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Thursday, December 18, 2025

NYT Down Today December 18, 2025: Complete Vertical Clues Walkthrough

NYT Down Crossword December 18, 2025 - Master All 41 Top-to-Bottom Clues

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: December 05 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | July 14 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | November 16 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 18, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Thursday, December 18, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 18, 2025
Day of Week Thursday
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. Some queens
2 Down 2. Live
3 Down 3. It comes from the heart
4 Down 4. Glide down a piste
5 Down 5. ___ soldier
6 Down 6. Levels
7 Down 7. One versed in verse
8 Down 8. Agcy. that takes many forms
9 Down 9. Title for a J.D.
10 Down 10. Spirits
11 Down 11. "That's what she said" and others
12 Down 12. Beyond impressive, informally
13 Down 13. Ceremony
14 Down 18. One of several in a watch
15 Down 23. Caribbean music genre
16 Down 25. Rae of "Insecure"
17 Down 26. NaOH
18 Down 27. About 35,000 for the Taj Mahal: Abbr.
19 Down 28. No longer relevant
20 Down 30. ___ Nation (activist organization since 1990)
21 Down 31. Fair
22 Down 32. T.H. White's "The ___ and Future King"
23 Down 33. Knockoff version of a bejeweled Imperial egg, e.g.
24 Down 34. In a class by oneself
25 Down 38. ___ Mawr
26 Down 39. Teeming (with)
27 Down 40. Greeting from Kermit
28 Down 42. Name that sounds like a computer guidebook
29 Down 43. Hosts, for short
30 Down 45. N.F.L. div.
31 Down 46. Lives
32 Down 47. Coming right up
33 Down 50. Eel, at a sushi bar
34 Down 51. "Ratatouille" topper
35 Down 52. Fabrication expert
36 Down 53. "I guess so"
37 Down 55. Barred from competing, for short
38 Down 58. Trail Blazers' grp.
39 Down 59. "Severance" actress Tullock
40 Down 60. Microdosing drug
41 Down 61. "Quit ___ yappin'!"

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. Some queens"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B__S
  • Similar words: bed, bottom
  • Opposite of: turn out
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BEDS

2 Down: "2. Live"

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
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ONAIR

3 Down: "3. It comes from the heart"

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
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AORTA

4 Down: "4. Glide down a piste"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKI

5 Down: "5. ___ soldier"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: can, tin can
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIN

6 Down: "6. Levels"

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: level, stratum
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STRATA

7 Down: "7. One versed in verse"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: P__T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer POET

8 Down: "8. Agcy. that takes many forms"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IRS

9 Down: "9. Title for a J.D."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'Q'
  • Similar words: Esquire
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ESQ

10 Down: "10. Spirits"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L_____S
  • Similar words: pot likker, spirits
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LIQUORS

11 Down: "11. "That's what she said" and others"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I_______S
  • Similar words: insinuation, innuendo
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an indirect (and usually malicious) implication
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer INNUENDOS

12 Down: "12. Beyond impressive, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 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 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCARYGOOD

13 Down: "13. Ceremony"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: P__P
  • Similar words: gaudery, eclat
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: cheap or pretentious or vain display
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer POMP

14 Down: "18. One of several in a watch"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: G__R
  • Similar words: gear mechanism, pitch
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GEAR

15 Down: "23. Caribbean music genre"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKA

16 Down: "25. Rae of "Insecure""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ISSA

17 Down: "26. NaOH"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LYE

18 Down: "27. About 35,000 for the Taj Mahal: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S__T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SQFT

19 Down: "28. No longer relevant"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: M__T
  • Similar words: disputable, consider
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a hypothetical case that law students argue as an exercise
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MOOT

20 Down: "30. ___ Nation (activist organization since 1990)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Q' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: Q___R
  • Similar words: gay, faggot
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: offensive term for an openly homosexual man
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer QUEER

21 Down: "31. Fair"

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: exhibition, exposition
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EXPO

22 Down: "32. T.H. White's "The ___ and Future King""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O__E
  • Similar words: at one time, formerly
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: on one occasion
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ONCE

23 Down: "33. Knockoff version of a bejeweled Imperial egg, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FAUXBERGE

24 Down: "34. In a class by oneself"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: U_______D
  • Similar words: unique, unparalleled
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: radically distinctive and without equal
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UNEQUALED

