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Tuesday, September 15, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 15, 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. Laffy ___, candy with a rhyming name 5
2A 6. Poker buy-in 4
3A 10. "The windows to the soul," metaphorically 4
4A 14. Frighten 5
5A 15. Villain's hideout 4
6A 16. American Girl toy 4
7A 17. Cringey ad campaign going viral, for example 10
8A 19. Madonna's "La ___ Bonita" 4
9A 20. Goes out with 4
10A 21. Piglet and Pooh's marsupial friend 3
11A 22. "Well, in that case ..." 6
12A 24. Clic Stic and Wite-Out brand 3
13A 26. Character at the heart of the "Who shot ...?" cliffhanger of 1980s TV 7
14A 27. Colombian cornmeal cake 5
15A 29. San José, ___ Rica 5
16A 30. Oculus Rift or Meta Quest 3 9
17A 32. Opposite of chaos 5
18A 36. Texter's "I think ..." 3
19A 37. Started a game of blackjack, say 5
20A 38. 18-wheeler 4
21A 39. Agrees nonverbally 4
22A 41. Red root vegetables 5
23A 44. Kind of rally at high school 3
24A 45. Put up, as a building 5
25A 47. Many characters on "The Pitt" 9
26A 49. "Quick!" 5
27A 51. Group holding a nominating convention 5
28A 52. Scannable squares often used in place of paper menus 7
29A 55. ___-Wan Kenobi 3
30A 56. Rang, as a bell 6
31A 57. Pooch's bark 3
32A 59. Paddington Bear's country of origin 4
33A 63. What a light bulb represents, in comics 4
34A 64. Puppet dragon of 1960s kids' TV 10
35A 67. Bottom-heavy fruit 4
36A 68. Britney Spears's "___! ... I Did It Again" 4
37A 69. Perform better than 5
38A 70. Daughters' brothers 4
39A 71. Exam 4
40A 72. French fries-to-be 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Laffy ___, candy with a rhyming name"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chewy candy of sugar or syrup boiled until thick and pulled until glossy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAFFY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Poker buy-in"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. "The windows to the soul," metaphorically"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that opinion or judgment
  • Similar words include: oculus, eye, eyeball
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Frighten"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sudden mass fear and anxiety over anticipated events
  • Similar words include: frighten off, pall, scare off
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Villain's hideout"

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!

6A: "16. American Girl toy"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small replica of a person; used as a toy
  • Similar words include: dame, wench, chick
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Cringey ad campaign going viral, for example"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Madonna's "La ___ Bonita""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Goes out with"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: view, visit, escort
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Piglet and Pooh's marsupial friend"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. "Well, in that case ...""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Clic Stic and Wite-Out brand"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Character at the heart of the "Who shot ...?" cliffhanger of 1980s TV"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Colombian cornmeal cake"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. San José, ___ Rica"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a riblike part of a plant or animal (such as a middle rib of a leaf or a thickened vein of an insect wing)
  • Similar words include: rib
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COSTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Oculus Rift or Meta Quest 3"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Opposite of chaos"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
  • Similar words include: ordination, edict, purchase order
  • Opposite of: deregulate, disorder
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Texter's "I think ...""

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the united nations agency concerned with international maritime activities
  • Similar words include: International Maritime Organization
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Started a game of blackjack, say"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
  • Similar words include: dispense, address, make out
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. 18-wheeler"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the two competitions in the next to the last round of an elimination tournament
  • Similar words include: tractor trailer, trailer truck, trucking rig
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEMI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Agrees nonverbally"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of assent or salutation or command
  • Similar words include: nod
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NODS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "41. Red root vegetables"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that biennial eurasian plant usually having a swollen edible root; widely cultivated as a food crop
  • Similar words include: Beta vulgaris, beet, beetroot
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Kind of rally at high school"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that liveliness and energy
  • Similar words include: ginger, peppiness
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Put up, as a building"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that construct, build, or erect
  • Similar words include: raise, upright, vertical
  • Opposite of: level, unerect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Many characters on "The Pitt""

