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Friday, May 1, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers May 01, 2026 | 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.

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May 01, 2026 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. Sticks in locks 4
2A 5. Philosopher who championed simple explanations 5
3A 10. CAT or PET follower 4
4A 14. Element between fluorine and sodium 4
5A 15. Spongy exfoliator 5
6A 16. Body-sculpting procedure, informally 4
7A 17. Animals whose Aztec name translates to "turtle-rabbit" 10
8A 19. Talks and talks 4
9A 20. Prepare, in military slang 11
10A 22. It may be bitter 3
11A 23. Some winds 5
12A 24. Holiday that's also a Hebrew letter 3
13A 25. "WandaVision" co-star Elizabeth ___ 5
14A 27. Baguettes, e.g. 4
15A 28. Sign of canine contentment 3
16A 29. Rests on one's laurels 6
17A 30. Storybook, say 11
18A 32. Announcements before giveaways? 13
19A 35. Like some romantic resorts 11
20A 36. Voids 6
21A 37. Authorizes 3
22A 38. Satellite alternative 4
23A 42. Retinue 5
24A 43. Combat sport, for short 3
25A 44. Company whose name comes from a term in the board game Go 5
26A 45. Word with thou 3
27A 46. A craving for snacks 11
28A 49. Dutch for "farmer" 4
29A 51. Eliminates entirely 10
30A 52. Skulk in the shadows 4
31A 53. Myosin's partner protein 5
32A 54. Scruff : cat :: ___ : human 4
33A 55. Big name in petrol 4
34A 56. Angle variable, in math 5
35A 57. ENE and WSW 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Sticks in locks"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
  • Similar words include: oar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Philosopher who championed simple explanations"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english scholastic philosopher and assumed author of occam's razor (1285-1349)
  • Similar words include: Ockham, William of Occam, William of Ockham
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCCAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. CAT or PET follower"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of scanning; systematic examination of a prescribed region
  • Similar words include: rake, skim, read
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Element between fluorine and sodium"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
  • Similar words include: Ne, atomic number 10
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Spongy exfoliator"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the dried fibrous part of the fruit of a plant of the genus luffa; used as a washing sponge or strainer
  • Similar words include: loofah, loufah sponge, luffa
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOFA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Body-sculpting procedure, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Animals whose Aztec name translates to "turtle-rabbit""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that burrowing chiefly nocturnal mammal with body covered with strong horny plates
  • Similar words include: armadillo
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARMADILLOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Talks and talks"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal terms for the mouth
  • Similar words include: trap, hole, maw
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Prepare, in military slang"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. It may be bitter"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Some winds"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
  • Similar words include: oboe, hautboy, hautbois
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Holiday that's also a Hebrew letter"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the new year in vietnam; observed for three days after the first full moon after january 20th
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. "WandaVision" co-star Elizabeth ___"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Baguettes, e.g."

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that art highly prized for its beauty or perfection
  • Similar words include: gem, muffin, jewel
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Sign of canine contentment"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a witty amusing person who makes jokes
  • Similar words include: wit, shake, card
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Rests on one's laurels"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the shore of a sea or ocean
  • Similar words include: glide, seacoast, sea-coast
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COASTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "30. Storybook, say"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. Announcements before giveaways?"