25 Down: "38. ___ Mawr"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: B__N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BRYN

26 Down: "39. Teeming (with)"

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: predominant, prevalent
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: most frequent or common
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RIFE

27 Down: "40. Greeting from Kermit"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: H__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HIHO

28 Down: "42. Name that sounds like a computer guidebook"

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
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EMANUEL

29 Down: "43. Hosts, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: MHz, megahertz
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: one million periods per second
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MCS

30 Down: "45. N.F.L. div."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer QTR

31 Down: "46. Lives"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E____S
  • Similar words: live, subsist
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: have an existence
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EXISTS

32 Down: "47. Coming right up"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: N__T
  • Similar words: following, succeeding
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: immediately following in time or order
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NEXT

33 Down: "50. Eel, at a sushi bar"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UNAGI

34 Down: "51. "Ratatouille" topper"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T___E
  • Similar words: turban, pillbox
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a tall white hat with a pouched crown; worn by chefs
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TOQUE

35 Down: "52. Fabrication expert"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: L__R
  • Similar words: prevaricator
  • Opposite of: square shooter
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LIAR

36 Down: "53. "I guess so""

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: for sure, trusted
  • Opposite of: unsure
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SURE

37 Down: "55. Barred from competing, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DQED

38 Down: "58. Trail Blazers' grp."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NBA

39 Down: "59. "Severance" actress Tullock"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JEN

40 Down: "60. Microdosing drug"

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 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LSD

41 Down: "61. "Quit ___ yappin'!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YER

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 18, 2025 at 05:17 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 18 2025 down clues

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Sunday, November 2, 2025

XWordHint Crossword Answers November 02, 2025 | 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

November 02, 2025 NYT Crossword Solutions

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. Cause a mess, as with frying oil 8
2A 9. Create an intricate series of lies, say 8
3A 17. Offerings to prospective bicycle buyers 9
4A 19. "Ben-Hur" or "Lawrence of Arabia" 9
5A 20. Or more 10
6A 22. Like many public housing projects 10
7A 23. Comprehends 4
8A 24. Way to manipulate public opinion through fear 11
9A 26. "The ___ is done" 4
10A 27. Some ambulance destinations, for short 3
11A 28. Ceramicists' devices 13
12A 30. Hog heaven? 3
13A 31. Wrong idea 15
14A 33. Word with bean or lemon 4
15A 34. ___ Jones, author of "How We Fight for Our Lives" 5
16A 35. Tick off 4
17A 37. Pieces of art? 7
18A 40. Allude (to) 3
19A 41. Winter Olympics event 7
20A 44. Agreements where one party takes some heat? 9
21A 46. Old-time theater item 9
22A 48. They point toward Mecca while salah is performed 10
23A 50. Evergreen pointer 10
24A 51. Sharpen 4
25A 52. Natural process of maturing 11
26A 54. Airplane wing feature 4
27A 55. Girder whose name assumes a serif font 5
28A 57. Paleolithic-era tools 9
29A 58. Have spiritual unity (with) 5
30A 59. Falsify 6
31A 61. ___ syndrome (allergic reaction to some bug bites) 7
32A 62. Actress and model Ali ___ 6
33A 63. Like some pricing strategies 6
34A 65. Annual awards whose name is an acronym 5
35A 66. Affectedly clever 6
36A 67. Allude (to) 5
37A 69. Southwest landform 5
38A 70. Smokey Bear spot, e.g., for short 3
39A 73. Area with the highest percentage of homes valued at $1 million or more 13
40A 79. [ha ha!] 3
41A 82. Reddish-brown color 4
42A 84. Ones skilled in governance 11
43A 85. Gram 4
44A 86. Return analogue 5
45A 88. "You're one to talk!" 9
46A 89. Mumbo jumbo 5
47A 90. Instrument for which Beethoven and Mozart composed 10
48A 92. Drink order at a sushi restaurant 10
49A 94. What might have green rooms? 9
50A 95. Unlikely sportsmanship award winner 9
51A 96. ___ Lupton, author of the 2010 best seller "Sister" 8
52A 97. Quarter-barrel containers of beer 8

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Cause a mess, as with frying oil"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the noise of something spattering or sputtering explosively
  • Similar words include: spatter, plash, sputtering
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPLATTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "9. Create an intricate series of lies, say"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "17. Offerings to prospective bicycle buyers"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "19. "Ben-Hur" or "Lawrence of Arabia""

