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Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Today's Down Crossword NYT December 10, 2025 - Every Vertical Solution Explained

NYT Crossword Down December 10, 2025: All 44 Vertical Answers & Strategic Tips

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 44 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: January 25 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | September 08 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | July 06 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 10, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 10, 2025
Day of Week Wednesday
Total Down Clues 44 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Tricky

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 44 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Software accessed via an online browser
2 Down 2. Game-tying goal
3 Down 3. Healthier version of a breakfast side dish
4 Down 4. "Or ___ what?"
5 Down 5. Longtime NASCAR sponsor
6 Down 6. Alters the shape of
7 Down 7. Dell competitor
8 Down 8. Singer Amos
9 Down 9. "You can say that again!"
10 Down 10. Sensitivity
11 Down 11. Secret identity of Don Diego de la Vega
12 Down 12. Ax, so to speak
13 Down 13. Beehive State athlete
14 Down 14. Grassy section
15 Down 20. Source of 3.5 million quotations, for short
16 Down 22. Performer of the 1992 dance song "Supermodel (You Better Work)"
17 Down 26. Greek figures with multiple heads
18 Down 28. Status of 23-, 44- and 69-Across, as indicated by their clues and placement in the grid
19 Down 29. Trampoline mats
20 Down 30. Elf product
21 Down 32. Org. opposed to "speciesism"
22 Down 33. Common street sign symbol
23 Down 34. Several things in a pagoda
24 Down 35. Party starters, in brief
25 Down 36. Sowing machine
26 Down 40. "To your health!," in Germany
27 Down 41. ___ gaz (carbonated: Fr.)
28 Down 42. [Don't open this at the office!]
29 Down 43. One of four rhyming letters
30 Down 44. Modern prefix with village
31 Down 49. "The Matrix" character, with "the"
32 Down 50. Nuts
33 Down 52. Standing
34 Down 53. Aachen article
35 Down 54. "There is more to life than increasing its ___": Gandhi
36 Down 57. Some needle work, in brief
37 Down 58. "Community" character played by Donald Glover
38 Down 59. Apt letters missing from _ _stra_ _
39 Down 60. Songwriter Guthrie
40 Down 62. ___ Minor
41 Down 63. Fire up
42 Down 64. Prize that a prospector pries
43 Down 65. Sloth, e.g.
44 Down 66. Some N.F.L. linemen

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. Software accessed via an online browser"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: W____P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WEBAPP

2 Down: "2. Game-tying goal"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: E____R
  • Similar words: regular, even
  • Opposite of: uneven
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: divisible by two
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EVENER

3 Down: "3. Healthier version of a breakfast side dish"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 11 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: V_________N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VEGGIEBACON

4 Down: "4. "Or ___ what?""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ELSE

5 Down: "5. Longtime NASCAR sponsor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'P'
  • Similar words: s.t.p.
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: standard temperature and pressure
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STP

6 Down: "6. Alters the shape of"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: W___S
  • Similar words: heave, warp
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WARPS

7 Down: "7. Dell competitor"

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: genus Acer
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACER

8 Down: "8. Singer Amos"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: T__I
  • Similar words: torus, tore
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TORI

9 Down: "9. "You can say that again!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A__N
  • Similar words: Amon, Amun
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AMEN

10 Down: "10. Sensitivity"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: T__T
  • Similar words: tactfulness
  • Opposite of: tactlessness
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TACT

11 Down: "11. Secret identity of Don Diego de la Vega"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Z' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: Z___O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ZORRO

12 Down: "12. Ax, so to speak"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'D'
  • Similar words: last, destruction
  • Opposite of: begin
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: either extremity of something that has length
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer END

13 Down: "13. Beehive State athlete"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UTE

14 Down: "14. Grassy section"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Similar words: sward, bugger
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOD

15 Down: "20. Source of 3.5 million quotations, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'D'
  • Similar words: O.E.D.
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OED

16 Down: "22. Performer of the 1992 dance song "Supermodel (You Better Work)""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: R____L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RUPAUL

17 Down: "26. Greek figures with multiple heads"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: H____S
  • Similar words: Hydra, Snake
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HYDRAS

18 Down: "28. Status of 23-, 44- and 69-Across, as indicated by their clues and placement in the grid"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 11 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: U_________R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UNDERREPAIR

19 Down: "29. Trampoline mats"

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: bottom, kip down
  • Opposite of: get up
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BEDS

20 Down: "30. Elf product"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'Y'
  • Similar words: miniature, plaything
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an artifact designed to be played with
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TOY

