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Friday, February 20, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 20, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Disney character who sings "In Summer" 4
2A 5. Product code used in inventory management 3
3A 8. Ropes in 6
4A 14. Ones always grinding at their jobs? 8
5A 16. Connect 6
6A 17. Baking sheets, cake pans, muffin tins, etc. 8
7A 18. Manages 6
8A 19. Pleasant chill in the air, say 14
9A 21. Baylor of N.B.A. fame 5
10A 22. Org. whose work takes many forms? 3
11A 23. Took in 3
12A 24. Smear 6
13A 26. Nahuatl speaker 5
14A 28. Muse aloud 5
15A 29. Actress Seehorn of "Pluribus" 4
16A 30. "I smell trouble ...!" 4
17A 34. Break down while studying? 15
18A 37. First place? 4
19A 38. Docs that deal with sensitive information 4
20A 39. Miracle on the ___ (surprise French/English victory of W.W. I) 5
21A 40. Like many working horses, but not many working dogs 5
22A 42. Binges 6
23A 43. N.Y.C.-based dance group 3
24A 46. Wonder 3
25A 47. Descendants of the Picts 5
26A 48. Someone you might like to get to know better 14
27A 52. Wyndham hotel brand 6
28A 53. Has to keep going 8
29A 55. Extra 6
30A 56. Instruction before an M.R.I. 8
31A 57. Gets wise to? 6
32A 58. Li'l ___ (tykes) 3
33A 59. Fix 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Disney character who sings "In Summer""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Product code used in inventory management"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Ropes in"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that belgian composer (1532-1594)
  • Similar words include: Orlando di Lasso, lariat, Lasso
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASSOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Ones always grinding at their jobs?"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Connect"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to be attached
  • Similar words include: bond, tie, confiscate
  • Opposite of: detach
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATTACH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Baking sheets, cake pans, muffin tins, etc."

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that heat-resistant dishware in which food can be cooked as well as served
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVENWARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Manages"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Pleasant chill in the air, say"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Baylor of N.B.A. fame"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Org. whose work takes many forms?"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the bureau of the treasury department responsible for tax collections
  • Similar words include: Internal Revenue Service
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Took in"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
  • Similar words include: exhaust, consume, eat on
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Smear"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that speak unfavorably about
  • Similar words include: traduce, evil, drag through the mud
  • Opposite of: benign
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MALIGN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Nahuatl speaker"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the nahuatl people who established an empire in mexico that was overthrown by cortes in 1519
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AZTEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Muse aloud"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
  • Similar words include: sound off, animadvert, guess
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Actress Seehorn of "Pluribus""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fertility goddess in ancient greek mythology; wife of cronus and mother of zeus; identified with roman ops and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Similar words include: Rhea americana, nandu, Pterocnemia pennata
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RHEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. "I smell trouble ...!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Break down while studying?"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. First place?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "38. Docs that deal with sensitive information"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. Miracle on the ___ (surprise French/English victory of W.W. I)"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Like many working horses, but not many working dogs"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that furnish with shoes
  • Similar words include: shod, shoe, shodden
  • Opposite of: unshod
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Binges"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brief indulgence of your impulses
  • Similar words include: spree, fling
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPREES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. N.Y.C.-based dance group"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Wonder"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
  • Similar words include: veneration, fear, reverence
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Descendants of the Picts"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the dialect of english used in scotland
  • Similar words include: Scotch, Scotsman, Scottish
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Someone you might like to get to know better"

14 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Wyndham hotel brand"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Has to keep going"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Extra"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
  • Similar words include: too, excessively, to a fault
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "56. Instruction before an M.R.I."

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Gets wise to?"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
  • Similar words include: sass, lip, back talk
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SASSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "58. Li'l ___ (tykes)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an organization of independent states formed in 1945 to promote international peace and security
  • Similar words include: UN, United Nations
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "59. Fix"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the ovaries of
  • Similar words include: neuter, alter, castrate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Seller's shorthand for "I'm willing to haggle" 3
2D 2. W.C.s 4
3D 3. "Is this being broadcast now?" 9
4D 4. Posh hotel room amenities 10
5D 5. Cholesterol-lowering drug 6
6D 6. ___ Bass, first female mayor of Los Angeles 5
7D 7. Customer, in tech-speak 4
8D 8. Social activity that may involve wearing a vest 8
9D 9. Relaxed 6
10D 10. "Let it stand" 4
11D 11. One of the Obamas 5
12D 12. It has eight players 5
13D 13. Word with bird or leave 5
14D 15. Arrogant self-assurance 7
15D 20. Becomes aged, in a way 6
16D 24. Extra 4
17D 25. Was a copycat of 4
18D 26. To come 5
19D 27. Shady dealers 10
20D 29. Trade for cash 6
21D 31. "Some free advice ..." 9
22D 32. State bird found in only a single state 4
23D 33. Valuable deposits 4
24D 35. They might be made up in the spring 8
25D 36. Brings in 7
26D 41. Online nickname 6
27D 42. Things made by toddlers and directors 6
28D 43. Hairstyles often associated with the '60s and '70s 5
29D 44. "Well done!" 5
30D 45. x 5
31D 47. Wood finish 5
32D 49. Crispy flaps of crust on sourdough loaves 4
33D 50. Org. with a "Know Your Rights" campaign 4
34D 51. ___ Bunny, toon who debuted in "Space Jam" 4
35D 54. Carry on 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Seller's shorthand for "I'm willing to haggle""

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. W.C.s"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
  • Similar words include: can, john, lav
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAVS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "Is this being broadcast now?""