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "20. Or more"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "22. Like many public housing projects"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "23. Comprehends"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a return on a shot that seemed impossible to reach and would normally have resulted in a point for the opponent
  • Similar words include: obtain, commence, make
  • Opposite of: end, leave
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "24. Way to manipulate public opinion through fear"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "26. "The ___ is done""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a legal document signed and sealed and delivered to effect a transfer of property and to show the legal right to possess it
  • Similar words include: title, human activity, act
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "27. Some ambulance destinations, for short"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
  • Similar words include: atomic number 68, erbium, ER
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "28. Ceramicists' devices"

13 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POTTERYWHEELS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "30. Hog heaven?"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Similar words include: hordeolum, stye, eye infection
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "31. Wrong idea"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "33. Word with bean or lemon"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a coagulated liquid resembling milk curd
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CURD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "34. ___ Jones, author of "How We Fight for Our Lives""

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Tick off"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of irritation or annoyance
  • Similar words include: huff, seeing red
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MIFF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "37. Pieces of art?"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that art consisting of a design made of small pieces of colored stone or glass
  • Similar words include: arial mosaic, photomosaic, Mosaic
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOSAICS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "40. Allude (to)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sign of assent or salutation or command
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "41. Winter Olympics event"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formerly two short sleds coupled together
  • Similar words include: bobsleigh, bob
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOBSLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "44. Agreements where one party takes some heat?"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "46. Old-time theater item"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "48. They point toward Mecca while salah is performed"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "50. Evergreen pointer"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "51. Sharpen"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a whetstone made of fine gritstone; used for sharpening razors
  • Similar words include: perfect
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. Natural process of maturing"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "54. Airplane wing feature"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any broad thin and limber covering attached at one edge; hangs loose or projects freely
  • Similar words include: dither, tizzy, flapping
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FLAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "55. Girder whose name assumes a serif font"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "57. Paleolithic-era tools"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Have spiritual unity (with)"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Falsify"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a licensed medical practitioner
  • Similar words include: MD, medico, furbish up
  • Opposite of: break
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOCTOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "61. ___ syndrome (allergic reaction to some bug bites)"

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Actress and model Ali ___"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Like some pricing strategies"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or arranged in tiers
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIERED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Annual awards whose name is an acronym"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that catch sight of
  • Similar words include: espy, spot, descry
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESPYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Affectedly clever"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Allude (to)"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make reference to
  • Similar words include: concern, relate, consult
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REFER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "69. Southwest landform"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hill that rises abruptly from the surrounding region; has a flat top and sloping sides
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUTTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "70. Smokey Bear spot, e.g., for short"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protein manufactured exclusively by the prostate gland; psa is produced for the ejaculate where it liquifies the semen and allows sperm cells to swim freely; elevated levels of psa in blood serum are associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer
  • Similar words include: prostate specific antigen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "73. Area with the highest percentage of homes valued at $1 million or more"

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SILICONVALLEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40A: "79. [ha ha!]"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41A: "82. Reddish-brown color"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42A: "84. Ones skilled in governance"

11 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an expert who is a member of a highly skilled elite group
  • Similar words include: technocrat
  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TECHNOCRATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43A: "85. Gram"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44A: "86. Return analogue"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to come or go into
  • Similar words include: enrol, infix, enroll
  • Opposite of: drop out, exit
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45A: "88. "You're one to talk!""

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46A: "89. Mumbo jumbo"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that senseless talk
  • Similar words include: stuff and nonsense, stuff, poppycock
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOOEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47A: "90. Instrument for which Beethoven and Mozart composed"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48A: "92. Drink order at a sushi restaurant"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49A: "94. What might have green rooms?"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50A: "95. Unlikely sportsmanship award winner"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51A: "96. ___ Lupton, author of the 2010 best seller "Sister""