13 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Like some romantic resorts"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "36. Voids"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that declare invalid
  • Similar words include: reverse, nullify, countermand
  • Opposite of: validate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANNULS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "37. Authorizes"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in south central united states
  • Similar words include: OK, Sooner State, okay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "38. Satellite alternative"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "42. Retinue"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a temporary police force
  • Similar words include: posse comitatus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POSSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Combat sport, for short"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Company whose name comes from a term in the board game Go"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. Word with thou"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the products of human creativity; works of art collectively
  • Similar words include: fine art, artistic creation, graphics
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "46. A craving for snacks"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "49. Dutch for "farmer""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a white native of cape province who is a descendant of dutch settlers and who speaks afrikaans
  • Similar words include: Afrikaner, Afrikander
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "51. Eliminates entirely"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that kill in large numbers
  • Similar words include: root out, extirpate, annihilate
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERADICATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "52. Skulk in the shadows"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lie in wait, lie in ambush, behave in a sneaky and secretive manner
  • Similar words include: tarry, lallygag, scupper
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LURK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "53. Myosin's partner protein"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the proteins into which actomyosin can be split; can exist in either a globular or a fibrous form
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACTIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "54. Scruff : cat :: ___ : human"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the back side of the neck
  • Similar words include: nucha, scruff
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "55. Big name in petrol"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "56. Angle variable, in math"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 8th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THETA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "57. ENE and WSW"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Bump's place, idiomatically 6
2D 2. Oxygen-dependent micro-organism 6
3D 3. "Crazy Rich Asians," for one 6
4D 4. Backstabbers 6
5D 5. "Hunters" actress Lena 4
6D 6. Uncontroversial opinions 9
7D 7. Dorm buddy 15
8D 8. Underway 5
9D 9. Dough in tamales 4
10D 10. Foxy 3
11D 11. Plant overseas, perhaps 8
12D 12. Devices that come with Siri Remotes 8
13D 13. What a babbler makes 7
14D 18. Court figs. 3
15D 21. "Tom ___" (classic folk song that became a #1 hit in 1958) 6
16D 26. Place to hibernate 4
17D 28. Home of Swansea and Wrexham 5
18D 29. There are approximately 30 trillion of these in the human body 5
19D 30. Gluten-free grain 6
20D 31. Annual F.D.I.C. requirement 9
21D 32. Deep and full 8
22D 33. Lovers of homophones, say 8
23D 34. Impressive work 4
24D 35. Adjective that's synonymous with its last four letters 7
25D 38. Convenient 6
26D 39. Tiki bar staple 6
27D 40. What positive news coverage is for business 6
28D 41. Section of a dress shop 6
29D 43. Swag 5
30D 44. U.N.C.'s athletic org. 3
31D 47. Part of a race 4
32D 48. "Project Runway" judge Garcia 4
33D 50. "King Kong" studio 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Bump's place, idiomatically"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Oxygen-dependent micro-organism"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organism (especially a bacterium) that requires air or free oxygen for life
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AEROBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "Crazy Rich Asians," for one"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Backstabbers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous
  • Similar words include: ophidian, Hydra, Snake
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNAKES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. "Hunters" actress Lena"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Uncontroversial opinions"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Dorm buddy"

15 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COLLEGEROOMMATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Underway"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that traveling by foot
  • Similar words include: underway
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Dough in tamales"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

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!

10D: "10. Foxy"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by skill in deception
  • Similar words include: foxy, tricksy, tricky
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Plant overseas, perhaps"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Devices that come with Siri Remotes"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. What a babbler makes"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Court figs."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several small ungulate mammals of africa and asia with rodent-like incisors and feet with hooflike toes
  • Similar words include: district attorney, hyrax, coney
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. "Tom ___" (classic folk song that became a #1 hit in 1958)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "26. Place to hibernate"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the habitation of wild animals
  • Similar words include: den
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "28. Home of Swansea and Wrexham"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the four countries that make up the united kingdom of great britain and northern ireland; during roman times the region was known as cambria
  • Similar words include: welt, Cymru, weal
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WALES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. There are approximately 30 trillion of these in the human body"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any small compartment
  • Similar words include: cellular telephone, cellular phone, cell
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CELLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Gluten-free grain"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various small-grained annual cereal and forage grasses of the genera panicum, echinochloa, setaria, sorghum, and eleusine
  • Similar words include: Jean Francois Millet
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILLET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Annual F.D.I.C. requirement"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Deep and full"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that full and loud and deep
  • Similar words include: heavy
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SONOROUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Lovers of homophones, say"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone overly fond of making puns
  • Similar words include: punster
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUNSTERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Impressive work"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a musical work that has been created
  • Similar words include: piece, musical composition, composition
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Adjective that's synonymous with its last four letters"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `of') having capacity or ability
  • Similar words include: equal to, up to, adequate to
  • Opposite of: incapable
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAPABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Convenient"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Tiki bar staple"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. What positive news coverage is for business"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "41. Section of a dress shop"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a young woman
  • Similar words include: drop, omit, lack
  • Opposite of: attend to, attend
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MISSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Swag"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "44. U.N.C.'s athletic org."

