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January 30, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, January 30, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 80 (37 Across, 43 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

January 30, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions

NYT Thursday Crossword Across Clues - January 30, 2020 Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. High-profile pair 8
2A 8. Means of access 7
3A 15. Not so obvious 7
4A 16. Classic Bob Marley song 7
5A 17. Site of Saguaro National Park 7
6A 18. It may bring one back to reality 10
7A 19. Shoot the breeze 3
8A 20. Insult, slangily 4
9A 22. Dark period for poets 3
10A 23. Not written 4
11A 25. Stinging plant 6
12A 27. It's often the fish in fish and chips 3
13A 30. Country bordering Togo 5
14A 32. "Seize the ___!" 3
15A 33. Chimney output 5
16A 35. "Don't freak out" 6
17A 37. Uno tripled 3
18A 39. Dollar alternative 4
19A 40. Participate in a common children's game, as illustrated in this puzzle 15
20A 45. Home of the oldest university in the Americas (founded 1551) 4
21A 46. Buffoon 3
22A 47. One of a Disney septet 3
23A 48. Eclipses, to some 5
24A 50. GQ or T 3
25A 52. Like much stand-up comedy 5
26A 56. Lira : Turkey :: ___ : Korea 3
27A 57. Have high hopes 6
28A 60. Starchy tuber 4
29A 61. Practice before a game 6
30A 62. Crazy popular, as a product 6
31A 64. Ending to a White House address 3
32A 65. Root that's roasted and eaten 7
33A 69. Test the strength of, chemically 7
34A 71. Rabble-rouse 7
35A 72. Noted Roosevelt 7
36A 73. Gift that comes in pieces 7
37A 74. Classic Bill Withers song 8

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. High-profile pair"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ITCOUPLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "8. Means of access"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an entrance that can be closed by a gate
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GATEWAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "15. Not so obvious"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that difficult to detect or grasp by the mind or analyze
  • Words that mean the same thing: elusive, insidious, pernicious
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SUBTLER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "16. Classic Bob Marley song"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about music.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ONELOVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "17. Site of Saguaro National Park"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a state in southwestern united states; site of the grand canyon
  • Words that mean the same thing: genus Arizona, AZ, Grand Canyon State
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARIZONA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "18. It may bring one back to reality"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: __________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COLDSHOWER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "19. Shoot the breeze"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth
  • Words that mean the same thing: rattle on, call down, manducate
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: JAW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Insult, slangily"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that god of the underworld; counterpart of greek pluto
  • Words that mean the same thing: Orcus, affront, insult
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DISS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "22. Dark period for poets"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "23. Not written"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Words that mean the same thing: oral examination, viva voce, unwritten
  • The opposite would be: anal, aboral
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ORAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "25. Stinging plant"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that any of numerous plants having stinging hairs that cause skin irritation on contact (especially of the genus urtica or family urticaceae)
  • Words that mean the same thing: irritate, get to, annoy
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NETTLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "27. It's often the fish in fish and chips"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
  • Words that mean the same thing: bait, seedcase, tantalise
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "30. Country bordering Togo"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a country on western coast of africa; formerly under french control
  • Words that mean the same thing: Dahomey, Republic of Benin
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BENIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "32. "Seize the ___!""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that time for earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
  • Words that mean the same thing: daylight, daytime, 24-hour interval
  • The opposite would be: night
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Chimney output"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
  • Words that mean the same thing: hummer, bullet, roll of tobacco
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SMOKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. "Don't freak out""

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BECOOL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. Uno tripled"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Dollar alternative"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AVIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Participate in a common children's game, as illustrated in this puzzle"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _______________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PLAYHIDEANDSEEK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "45. Home of the oldest university in the Americas (founded 1551)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that capital and largest city and economic center of peru; located in western peru; was capital of the spanish empire in the new world until the 19th century
  • Words that mean the same thing: capital of Peru
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LIMA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "46. Buffoon"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an awkward stupid person
  • Words that mean the same thing: stumblebum, lummox, lubber
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OAF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "47. One of a Disney septet"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a licensed medical practitioner
  • Words that mean the same thing: Commerce, medico, Commerce Department
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DOC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "48. Eclipses, to some"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a sign of something about to happen
  • Words that mean the same thing: prognostication, prognosticate, auspicate
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OMENS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "50. GQ or T"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it
  • Words that mean the same thing: magazine
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MAG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "52. Like much stand-up comedy"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NONPC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "56. Lira : Turkey :: ___ : Korea"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the basic unit of money in south korea
  • Words that mean the same thing: acquire, North Korean won, gain
  • The opposite would be: fail, lose
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "57. Have high hopes"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal
  • Words that mean the same thing: draw a bead on, shoot for, aim
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ASPIRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "60. Starchy tuber"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that edible starchy tuberous root of taro plants
  • Words that mean the same thing: cocoyam, taro root, eddo
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TARO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "61. Practice before a game"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WARMUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "62. Crazy popular, as a product"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REDHOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "64. Ending to a White House address"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GOV