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Posh hotel room amenities"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Cholesterol-lowering drug"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a medicine that lowers blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting hmg-coa reductase
  • Similar words include: lipid-lowering medication, statin drug, lipid-lowering medicine
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STATIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. ___ Bass, first female mayor of Los Angeles"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the tibeto-burman language spoken in the thailand and burmese borderlands
  • Similar words include: Karenic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAREN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Customer, in tech-speak"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who makes use of a thing; someone who uses or employs something
  • Similar words include: substance abuser, drug user, exploiter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Social activity that may involve wearing a vest"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Relaxed"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. "Let it stand""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that printing: cancel, as of a correction or deletion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. One of the Obamas"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. It has eight players"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one
  • Similar words include: VIII, ogdoad, octonary
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OCTET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Word with bird or leave"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the land along the edge of a body of water
  • Similar words include: prop, shore up, shoring
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "15. Arrogant self-assurance"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an itinerant australian laborer who carries his personal belongings in a bundle as he travels around in search of work
  • Similar words include: swash, tittup, prance
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWAGGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Becomes aged, in a way"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Extra"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english statesman who opposed henry viii's divorce from catherine of aragon and was imprisoned and beheaded; recalled for his concept of utopia, the ideal state
  • Similar words include: to a greater extent, Thomas More, more than
  • Opposite of: fewer, less
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Was a copycat of"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that imitate uncritically and in every aspect
  • Similar words include: caricature, ape
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. To come"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having the leading position or higher score in a contest
  • Similar words include: beforehand, forward, in advance
  • Opposite of: back, backward
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AHEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Shady dealers"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "29. Trade for cash"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that save from sins
  • Similar words include: save, ransom, pay off
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REDEEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. "Some free advice ...""

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "32. State bird found in only a single state"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "33. Valuable deposits"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Similar words include: ore
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. They might be made up in the spring"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Brings in"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that commodities (goods or services) bought from a foreign country
  • Similar words include: moment, significance, meaning
  • Opposite of: export, inconsequence
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMPORTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. Online nickname"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it
  • Similar words include: manage, wield, palm
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HANDLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Things made by toddlers and directors"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the place where some action occurs
  • Similar words include: tantrum, scenery, picture
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCENES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Hairstyles often associated with the '60s and '70s"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rounded thickly curled hairdo
  • Similar words include: Afro, Afro hairdo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFROS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. "Well done!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. x"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
  • Similar words include: clip, multiplication, fourth dimension
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIMES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Wood finish"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a soiled or discolored appearance
  • Similar words include: sully, maculate, grunge
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. Crispy flaps of crust on sourdough loaves"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Org. with a "Know Your Rights" campaign"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. ___ Bunny, toon who debuted in "Space Jam""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Carry on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of the strands twisted together to make yarn or rope or thread; often used in combination
  • Similar words include: run, supply, provide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLY

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

33 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
68 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: February 20, 2026 at 05:01 AM

Thursday, December 18, 2025

NYT Across Crossword December 18, 2025 - Master All 37 Left-to-Right Clues

Thursday NYT Across Solutions December 18, 2025 - Every Horizontal Clue Decoded with Hints

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

Related Puzzles: January 12 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | Todays Down Crossword NYT December 10 | August 03 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Across Clues

NYT Across clues solutions for December 18, 2025
NYT Across Clues - Thursday, December 18, 2025
Across Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 18, 2025
Day of Week Thursday
Total Across Clues 37 clues
Direction Horizontal (Left to Right)
Difficulty Tricky

All Across Clues - Complete List

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

Complete Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 1. "We're the best!," e.g.
2 Across 6. Lengthy pitch
3 Across 11. Web access co.
4 Across 14. Mushroom in ramen
5 Across 15. Trunks
6 Across 16. Platoon sgt., e.g.
7 Across 17. Feats performed on knights' quests
8 Across 19. "Platoon" setting, for short
9 Across 20. ___ tight
10 Across 21. Dig in
11 Across 22. Appropriate inappropriately
12 Across 24. Go off on
13 Across 27. Bear with a message
14 Across 29. "Colorful" Atlantic Coast Conference team
15 Across 32. Helpful
16 Across 35. Some radar blips
17 Across 36. Reveal private data of, in modern lingo
18 Across 37. Mama's mama
19 Across 38. Jake's love in "The Sun Also Rises"
20 Across 40. Bit of aerial arts equipment
21 Across 41. Word with ball or card
22 Across 42. Lake ___, body formerly known as Lac du Chat
23 Across 43. Botch
24 Across 44. Follow-up to an oath
25 Across 48. Fluid for a lighter
26 Across 49. Crosses off
27 Across 52. Get schooled
28 Across 53. Volleyball team count
29 Across 54. OK signal
30 Across 56. Off-line, online
31 Across 57. Point at the wrong person
32 Across 62. The time of one's life?
33 Across 63. He said "Every great film should seem new every time you see it"
34 Across 64. Smooth transition
35 Across 65. Visibly embarrassed
36 Across 66. Alley components
37 Across 67. Preserved, in a way