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a command that is the primary provider of air combat weapon systems to the united states air force; operates fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, battle-management, and rescue aircraft
  • Similar words include: Air Combat Command
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Part of a race"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
  • Similar words include: warmth, estrus, wake
  • Opposite of: coldness, anestrus
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "48. "Project Runway" judge Garcia"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the babylonian goddess of the watery deep and daughter of ea
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. "King Kong" studio"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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

35 Across Clues
33 Down Clues
68 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: May 01, 2026 at 06:25 AM

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Today's Trivia Week 1 NYT Mini Crossword May 01, 2026 Answers

NYT Mini Puzzle Trivia Week 1 May 01, 2026 - Solved

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: Xwordhint Crossword Answers November 19 | April 23 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | Tuesday NYT Mini Crossword Answers |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for May 01, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Friday, May 01, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date May 01, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week {week_num} NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1          
Row 2          
Row 3          
Row 4          
Row 5          

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 51. Eliminates entirely
2 Across 54. Scruff : cat :: ___ : human
3 Across 57. ENE and WSW
4 Across 29. Rests on one's laurels
5 Across 35. Like some romantic resorts
6 Across 24. Holiday that's also a Hebrew letter
7 Across 30. Storybook, say
8 Across 45. Word with thou
9 Across 19. Talks and talks
10 Across 25. "WandaVision" co-star Elizabeth ___

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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

1 Across: "51. Eliminates entirely"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E________S

Answer:

Click to reveal ERADICATES

2 Across: "54. Scruff : cat :: ___ : human"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: N__E

Answer:

Click to reveal NAPE

3 Across: "57. ENE and WSW"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: D__S

Answer:

Click to reveal DIRS

4 Across: "29. Rests on one's laurels"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C____S

Answer:

Click to reveal COASTS

5 Across: "35. Like some romantic resorts"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 11 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: C_________Y

Answer:

Click to reveal COUPLESONLY

6 Across: "24. Holiday that's also a Hebrew letter"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'T'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal TET

7 Across: "30. Storybook, say"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 11 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: M_________E

Answer:

Click to reveal MAKEBELIEVE

8 Across: "45. Word with thou"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Another word like this: prowess

Answer:

Click to reveal ART

9 Across: "19. Talks and talks"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: Y__S

Answer:

Click to reveal YAPS

10 Across: "25. "WandaVision" co-star Elizabeth ___"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: O___N

Answer:

Click to reveal OLSEN

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 9. Dough in tamales
2 Down 43. Swag
3 Down 3. "Crazy Rich Asians," for one
4 Down 6. Uncontroversial opinions
5 Down 44. U.N.C.'s athletic org.
6 Down 34. Impressive work
7 Down 21. "Tom ___" (classic folk song that became a #1 hit in 1958)
8 Down 28. Home of Swansea and Wrexham
9 Down 1. Bump's place, idiomatically
10 Down 50. "King Kong" studio

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:

1 Down: "9. Dough in tamales"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: M__A

Answer:

Click to reveal MASA

2 Down: "43. Swag"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: M___H

Answer:

Click to reveal MERCH

3 Down: "3. "Crazy Rich Asians," for one"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: R____M

Answer:

Click to reveal ROMCOM

4 Down: "6. Uncontroversial opinions"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C_______S

Answer:

Click to reveal COLDTAKES

5 Down: "44. U.N.C.'s athletic org."

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'C'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal ACC

6 Down: "34. Impressive work"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: O__S

Answer:

Click to reveal OPUS

7 Down: "21. "Tom ___" (classic folk song that became a #1 hit in 1958)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: D____Y

Answer:

Click to reveal DOOLEY

8 Down: "28. Home of Swansea and Wrexham"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: W___S

Answer:

Click to reveal WALES

9 Down: "1. Bump's place, idiomatically"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: O____G

Answer:

Click to reveal ONALOG

10 Down: "50. "King Kong" studio"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'O'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal RKO

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 1 minute 10 seconds
Difficulty: Medium

More Puzzle Help

If you like the NYT Mini, you might enjoy these other puzzles too:

Recent Crossword Solutions:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 1

When can I play the Trivia Week 1 Mini?