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "65. Root that's roasted and eaten"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the whitish root of cultivated parsnip
  • Words that mean the same thing: Pastinaca sativa
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PARSNIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "69. Test the strength of, chemically"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about science/technology.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that measure by (the volume or concentration of solutions) by titration
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TITRATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "71. Rabble-rouse"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that try to stir up public opinion
  • Words that mean the same thing: budge, fight, vex
  • The opposite would be: calm
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AGITATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "72. Noted Roosevelt"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ELEANOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "73. Gift that comes in pieces"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LEGOSET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "74. Classic Bill Withers song"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about music.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LEANONME

    Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Thursday Puzzle January 30, 2020

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. "Whatever pays the bills" 7
2D 2. Arrow poison 6
3D 3. "Star Wars" Jedi, familiarly 6
4D 4. Competitor of Ruffles 3
5D 5. Tread slowly 4
6D 6. St. Petersburg was once named after him 5
7D 7. Wiped 6
8D 8. Disappear, as a trail 6
9D 9. Adams with a camera 5
10D 10. Snickers 6
11D 11. Entrepreneur Musk 4
12D 12. Bowl over 3
13D 13. Michigan, in Chicago: Abbr. 3
14D 14. "Get ___ Ya-Ya's Out!" 3
15D 21. Place to find corn dogs and funnel cakes 9
16D 24. Tripoli native 6
17D 26. Banks of "America's Next Top Model" 4
18D 27. Quiet fishing spot 4
19D 28. "The Grapes of Wrath" figure 4
20D 29. Work station 4
21D 31. Book after Ezra: Abbr. 3
22D 34. Mr. Met, for one 6
23D 36. "Gangsta's Paradise" rapper 6
24D 38. Call off 3
25D 40. Post-blizzard need 4
26D 41. A long way to go? 4
27D 42. Part of a church chorus 4
28D 43. Like some cellars 4
29D 44. Mob man 3
30D 49. Spa amenities 6
31D 51. Sister in a Brothers Grimm tale 6
32D 53. 1998 Olympics host city 6
33D 54. Positive particle 6
34D 55. Shout before entering a gunfight 7
35D 58. Ill will 5
36D 59. Official of ancient Rome 5
37D 61. Grows fond of 7
38D 63. Traditional remedy for a sore throat 6
39D 65. Chum 3
40D 66. One may be bronze or golden 3
41D 67. Oil worker's locale 3
42D 68. Term of endearment 3
43D 70. Campaigned 3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. "Whatever pays the bills""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ITSAJOB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Arrow poison"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a toxic alkaloid found in certain tropical south american trees that is a powerful relaxant for striated muscles
  • Words that mean the same thing: tubocurarine
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CURARE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. "Star Wars" Jedi, familiarly"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OBIWAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Competitor of Ruffles"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: UTZ

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Tread slowly"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the act of walking with a slow heavy gait
  • Words that mean the same thing: trudge, slog, footslog
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PLOD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. St. Petersburg was once named after him"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that russian founder of the bolsheviks and leader of the russian revolution and first head of the ussr (1870-1924)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Vladimir Lenin, Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, Nikolai Lenin
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LENIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Wiped"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that remove from memory or existence
  • Words that mean the same thing: rub out, score out, wipe out
  • The opposite would be: record
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ERASED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Disappear, as a trail"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GOCOLD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Adams with a camera"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANSEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Snickers"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TEHEES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Entrepreneur Musk"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ELON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Bowl over"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a joke that seems extremely funny
  • Words that mean the same thing: riot, sidesplitter, scream
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Michigan, in Chicago: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about abbreviation.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. "Get ___ Ya-Ya's Out!""

