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Wednesday, April 15, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers April 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: Challenging

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. Playbill groups 5
2A 6. "He's very modest — he has a lot to be modest about," e.g. 4
3A 10. Like an enthusiast 4
4A 14. Tokyo-based brewery 5
5A 15. Musical instrument whose second syllable sounds like a part of other musical instruments 4
6A 16. Snackable seaweed 4
7A 17. Put all the bold letters in this clue together? 10
8A 19. Aussie greeting 4
9A 20. Paper view? 4
10A 21. One reason to pucker up 4
11A 22. Its antlers can grow up to an inch per day 3
12A 23. Cheese tested as cannon ammunition on "MythBusters" (it didn't work) 4
13A 25. How two people might walk 7
14A 29. Put all the bold letters in this clue together? 14
15A 32. Get into a get-up 6
16A 33. Mamá's boy 4
17A 34. Gold, at the Milano Cortina Olympics 3
18A 35. "Dagnabbit!" 4
19A 36. Sheriff's backup 5
20A 38. Tech review site 4
21A 39. "I love," in Italian and Spanish 3
22A 40. Veg out in a spa? 4
23A 41. Works out, say 6
24A 43. Put all the bold letters in this clue together? 14
25A 46. Russian revolutionary of the early 1900s 7
26A 47. Longtime Yankee nickname 4
27A 48. "___ to the West Wind" 3
28A 49. Isle in Scotland's Inner Hebrides 4
29A 51. "It's fun to stay at the ___" (1978 lyric) 4
30A 55. Presidential power 4
31A 57. Put all the bold letters in this clue together? 10
32A 59. Blizzard ingredient 4
33A 60. English singer Parks 4
34A 61. Potato-based Hanukkah serving 5
35A 62. Heartfelt, say 4
36A 63. Cat's cry 4
37A 64. Parts of a copse 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Playbill groups"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the actors in a play
  • Similar words include: purge, plaster bandage, plaster cast
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CASTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. "He's very modest — he has a lot to be modest about," e.g."

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect
  • Similar words include: dig, agree, jibe
  • Opposite of: disagree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Like an enthusiast"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `for') ardently or excessively desirous
  • Similar words include: greedy, esurient, devouring
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Tokyo-based brewery"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Musical instrument whose second syllable sounds like a part of other musical instruments"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Snackable seaweed"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Put all the bold letters in this clue together?"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Aussie greeting"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Paper view?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. One reason to pucker up"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)
  • Similar words include: osculation, osculate, candy kiss
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KISS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Its antlers can grow up to an inch per day"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Cheese tested as cannon ammunition on "MythBusters" (it didn't work)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mild yellow dutch cheese made in balls encased in a red covering
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. How two people might walk"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that being up to particular standard or level especially in being up to date in knowledge
  • Similar words include: au fait, au courant, up on
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABREAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. Put all the bold letters in this clue together?"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CREATEAMONSTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Get into a get-up"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that provide with clothes or put clothes on
  • Similar words include: adorn, drape, garment
  • Opposite of: undress
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOTHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. Mamá's boy"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Gold, at the Milano Cortina Olympics"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. "Dagnabbit!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
  • Similar words include: shit, stinker, scab
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "36. Sheriff's backup"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Tech review site"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. "I love," in Italian and Spanish"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. Veg out in a spa?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cylindrical green fruit with thin green rind and white flesh eaten as a vegetable; related to melons
  • Similar words include: cucumber
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. Works out, say"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that public transport provided by a line of railway cars coupled together and drawn by a locomotive
  • Similar words include: power train, trail, groom
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRAINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Put all the bold letters in this clue together?"

