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Monday, June 15, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers June 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: Moderate

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Tops of cups 4
2A 5. Canine command 5
3A 10. "That was a close one!" 4
4A 14. Cash crop of northern Brazil 4
5A 15. Speaker stands 5
6A 16. Was a passenger 4
7A 17. Device that helps you make a point in class? 15
8A 20. Brief moment 3
9A 21. Require 4
10A 22. Make up for past transgressions 5
11A 23. Mitigate 4
12A 25. Indy 500 competitors 6
13A 27. Toy likely to be found at a pop-up store? 12
14A 31. Surrounding glows 5
15A 32. "Where the heart is" 4
16A 33. "No more details, plz" 3
17A 36. GPS suggestion: Abbr. 3
18A 37. Sites with remains of mammoths 7
19A 40. Kerfuffle 3
20A 42. Come up short money-wise 3
21A 44. Red vegetable 4
22A 45. Former boxer Ali who voiced herself in a "Scooby Doo" series 5
23A 47. Revolutionary kitchen gadget? 12
24A 50. Did some engraving 6
25A 52. Semihard cheese of North Holland 4
26A 53. Hello in Honolulu 5
27A 54. Boarding pass info 4
28A 56. It literally takes ages 3
29A 59. Response to a series of complaints ... that also jokingly applies to 17-, 27- and 47-Across 15
30A 63. Erupt 4
31A 64. "You get what you give" principle 5
32A 65. End of a fishing line 4
33A 66. Loch ___ monster 4
34A 67. Boxing or bowling 5
35A 68. Hurdle for prospective attys. 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Tops of cups"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye
  • Similar words include: chapeau, eyelid, palpebra
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Canine command"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that building material used as siding or roofing
  • Similar words include: shake off, stimulate, shiver
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. "That was a close one!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Cash crop of northern Brazil"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Speaker stands"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
  • Similar words include: pulpit, podium, dais
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PODIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Was a passenger"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
  • Similar words include: ride, drive, rally
  • Opposite of: walk
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Device that helps you make a point in class?"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Brief moment"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the systeme international d'unites
  • Similar words include: s, secant, unsweet
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Require"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition requiring relief
  • Similar words include: ask, postulate, pauperization
  • Opposite of: obviate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Make up for past transgressions"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make amends for
  • Similar words include: repent, abye, aby
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Mitigate"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that freedom from difficulty or hardship or effort
  • Similar words include: rest, simpleness, alleviate
  • Opposite of: difficulty
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Indy 500 competitors"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who drives racing cars at high speeds
  • Similar words include: racing car, racer, race car
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RACERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Toy likely to be found at a pop-up store?"

12 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Surrounding glows"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sensation (as of a cold breeze or bright light) that precedes the onset of certain disorders such as a migraine attack or epileptic seizure
  • Similar words include: halo, nimbus, aura
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AURAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. "Where the heart is""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that where you live at a particular time
  • Similar words include: family, dwelling, home base
  • Opposite of: away
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. "No more details, plz""

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. GPS suggestion: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Sites with remains of mammoths"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "40. Kerfuffle"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rapid active commotion
  • Similar words include: bustle, stir, flurry
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Come up short money-wise"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be obliged to pay or repay
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "44. Red vegetable"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Former boxer Ali who voiced herself in a "Scooby Doo" series"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "47. Revolutionary kitchen gadget?"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Did some engraving"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make an etching of
  • Similar words include: engraved, engrave, incised
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETCHED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. Semihard cheese of North Holland"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

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!