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Place to find corn dogs and funnel cakes"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STATEFAIR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Tripoli native"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a native or inhabitant of libya
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LIBYAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Banks of "America's Next Top Model""

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TYRA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Quiet fishing spot"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a small inlet
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. "The Grapes of Wrath" figure"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OKIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Work station"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DESK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Book after Ezra: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NEH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. Mr. Met, for one"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a person or animal that is adopted by a team or other group as a symbolic figure
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MASCOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. "Gangsta's Paradise" rapper"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COOLIO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "38. Call off"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that either extremity of something that has length
  • Words that mean the same thing: terminal, conclusion, destruction
  • The opposite would be: begin, beginning
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: END

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Post-blizzard need"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a farm tool having one or more heavy blades to break the soil and cut a furrow prior to sowing
  • Words that mean the same thing: deal, treat, cover
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PLOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. A long way to go?"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that large luxurious car; usually driven by a chauffeur
  • Words that mean the same thing: limousine
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LIMO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. Part of a church chorus"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
  • Words that mean the same thing: Amon, Amun
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AMEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Like some cellars"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a slight wetness
  • Words that mean the same thing: muffle, moistness, moist
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DAMP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. Mob man"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a spanish gentleman or nobleman
  • Words that mean the same thing: preceptor, father, Don River
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Spa amenities"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a finnish steam bath; steam is produced by pouring water over heated rocks
  • Words that mean the same thing: sauna, sweat room
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAUNAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Sister in a Brothers Grimm tale"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GRETEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. 1998 Olympics host city"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a city in central honshu to the northwest of tokyo; site of a buddhist shrine
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NAGANO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. Positive particle"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a stable particle with positive charge equal to the negative charge of an electron
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PROTON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "55. Shout before entering a gunfight"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COVERME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "58. Ill will"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that feeling a need to see others suffer
  • Words that mean the same thing: cattiness, bruise, venom
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPITE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "59. Official of ancient Rome"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EDILE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "61. Grows fond of"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WARMSTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "63. Traditional remedy for a sore throat"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HOTTEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "65. Chum"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
  • Words that mean the same thing: pal up, sidekick, chum up
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "66. One may be bronze or golden"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that how long something has existed
  • Words that mean the same thing: long time, historic period, years
  • The opposite would be: rejuvenate
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "67. Oil worker's locale"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that gear (including necessary machinery) for a particular enterprise
  • Words that mean the same thing: trailer truck, manipulate, carriage
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RIG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "68. Term of endearment"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
  • Words that mean the same thing: preferred, ducky, favorite
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 43 Down: "70. Campaigned"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy clue about short answer.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
  • Words that mean the same thing: melt down, take to the woods, play
  • The opposite would be: malfunction, idle
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 47 58.8%
Short Answer 20 25.0%
Music 2 2.5%
Geography 2 2.5%
Sports 2 2.5%
Celebrity/Entertainment 2 2.5%
History 2 2.5%
Science/Technology 1 1.2%
Abbreviation 1 1.2%
Literature 1 1.2%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 37
Down Clues 43
Total Clues 80
Average Answer Length 5.1 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

  • Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
  • Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
  • When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
  • Today is Thursday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 5 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 27, 2025 at 10:19 AM

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Thursday, December 18, 2025

XWordHint Crossword Answers December 18, 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

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

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

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

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that speaking of yourself in superlatives
  • Similar words include: feature, self-praise, brag
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Lengthy pitch"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)
  • Similar words include: line of gab, patter, play
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPIEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Web access co."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Mushroom in ramen"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Trunks"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the body excluding the head and neck and limbs
  • Similar words include: torso, body, trunk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORSI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. ___ tight"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be around, often idly or without specific purpose
  • Similar words include: model, pose, sit around
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Dig in"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in solid food
  • Similar words include: feed, exhaust, eat up
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Appropriate inappropriately"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
  • Similar words include: seize, arrogate, assume
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USURP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Go off on"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Bear with a message"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

12 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Helpful"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Some radar blips"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an (apparently) flying object whose nature is unknown; especially those considered to have extraterrestrial origins
  • Similar words include: unidentified flying object, flying saucer, UFO
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UFOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Mama's mama"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a light curved skeleton to spread out a skirt
  • Similar words include: basketball hoop, wicket, basket
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech
  • Similar words include: prompt, discriminative stimulus, pool stick
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
  • Similar words include: Lake Erie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Botch"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that do wrongly or improperly
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MISDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Fluid for a lighter"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that occurs in natural gas; used in the manufacture of rubber and fuels
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUTANE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Crosses off"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Get schooled"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gain knowledge or skills
  • Similar words include: acquire, instruct, get wind
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEARN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "53. Volleyball team count"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
  • Similar words include: sestet, sixer, half dozen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. OK signal"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

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!

