you're coming""

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: RSVP

Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "46. Object of veneration in ancient Egypt"

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

Here's how to solve it:

This could be something that feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
Words that mean the same thing: cast, quat, khat
The opposite would be: keep down
Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
Ready for the answer? Click here!

The answer is: CAT

Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	77.3%
History	3	4.5%
Short Answer	3	4.5%
Sports	3	4.5%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	3.0%
Geography	1	1.5%
Abbreviation	1	1.5%
Literature	1	1.5%
Music	1	1.5%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	33
Total Clues	66
Average Answer Length	5.9 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	11 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 Friday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
Most clues today are about general knowledge
The average word today has about 5 letters
Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 26, 2025 at 10:39 PM

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