26A: "53. Hello in Honolulu"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is hawaiian and ciao is italian)
  • Similar words include: ciao
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "54. Boarding pass info"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a movable barrier in a fence or wall
  • Similar words include: logic gate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. It literally takes ages"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the longest division of geological time
  • Similar words include: aeon
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Response to a series of complaints ... that also jokingly applies to 17-, 27- and 47-Across"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "63. Erupt"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that expel or eject (saliva or phlegm or sputum) from the mouth
  • Similar words include: regurgitate, sick, puke
  • Opposite of: keep down
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "64. "You get what you give" principle"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (hinduism and buddhism) the effects of a person's actions that determine his destiny in his next incarnation
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KARMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "65. End of a fishing line"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that qualities that attract by seeming to promise some kind of reward
  • Similar words include: decoy, enticement, hook
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "66. Loch ___ monster"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
  • Similar words include: cape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "67. Boxing or bowling"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
  • Similar words include: lark, run around, frisk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPORT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "68. Hurdle for prospective attys."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Trips around the track 4
2D 2. Drink that might cause brain freeze 4
3D 3. Certain group of hip-hop performers 9
4D 4. [Not my mistake] 3
5D 5. White blood cell producer said to be shaped like a coffee bean 6
6D 6. Fire truck attachment 4
7D 7. Condition that may be treated with meds like Concerta 4
8D 8. Soul from Seoul 3
9D 9. Floppy part of a beagle 3
10D 10. False reason given for doing something 7
11D 11. On the ___ system 5
12D 12. Natural paradises 5
13D 13. "___ not worthy!" ("Wayne's World" quote) 4
14D 18. Not take "no" for an answer 6
15D 19. Fashion designer Rabanne 4
16D 24. Letters before an alias 3
17D 25. Transfers, as funds 6
18D 26. Help in crime 4
19D 27. Site that might contain saved cookies? 3
20D 28. Honda or Hyundai 4
21D 29. Series of messages on social media 6
22D 30. Wished (for) 5
23D 34. Navigational aids for website users 9
24D 35. Not working 4
25D 38. Up to the task 4
26D 39. Petite burger 6
27D 41. Rowing implement 3
28D 43. Forgoes 7
29D 46. Actress ___ de Armas 3
30D 48. White whale chaser of literature 4
31D 49. Companion that might fall asleep on your keyboard 6
32D 50. Run off to get hitched 5
33D 51. Heavy books 5
34D 53. The "A" of P.T.A.: Abbr. 4
35D 54. Taverna wrap 4
36D 55. Soft, warm, tingly feeling, in brief 4
37D 57. Gumbo ingredient 4
38D 58. Russian refusal 4
39D 60. Green-lights 3
40D 61. High-five alternative 3
41D 62. Entirety 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Trips around the track"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the upper side of the thighs of a seated person
  • Similar words include: wash, lap, lave
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Drink that might cause brain freeze"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Certain group of hip-hop performers"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. [Not my mistake]"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that urge to attack someone
  • Similar words include: set
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. White blood cell producer said to be shaped like a coffee bean"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large dark-red oval organ on the left side of the body between the stomach and the diaphragm; produces cells involved in immune responses
  • Similar words include: lien, short temper, quick temper
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPLEEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Fire truck attachment"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that socks and stockings and tights collectively (the british include underwear)
  • Similar words include: hose down, hosepipe, hosiery
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Condition that may be treated with meds like Concerta"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
  • Similar words include: attention deficit disorder, MBD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADHD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Soul from Seoul"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Floppy part of a beagle"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: auricle, capitulum, pinna
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. False reason given for doing something"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
  • Similar words include: pretense, stalking-horse, guise
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRETEXT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. On the ___ system"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
  • Similar words include: respect, purity, laurels
  • Opposite of: dishonor, disrespect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HONOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Natural paradises"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. "___ not worthy!" ("Wayne's World" quote)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)
  • Similar words include: represent, comprise, be
  • Opposite of: differ
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Not take "no" for an answer"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
  • Similar words include: assert, take a firm stand, importune
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INSIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Fashion designer Rabanne"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Letters before an alias"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Transfers, as funds"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the topic that a person, committee, or piece of research is expected to deal with or has authority to deal with
  • Similar words include: remission, prorogue, shelve
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REMITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Help in crime"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Site that might contain saved cookies?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a vessel (usually cylindrical) with a wide mouth and without handles
  • Similar words include: collide, shake up, jarful
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Honda or Hyundai"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
  • Similar words include: machine, automobile, motorcar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AUTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Series of messages on social media"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fine cord of twisted fibers (of cotton or silk or wool or nylon etc.) used in sewing and weaving
  • Similar words include: weave, meander, wander
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THREAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Wished (for)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that expect and wish
  • Similar words include: trust, hop, hope
  • Opposite of: despair
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Navigational aids for website users"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Not working"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
  • Similar words include: baseless, light, unused
  • Opposite of: busy, work
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Up to the task"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (usually followed by `to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
  • Similar words include: able-bodied, capable
  • Opposite of: unable
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Petite burger"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who slips or slides because of loss of traction
  • Similar words include: yellow-bellied terrapin, Pseudemys scripta, slipper
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLIDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Rowing implement"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an implement used to propel or steer a boat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Forgoes"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
  • Similar words include: eschew, shun
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESCHEWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Actress ___ de Armas"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that mother of the ancient irish gods; sometimes identified with danu
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. White whale chaser of literature"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that according to the old testament he was a pagan king of israel and husband of jezebel (9th century bc)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AHAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Companion that might fall asleep on your keyboard"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Run off to get hitched"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that run away secretly with one's beloved
  • Similar words include: run off
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Heavy books"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a (usually) large and scholarly book
  • Similar words include: tome
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOMES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. The "A" of P.T.A.: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Taverna wrap"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a greek sandwich: sliced roast lamb with onion and tomato stuffed into pita bread
  • Similar words include: gyroscope
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GYRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "55. Soft, warm, tingly feeling, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Gumbo ingredient"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that long green edible beaked pods of the okra plant
  • Similar words include: Hibiscus esculentus, Abelmoschus esculentus, lady's-finger
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OKRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Russian refusal"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "60. Green-lights"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "61. High-five alternative"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "62. Entirety"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
  • Similar words include: altogether, whole, totally
  • Opposite of: some, partly
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALL