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52A: "97. Quarter-barrel containers of beer"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Talking ___ (early dating period, in modern lingo) 5
2D 2. Fizzle (out) 5
3D 3. Exams whose analytical reasoning sections were removed in 2024 5
4D 4. PINpoints? 4
5D 5. Lead-in to state or Star 3
6D 6. Typically red-coated toy figurines 11
7D 7. Official proclamations 6
8D 8. Try to produce better offspring from 6
9D 9. Bursts 6
10D 10. Feels for 6
11D 11. Sport with crampons and carabiners 11
12D 12. Document that promises secrecy, for short 3
13D 13. Like the climate in Antarctica 4
14D 14. Does the Narrows hike at Zion National Park, say 5
15D 15. Become acquainted over Zoom, e.g. 5
16D 16. Villain 5
17D 18. "No doubt about it!" 6
18D 19. Inscribed 6
19D 21. Mythical creature with scales 6
20D 22. Lost one's temper 6
21D 25. Like some donations that anyone can accept 5
22D 28. Pride celebration 6
23D 29. "That much is obvious" 6
24D 31. Child who refuses to put things away? 10
25D 32. Flag thrower 10
26D 33. Olympic gymnast Nadia who was the first to receive a perfect 10 score 8
27D 36. Livestock facilities regulated by the E.P.A. 8
28D 37. TV series starring Rami Malek as a hacktivist 7
29D 38. Absurdist philosopher born in Algeria 5
30D 39. Perspectives 6
31D 41. More difficult to eat, as fish 6
32D 42. Tandoors, e.g. 5
33D 43. Lucy ___, African American slave narrator 7
34D 44. Garden pest 5
35D 45. Butterfly, e.g. 6
36D 46. Cheeky flirts 6
37D 47. Sufferer healed by Jesus 5
38D 49. Unit circle ratios 5
39D 50. Like some soils high in organic matter 5
40D 53. Small protestation 4
41D 56. Sociologist's concern 5
42D 58. Eccentric 5
43D 60. Update the equipment in 5
44D 62. Musical instruments that become other musical instruments when an F is added to the front 5
45D 64. Erasure 8
46D 66. Person idolized by a niche audience 8
47D 68. Physics Nobelist Feynman 7
48D 69. Covert mission, familiarly 7
49D 70. Be partial to 6
50D 71. Shell competitor 6
51D 72. Daikin Park team 6
52D 74. Gregorian ___ 5
53D 75. Aware of 4
54D 76. We, in Portuguese 3
55D 77. Bygone devices whose tapes had to be rewound 4
56D 78. Teatro alla Scala solos 5
57D 79. Ancient philosopher whose name means "old master" 6
58D 80. Support for the tree pose in yoga 6
59D 81. Strategy against fickle weather 6
60D 83. One more than 5-Down 5
61D 85. Unacceptable 5
62D 87. ___ Kassis, author of "The Arabesque Table" 4
63D 89. Hallowed 4
64D 91. Nittany Lions' sch. 3
65D 93. Big ___ 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Talking ___ (early dating period, in modern lingo)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any distinct time period in a sequence of events
  • Similar words include: stagecoach, degree, point
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Fizzle (out)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that disciple of jesus and leader of the apostles; regarded by catholics as the vicar of christ on earth and first pope
  • Similar words include: putz, tool, Saint Peter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PETER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Exams whose analytical reasoning sections were removed in 2024"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. PINpoints?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a unit of pressure: the pressure that will support a column of mercury 760 mm high at sea level and 0 degrees centigrade
  • Similar words include: atm, asynchronous transfer mode, automated teller machine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Lead-in to state or Star"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Typically red-coated toy figurines"

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Official proclamations"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a formal or authoritative proclamation
  • Similar words include: rescript, edict, decree
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EDICTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Try to produce better offspring from"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Bursts"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
  • Similar words include: flock, good deal, sight
  • Opposite of: boo
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPATES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Feels for"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for the misfortunes of others
  • Similar words include: pathos, commiseration, compassionate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Sport with crampons and carabiners"

11 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Document that promises secrecy, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Like the climate in Antarctica"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking sufficient water or rainfall
  • Similar words include: desiccated, desiccate, waterless
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Does the Narrows hike at Zion National Park, say"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english tennis player who won many women's singles titles (born in 1945)
  • Similar words include: cram, jampack, chock up
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WADES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. Become acquainted over Zoom, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "16. Villain"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "18. "No doubt about it!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "19. Inscribed"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "21. Mythical creature with scales"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states singer who appeared in several musical comedies (1909-1984)
  • Similar words include: Ethel Merman
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MERMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "22. Lost one's temper"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "25. Like some donations that anyone can accept"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "28. Pride celebration"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ceremonial procession including people marching
  • Similar words include: promenade, troop, march
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PARADE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "29. "That much is obvious""

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "31. Child who refuses to put things away?"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "32. Flag thrower"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "33. Olympic gymnast Nadia who was the first to receive a perfect 10 score"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "36. Livestock facilities regulated by the E.P.A."

