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Wednesday, July 29, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers July 29, 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: Tricky

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. Marx with a manifesto 4
2A 5. ___ Romeo 4
3A 9. Tracker in a speed trap 5
4A 14. Offshore 4
5A 15. Into oneself 4
6A 16. Optics, so to speak 5
7A 17. Part of a story line 9
8A 19. Some golf shirts 5
9A 20. I came uninvited 12
10A 22. "Black Panther" actress Bassett 6
11A 23. French city on the Rhone 4
12A 24. Deg. for a writer 3
13A 27. Pop in the Midwest? 4
14A 29. Some postpartum exercises 6
15A 31. Not yet decided, for short 3
16A 34. I saw the future 11
17A 37. ___ 51, highly classified Nevada facility 4
18A 39. Wrath 3
19A 40. Fishy Hawaiian dish 4
20A 41. I conquered "Jeopardy!" for 74 days straight 11
21A 46. Action between a bump and a spike 3
22A 47. "We're on!" 6
23A 48. "Roll the ___!" 4
24A 50. Abbr. before some hotel numbers 3
25A 51. Feature of a slasher film 4
26A 54. Haphazard 6
27A 58. Classic quotation that might be said by 20-, 34- and 41-Across? 12
28A 60. Direction in a challah recipe 5
29A 63. After 11:30 p.m., say 9
30A 64. Longtime Stallone role 5
31A 65. 2025 Ron Howard survival thriller 4
32A 66. Home of County Donegal 4
33A 67. Colorado resort town 5
34A 68. Blue side, informally 4
35A 69. Platform for Street Fighter II and Mario Paint, informally 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Marx with a manifesto"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. ___ Romeo"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Tracker in a speed trap"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that measuring instrument in which the echo of a pulse of microwave radiation is used to detect and locate distant objects
  • Similar words include: radiolocation, radio detection and ranging, microwave radar
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RADAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Offshore"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in the direction of the sea
  • Similar words include: seaward, seawards
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Into oneself"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
  • Similar words include: swollen-headed, egotistical, egotistic
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Optics, so to speak"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an iconic mental representation
  • Similar words include: range of a function, fancy, envision
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Part of a story line"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Some golf shirts"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that venetian traveler who explored asia in the 13th century and served kublai khan (1254-1324)
  • Similar words include: Marco Polo, Polo, polo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POLOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. I came uninvited"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARTYCRASHER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. "Black Panther" actress Bassett"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. French city on the Rhone"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in east-central france on the rhone river; a principal producer of silk and rayon
  • Similar words include: Lyons
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Deg. for a writer"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a master's degree in fine arts
  • Similar words include: Master of Fine Arts
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MFA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Pop in the Midwest?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sodium salt of carbonic acid; used in making soap powders and glass and paper
  • Similar words include: sodium carbonate, washing soda, soda ash
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SODA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Some postpartum exercises"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Not yet decided, for short"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. I saw the future"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french astrologer who wrote cryptic predictions whose interpretations are still being debated (1503-1566)
  • Similar words include: Michel de Notredame
  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOSTRADAMUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "37. ___ 51, highly classified Nevada facility"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
  • Similar words include: domain, arena, orbit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. Wrath"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
  • Similar words include: anger, choler, ira
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Fishy Hawaiian dish"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tall coarse perennial american herb having small white flowers followed by blackish-red berries on long drooping racemes; young fleshy stems are edible; berries and root are poisonous
  • Similar words include: pigeon berry, jab, nose
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. I conquered "Jeopardy!" for 74 days straight"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Action between a bump and a spike"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: jell, Seth, solidification
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "47. "We're on!""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. "Roll the ___!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long thin piece of cloth or paper as used for binding or fastening
  • Similar words include: tape recording, magnetic tape, tape measure
  • Opposite of: erase
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Abbr. before some hotel numbers"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "51. Feature of a slasher film"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that vice president of the united states under bill clinton (born in 1948)
  • Similar words include: Albert Gore Jr., panel, Al Gore
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "54. Haphazard"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking any definite plan or order or purpose; governed by or depending on chance
  • Opposite of: nonrandom
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RANDOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "58. Classic quotation that might be said by 20-, 34- and 41-Across?"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VENIVIDIVICI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "60. Direction in a challah recipe"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
  • Similar words include: lace, braiding, gold braid
  • Opposite of: unbraid
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "63. After 11:30 p.m., say"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "64. Longtime Stallone role"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. 2025 Ron Howard survival thriller"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • Similar words include: Shangri-la, promised land, Garden of Eden
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. Home of County Donegal"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of ireland; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1921
  • Similar words include: Irish Republic, Ireland, Republic of Ireland
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "67. Colorado resort town"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several trees of the genus populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "68. Blue side, informally"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "69. Platform for Street Fighter II and Mario Paint, informally"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Head of Kronos? 5
2D 2. Narnia lion 5
3D 3. Corp. shake-up 5
4D 4. Drinks that may be prepared with a steam wand 6
5D 5. Green toast spread 7
6D 6. Hideout 4
7D 7. Championship game 5
8D 8. Raring to go, say 5
9D 9. Now blue, as a blueberry 7
10D 10. Mi ___ (Spanish term of endearment) 4
11D 11. Lentil dish 3
12D 12. In the past 3
13D 13. Lo-___ 3
14D 18. Traffic marker 5
15D 21. Trendy sneaker brand 4
16D 24. Workplace notes 5
17D 25. It's unlikely to happen again 5
18D 26. It's of use 5
19D 28. "Like ..." 4
20D 30. Word after age or before year 3
21D 31. Chips with a "Blue Heat" flavor 5
22D 32. Name inside of a libretto? 5
23D 33. Packed in 5
24D 35. Prefix with state or county 3
25D 36. "Seasons of Love" musical 4
26D 38. ___ Wilson, four-time W.N.B.A. M.V.P. 3
27D 42. Encouraged, as a troublemaker 7
28D 43. 12, say 4
29D 44. Sites of large beds 7
30D 45. Source of Manchego cheese 5
31D 49. Exhibits one of the seven deadly sins 6
32D 52. Irritated 5
33D 53. Dodge 5
34D 55. "Soup's on!" 5
35D 56. Earthy tone 5
36D 57. Some skin irritants 5
37D 58. Get on (with) 4
38D 59. Pair in the press 4
39D 60. Supportive garment 3
40D 61. Dorm V.I.P.s 3
41D 62. Bit of gig gear 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Head of Kronos?"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the 10th letter of the greek alphabet
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAPPA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Narnia lion"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Corp. shake-up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Drinks that may be prepared with a steam wand"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that strong espresso coffee with a topping of frothed steamed milk
  • Similar words include: latte, caffe latte
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LATTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Green toast spread"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a pear-shaped tropical fruit with green or blackish skin and rich yellowish pulp enclosing a single large seed
  • Similar words include: aguacate, alligator pear, avocado tree
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVOCADO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Hideout"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