21 Down: "32. Org. opposed to "speciesism""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: P__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PETA

22 Down: "33. Common street sign symbol"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: A___W
  • Similar words: pointer
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a mark to indicate a direction or relation
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARROW

23 Down: "34. Several things in a pagoda"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T___S
  • Similar words: level, tier
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIERS

24 Down: "35. Party starters, in brief"

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 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MCS

25 Down: "36. Sowing machine"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S____R
  • Similar words: cloud seeder
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a person who seeds clouds
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEEDER

26 Down: "40. "To your health!," in Germany"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 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 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PROSIT

27 Down: "41. ___ gaz (carbonated: Fr.)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AVEC

28 Down: "42. [Don't open this at the office!]"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: N__W
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NSFW

29 Down: "43. One of four rhyming letters"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ETA

30 Down: "44. Modern prefix with village"

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 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ECO

31 Down: "49. "The Matrix" character, with "the""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O____E
  • Similar words: seer, prophet
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an authoritative person who divines the future
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ORACLE

32 Down: "50. Nuts"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: W____S
  • Similar words: whacko, wacko
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a person who is regarded as eccentric or mad
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WACKOS

33 Down: "52. Standing"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: E___T
  • Similar words: tumid, upright
  • Opposite of: unerect
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: construct
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ERECT

34 Down: "53. Aachen article"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: cony, DA
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DAS

35 Down: "54. "There is more to life than increasing its ___": Gandhi"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S___D
  • Similar words: step on it, quicken
  • Opposite of: decelerate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: distance travelled per unit time
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPEED

36 Down: "57. Some needle work, in brief"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T__S
  • Similar words: sleaze, intertwine
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TATS

37 Down: "58. "Community" character played by Donald Glover"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: T__Y
  • Similar words: troy weight, Ilion
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TROY

38 Down: "59. Apt letters missing from _ _stra_ _"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: R__N
  • Similar words: harness, draw rein
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REIN

39 Down: "60. Songwriter Guthrie"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 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 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARLO

40 Down: "62. ___ Minor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: U__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer URSA

41 Down: "63. Fire up"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'V'
  • Similar words: rpm, rev up
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: rate of revolution of a motor
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REV

42 Down: "64. Prize that a prospector pries"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 42

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ORE

43 Down: "65. Sloth, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: trespass, boob
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: estrangement from god
  • This is Down clue number 43

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SIN

44 Down: "66. Some N.F.L. linemen"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: acute delirium caused by alcohol poisoning
  • This is Down clue number 44

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DTS

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 44 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 10, 2025 at 05:15 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 10 2025 down clues

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Monday, December 1, 2025

XWordHint Crossword Answers December 01, 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 01, 2025 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

