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Saturday, August 1, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers August 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.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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. Dis/cuss? 9
2A 10. Some radio messages, in brief 4
3A 14. Notions 10
4A 16. So-called "Island of a Thousand Temples" 4
5A 17. Festival at the center of the classic novel "Under the Volcano" 15
6A 19. Marching band? 4
7A 20. 21-time Emmy nominee for "All My Children" 10
8A 21. Add color to, perhaps 3
9A 22. Teensy amounts 5
10A 23. Unit on the autobahn, say: Abbr. 3
11A 24. Hwy. overseer, for short 3
12A 25. Wackadoodle 3
13A 27. Wear the same clothes, in slang 4
14A 30. Wirelessly driven toy, for short 5
15A 33. Field whose prospects are looking up? 9
16A 35. Like the 2003 Peace Nobelist Shirin Ebadi 7
17A 37. Some prominent Mexico City murals 7
18A 38. Rabelais character who, as a baby, was fed by 17,913 cows, "for it was impossible to find a nurse sufficient for him in all the country" 9
19A 40. "Shoot" 5
20A 41. Basilica setting for Bernini's Throne of Saint Peter 4
21A 42. Even so 3
22A 43. C-section sections 3
23A 44. Menopause treatment option, in brief 3
24A 46. Full of hot gossip 5
25A 48. Base unit 3
26A 51. Incredible, in modern parlance 10
27A 54. Erin's onetime love interest on "The Office" 4
28A 55. Attire for a ceremony at Westminster Abbey 15
29A 57. Bearing 4
30A 58. Fulfilled a business obligation 10
31A 59. "What ___?" 4
32A 60. Upset tummy, medically speaking 9

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Dis/cuss?"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "10. Some radio messages, in brief"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "14. Notions"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VAGUEIDEAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. So-called "Island of a Thousand Temples""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an island in indonesia to the east of java; striking volcanic scenery; culture is known for elaborate dances and rituals and for handicrafts
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Festival at the center of the classic novel "Under the Volcano""

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "19. Marching band?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: ant, pismire, emmet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "20. 21-time Emmy nominee for "All My Children""

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUSANLUCCI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "21. Add color to, perhaps"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair
  • Similar words include: dyestuff
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. Teensy amounts"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slight but appreciable amount
  • Similar words include: soupcon, mite, jot
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MITES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Unit on the autobahn, say: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the ratio of the distance traveled (in kilometers) to the time spent traveling (in hours)
  • Similar words include: km/h, kilometers per hour, kilometres per hour
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KPH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Hwy. overseer, for short"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very small circular shape
  • Similar words include: Zen, dose, window pane
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Wackadoodle"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually large hard-shelled seed
  • Similar words include: junkie, testis, crank
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Wear the same clothes, in slang"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either of two offspring born at the same time from the same pregnancy
  • Similar words include: pair, matching, Gemini
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TWIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Wirelessly driven toy, for short"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. Field whose prospects are looking up?"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the branch of physics that studies celestial bodies and the universe as a whole
  • Similar words include: uranology
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASTRONOMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Like the 2003 Peace Nobelist Shirin Ebadi"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or inhabitant of iran
  • Similar words include: Iranian language, Irani, Persian
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRANIAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "37. Some prominent Mexico City murals"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that socialist mexican painter of murals (1886-1957)
  • Similar words include: Rivera, Diego Rivera
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIVERAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. Rabelais character who, as a baby, was fed by 17,913 cows, "for it was impossible to find a nurse sufficient for him in all the country""