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Across Clues

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

Complete Across Solutions:


1 Across: "1. "We're the best!," e.g."

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: B___T
  • Similar words: tout, swash
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: speaking of yourself in superlatives
  • This is Across clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer BOAST


2 Across: "6. Lengthy pitch"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: S___L
  • Similar words: line of gab, play
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)
  • This is Across clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SPIEL


3 Across: "11. Web access co."

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ISP


4 Across: "14. Mushroom in ramen"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ENOKI


5 Across: "15. Trunks"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: T___I
  • Similar words: body, trunk
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the body excluding the head and neck and limbs
  • This is Across clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer TORSI


6 Across: "16. Platoon sgt., e.g."

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer NCO


7 Across: "17. Feats performed on knights' quests"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 11 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'Q'
  • Word pattern: D_________Q
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer DARINGRESQQ


8 Across: "19. "Platoon" setting, for short"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'M'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer NAM


9 Across: "20. ___ tight"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: sit around, sit down
  • Opposite of: arise
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: be seated
  • This is Across clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SIT


10 Across: "21. Dig in"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: consume, run through
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: take in solid food
  • This is Across clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer EAT


11 Across: "22. Appropriate inappropriately"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: U___P
  • Similar words: arrogate, assume
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer USURP


12 Across: "24. Go off on"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: R____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer RAILAT


13 Across: "27. Bear with a message"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: S____Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SMOKEY


14 Across: "29. "Colorful" Atlantic Coast Conference team"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 12 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S__________E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SYRAQQORANGE


15 Across: "32. Helpful"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer OFUSE


16 Across: "35. Some radar blips"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: U__S
  • Similar words: UFO, flying saucer
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer UFOS


17 Across: "36. Reveal private data of, in modern lingo"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'X'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer DOX


18 Across: "37. Mama's mama"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: N__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer NANA


19 Across: "38. Jake's love in "The Sun Also Rises""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: B___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer BRETT


20 Across: "40. Bit of aerial arts equipment"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: H__P
  • Similar words: ring, basket
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a light curved skeleton to spread out a skirt
  • This is Across clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer HOOP


21 Across: "41. Word with ball or card"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: prompt, remind
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer CUE


22 Across: "42. Lake ___, body formerly known as Lac du Chat"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E__E
  • Similar words: Lake Erie
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ERIE


23 Across: "43. Botch"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: M___O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: do wrongly or improperly
  • This is Across clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer MISDO


24 Across: "44. Follow-up to an oath"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 12 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: E__________H
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer EXQQMYFRENCH


25 Across: "48. Fluid for a lighter"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: B____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer BUTANE


26 Across: "49. Crosses off"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'X' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: X____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer XESOUT


27 Across: "52. Get schooled"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: L___N
  • Similar words: pick up, ascertain
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: gain knowledge or skills
  • This is Across clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer LEARN


28 Across: "53. Volleyball team count"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'X'
  • Similar words: 6, sixer
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
  • This is Across clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SIX


29 Across: "54. OK signal"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'D'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a sign of assent or salutation or command
  • This is Across clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer NOD


30 Across: "56. Off-line, online"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'L'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer IRL


31 Across: "57. Point at the wrong person"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 11 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'Q'
  • Word pattern: U_________Q
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer UNJUSTLYAQQ


32 Across: "62. The time of one's life?"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: historic period, years
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: how long something has existed
  • This is Across clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer AGE


33 Across: "63. He said "Every great film should seem new every time you see it""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: E___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer EBERT


34 Across: "64. Smooth transition"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SEGUE


35 Across: "65. Visibly embarrassed"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'D'
  • Similar words: Bolshevik, bolshie
  • Opposite of: gain
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer RED


36 Across: "66. Alley components"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L___S
  • Similar words: lane
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a narrow way or road
  • This is Across clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer LANES


37 Across: "67. Preserved, in a way"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: D___D
  • Similar words: dry, desiccated
  • Opposite of: wet
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: remove the moisture from and make dry
  • This is Across clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer DRIED

Expert Strategies for Solving Across Clues

Master the horizontal clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Across Clues?

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

Across Clue Patterns to Recognize

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

Time-Saving Across Techniques

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Across Clues

What are Across clues in crossword puzzles?

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

Should I solve Across or Down clues first?

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

How many Across clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 37 Across clues.

Are Across clues easier than Down clues?

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

How do Across clues interact with Down clues?

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


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

Last Updated: December 18, 2025 at 04:53 AM

Search terms: NYT Across, Across clues, horizontal, crossword answers, left to right, December 18 2025 across clues