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. Office announcement 4
2A 5. Jump 4
3A 9. Repairs a hole 5
4A 14. Ingredient in some smoothie bowls 4
5A 15. Plus 4
6A 16. To no ___ (without success) 5
7A 17. "Remedy" for a riled-up person 9
8A 19. Dashboard instrument 5
9A 20. CR-V or Civic 5
10A 21. George who played Sulu on "Star Trek" 5
11A 23. Headstone letters 3
12A 24. Penalty for bank fraud 13
13A 27. Read thoroughly 6
14A 29. Rowing implement 3
15A 30. "Madam, I'm ___" 4
16A 31. Emu relative 4
17A 35. Locks up 5
18A 39. Lower, as the lights 3
19A 40. Hip person, in old slang 7
20A 42. Genre for Cardi B or LL Cool J 3
21A 43. Curry of the N.B.A., informally 5
22A 45. Boat tie-up location 4
23A 46. Tortilla ingredient 4
24A 47. Enjoy a banquet 3
25A 49. Goes over by hand, as a drawing 6
26A 51. Antithesis 13
27A 57. "I've solved it!" 3
28A 58. Creator of Asteroids and Pong 5
29A 59. "You should come foraging with me, because I'm a ___" (bad pun) 5
30A 62. Assigned stars, say 5
31A 64. Cause of some wintry weather ... or a hint to 17-, 24-, 40- and 51-Across 9
32A 66. Woman who bests Sherlock in "A Scandal in Bohemia" 5
33A 67. Largest joint in the body 4
34A 68. Some airport listings, for short 4
35A 69. Sends an eggplant emoji, say 5
36A 70. Feudal underling 4
37A 71. Fresh and glowing, in skin-care terminology 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Office announcement"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a written proposal or reminder
  • Similar words include: memoranda, memorandum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Jump"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
  • Similar words include: leaping, bound, spring
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Repairs a hole"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sewing that repairs a worn or torn hole (especially in a garment)
  • Similar words include: mend, repair, fixture
  • Opposite of: break
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MENDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Ingredient in some smoothie bowls"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Plus"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in addition
  • Similar words include: likewise, as well, too
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. To no ___ (without success)"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a means of serving
  • Similar words include: service, help
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVAIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. "Remedy" for a riled-up person"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Dashboard instrument"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a measuring instrument for measuring and indicating a quantity such as the thickness of wire or the amount of rain etc.
  • Similar words include: calibre, estimate, bore
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAUGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. CR-V or Civic"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. George who played Sulu on "Star Trek""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Headstone letters"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dissolute man in fashionable society
  • Similar words include: rive, rake, tear
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Penalty for bank fraud"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FROZENACCOUNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Read thoroughly"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that examine or consider with attention and in detail
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Rowing implement"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. "Madam, I'm ___""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) in judeo-christian mythology; the first man and the husband of eve and the progenitor of the human race
  • Similar words include: ecstasy, XTC, X
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Emu relative"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fertility goddess in ancient greek mythology; wife of cronus and mother of zeus; identified with roman ops and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Similar words include: Pterocnemia pennata, Rhea americana, nandu
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Locks up"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an enclosure made or wire or metal bars in which birds or animals can be kept
  • Similar words include: John Cage, batting cage, cage in
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Lower, as the lights"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that switch (a car's headlights) from a higher to a lower beam
  • Similar words include: subdued, blind, vague
  • Opposite of: undimmed, focus
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Hip person, in old slang"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Genre for Cardi B or LL Cool J"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
  • Similar words include: knap, hip-hop, blame
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Curry of the N.B.A., informally"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Boat tie-up location"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
  • Similar words include: wharfage, dock, wharf
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. Tortilla ingredient"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an independent group of closely related chadic languages spoken in the area between the biu-mandara and east chadic languages
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MASA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Enjoy a banquet"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "49. Goes over by hand, as a drawing"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a just detectable amount
  • Similar words include: shadow, decipher, touch
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Antithesis"