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

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Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
76 Total Clues

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Last updated: June 15, 2026 at 09:43 AM

Monday, December 1, 2025

NYT Down Today December 01, 2025: Complete Vertical Clues Walkthrough

Down Clues NYT December 01, 2025 - Today's Complete Vertical Solutions

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 41 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: July 07 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | September 29 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | December 17 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 01, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Monday, December 01, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 01, 2025
Day of Week Monday
Total Down Clues 41 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Easy

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 41 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. ___ 1 (speed of sound)
2 Down 2. Result of yelling into a cave
3 Down 3. Supercomputer precursor
4 Down 4. Container on a ship from the Mideast
5 Down 5. Napkin's spot
6 Down 6. Best of the best
7 Down 7. Narnian talking lion
8 Down 8. Classic music style beloved by Weird Al Yankovic
9 Down 9. Performance in which a lady might be sawed in half
10 Down 10. Actress Noblezada of "Hadestown"
11 Down 11. Third-smallest country in the world (eight square miles)
12 Down 12. "Dinner is served!"
13 Down 13. Caught some Z's
14 Down 18. Country where sticky rice is a staple
15 Down 22. Prefix with friendly
16 Down 25. Zilch
17 Down 26. British singer Rita
18 Down 27. Adds unnecessary words to
19 Down 28. Computer menu heading next to "File"
20 Down 32. Preceder of skip and jump
21 Down 33. Ex-QB Manning
22 Down 34. Absolutely nail
23 Down 36. Bit of musical flair
24 Down 37. Effortlessness
25 Down 38. Establishments offering facials
26 Down 40. Game in which sound effects are banned
27 Down 41. Counterpart to sciences
28 Down 44. Split-___ soup
29 Down 46. Grew up
30 Down 48. Young 'un
31 Down 50. Bit of musical flair
32 Down 51. "Les Misérables" setting
33 Down 52. Midway Airport alternative
34 Down 53. Hospital glove material
35 Down 54. Wolf groups
36 Down 55. Disposed (to)
37 Down 56. Edmonton hockey player
38 Down 60. Chew, like a dog on a bone
39 Down 61. Teensy
40 Down 63. Tolkien tree creature
41 Down 65. "For sure"

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. ___ 1 (speed of sound)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: M__H
  • Similar words: Ernst Mach
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MACH


2 Down: "2. Result of yelling into a cave"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: E__O
  • Similar words: reverberation, reverberate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ECHO


3 Down: "3. Supercomputer precursor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: M_______E
  • Similar words: processor, CPU
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MAINFRAME


4 Down: "4. Container on a ship from the Mideast"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: O_____M
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OILDRUM