14 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FORMANALLIANCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Russian revolutionary of the early 1900s"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that russian revolutionary and communist theorist who helped lenin and built up the army; he was ousted from the communist party by stalin and eventually assassinated in mexico (1879-1940)
  • Similar words include: Lev Davidovich Bronstein, Leon Trotsky
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROTSKY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "47. Longtime Yankee nickname"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "48. "___ to the West Wind""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "49. Isle in Scotland's Inner Hebrides"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "51. "It's fun to stay at the ___" (1978 lyric)"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Presidential power"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vote that blocks a decision
  • Similar words include: forbid, nix, blackball
  • Opposite of: allow, permit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VETO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Put all the bold letters in this clue together?"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "59. Blizzard ingredient"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that chocolate cookie with white cream filling
  • Similar words include: oreo cookie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "60. English singer Parks"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "61. Potato-based Hanukkah serving"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that made of grated potato and egg with a little flour
  • Similar words include: potato pancake
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LATKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "62. Heartfelt, say"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that get warm or warmer
  • Similar words include: ardent, lovesome, affectionate
  • Opposite of: cool
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WARM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "63. Cat's cry"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a cat (or any sound resembling this)
  • Similar words include: miaul, miaow, miaou
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "64. Parts of a copse"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
  • Similar words include: shoetree, Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree, tree diagram
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TREES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Hunter's attire, informally 4
2D 2. "Like, now!" 4
3D 3. Drink that's often served hot in the winter 4
4D 4. When and where, in slang 8
5D 5. One-named singer with the 2022 hit "Unstoppable" 3
6D 6. The moment of truth 6
7D 7. Bird with a long, downward-curving bill 4
8D 8. Brest besties 8
9D 9. "Holy cannoli!" 3
10D 10. Geometers' calculations 6
11D 11. Clear cocktail often served with lime 10
12D 12. Apt letters missing from ret_ _ement pl_n 3
13D 13. Like some remodels, for short 3
14D 18. Genre for Blink-182 and Sum 41 9
15D 22. Toy inventer Rubik 4
16D 24. Bit of Morse code 3
17D 26. Completely beat 9
18D 27. Like a glassy lake 6
19D 28. Puts on display, with "out" 5
20D 29. Tumult 6
21D 30. Big name in plumbing 10
22D 31. Photographer Adams 5
23D 32. Woodworking or glass blowing 5
24D 37. "All right, I'm convinced" 8
25D 38. Milky Way or Mars 8
26D 40. Suit, e.g. 4
27D 42. Indian P.M. of the 1990s 3
28D 44. Destination for Frodo in "The Lord of the Rings" 6
29D 45. Tried not to draw attention 6
30D 50. Letter between Juliet and Lima 4
31D 52. Dole (out) 4
32D 53. Order for a wedding reception 4
33D 54. One of the Twelve Olympians 4
34D 55. Promise 3
35D 56. Pitching stat 3
36D 57. Comic book onomatopoeia 3
37D 58. Music genre prefix 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Hunter's attire, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fabric dyed with splotches of green and brown and black and tan; intended to make the wearer of a garment made of this fabric hard to distinguish from the background
  • Similar words include: camouflage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "Like, now!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that as soon as possible
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Drink that's often served hot in the winter"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reason for wanting something done
  • Similar words include: rice beer, saki, interest
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. When and where, in slang"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. One-named singer with the 2022 hit "Unstoppable""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. The moment of truth"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Bird with a long, downward-curving bill"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wading birds of warm regions having long slender down-curved bills
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IBIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Brest besties"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. "Holy cannoli!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Geometers' calculations"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians
  • Similar words include: slant, fish, angle
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANGLES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Clear cocktail often served with lime"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Apt letters missing from ret_ _ement pl_n"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
  • Similar words include: ire, Provisional Irish Republican Army, Provos
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Like some remodels, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Genre for Blink-182 and Sum 41"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Toy inventer Rubik"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Bit of Morse code"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the longer of the two telegraphic signals used in morse code
  • Similar words include: dash
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Completely beat"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Like a glassy lake"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not agitated; without losing self-possession
  • Similar words include: calm, unagitated, tranquil
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "28. Puts on display, with "out""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slow pace of running
  • Similar words include: Trotskyist, lope, Trotskyite
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Tumult"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loud harsh or strident noise
  • Similar words include: din, clamouring, hue and cry
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLAMOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "30. Big name in plumbing"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "31. Photographer Adams"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Woodworking or glass blowing"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the skilled practice of a practical occupation
  • Similar words include: trade, craftiness, slyness
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. "All right, I'm convinced""