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a building where livestock are fattened for market
  • Similar words include: feedlot
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEEDLOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "37. TV series starring Rami Malek as a hacktivist"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "38. Absurdist philosopher born in Algeria"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that french writer who portrayed the human condition as isolated in an absurd world (1913-1960)
  • Similar words include: Albert Camus
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAMUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "39. Perspectives"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a biased way of looking at or presenting something
  • Similar words include: angle, lean, slant
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "41. More difficult to eat, as fish"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that very thin especially from disease or hunger or cold
  • Similar words include: haggard, cadaverous, emaciated
  • Opposite of: boneless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BONIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "42. Tandoors, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting
  • Similar words include: oven
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "43. Lucy ___, African American slave narrator"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "44. Garden pest"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various small plant-sucking insects
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APHID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "45. Butterfly, e.g."

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand
  • Similar words include: solidus, virgule, fortuity
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STROKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "46. Cheeky flirts"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a seductive woman who uses her sex appeal to exploit men
  • Similar words include: vamper, prickteaser, flirt
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINXES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "47. Sufferer healed by Jesus"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person afflicted with leprosy
  • Similar words include: lazar
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEPER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "49. Unit circle ratios"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that ratio of the length of the side opposite the given angle to the length of the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle
  • Similar words include: drop the ball, trespass, goof
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "50. Like some soils high in organic matter"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or pertaining to or of the nature of peat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEATY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "53. Small protestation"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the short weak cry of a young bird
  • Similar words include: chirrup, peek, cheep
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "56. Sociologist's concern"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sociology) the conventions that embody the fundamental values of a group
  • Similar words include: Thomas More, More, Sir Thomas More
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MORES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "58. Eccentric"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
  • Similar words include: loco, nuts, crackers
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BATTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

43D: "60. Update the equipment in"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that outfitting a ship again (by repairing or replacing parts)
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REFIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

44D: "62. Musical instruments that become other musical instruments when an F is added to the front"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a substance for packing a joint or coating a porous surface to make it impervious to gas or liquid
  • Similar words include: lute, luting
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

45D: "64. Erasure"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any process whereby sounds or words are left out of spoken words or phrases
  • Similar words include: excision, omission, cut
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELETION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

46D: "66. Person idolized by a niche audience"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

47D: "68. Physics Nobelist Feynman"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

48D: "69. Covert mission, familiarly"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

49D: "70. Be partial to"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that like better; value more highly
  • Similar words include: favor, choose, opt
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PREFER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

50D: "71. Shell competitor"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

51D: "72. Daikin Park team"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

52D: "74. Gregorian ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a repetitive song in which as many syllables as necessary are assigned to a single tone
  • Similar words include: intonate, tone, cantillate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

53D: "75. Aware of"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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54D: "76. We, in Portuguese"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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55D: "77. Bygone devices whose tapes had to be rewound"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a magnetic tape recorder for recording (and playing back) tv programs
  • Similar words include: videocassette recorder, VCR
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VCRS

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56D: "78. Teatro alla Scala solos"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an elaborate song for solo voice
  • Similar words include: aria
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARIAS

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57D: "79. Ancient philosopher whose name means "old master""

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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58D: "80. Support for the tree pose in yoga"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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59D: "81. Strategy against fickle weather"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that single thickness of usually some homogeneous substance
  • Similar words include: level, stratum, layer
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAYERS

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60D: "83. One more than 5-Down"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brightly colored tropical freshwater fishes
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TETRA

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61D: "85. Unacceptable"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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62D: "87. ___ Kassis, author of "The Arabesque Table""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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63D: "89. Hallowed"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a sacred place of pilgrimage
  • Similar words include: holy place, sanctum
  • Opposite of: unholy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

64D: "91. Nittany Lions' sch."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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65D: "93. Big ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mountain or tall hill
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEN

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

52 Across Clues
65 Down Clues
117 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: November 02, 2025 at 03:57 AM

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