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a voracious giant in francois rabelais' book of the same name
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GARGANTUA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. "Shoot""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Basilica setting for Bernini's Throne of Saint Peter"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church; usually contains the altar
  • Similar words include: apsis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Even so"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that up to the present time
  • Similar words include: until now, as yet, nonetheless
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. C-section sections"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in northwestern united states on the pacific
  • Similar words include: Beaver State, surgery, OR
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Menopause treatment option, in brief"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hormones (estrogen and progestin) are given to postmenopausal women; believed to protect them from heart disease and osteoporosis
  • Similar words include: hormone replacement therapy, hormone-replacement therapy
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HRT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Full of hot gossip"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (informal british) sexually attractive
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISHY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Base unit"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sheath worn to protect a finger
  • Similar words include: fingerstall, camp bed, crib
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Incredible, in modern parlance"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMAZEBALLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Erin's onetime love interest on "The Office""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. Attire for a ceremony at Westminster Abbey"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "57. Bearing"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dignified manner or conduct
  • Similar words include: bearing, presence, comportment
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "58. Fulfilled a business obligation"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: METPAYROLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. "What ___?""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Upset tummy, medically speaking"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a disorder of digestive function characterized by discomfort or heartburn or nausea
  • Similar words include: indigestion, stomach upset, upset stomach
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DYSPEPSIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Frank Costanza or Morty Seinfeld, e.g. 5
2D 2. Precipitous? 5
3D 3. Source of some classic rock bands 5
4D 4. Brewski 4
5D 5. Part of a giggle 3
6D 6. Cheese named after a Prussian town near the Baltic coast 6
7D 7. Result of bad service, maybe 5
8D 8. Dials down 7
9D 9. Ancient text whose Sanskrit title means "Principles of Love" 9
10D 10. Opposite of verbosity 10
11D 11. A little of this and that 9
12D 12. Group of like-minded individuals 4
13D 13. Enthusiastic approval abroad 4
14D 15. Amar'e Stoudemire, for his first eight seasons in the N.B.A. 3
15D 18. Bugling game 3
16D 22. Durin's burial place in "The Lord of the Rings" 5
17D 24. Red light district? 10
18D 26. Angular opening? 3
19D 28. Divinely appointed successor of Muhammad, in Shia Islam 4
20D 29. The Big Board of Wall St. 4
21D 30. Capital on the mouth of the Daugava River 4
22D 31. Losing roll 4
23D 32. Alternatives to some rentals 9
24D 33. Showed up earlier than 9
25D 34. Egg maker 5
26D 36. "Your choice" 3
27D 39. Sewerage, for example 7
28D 43. Sassy response to a put-down 6
29D 45. Pearl Jam's debut album, which went 13x platinum 3
30D 47. Dinners in sties 5
31D 48. Los ___ (Mexican tourist destination) 5
32D 49. Manuscript marks 5
33D 50. Unit equal to one weber per square meter 5
34D 51. Fictional maker of Rocket-Powered Roller Skates and Dehydrated Boulders 4
35D 52. Participate in drudgery 4
36D 53. "Kapow!" 3
37D 54. Snack in a sack in a backpack 4
38D 56. Deli selection 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Frank Costanza or Morty Seinfeld, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Precipitous?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (of weather) wet by periods of rain
  • Similar words include: showery
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAINY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Source of some classic rock bands"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impure form of quartz consisting of banded chalcedony; used as a gemstone and for making mortars and pestles
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Brewski"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the froth produced by soaps or detergents
  • Similar words include: spume, froth, lather
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Part of a giggle"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Cheese named after a Prussian town near the Baltic coast"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Result of bad service, maybe"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Dials down"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that decrease in size, extent, or range
  • Similar words include: diminish, subside, decrease
  • Opposite of: increase
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LESSENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Ancient text whose Sanskrit title means "Principles of Love""

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (hinduism) an ancient sanskrit text giving rules for sensuous and sensual pleasure and love and marriage in accordance with hindu law
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAMASUTRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Opposite of verbosity"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an abrupt discourteous manner
  • Similar words include: steepness, precipitateness, precipitancy
  • Opposite of: gradualness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABRUPTNESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. A little of this and that"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a theory or argument made up of miscellaneous or incongruous ideas
  • Similar words include: patchwork quilt, hodgepodge, jumble
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PATCHWORK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Group of like-minded individuals"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of countries in special alliance
  • Similar words include: axis
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Enthusiastic approval abroad"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Amar'e Stoudemire, for his first eight seasons in the N.B.A."