5 Down: "5. Napkin's spot"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'P'
  • Similar words: wash, lap up
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the upper side of the thighs of a seated person
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LAP


6 Down: "6. Best of the best"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E___E
  • Similar words: elite group, elect
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ELITE


7 Down: "7. Narnian talking lion"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASLAN


8 Down: "8. Classic music style beloved by Weird Al Yankovic"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: P___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: music performed for dancing the polka
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer POLKA


9 Down: "9. Performance in which a lady might be sawed in half"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: M______T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MAGICACT


10 Down: "10. Actress Noblezada of "Hadestown""

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 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EVA


11 Down: "11. Third-smallest country in the world (eight square miles)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'U'
  • Word pattern: N___U
  • Similar words: Pleasant Island, Nauru Island
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NAURU


12 Down: "12. "Dinner is served!""

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 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DIGIN


13 Down: "13. Caught some Z's"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S___T
  • Similar words: sleep, catch some Z's
  • Opposite of: wake
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: be asleep
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLEPT


14 Down: "18. Country where sticky rice is a staple"

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: Laotian, Lao
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LAOS


15 Down: "22. Prefix with friendly"

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 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ECO


16 Down: "25. Zilch"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Z' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: Z__O
  • Similar words: cipher, zip
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a quantity of no importance
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ZERO


17 Down: "26. British singer Rita"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'A'
  • Similar words: OS, os
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ORA


18 Down: "27. Adds unnecessary words to"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P__S
  • Similar words: dramatise, blow up
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PADS


19 Down: "28. Computer menu heading next to "File""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: E__T
  • Similar words: redact, blue-pencil
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: prepare for publication or presentation by correcting
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EDIT


20 Down: "32. Preceder of skip and jump"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'P'
  • Similar words: hop-skip, skip
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOP


21 Down: "33. Ex-QB Manning"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ELI


22 Down: "34. Absolutely nail"

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: unity, whiz
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACE


23 Down: "36. Bit of musical flair"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: G_______E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GRACENOTE


24 Down: "37. Effortlessness"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E__E
  • Similar words: repose, simpleness
  • Opposite of: difficulty
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: freedom from difficulty or hardship or effort
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EASE


25 Down: "38. Establishments offering facials"

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: resort hotel, watering hole
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPAS


26 Down: "40. Game in which sound effects are banned"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C______S
  • Similar words: sendup, charade
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: player acts out a phrase for others to guess
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CHARADES


27 Down: "41. Counterpart to sciences"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S
  • Similar words: graphics, prowess
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARTS


28 Down: "44. Split-___ soup"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Similar words: pea plant
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: seed of a pea plant used for food
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PEA


29 Down: "46. Grew up"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: M_____D
  • Similar words: grow, suppurate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: develop and reach maturity; undergo maturation
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MATURED


30 Down: "48. Young 'un"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: add, sum up
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a small amount (especially of a drink)
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TOT


31 Down: "50. Bit of musical flair"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'F'
  • Word pattern: R__F
  • Similar words: thumb, flick
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a Berber living in northern Morocco
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RIFF


32 Down: "51. "Les Misérables" setting"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P___S
  • Similar words: City of Light, genus Paris
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PARIS


33 Down: "52. Midway Airport alternative"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OHARE


34 Down: "53. Hospital glove material"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'X'
  • Word pattern: L___X
  • Similar words: latex paint
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LATEX


35 Down: "54. Wolf groups"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P___S
  • Similar words: face pack, load down
  • Opposite of: unpack
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a large indefinite number
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PACKS


36 Down: "55. Disposed (to)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P___E
  • Similar words: prostrate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: having a tendency (to); often used in combination
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PRONE


37 Down: "56. Edmonton hockey player"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: O___R
  • Similar words: oil well, oil tanker
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a worker who oils engines or machinery
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OILER


38 Down: "60. Chew, like a dog on a bone"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: G__W
  • Similar words: wear away, eat at
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: bite or chew on with the teeth
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GNAW


39 Down: "61. Teensy"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: I__Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ITSY


40 Down: "63. Tolkien tree creature"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENT


41 Down: "65. "For sure""

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 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DEF

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 41 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 01, 2025 at 05:22 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 01 2025 down clues