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POLAROPPOSITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "57. "I've solved it!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. Creator of Asteroids and Pong"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. "You should come foraging with me, because I'm a ___" (bad pun)"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the taxonomic kingdom including yeast, molds, smuts, mushrooms, and toadstools; distinct from the green plants
  • Similar words include: fungus kingdom, fungus, kingdom Fungi
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FUNGI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "62. Assigned stars, say"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assign a rank or rating to
  • Similar words include: fink, denounce, betray
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. Cause of some wintry weather ... or a hint to 17-, 24-, 40- and 51-Across"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. Woman who bests Sherlock in "A Scandal in Bohemia""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "67. Largest joint in the body"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hinge joint in the human leg connecting the tibia and fibula with the femur and protected in front by the patella
  • Similar words include: stifle, genu, knee joint
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "68. Some airport listings, for short"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
  • Similar words include: eta, Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Homeland and Freedom
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "69. Sends an eggplant emoji, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fourth of the seven canonical hours; about noon
  • Similar words include: sext
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEXTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "70. Feudal underling"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (middle ages) a person who is bound to the land and owned by the feudal lord
  • Similar words include: villein, helot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "71. Fresh and glowing, in skin-care terminology"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wet with dew
  • Similar words include: bedewed
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEWY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. ___ 1 (speed of sound) 4
2D 2. Result of yelling into a cave 4
3D 3. Supercomputer precursor 9
4D 4. Container on a ship from the Mideast 7
5D 5. Napkin's spot 3
6D 6. Best of the best 5
7D 7. Narnian talking lion 5
8D 8. Classic music style beloved by Weird Al Yankovic 5
9D 9. Performance in which a lady might be sawed in half 8
10D 10. Actress Noblezada of "Hadestown" 3
11D 11. Third-smallest country in the world (eight square miles) 5
12D 12. "Dinner is served!" 5
13D 13. Caught some Z's 5
14D 18. Country where sticky rice is a staple 4
15D 22. Prefix with friendly 3
16D 25. Zilch 4
17D 26. British singer Rita 3
18D 27. Adds unnecessary words to 4
19D 28. Computer menu heading next to "File" 4
20D 32. Preceder of skip and jump 3
21D 33. Ex-QB Manning 3
22D 34. Absolutely nail 3
23D 36. Bit of musical flair 9
24D 37. Effortlessness 4
25D 38. Establishments offering facials 4
26D 40. Game in which sound effects are banned 8
27D 41. Counterpart to sciences 4
28D 44. Split-___ soup 3
29D 46. Grew up 7
30D 48. Young 'un 3
31D 50. Bit of musical flair 4
32D 51. "Les Misérables" setting 5
33D 52. Midway Airport alternative 5
34D 53. Hospital glove material 5
35D 54. Wolf groups 5
36D 55. Disposed (to) 5
37D 56. Edmonton hockey player 5
38D 60. Chew, like a dog on a bone 4
39D 61. Teensy 4
40D 63. Tolkien tree creature 3
41D 65. "For sure" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. ___ 1 (speed of sound)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that austrian physicist and philosopher who introduced the mach number and who founded logical positivism (1838-1916)
  • Similar words include: Ernst Mach
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Result of yelling into a cave"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
  • Similar words include: sound reflection, reverberate, repeat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECHO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Supercomputer precursor"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large digital computer serving 100-400 users and occupying a special air-conditioned room
  • Similar words include: mainframe computer, CPU, C.P.U.
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAINFRAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Container on a ship from the Mideast"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Napkin's spot"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the upper side of the thighs of a seated person
  • Similar words include: lap covering, swoosh, swosh
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Best of the best"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status
  • Similar words include: elite group, elect
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Narnian talking lion"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Classic music style beloved by Weird Al Yankovic"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that music performed for dancing the polka
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POLKA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Performance in which a lady might be sawed in half"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAGICACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Actress Noblezada of "Hadestown""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Third-smallest country in the world (eight square miles)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an island republic on nauru island; phosphate exports support the economy
  • Similar words include: Pleasant Island, Nauru Island, Republic of Nauru
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAURU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. "Dinner is served!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Caught some Z's"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be able to accommodate for sleeping
  • Similar words include: kip, sleep, slumber
  • Opposite of: wake
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLEPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Country where sticky rice is a staple"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mountainous landlocked communist state in southeastern asia; achieved independence from france in 1949
  • Similar words include: Laotian, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lao
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Prefix with friendly"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Zilch"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quantity of no importance
  • Similar words include: cypher, zip, 0
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ZERO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. British singer Rita"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Similar words include: bone, oculus sinister, atomic number 76
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Adds unnecessary words to"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge
  • Similar words include: tablet, dramatize, tramp
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Computer menu heading next to "File""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
  • Similar words include: edit out, cut, redact
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. Preceder of skip and jump"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
  • Similar words include: hop-skip, record hop, skip
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Ex-QB Manning"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Absolutely nail"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: wiz, pass with flying colors, single
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Bit of musical flair"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Effortlessness"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that freedom from difficulty or hardship or effort
  • Similar words include: relieve, facilitate, repose
  • Opposite of: difficulty
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Establishments offering facials"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • Similar words include: health spa, health club, spa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Game in which sound effects are banned"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that player acts out a phrase for others to guess
  • Similar words include: travesty, takeoff, lampoon
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHARADES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Counterpart to sciences"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
  • Similar words include: humanistic discipline, artistic creation, fine art
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Split-___ soup"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that seed of a pea plant used for food
  • Similar words include: pea plant
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Grew up"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that develop and reach maturity; undergo maturation
  • Similar words include: get on, grow, age
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MATURED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Young 'un"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small amount (especially of a drink)
  • Similar words include: tot up, sum up, bambino
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Bit of musical flair"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a berber living in northern morocco
  • Similar words include: flip, Riffian, leaf
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIFF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. "Les Misérables" setting"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital and largest city of france; and international center of culture and commerce
  • Similar words include: capital of France, French capital, genus Paris
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Midway Airport alternative"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Hospital glove material"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a milky exudate from certain plants that coagulates on exposure to air
  • Similar words include: latex paint, rubber-base paint
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LATEX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Wolf groups"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large indefinite number
  • Similar words include: load down, bundle, battalion
  • Opposite of: unpack
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PACKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Disposed (to)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having a tendency (to); often used in combination
  • Similar words include: prostrate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "56. Edmonton hockey player"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a worker who oils engines or machinery
  • Similar words include: oil well, tank ship, tanker
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OILER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "60. Chew, like a dog on a bone"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that bite or chew on with the teeth
  • Similar words include: erode, eat at, gnaw at
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GNAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "61. Teensy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "63. Tolkien tree creature"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "65. "For sure""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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 01, 2025 at 04:35 AM

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