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
  • Similar words include: sunshine, insolate, sunlight
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "18. Bugling game"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called `elk' in europe and `moose' in north america
  • Similar words include: moose, Alces alces, red deer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Durin's burial place in "The Lord of the Rings""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Red light district?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DANGERZONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Angular opening?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Divinely appointed successor of Muhammad, in Shia Islam"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (islam) the man who leads prayers in a mosque; for shiites an imam is a recognized authority on islamic theology and law and a spiritual guide
  • Similar words include: imaum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. The Big Board of Wall St."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a stock exchange in new york
  • Similar words include: big board, N. Y. Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NYSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Capital on the mouth of the Daugava River"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a port city on the gulf of riga that is the capital and largest city of latvia; formerly a member of the hanseatic league
  • Similar words include: capital of Latvia
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Losing roll"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that obscene terms for feces
  • Similar words include: shit, bullshit, defecate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Alternatives to some rentals"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Showed up earlier than"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be earlier in time; go back further
  • Similar words include: precede, forego, predate
  • Opposite of: postdate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTEDATED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Egg maker"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the organ that bears the ovules of a flower
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVARY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. "Your choice""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one or some or every or all without specification
  • Similar words include: whatever, whatsoever
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Sewerage, for example"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a company that performs a public service; subject to government regulation
  • Similar words include: usefulness, public utility company, service program
  • Opposite of: inutility, uselessness
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UTILITY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Sassy response to a put-down"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Pearl Jam's debut album, which went 13x platinum"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
  • Similar words include: x, ten-spot, 10
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Dinners in sties"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wet feed (especially for pigs) consisting of mostly kitchen waste mixed with water or skimmed or sour milk
  • Similar words include: spill, splatter, swill
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Los ___ (Mexican tourist destination)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Manuscript marks"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Unit equal to one weber per square meter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter
  • Similar words include: Nikola Tesla
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TESLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Fictional maker of Rocket-Powered Roller Skates and Dehydrated Boulders"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
  • Similar words include: pinnacle, top, peak
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Participate in drudgery"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be agitated
  • Similar words include: dig, fag, grind
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "53. "Kapow!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ancient city in southeastern iran; destroyed by an earthquake in 2003
  • Similar words include: eruption, bang, blast
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "54. Snack in a sack in a backpack"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "56. Deli selection"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seed of the cereal grass
  • Similar words include: Secale cereale, rye whisky, rye whiskey
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RYE

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

32 Across Clues
38 Down Clues
70 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: August 01, 2026 at 06:12 AM

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Sunday's NYT Down Dec 21 - Full Vertical Grid Solutions

NYT Down Clues Answers December 21, 2025 - All 71 Vertical Solutions & Expert Hints

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 71 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: April 11 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | November 09 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | NYT Down Crossword October 15 2025 |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 21, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Sunday, December 21, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 21, 2025
Day of Week Sunday
Total Down Clues 71 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Easy

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 71 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Make furious
2 Down 2. "The Family Circus" cartoonist Bil ___
3 Down 3. Tennis line judge's ruling
4 Down 4. Duke Ellington classic with the lyric "That was my heart serenading you"
5 Down 5. West side of L.A.?
6 Down 6. "Is there still time for me to join you?"
7 Down 7. 51 to the hour
8 Down 8. Stage direction
9 Down 9. Phillipa of Broadway
10 Down 10. Grammy winner Erykah
11 Down 11. ___ Gorman, "The Hill We Climb" poet
12 Down 12. Copy
13 Down 13. Iced-tea-and-lemonade refreshments
14 Down 14. Spending romp
15 Down 15. Output of certain mining
16 Down 16. Counterpart of a sub
17 Down 17. Fast start?
18 Down 18. Father, familiarly
19 Down 19. Mentally overpower, with "out"
20 Down 28. Like most moccasins
21 Down 29. Great Dane of cartoons, informally
22 Down 33. More livid
23 Down 37. Keister, in Leicester
24 Down 39. 2015 chart-topping hit for the Weeknd
25 Down 40. Symbolic for its time
26 Down 41. Shoe company with an iconic checkerboard design
27 Down 42. Descendant
28 Down 43. Apple: Fr.
29 Down 44. Is without
30 Down 47. Rabid in appearance
31 Down 50. Woman's nickname that sounds like two letters
32 Down 51. Rice-A-___
33 Down 52. "Borderlands" director ___ Roth
34 Down 53. Hiding place
35 Down 55. Gene pools?
36 Down 57. Org. with its own alphabet
37 Down 61. Abbr. not found on most smartphones
38 Down 63. "Aren't ___ lucky one?!"
39 Down 66. It has a lot of secretaries
40 Down 67. Shirt collar stiffener
41 Down 69. Where to find six "presents" in this puzzle?
42 Down 71. Knock 'em dead
43 Down 72. Coolidge who sang the theme for "Octopussy"
44 Down 73. Just getting started with
45 Down 74. Green shade
46 Down 75. What Joe Montana was in the '80s
47 Down 76. A TD scores six of these
48 Down 77. "Fancy, that!"
49 Down 78. Prickly denizen of coral reefs
50 Down 80. Famed lawyer in the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial
51 Down 81. Most minimal
52 Down 84. Some Korean exports
53 Down 86. Calmed deceptively
54 Down 88. Baseball slugger's stat
55 Down 90. Bird used to deliver messages on "Game of Thrones"
56 Down 92. Blueprints
57 Down 97. Author Zora Neale ___
58 Down 98. Noodled on, with "over"
59 Down 100. Girlfriend in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
60 Down 101. Informant
61 Down 103. "Ta-ta!"
62 Down 104. Tricky pool shot
63 Down 106. Someone enjoying a walk in the park
64 Down 108. Mentally with it
65 Down 109. ___ four
66 Down 110. Fits one inside the other
67 Down 112. Porcine : pigs :: cervine : ___
68 Down 113. Essential
69 Down 117. It might be good for a change
70 Down 119. One who knows the drill?: Abbr.
71 Down 120. Teslas, e.g., for short