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!

7D: "7. Championship game"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the final match between the winners of all previous matches in an elimination tournament
  • Similar words include: final exam, net, concluding
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FINAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Raring to go, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nervous and unable to relax
  • Similar words include: itchy, fretful, fidgety
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Now blue, as a blueberry"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to ripen or develop fully
  • Similar words include: aged, mature, ripen
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIPENED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Mi ___ (Spanish term of endearment)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (roman mythology) god of love; counterpart of greek eros
  • Similar words include: Cupid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Lentil dish"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 10 liters
  • Similar words include: dkl, dekalitre, decaliter
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. In the past"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gone by; or in the past
  • Similar words include: agone
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Lo-___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a widely distributed system consisting of all the cells able to ingest bacteria or colloidal particles etc, except for certain white blood cells
  • Similar words include: reticuloendothelial system, Re, re
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Traffic marker"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tower for guiding pilots or marking the turning point in a race
  • Similar words include: power pylon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PYLON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Trendy sneaker brand"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a north american indian people speaking one of the hokan languages
  • Similar words include: Hokan
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOKA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Workplace notes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. It's unlikely to happen again"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a stroke of luck
  • Similar words include: good luck, trematode, good fortune
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLUKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. It's of use"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a useful or valuable quality
  • Similar words include: plus
  • Opposite of: liability
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. "Like ...""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seventh month of the hindu calendar
  • Similar words include: Asvina
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Word after age or before year"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures
  • Similar words include: break, opening, breach
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Chips with a "Blue Heat" flavor"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. Name inside of a libretto?"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Packed in"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter
  • Similar words include: dull, impenetrable, slow
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DENSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Prefix with state or county"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. "Seasons of Love" musical"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service
  • Similar words include: snag, lease, take
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. ___ Wilson, four-time W.N.B.A. M.V.P."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Encouraged, as a troublemaker"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. 12, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the middle of the day
  • Similar words include: high noon, noonday, twelve noon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Sites of large beds"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
  • Similar words include: garden
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GARDENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Source of Manchego cheese"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a parliamentary monarchy in southwestern europe on the iberian peninsula; a former colonial power
  • Similar words include: Kingdom of Spain, Espana
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Exhibits one of the seven deadly sins"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another
  • Similar words include: envy, begrudge, invidia
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENVIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Irritated"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  • Similar words include: annoy, vex, get at
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RILED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Dodge"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
  • Similar words include: hedge, dodge, put off
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "55. "Soup's on!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Earthy tone"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various earths containing silica and alumina and ferric oxide; used as a pigment
  • Similar words include: ocher
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCHRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Some skin irritants"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. Get on (with)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinctive emotional aura experienced instinctively
  • Similar words include: vibration
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VIBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "59. Pair in the press"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
  • Similar words include: token, point, detail
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "60. Supportive garment"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
  • Similar words include: bandeau, brassiere
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "61. Dorm V.I.P.s"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the network in the reticular formation that serves an alerting or arousal function
  • Similar words include: right ascension, Re, radium
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "62. Bit of gig gear"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the basic unit of electric current adopted under the systeme international d'unites
  • Similar words include: adenylic acid, ampere, adenosine monophosphate
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