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. "Quick!""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition of urgency making it necessary to hurry
  • Similar words include: rush, festinate, haste
  • Opposite of: delay
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HURRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Group holding a nominating convention"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization to gain political power
  • Similar words include: political party, company
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Scannable squares often used in place of paper menus"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. ___-Wan Kenobi"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (west indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery
  • Similar words include: obeah
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Rang, as a bell"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ring slowly
  • Similar words include: toll
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOLLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Pooch's bark"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Paddington Bear's country of origin"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in western south america; achieved independence from spain in 1821; was the heart of the inca empire from the 12th to 16th centuries
  • Similar words include: Republic of Peru
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. What a light bulb represents, in comics"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
  • Similar words include: musical theme, mind, estimate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Puppet dragon of 1960s kids' TV"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. Bottom-heavy fruit"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sweet juicy gritty-textured fruit available in many varieties
  • Similar words include: Pyrus communis, pear tree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "68. Britney Spears's "___! ... I Did It Again""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "69. Perform better than"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be or do something to a greater degree
  • Similar words include: exceed, surmount, outgo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUTDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "70. Daughters' brothers"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a male human offspring
  • Similar words include: Logos, Son, Word
  • Opposite of: daughter, girl
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SONS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "71. Exam"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that trying something to find out about it
  • Similar words include: tryout, try out, mental test
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "72. French fries-to-be"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
  • Similar words include: tater, bourgeon, sprout
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPUDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Cough syrup amts. 4
2D 2. Farmland measure 4
3D 3. Haircut that transitions from shorter sides to longer top 4
4D 4. Ultimate ___ (team sport) 7
5D 5. Word of consent 3
6D 6. Too 4
7D 7. Grp. with a phonetic alphabet 4
8D 8. Cause for overtime 3
9D 9. Screw-ups 6
10D 10. Conflicts over Wikipedia content 8
11D 11. Mario's dinosaur sidekick 5
12D 12. Actress Pompeo of "Grey's Anatomy" 5
13D 13. Vernacular found in Urban Dictionary 5
14D 18. Place for coin-op game machines 6
15D 23. Kind of high-fat diet 4
16D 25. Tablet with Pro, Air and mini versions 4
17D 26. Scribbled (down) 6
18D 27. Knight's wear 5
19D 28. The "R" in R.I. 5
20D 29. The "log" in "ants on a log" 6
21D 30. Trellis-climbing plant 4
22D 31. "Light" Jedi weapons 6
23D 33. Railroad station 5
24D 34. Manicurist's filing board 5
25D 35. Laces (into) 4
26D 40. Well-educated sorts 8
27D 42. Fill back to capacity, as a glass 6
28D 43. Healing cover 4
29D 46. "Lose the ___, dude!" 4
30D 48. Causes to make a mistake 7
31D 50. Bit of fiery cinnamon candy 6
32D 52. Cotton swabs not recommended for ear canal use 5
33D 53. Cowboy contest 5
34D 54. Fresh from the dishwasher 5
35D 57. Grindr and Tinder, for two 4
36D 58. Sign of decay 4
37D 60. "___, Brute?" 4
38D 61. "Ant-Man" star Paul 4
39D 62. Sights that make you go "What the ...?!" 4
40D 65. ___ v. Wade (1973 Supreme Court decision) 3
41D 66. Rejections 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Cough syrup amts."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Farmland measure"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
  • Similar words include: Accho, Akko, Akka
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Haircut that transitions from shorter sides to longer top"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a golf shot that curves to the right for a right-handed golfer
  • Similar words include: slice, evanesce, languish
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Ultimate ___ (team sport)"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light, plastic disk about 10 inches in diameter; propelled with a flip of the wrist for recreation or competition
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRISBEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Word of consent"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an affirmative
  • Opposite of: no
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Too"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Grp. with a phonetic alphabet"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an international organization created in 1949 by the north atlantic treaty for purposes of collective security
  • Similar words include: North Atlantic Treaty Organization
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NATO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Cause for overtime"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
  • Similar words include: attach, tie-in, crosstie
  • Opposite of: untie, disconnect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Screw-ups"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
  • Similar words include: wrongdoing, error, mistake
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERRORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Conflicts over Wikipedia content"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Mario's dinosaur sidekick"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Actress Pompeo of "Grey's Anatomy""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Vernacular found in Urban Dictionary"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal language consisting of words and expressions that are not considered appropriate for formal occasions; often vituperative or vulgar
  • Similar words include: befool, put on, slang expression
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Place for coin-op game machines"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a covered passageway with shops and stalls on either side
  • Similar words include: colonnade
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARCADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Kind of high-fat diet"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Tablet with Pro, Air and mini versions"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Scribbled (down)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that write briefly or hurriedly; write a short note of
  • Similar words include: jot, jot down
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JOTTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Knight's wear"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that protective covering made of metal and used in combat
  • Similar words include: armour
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARMOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. The "R" in R.I."