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. Make furious"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: S___M
  • Similar words: steamer, steam clean
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: water at boiling temperature diffused in the atmosphere
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STEAM


2 Down: "2. "The Family Circus" cartoonist Bil ___"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KEANE


3 Down: "3. Tennis line judge's ruling"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ITSIN


4 Down: "4. Duke Ellington classic with the lyric "That was my heart serenading you""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 14 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P____________S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PRELUDETOAKISS


5 Down: "5. West side of L.A.?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LOS


6 Down: "6. "Is there still time for me to join you?""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 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 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AMILATE


7 Down: "7. 51 to the hour"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: N______T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NINEPAST


8 Down: "8. Stage direction"

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
  • Similar words: embark, participate
  • Opposite of: exit
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: to come or go into
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENTER


9 Down: "9. Phillipa of Broadway"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOO


10 Down: "10. Grammy winner Erykah"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'U'
  • Word pattern: B__U
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BADU


11 Down: "11. ___ Gorman, "The Hill We Climb" poet"

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
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AMANDA


12 Down: "12. Copy"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: M____R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MIRROR


13 Down: "13. Iced-tea-and-lemonade refreshments"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARNOLDPALMERS


14 Down: "14. Spending romp"

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: fling
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a brief indulgence of your impulses
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPREE


15 Down: "15. Output of certain mining"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: O__S
  • Similar words: ore
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ORES


16 Down: "16. Counterpart of a sub"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'M'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DOM


17 Down: "17. Fast start?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 12 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: A__________Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASHWEDNESDAY


18 Down: "18. Father, familiarly"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: O____N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OLDMAN


19 Down: "19. Mentally overpower, with "out""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: P___H
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PSYCH


20 Down: "28. Like most moccasins"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: S____N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLIPON


21 Down: "29. Great Dane of cartoons, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: S___B
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCOOB


22 Down: "33. More livid"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: I____R
  • Similar words: irate, ireful
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: feeling or showing extreme anger
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IRATER


23 Down: "37. Keister, in Leicester"

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
  • Similar words: rear, tush
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARSE


24 Down: "39. 2015 chart-topping hit for the Weeknd"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 14 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: C____________E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CANTFEELMYFACE


25 Down: "40. Symbolic for its time"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: O_____A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OFANERA


26 Down: "41. Shoe company with an iconic checkerboard design"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: V__S
  • Similar words: van, new wave
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VANS


27 Down: "42. Descendant"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: S___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a descendent or heir
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCION


28 Down: "43. Apple: Fr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer POMME


29 Down: "44. Is without"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: H___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HASNT


30 Down: "47. Rabid in appearance"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: F______G
  • Similar words: form bubbles, fizz
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: become bubbly or frothy or foaming
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FROTHING


31 Down: "50. Woman's nickname that sounds like two letters"

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 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EVIE


32 Down: "51. Rice-A-___"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: R__I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RONI


33 Down: "52. "Borderlands" director ___ Roth"

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 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ELI


34 Down: "53. Hiding place"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: hideaway, hideout
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the habitation of wild animals
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DEN


35 Down: "55. Gene pools?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: D______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DNABANKS


36 Down: "57. Org. with its own alphabet"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: N__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NATO