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Milky Way or Mars"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Suit, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an occurrence of something
  • Similar words include: typesetter's case, showcase, lawsuit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Indian P.M. of the 1990s"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Destination for Frodo in "The Lord of the Rings""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "45. Tried not to draw attention"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "50. Letter between Juliet and Lima"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one thousand grams; the basic unit of mass adopted under the systeme international d'unites
  • Similar words include: kilogram, kg
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KILO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "52. Dole (out)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a line that indicates a boundary
  • Similar words include: border, delimitation, borderline
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: METE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "53. Order for a wedding reception"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a block of solid substance (such as soap or wax)
  • Similar words include: bar, coat, patty
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "54. One of the Twelve Olympians"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) greek god of war; son of zeus and hera; identified with roman mars
  • Similar words include: are, ar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "55. Promise"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a solemn pledge (to oneself or to another or to a deity) to do something or to behave in a certain manner
  • Similar words include: consecrate
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "56. Pitching stat"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: epoch, geological era, earned run average
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "57. Comic book onomatopoeia"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "58. Music genre prefix"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
  • Similar words include: elevation, EL, altitude
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
37 Down Clues
74 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.

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Last updated: April 15, 2026 at 05:36 AM

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Today's NYT Crossword Down Clues December 23, 2025 - Complete Top-to-Bottom Answers

NYT Down Today December 23, 2025: Complete Vertical Clues Walkthrough

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 39 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: September 11 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | December 11 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | January 04 2023 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 23, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 23, 2025
Day of Week Tuesday
Total Down Clues 39 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Medium

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 39 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Sgt. or cpl.
2 Down 2. Go off a ski jump, say
3 Down 3. "Oh, really?"
4 Down 4. Tried to identify, in a way, as a wrapped gift
5 Down 5. Playground retort
6 Down 6. 1990s internet option
7 Down 7. With all judges present
8 Down 8. ___ de Rossi, "Arrested Development" actress
9 Down 9. Aspen or pine
10 Down 10. Reporter's big get
11 Down 11. Just for grins
12 Down 12. Short version of an impactful story
13 Down 13. Org. regulating water safety
14 Down 21. Insect that emerges en masse every 13 or 17 years
15 Down 22. Kind of salad whose dressing contains anchovies
16 Down 23. Former N.B.A. star Shawn with the nickname "Reign Man"
17 Down 26. Nailed, as a test
18 Down 29. "Once ___ a time ..."
19 Down 30. Character played by Bruce Lee on "The Green Hornet"
20 Down 33. ___ Finn
21 Down 35. One of three on the pitchfork in "American Gothic"
22 Down 37. Big Apple org. that's going to blazes?
23 Down 38. Flat-bottomed boat
24 Down 40. "That's correct!"
25 Down 41. Resident of Pisa or Lucca
26 Down 42. Condition that may require an inhaler
27 Down 43. Get more than a little mad
28 Down 46. Like many a dress shirt, with "in"
29 Down 47. Top execs, colloquially ... or what 20-, 28-, 39- and 59-Across are, phonetically?
30 Down 48. Make negative remarks about
31 Down 50. Not on the up and up, slangily
32 Down 51. In a fitting way
33 Down 52. Breaks (into), as a computer system
34 Down 53. Middle name for Lennon starting in 1969
35 Down 56. "Escape (The ___ Colada Song)"
36 Down 58. Sign of peace
37 Down 60. Sallie or Fannie follower
38 Down 61. Hand-y communication method, for short?
39 Down 62. Drink slowly

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. Sgt. or cpl."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NCO


2 Down: "2. Go off a ski jump, say"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: C______R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CATCHAIR