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. The "log" in "ants on a log""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that widely cultivated herb with aromatic leaf stalks that are eaten raw or cooked
  • Similar words include: cultivated celery, Apium graveolens dulce
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CELERY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Trellis-climbing plant"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. "Light" Jedi weapons"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword with a v-shaped blade and a slightly curved handle
  • Similar words include: sabre, cavalry sword, saber
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SABERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Railroad station"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that station where transport vehicles load or unload passengers or goods
  • Similar words include: storage, store, terminus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEPOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "34. Manicurist's filing board"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hard grey-black mineral consisting of corundum and either hematite or magnetite; used as an abrasive (especially as a coating on paper)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMERY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "35. Laces (into)"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dissolute man in fashionable society
  • Similar words include: pull, rake, rent
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Well-educated sorts"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a learned person (especially in the humanities); someone who by long study has gained mastery in one or more disciplines
  • Similar words include: student, scholarly person, assimilator
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCHOLARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Fill back to capacity, as a glass"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Healing cover"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike
  • Similar words include: rat, fink, blackleg
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. "Lose the ___, dude!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Causes to make a mistake"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "50. Bit of fiery cinnamon candy"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Cotton swabs not recommended for ear canal use"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Cowboy contest"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exhibition of cowboy skills
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RODEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Fresh from the dishwasher"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a weightlift in which the barbell is lifted to shoulder height and then jerked overhead
  • Similar words include: sporty, houseclean, fair
  • Opposite of: unfairly, dirty
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. Grindr and Tinder, for two"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "58. Sign of decay"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a red or brown oxide coating on iron or steel caused by the action of oxygen and moisture
  • Similar words include: corrode, rusting, eat
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "60. "___, Brute?""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "61. "Ant-Man" star Paul"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that european freshwater fish resembling the roach
  • Similar words include: Scardinius erythrophthalmus
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUDD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. Sights that make you go "What the ...?!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "65. ___ v. Wade (1973 Supreme Court decision)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Similar words include: hard roe
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "66. Rejections"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding curium with carbon ions; 7 isotopes are known
  • Similar words include: nobelium, atomic number 102, No
  • Opposite of: yes
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOS

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

40 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
81 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: September 15, 2026 at 08:49 AM

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

NYT Across Crossword December 17, 2025 - Master All 37 Left-to-Right Clues

All NYT Across Clues December 17, 2025 - 37 Horizontal Answers with Hints

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 37 Across clues. We have all the horizontal answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: September 08 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | January 17 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | August 05 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Across Clues

NYT Across clues solutions for December 17, 2025
NYT Across Clues - Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Across Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 17, 2025
Day of Week Wednesday
Total Across Clues 37 clues
Direction Horizontal (Left to Right)
Difficulty Medium

All Across Clues - Complete List

Here are all 37 Across clues for today's puzzle. These go horizontally from left to right.

Complete Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 1. Lock combinations?
2 Across 6. ___ League
3 Across 10. Single instruction
4 Across 14. Enemy W.W. II vessel
5 Across 15. Turner of old movies
6 Across 16. Powerful impulse
7 Across 17. Group of grumps sitting around kvetching?
8 Across 19. Elmer's nemesis
9 Across 20. Meeting, casually
10 Across 21. A smartphone has lots of these
11 Across 22. Centerpiece of "The Hobbit"
12 Across 23. Community property pronoun
13 Across 25. Like barked orders
14 Across 26. Ali vs. Frazier, e.g.?
15 Across 34. Genre for GloRilla
16 Across 35. Official mandate
17 Across 36. Fellow fighter
18 Across 37. Brand once known as "Standard Oil Company of Indiana"
19 Across 39. Mardi Gras day, in brief
20 Across 40. Works on a muffler, say
21 Across 41. Welcome figure on Wall Street, unwelcome figure in a china shop
22 Across 42. See 50-Down
23 Across 44. To and ___
24 Across 45. Welcome sight on a whale-watching cruise?
25 Across 48. Poindexter
26 Across 49. TV freebie of a sort
27 Across 50. Easter Island's country
28 Across 52. Dark-skinned fruit
29 Across 55. Pieces of advice
30 Across 59. Primordial substance
31 Across 60. Painstakingly explain something ... or a hint to 17-, 26- and 45-Across
32 Across 62. Takes a tour of
33 Across 63. Compassionate
34 Across 64. Terra ___
35 Across 65. Does the math, in a way
36 Across 66. Pot grower?
37 Across 67. H, on the N.Y.S.E.