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Last updated: July 29, 2026 at 06:11 AM

Sunday, October 12, 2025

NYT Down Clues Answers October 12, 2025 - All 83 Vertical Solutions & Expert Hints

Sunday's NYT Down Oct 12 - Full Vertical Grid Solutions

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 83 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: NYT Down Today October 01 2025 Complete | August 11 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | August 10 2023 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for October 12, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Sunday, October 12, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date October 12, 2025
Day of Week Sunday
Total Down Clues 83 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Easy

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 83 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Green or black African menace
2 Down 2. Spider-Man, for one
3 Down 3. Freak out
4 Down 4. Good name for an apiarist?
5 Down 5. Rocker ___ Rose
6 Down 6. UPS competitor
7 Down 7. Sends to Hades
8 Down 8. Mishmash
9 Down 9. Bloke
10 Down 10. Religious title whose name comes from the Hebrew for "father"
11 Down 11. Chews (out)
12 Down 12. Classic car that shared its name with a planet, informally
13 Down 13. Postdebate areas
14 Down 14. Some old game consoles
15 Down 15. ___ Gay, author of "Bad Feminist"
16 Down 16. Fairy tale sibling
17 Down 17. Doofuses, north of the border
18 Down 20. Absolutely, in slang
19 Down 24. Never-ending
20 Down 26. CPR pressure points
21 Down 29. Cycle at night?
22 Down 31. Core-strengthening Pilates exercises
23 Down 32. Badly
24 Down 33. It's covered in kernels
25 Down 37. ___ gin fizz
26 Down 38. "Charlotte's Web" author's inits.
27 Down 39. Wood found in restaurant furniture
28 Down 40. Speck
29 Down 41. Online shorthand meaning "Victory!"
30 Down 42. Afore
31 Down 43. Previously known as
32 Down 44. Of help
33 Down 45. "Turn that frown upside down!"
34 Down 46. Clever sort
35 Down 49. Big name in vacuum cleaners
36 Down 50. [It's time for bed!]
37 Down 51. Sharply dressed
38 Down 52. Part
39 Down 53. The Bronx Bombers, on scoreboards
40 Down 55. Pittance
41 Down 56. Camera type, for short
42 Down 60. Barista's flourish
43 Down 61. ___ Eminence
44 Down 63. Mouthy bird?
45 Down 64. Name found in "whole milk"
46 Down 65. Prefix with matter
47 Down 66. One of many in the book of Job
48 Down 67. Actor Firth
49 Down 68. Employ
50 Down 69. Hot French beverage
51 Down 70. "Resolute" item in the Oval Office
52 Down 71. Hold dear, perhaps
53 Down 75. Men who marry later in life
54 Down 76. Rafts
55 Down 77. Ripen
56 Down 78. Settings of many Patrick O'Brian novels
57 Down 79. Recite
58 Down 80. Moody music genre
59 Down 81. Light up?
60 Down 82. Worker with a handler
61 Down 84. Easy-listening radio category
62 Down 85. "More or less"
63 Down 86. Business name abbr.
64 Down 90. Poor grade
65 Down 91. Took off
66 Down 92. Man who might be installing a baby gate
67 Down 93. Gild the lily, with "it"
68 Down 94. Facade
69 Down 95. Not distracted at work
70 Down 96. Email attachment type
71 Down 99. Body parts examined for arrhythmia
72 Down 100. Big name in vacuum cleaners
73 Down 101. Company that owns Words With Friends
74 Down 102. A, in Ashkelon
75 Down 103. "Totally cool!"
76 Down 104. Old Scratch
77 Down 106. Chow
78 Down 107. Pretty cool stuff
79 Down 108. Big Apple's bravest, in brief
80 Down 109. Something a beach lifeguard monitors
81 Down 113. Cry of frustration
82 Down 114. Insta chats
83 Down 115. Fair-hiring inits.