The Trivia Week 1 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 1?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 1 Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 1?

No! The Trivia Week 1 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 1 solver?

Good Trivia Week 1 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 1?

Trivia Week 1 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.

About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: May 01, 2026 at 06:25 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, May 01 2026 mini crossword

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Sunday, October 26, 2025

Sunday NYT Down Solutions October 26, 2025 - Every Vertical Clue Decoded with Hints

Today's NYT Crossword Down Clues October 26, 2025 - Complete Top-to-Bottom Answers

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 74 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: August 15 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | August 10 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | March 07 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for October 26, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Sunday, October 26, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date October 26, 2025
Day of Week Sunday
Total Down Clues 74 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Tricky

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 74 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Pro's camera type
2 Down 2. Numismatist's acquisition
3 Down 3. "Got it," on a radio
4 Down 4. Kutcher of "That '70s Show"
5 Down 5. Like the most pedantic pedant
6 Down 6. Windows upgrades, perhaps
7 Down 7. The "A" in STEAM
8 Down 8. Asian honorific that's an anagram of an English honorific
9 Down 9. Laddie's cap
10 Down 10. "Yes, captain!"
11 Down 11. Letter before zeta
12 Down 12. Singer Page or LaBelle
13 Down 13. Bargain bin abbr.
14 Down 14. Tops of waves
15 Down 15. "Come off it now!"
16 Down 16. Courtyards
17 Down 17. First section of the "Iliad"
18 Down 18. 2013 title role for Asa Butterfield
19 Down 24. Collector's item?
20 Down 26. Addis Ababa residents
21 Down 29. Carrier with a Flying Dutchman magazine
22 Down 32. Jazz trumpeter Baker who was sometimes called the "Prince of Cool"
23 Down 33. "Catch!"
24 Down 34. Handle
25 Down 36. Oprah or Ellen
26 Down 38. Industrial ___
27 Down 39. "Much obliged," in a text
28 Down 40. Head honcho
29 Down 42. Shamefaced
30 Down 44. Kimono closer
31 Down 46. The headline "Kids Make Nutritious Meals," e.g.
32 Down 47. Run off with
33 Down 49. Source of onomatopoeic words
34 Down 50. 1990s Indian P.M.
35 Down 51. Mark on a freshly polished shoe
36 Down 53. Coveter's sin
37 Down 55. Source of some natural dyes and sugars
38 Down 59. The good dinosaur in "The Good Dinosaur"
39 Down 61. Liverpudlian, e.g.
40 Down 63. It holds the line
41 Down 65. Most exceptional
42 Down 66. Pests that bug pups
43 Down 67. Kidnap
44 Down 68. "The ___ the limit!"
45 Down 69. Prepare to drive
46 Down 70. "Not to mention …"
47 Down 72. Breed of Smoky, the first known therapy dog, familiarly
48 Down 75. Objectivist author Rand
49 Down 78. Go out with
50 Down 80. Disposable items by the door of an open house, perhaps
51 Down 82. Sheltered side
52 Down 83. Typical univ. applicants
53 Down 86. "___ Eyes" (Eagles tune)
54 Down 88. Undesirable marks in high school
55 Down 89. X's, to Aphrodite
56 Down 90. Uses "lefty-loosey" on
57 Down 92. Commencement ritual
58 Down 94. Books with legends
59 Down 98. Small crowns
60 Down 100. Location of the malleus, incus and stapes
61 Down 101. Maroon, in a way
62 Down 103. Its leaves are eaten by giraffes
63 Down 104. Froth
64 Down 105. Pay tribute to
65 Down 106. One of the sisters in Chekhov's "Three Sisters"
66 Down 107. Sexology subject
67 Down 108. Pun-filled, say
68 Down 109. ___ squash
69 Down 112. Tax code issues
70 Down 113. Often-skinned body part
71 Down 115. Country music's ___ Young Band
72 Down 117. Head of production?
73 Down 118. PC connection
74 Down 119. Arcade game with pressure sensors for the feet, familiarly

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. Pro's camera type"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLR

2 Down: "2. Numismatist's acquisition"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: C__N
  • Similar words: strike, mint
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a flat metal piece (usually a disc) used as money
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer COIN

3 Down: "3. "Got it," on a radio"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROGER

4 Down: "4. Kutcher of "That '70s Show""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A____N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: British choreographer (1906-1988)
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASHTON

5 Down: "5. Like the most pedantic pedant"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: P______T
  • Similar words: lowly, trivial
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: inferior in rank or status
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PETTIEST

6 Down: "6. Windows upgrades, perhaps"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P___S
  • Similar words: dose, pan off
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: sheet glass cut in shapes for windows or doors
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PANES

7 Down: "7. The "A" in STEAM"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S
  • Similar words: artistry, liberal arts
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARTS

8 Down: "8. Asian honorific that's an anagram of an English honorific"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SRI

9 Down: "9. Laddie's cap"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'M'
  • Similar words: tam-o'-shanter, tammy
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a woolen cap of Scottish origin
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TAM

10 Down: "10. "Yes, captain!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: A____R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AYESIR

11 Down: "11. Letter before zeta"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: E_____N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the 5th letter of the Greek alphabet
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EPSILON

12 Down: "12. Singer Page or LaBelle"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: P___I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PATTI

13 Down: "13. Bargain bin abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IRR

14 Down: "14. Tops of waves"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C____S
  • Similar words: top, cap
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the top line of a hill
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CRESTS

15 Down: "15. "Come off it now!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 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 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GETREAL

16 Down: "16. Courtyards"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A___A
  • Similar words: atrium
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATRIA

17 Down: "17. First section of the "Iliad""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: B___I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BOOKI

18 Down: "18. 2013 title role for Asa Butterfield"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: E___R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENDER

19 Down: "24. Collector's item?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: O_____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OLDDEBT

20 Down: "26. Addis Ababa residents"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E________S
  • Similar words: Ethiopian
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a native or inhabitant of Ethiopia
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ETHIOPIANS

21 Down: "29. Carrier with a Flying Dutchman magazine"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'M'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KLM

22 Down: "32. Jazz trumpeter Baker who was sometimes called the "Prince of Cool""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 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 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CHET

23 Down: "33. "Catch!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: H__E
  • Similar words: Hera, hither
  • Opposite of: there
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the present location; this place
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HERE

24 Down: "34. Handle"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: N__E
  • Similar words: discover, key out
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a language unit by which a person or thing is known
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NAME

25 Down: "36. Oprah or Ellen"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: T____R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TVSTAR

26 Down: "38. Industrial ___"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: mature, senesce
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: how long something has existed
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AGE

27 Down: "39. "Much obliged," in a text"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'X'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THX

28 Down: "40. Head honcho"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: T_______A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TOPBANANA

29 Down: "42. Shamefaced"

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
  • Similar words: remorseful, contrite
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RUEFUL

30 Down: "44. Kimono closer"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'I'
  • Similar words: obeah
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OBI

31 Down: "46. The headline "Kids Make Nutritious Meals," e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: A_______Y
  • Similar words: equivocalness
  • Opposite of: unequivocalness
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AMBIGUITY

32 Down: "47. Run off with"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: F___H
  • Similar words: nobble, abstract
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: make off with belongings of others
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FILCH

33 Down: "49. Source of onomatopoeic words"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S____S
  • Similar words: fathom, phone
  • Opposite of: silence
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOUNDS

34 Down: "50. 1990s Indian P.M."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAO

35 Down: "51. Mark on a freshly polished shoe"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'F'
  • Word pattern: S___F
  • Similar words: mule, drag
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a slipper that has no fitting around the heel
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCUFF

36 Down: "53. Coveter's sin"

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: invidia, enviousness
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENVY

37 Down: "55. Source of some natural dyes and sugars"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: B__T
  • Similar words: beetroot, common beet
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BEET

38 Down: "59. The good dinosaur in "The Good Dinosaur""

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 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARLO

39 Down: "61. Liverpudlian, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: B____N
  • Similar words: Britisher, Brit
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a native or inhabitant of Great Britain
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BRITON

40 Down: "63. It holds the line"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: C________N
  • Similar words: clothes peg, clothes pin
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CLOTHESPIN