3 Down: "3. "Oh, really?""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ISTHATSO


4 Down: "4. Tried to identify, in a way, as a wrapped gift"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: S___K
  • Similar words: agitate, stimulate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SHOOK


5 Down: "5. Playground retort"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: A__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AMSO


6 Down: "6. 1990s internet option"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DIALUP


7 Down: "7. With all judges present"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: E____C
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENBANC


8 Down: "8. ___ de Rossi, "Arrested Development" actress"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: P____A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PORTIA


9 Down: "9. Aspen or pine"

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: corner, shoetree
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TREE


10 Down: "10. Reporter's big get"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: S___P
  • Similar words: exclusive, goop
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the quantity a scoop will hold
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCOOP


11 Down: "11. Just for grins"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A______N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALLINFUN


12 Down: "12. Short version of an impactful story"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: V______E
  • Similar words: sketch
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a brief literary description
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VIGNETTE


13 Down: "13. Org. regulating water safety"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EPA


14 Down: "21. Insect that emerges en masse every 13 or 17 years"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: C____A
  • Similar words: cicala
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CICADA


15 Down: "22. Kind of salad whose dressing contains anchovies"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: C____R
  • Similar words: Julius Caesar, Sidney Caesar
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: conqueror of Gaul and master of Italy (100-44 BC)
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CAESAR


16 Down: "23. Former N.B.A. star Shawn with the nickname "Reign Man""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: K__P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KEMP


17 Down: "26. Nailed, as a test"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: A__D
  • Similar words: sail through, ace
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: succeed at easily
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACED


18 Down: "29. "Once ___ a time ...""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: U__N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UPON


19 Down: "30. Character played by Bruce Lee on "The Green Hornet""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: K__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KATO


20 Down: "33. ___ Finn"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: H__K
  • Similar words: huckaback
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HUCK


21 Down: "35. One of three on the pitchfork in "American Gothic""

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
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: prong on a fork or pitchfork or antler
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TINE


22 Down: "37. Big Apple org. that's going to blazes?"

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 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FDNY


23 Down: "38. Flat-bottomed boat"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: S__W
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any of various flat-bottomed boats with sloping ends
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCOW


24 Down: "40. "That's correct!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'S'
  • Opposite of: no
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an affirmative
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YES


25 Down: "41. Resident of Pisa or Lucca"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: T____N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a resident of Tuscany
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TUSCAN


26 Down: "42. Condition that may require an inhaler"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A____A
  • Similar words: asthma attack
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASTHMA


27 Down: "43. Get more than a little mad"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S____D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEERED


28 Down: "46. Like many a dress shirt, with "in""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: T____D
  • Similar words: pucker, gather
  • Opposite of: untucked
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: fit snugly into
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TUCKED


29 Down: "47. Top execs, colloquially ... or what 20-, 28-, 39- and 59-Across are, phonetically?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: C____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CSUITE


30 Down: "48. Make negative remarks about"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: H____N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HATEON


31 Down: "50. Not on the up and up, slangily"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: genus Sus
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: type genus of the Suidae
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SUS


32 Down: "51. In a fitting way"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: A___Y
  • Similar words: ably, competently
  • Opposite of: incompetently
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: with competence; in a competent capable manner
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer APTLY


33 Down: "52. Breaks (into), as a computer system"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: H___S
  • Similar words: taxicab, plug
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: one who works hard at boring tasks
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HACKS


34 Down: "53. Middle name for Lennon starting in 1969"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ONO


35 Down: "56. "Escape (The ___ Colada Song)""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: P__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PINA


36 Down: "58. Sign of peace"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: D__E
  • Similar words: peacenik, plunk
  • Opposite of: hawk
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any of numerous small pigeons
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DOVE


37 Down: "60. Sallie or Fannie follower"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MAE


38 Down: "61. Hand-y communication method, for short?"

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
  • Definition: the sign language used in the United States
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASL


39 Down: "62. Drink slowly"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'P'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a small drink
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SIP

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 39 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

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

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

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


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

Last Updated: December 23, 2025 at 05:18 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 23 2025 down clues