37 Down: "61. Abbr. not found on most smartphones"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OPER


38 Down: "63. "Aren't ___ lucky one?!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: I__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ITHE


39 Down: "66. It has a lot of secretaries"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: C_____T
  • Similar words: locker, console
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CABINET


40 Down: "67. Shirt collar stiffener"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: S__Y
  • Similar words: stick, remain
  • Opposite of: depart
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: continuing or remaining in a place or state
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STAY


41 Down: "69. Where to find six "presents" in this puzzle?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 12 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: U__________E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UNDERTHETREE


42 Down: "71. Knock 'em dead"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: S__Y
  • Similar words: dispatch, hit
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: kill intentionally and with premeditation
  • This is Down clue number 42

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLAY


43 Down: "72. Coolidge who sang the theme for "Octopussy""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: R__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 43

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RITA


44 Down: "73. Just getting started with"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: N___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 44

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NEWAT


45 Down: "74. Green shade"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O___E
  • Similar words: Olea europaea
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 45

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OLIVE


46 Down: "75. What Joe Montana was in the '80s"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: N___R
  • Similar words: ennead, IX
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
  • This is Down clue number 46

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NINER


47 Down: "76. A TD scores six of these"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: platinum, Pt
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 47

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PTS


48 Down: "77. "Fancy, that!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'H'
  • Similar words: aah
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: express admiration and pleasure by uttering `ooh' or `aah'
  • This is Down clue number 48

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OOH


49 Down: "78. Prickly denizen of coral reefs"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 13 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: P___________H
  • Similar words: porcupine fish, Diodon hystrix
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 49

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PORCUPINEFISH


50 Down: "80. Famed lawyer in the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 14 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: C____________W
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 50

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CLARENCEDARROW


51 Down: "81. Most minimal"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: B____T
  • Similar words: simple, scanty
  • Opposite of: sheathed
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: completely unclothed
  • This is Down clue number 51

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BAREST


52 Down: "84. Some Korean exports"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: K__S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 52

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KIAS


53 Down: "86. Calmed deceptively"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: L____D
  • Similar words: calm, tranquilize
  • Opposite of: agitate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: calm by deception
  • This is Down clue number 53

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LULLED


54 Down: "88. Baseball slugger's stat"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R__S
  • Similar words: rbi, run batted in
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a run that is the result of the batter's performance
  • This is Down clue number 54

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RBIS


55 Down: "90. Bird used to deliver messages on "Game of Thrones""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: R___N
  • Similar words: Corvus corax, predate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 55

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAVEN


56 Down: "92. Blueprints"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: S______A
  • Similar words: scheme, schema
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 56

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCHEMATA


57 Down: "97. Author Zora Neale ___"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HURSTON


58 Down: "98. Noodled on, with "over""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: M____D
  • Similar words: reflect, think over
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: reflect deeply on a subject
  • This is Down clue number 58

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MULLED


59 Down: "100. Girlfriend in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 59

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLOANE


60 Down: "101. Informant"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S____E
  • Similar words: author, rootage
  • Opposite of: sink
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the place where something begins
  • This is Down clue number 60

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOURCE


61 Down: "103. "Ta-ta!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: S___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 61

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEEYA


62 Down: "104. Tricky pool shot"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: M___E
  • Similar words: masse shot
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 62

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MASSE


63 Down: "106. Someone enjoying a walk in the park"

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: tramper, tramp
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 63

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HIKER


64 Down: "108. Mentally with it"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: S___P
  • Similar words: shrill, precipitous
  • Opposite of: dull
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 64

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SHARP


65 Down: "109. ___ four"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 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 65

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PETIT


66 Down: "110. Fits one inside the other"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: N___S
  • Similar words: nestle, cuddle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 66

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NESTS


67 Down: "112. Porcine : pigs :: cervine : ___"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: D__R
  • Similar words: cervid
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 67

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DEER


68 Down: "113. Essential"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: N__D
  • Similar words: necessitate, call for
  • Opposite of: obviate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a condition requiring relief
  • This is Down clue number 68

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NEED


69 Down: "117. It might be good for a change"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: dyestuff
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 69

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DYE


70 Down: "119. One who knows the drill?: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 70

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SGT


71 Down: "120. Teslas, e.g., for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: electron volt, eV
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 71

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EVS

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 71 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 21, 2025 at 05:15 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 21 2025 down clues