41 Down: "65. Most exceptional"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: B__T
  • Similar words: adept, in force
  • Opposite of: badly
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the supreme effort one can make
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BEST

42 Down: "66. Pests that bug pups"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: F___S
  • Similar words: flea
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 42

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FLEAS

43 Down: "67. Kidnap"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A____T
  • Similar words: kidnap, nobble
  • Opposite of: adduct
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 43

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ABDUCT

44 Down: "68. "The ___ the limit!""

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
  • Similar words: flip, toss
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
  • This is Down clue number 44

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKYS

45 Down: "69. Prepare to drive"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: T___P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 45

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TEEUP

46 Down: "70. "Not to mention …""

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
  • Similar words: besides, as well
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: in addition
  • This is Down clue number 46

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALSO

47 Down: "72. Breed of Smoky, the first known therapy dog, familiarly"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: Y____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 47

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YORKIE

48 Down: "75. Objectivist author Rand"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 48

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AYN

49 Down: "78. Go out with"

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: attend, discover
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 49

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEE

50 Down: "80. Disposable items by the door of an open house, perhaps"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B_____S
  • Similar words: dirty money, bootie
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a slipper that is soft and wool (for babies)
  • This is Down clue number 50

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BOOTIES

51 Down: "82. Sheltered side"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: Tsung Dao Lee, Robert E. Lee
  • Opposite of: windward
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 51

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LEE

52 Down: "83. Typical univ. applicants"

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: steradian, Sr
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 52

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SRS

53 Down: "86. "___ Eyes" (Eagles tune)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: L__N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 53

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LYIN

54 Down: "88. Undesirable marks in high school"

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 54

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACNE

55 Down: "89. X's, to Aphrodite"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C__S
  • Similar words: qi, chi
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 55

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CHIS

56 Down: "90. Uses "lefty-loosey" on"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: U______S
  • Similar words: unscrew
  • Opposite of: screw
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: loosen something by unscrewing it
  • This is Down clue number 56

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UNSCREWS

57 Down: "92. Commencement ritual"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C_____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 57

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CAPTOSS

58 Down: "94. Books with legends"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A_____S
  • Similar words: book of maps, atlas
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 58

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATLASES

59 Down: "98. Small crowns"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T____S
  • Similar words: tiara
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a jeweled headdress worn by women on formal occasions
  • This is Down clue number 59

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIARAS

60 Down: "100. Location of the malleus, incus and stapes"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'R'
  • Similar words: pinna, spike
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • This is Down clue number 60

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EAR

61 Down: "101. Maroon, in a way"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 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 61

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENISLE

62 Down: "103. Its leaves are eaten by giraffes"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A____A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any of various spiny trees or shrubs of the genus Acacia
  • This is Down clue number 62

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACACIA

63 Down: "104. Froth"

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
  • Similar words: suds, froth
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: foam or froth on the sea
  • This is Down clue number 63

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPUME

64 Down: "105. Pay tribute to"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: H___R
  • Similar words: award, laurels
  • Opposite of: disrespect
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
  • This is Down clue number 64

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HONOR

65 Down: "106. One of the sisters in Chekhov's "Three Sisters""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: I___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 65

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IRINA

66 Down: "107. Sexology subject"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 66

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GSPOT

67 Down: "108. Pun-filled, say"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: W___Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: combining clever conception and facetious expression
  • This is Down clue number 67

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WITTY

68 Down: "109. ___ squash"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 68

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACORN

69 Down: "112. Tax code issues"

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: steer, topple
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
  • This is Down clue number 69

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIPS

70 Down: "113. Often-skinned body part"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: K__E
  • Similar words: human knee, stifle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 70

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KNEE

71 Down: "115. Country music's ___ Young Band"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'I'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 71

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ELI

72 Down: "117. Head of production?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: make water, puddle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: liquid excretory product
  • This is Down clue number 72

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PEE

73 Down: "118. PC connection"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'N'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 73

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LAN

74 Down: "119. Arcade game with pressure sensors for the feet, familiarly"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'R'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 74

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DDR

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 74 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: October 26, 2025 at 05:13 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, October 26 2025 down clues

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