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. Green or black African menace"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MAMBA


2 Down: "2. Spider-Man, for one"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A___S
  • Similar words: assumed name, a.k.a.
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a name that has been assumed temporarily
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALIAS


3 Down: "3. Freak out"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: P___C
  • Similar words: scare, terror
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PANIC


4 Down: "4. Good name for an apiarist?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BEA


5 Down: "5. Rocker ___ Rose"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AXL


6 Down: "6. UPS competitor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'L'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DHL


7 Down: "7. Sends to Hades"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: D___S
  • Similar words: darn, hoot
  • Opposite of: bless
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: something of little value
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DAMNS


8 Down: "8. Mishmash"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: O__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OLIO


9 Down: "9. Bloke"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G__T
  • Similar words: cuss, Ghent
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: informal abbreviation of `gentleman'
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GENT


10 Down: "10. Religious title whose name comes from the Hebrew for "father""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A___T
  • Similar words: archimandrite
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the superior of an abbey of monks
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ABBOT


11 Down: "11. Chews (out)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R___S
  • Similar words: ream
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a large quantity of written matter
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REAMS


12 Down: "12. Classic car that shared its name with a planet, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: M__C
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MERC


13 Down: "13. Postdebate areas"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S_______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPINROOMS


14 Down: "14. Some old game consoles"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 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 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATARIS


15 Down: "15. ___ Gay, author of "Bad Feminist""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROXANE


16 Down: "16. Fairy tale sibling"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GRETEL


17 Down: "17. Doofuses, north of the border"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOSERS


18 Down: "20. Absolutely, in slang"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'F'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DEF


19 Down: "24. Never-ending"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: E_____L
  • Similar words: ageless, eonian
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: continuing forever or indefinitely
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ETERNAL


20 Down: "26. CPR pressure points"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: S____A
  • Similar words: sternum, genus Sterna
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a genus of Sterninae
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STERNA


21 Down: "29. Cycle at night?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'M'
  • Similar words: REM sleep
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REM


22 Down: "31. Core-strengthening Pilates exercises"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T_____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TOETAPS


23 Down: "32. Badly"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'L'
  • Similar words: poorly, badly
  • Opposite of: well
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ILL


24 Down: "33. It's covered in kernels"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'B'
  • Similar words: cobnut, filbert
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: nut of any of several trees of the genus Corylus
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer COB


25 Down: "37. ___ gin fizz"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S__E
  • Similar words: blackthorn, Alleghany plum
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLOE


26 Down: "38. "Charlotte's Web" author's inits."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'W'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EBW


27 Down: "39. Wood found in restaurant furniture"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'H'
  • Similar words: ash tree
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the residue that remains when something is burned
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASH


28 Down: "40. Speck"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: M__E
  • Similar words: atom, corpuscle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MOTE


29 Down: "41. Online shorthand meaning "Victory!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FTW


30 Down: "42. Afore"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ERE


31 Down: "43. Previously known as"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NEE


32 Down: "44. Of help"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: U___E
  • Similar words: useful
  • Opposite of: useless
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: being of use or service
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UTILE


33 Down: "45. "Turn that frown upside down!""

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: grin, grinning
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SMILE


34 Down: "46. Clever sort"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: humor, humour
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WIT


35 Down: "49. Big name in vacuum cleaners"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: O___K
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ORECK


36 Down: "50. [It's time for bed!]"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: Y__N
  • Similar words: gape, oscitancy
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YAWN


37 Down: "51. Sharply dressed"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: C__C
  • Similar words: modishness, smartness
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: elegance by virtue of being fashionable
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CHIC


38 Down: "52. Part"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R__E
  • Similar words: use, office
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROLE


39 Down: "53. The Bronx Bombers, on scoreboards"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'Y'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NYY


40 Down: "55. Pittance"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'U'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOU


41 Down: "56. Camera type, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLR


42 Down: "60. Barista's flourish"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: S___L
  • Similar words: eddy, convolution
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the shape of something rotating rapidly
  • This is Down clue number 42

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SWIRL


43 Down: "61. ___ Eminence"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'S'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 43