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Across Clues

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

Complete Across Solutions:


1 Across: "1. Lock combinations?"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C___S
  • Similar words: hairdo, arrange
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the arrangement of the hair (especially a woman's hair)
  • This is Across clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer COIFS


2 Across: "6. ___ League"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: A__B
  • Similar words: Arabian
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ARAB


3 Across: "10. Single instruction"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: S__P
  • Similar words: whole step, tone
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
  • This is Across clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer STEP


4 Across: "14. Enemy W.W. II vessel"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: U___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer UBOAT


5 Across: "15. Turner of old movies"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: L__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer LANA


6 Across: "16. Powerful impulse"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: U__E
  • Similar words: urge on, impulse
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an instinctive motive
  • This is Across clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer URGE


7 Across: "17. Group of grumps sitting around kvetching?"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: P________Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer POUTYPARTY


8 Across: "19. Elmer's nemesis"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B__S
  • Similar words: germ, badger
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer BUGS


9 Across: "20. Meeting, casually"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: S__H
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SESH


10 Across: "21. A smartphone has lots of these"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: U__S
  • Similar words: habituate, expend
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the act of using
  • This is Across clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer USES


11 Across: "22. Centerpiece of "The Hobbit""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'Q' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: Q___T
  • Similar words: seeking, request
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria
  • This is Across clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer QUEST


12 Across: "23. Community property pronoun"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'R'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer OUR


13 Across: "25. Like barked orders"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: C__T
  • Similar words: brusk, laconic
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: marked by rude or peremptory shortness
  • This is Across clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer CURT


14 Across: "26. Ali vs. Frazier, e.g.?"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 15 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: C_____________T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer CHAMPSATTHEBOUT


15 Across: "34. Genre for GloRilla"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'P'
  • Similar words: pat, belt
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
  • This is Across clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer RAP


16 Across: "35. Official mandate"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: D____E
  • Similar words: edict, fiat
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer DECREE


17 Across: "36. Fellow fighter"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: A__Y
  • Similar words: friend
  • Opposite of: foe
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a friendly nation
  • This is Across clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ALLY


18 Across: "37. Brand once known as "Standard Oil Company of Indiana""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: A___O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer AMOCO


19 Across: "39. Mardi Gras day, in brief"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer TUE


20 Across: "40. Works on a muffler, say"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: K___S
  • Similar words: knit, crumple
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a fabric made by knitting
  • This is Across clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer KNITS


21 Across: "41. Welcome figure on Wall Street, unwelcome figure in a china shop"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: B__L
  • Similar words: bruiser, Samson
  • Opposite of: bear
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle
  • This is Across clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer BULL


22 Across: "42. See 50-Down"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: N____A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer NOSTRA


23 Across: "44. To and ___"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer FRO


24 Across: "45. Welcome sight on a whale-watching cruise?"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 15 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: S_____________N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SPOUTINTHEOCEAN


25 Across: "48. Poindexter"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: G__K
  • Similar words: oddball, eccentric
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a carnival performer who does disgusting acts
  • This is Across clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer GEEK


26 Across: "49. TV freebie of a sort"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer PSA


27 Across: "50. Easter Island's country"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: C___E
  • Similar words: chili, chilly
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer CHILE


28 Across: "52. Dark-skinned fruit"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S__E
  • Similar words: Allegheny plum, Prunus spinosa
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SLOE


29 Across: "55. Pieces of advice"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T__S
  • Similar words: tilt, pourboire
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
  • This is Across clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer TIPS


30 Across: "59. Primordial substance"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O__E
  • Similar words: exude, transude
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any thick
  • This is Across clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer OOZE


31 Across: "60. Painstakingly explain something ... or a hint to 17-, 26- and 45-Across"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S________T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SPELLITOUT


32 Across: "62. Takes a tour of"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S__S
  • Similar words: hear, regard
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SEES


33 Across: "63. Compassionate"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: K__D
  • Similar words: genial, variety
  • Opposite of: unkind
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer KIND


34 Across: "64. Terra ___"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: C___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer COTTA


35 Across: "65. Does the math, in a way"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S
  • Similar words: bestow, contribute
  • Opposite of: take away
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ADDS


36 Across: "66. Pot grower?"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ANTE


37 Across: "67. H, on the N.Y.S.E."

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: H___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer HYATT

Expert Strategies for Solving Across Clues

Master the horizontal clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Across Clues?

  • Across clues often provide more letter intersections
  • Reading left to right feels more natural
  • Many common phrases run horizontally
  • Across answers often help solve Down clues

Across Clue Patterns to Recognize

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

Time-Saving Across Techniques

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Across Clues

What are Across clues in crossword puzzles?

Across clues are the horizontal entries in a crossword puzzle that read from left to right. They're numbered and correspond to specific rows in the grid.

Should I solve Across or Down clues first?

Many solvers prefer starting with Across clues because reading left-to-right feels more natural. However, the best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Across clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 37 Across clues.

Are Across clues easier than Down clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Across clues often contain more common phrases and expressions.

How do Across clues interact with Down clues?

Across and Down 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 Across 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 17, 2025 at 04:52 AM

Search terms: NYT Across, Across clues, horizontal, crossword answers, left to right, December 17 2025 across clues