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HIS


44 Down: "63. Mouthy bird?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: M__A
  • Similar words: mina, myna bird
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: tropical Asian starlings
  • This is Down clue number 44

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MYNA


45 Down: "64. Name found in "whole milk""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: E__L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 45

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EMIL


46 Down: "65. Prefix with matter"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: A__I
  • Opposite of: pro
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 46

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ANTI


47 Down: "66. One of many in the book of Job"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: T___L
  • Similar words: tryout, trial run
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the act of testing something
  • This is Down clue number 47

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TRIAL


48 Down: "67. Actor Firth"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: C___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 48

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer COLIN


49 Down: "68. Employ"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: apply, practice
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the act of using
  • This is Down clue number 49

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer USE


50 Down: "69. Hot French beverage"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 50

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THE


51 Down: "70. "Resolute" item in the Oval Office"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: O_____K
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 51

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OAKDESK


52 Down: "71. Hold dear, perhaps"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'G'
  • Similar words: embrace, bosom
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a tight or amorous embrace
  • This is Down clue number 52

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HUG


53 Down: "75. Men who marry later in life"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B_______S
  • Similar words: benedick, Ruth Benedict
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: United States anthropologist (1887-1948)
  • This is Down clue number 53

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BENEDICTS


54 Down: "76. Rafts"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L__S
  • Similar words: passel, circle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a large number or amount
  • This is Down clue number 54

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LOTS


55 Down: "77. Ripen"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: long time, geezerhood
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: how long something has existed
  • This is Down clue number 55

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AGE


56 Down: "78. Settings of many Patrick O'Brian novels"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S__S
  • Similar words: sea, ocean
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 56

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEAS


57 Down: "79. Recite"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NAMEOFF


58 Down: "80. Moody music genre"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 58

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EMO


59 Down: "81. Light up?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: sunshine, insolate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 59

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SUN


60 Down: "82. Worker with a handler"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Similar words: descry, sight
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 60

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPY


61 Down: "84. Easy-listening radio category"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: L____M
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 61

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LITEFM


62 Down: "85. "More or less""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'H'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 62

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ISH


63 Down: "86. Business name abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'D'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 63

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LTD


64 Down: "90. Poor grade"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 64

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DEE


65 Down: "91. Took off"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: hunt, ply
  • Opposite of: idle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: move fast by using one's feet
  • This is Down clue number 65

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAN


66 Down: "92. Man who might be installing a baby gate"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: N____D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 66

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NEWDAD


67 Down: "93. Gild the lily, with "it""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: O____O
  • Similar words: exaggerate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: do something to an excessive degree
  • This is Down clue number 67

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OVERDO


68 Down: "94. Facade"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: V____R
  • Similar words: facing, veneering
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 68

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VENEER


69 Down: "95. Not distracted at work"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: O____K
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 69

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ONTASK


70 Down: "96. Email attachment type"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'F'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 70

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PDF


71 Down: "99. Body parts examined for arrhythmia"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A___A
  • Similar words: atrium
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 71

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATRIA


72 Down: "100. Big name in vacuum cleaners"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: D___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 72

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DYSON


73 Down: "101. Company that owns Words With Friends"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Z' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: Z___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 73

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ZYNGA


74 Down: "102. A, in Ashkelon"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: A___H
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the 1st letter of the Hebrew alphabet
  • This is Down clue number 74

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALEPH


75 Down: "103. "Totally cool!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 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 75

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NEATO


76 Down: "104. Old Scratch"

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
  • Similar words: Old Nick, Beelzebub
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 76

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SATAN


77 Down: "106. Chow"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: F__E
  • Similar words: make out, get along
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an agenda of things to do
  • This is Down clue number 77

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FARE


78 Down: "107. Pretty cool stuff"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: glass, deoxyephedrine
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: water frozen in the solid state
  • This is Down clue number 78

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ICE


79 Down: "108. Big Apple's bravest, in brief"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: F__Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 79

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FDNY


80 Down: "109. Something a beach lifeguard monitors"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T__E
  • Similar words: surge
  • Opposite of: ebb
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 80

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIDE


81 Down: "113. Cry of frustration"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'H'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 81

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GAH


82 Down: "114. Insta chats"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: dm, decimetre
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 82

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DMS


83 Down: "115. Fair-hiring inits."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 83

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EEO

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 83 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Down clues often contain helpful prefixes, suffixes, and word parts that can be easier to guess.

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

Down and Across clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.


About This Page: We provide comprehensive Down clues solutions and hints for the NYT Crossword to help you improve your solving skills. This site is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: October 12, 2025 at 05:12 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, October 12 2025 down clues