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

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that how long something has existed
  • Similar words include: years, historic period, get on
  • Opposite of: rejuvenate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Smooth transition"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of changing smoothly from one state or situation to another
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEGUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Visibly embarrassed"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
  • Similar words include: redness, flushed, ruddy
  • Opposite of: gain
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Alley components"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a narrow way or road
  • Similar words include: lane
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the moisture from and make dry
  • Similar words include: desiccated, dry out, dehydrated
  • Opposite of: wet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Some queens 4
2D 2. Live 5
3D 3. It comes from the heart 5
4D 4. Glide down a piste 3
5D 5. ___ soldier 3
6D 6. Levels 6
7D 7. One versed in verse 4
8D 8. Agcy. that takes many forms 3
9D 9. Title for a J.D. 3
10D 10. Spirits 7
11D 11. "That's what she said" and others 9
12D 12. Beyond impressive, informally 9
13D 13. Ceremony 4
14D 18. One of several in a watch 4
15D 23. Caribbean music genre 3
16D 25. Rae of "Insecure" 4
17D 26. NaOH 3
18D 27. About 35,000 for the Taj Mahal: Abbr. 4
19D 28. No longer relevant 4
20D 30. ___ Nation (activist organization since 1990) 5
21D 31. Fair 4
22D 32. T.H. White's "The ___ and Future King" 4
23D 33. Knockoff version of a bejeweled Imperial egg, e.g. 9
24D 34. In a class by oneself 9
25D 38. ___ Mawr 4
26D 39. Teeming (with) 4
27D 40. Greeting from Kermit 4
28D 42. Name that sounds like a computer guidebook 7
29D 43. Hosts, for short 3
30D 45. N.F.L. div. 3
31D 46. Lives 6
32D 47. Coming right up 4
33D 50. Eel, at a sushi bar 5
34D 51. "Ratatouille" topper 5
35D 52. Fabrication expert 4
36D 53. "I guess so" 4
37D 55. Barred from competing, for short 4
38D 58. Trail Blazers' grp. 3
39D 59. "Severance" actress Tullock 3
40D 60. Microdosing drug 3
41D 61. "Quit ___ yappin'!" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Some queens"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
  • Similar words include: be intimate, bottom, layer
  • Opposite of: turn out, get up
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Live"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the large trunk artery that carries blood from the left ventricle of the heart to branch arteries
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AORTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Glide down a piste"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that narrow wood or metal or plastic runners used in pairs for gliding over snow
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. ___ soldier"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
  • Similar words include: cannister, put up, canister
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Levels"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of several parallel layers of material arranged one on top of another (such as a layer of tissue or cells in an organism or a layer of sedimentary rock)
  • Similar words include: class, socio-economic class, layer
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STRATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. One versed in verse"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POET

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

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!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a title of respect for a member of the english gentry ranking just below a knight; placed after the name
  • Similar words include: Esquire
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESQ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Spirits"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
  • Similar words include: strong drink, spirits, John Barleycorn
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIQUORS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an indirect (and usually malicious) implication
  • Similar words include: insinuation, innuendo
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INNUENDOS

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12D: "12. Beyond impressive, informally"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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13D: "13. Ceremony"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cheap or pretentious or vain display
  • Similar words include: eclat, gaudery
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a toothed wheel that engages another toothed mechanism in order to change the speed or direction of transmitted motion
  • Similar words include: geartrain, gearing, train
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "23. Caribbean music genre"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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17D: "26. NaOH"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LYE

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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19D: "28. No longer relevant"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hypothetical case that law students argue as an exercise
  • Similar words include: turn over, consider, debate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that offensive term for an openly homosexual man
  • Similar words include: fairy, foil, bilk
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QUEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. Fair"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a collection of things (goods or works of art etc.) for public display
  • Similar words include: exposition, exhibition
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that on one occasion
  • Similar words include: formerly, one time, in one case
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that radically distinctive and without equal
  • Similar words include: unparalleled, unique, unequalled
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNEQUALED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. ___ Mawr"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Teeming (with)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that most frequent or common
  • Similar words include: predominant, plethoric, prevalent
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIFE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. Greeting from Kermit"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Hosts, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one million periods per second
  • Similar words include: megahertz, megacycle per second, megacycle
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Lives"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have an existence, be extant
  • Similar words include: exist, survive, subsist
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EXISTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Coming right up"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that immediately following in time or order
  • Similar words include: following, side by side, adjacent
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEXT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. "Ratatouille" topper"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tall white hat with a pouched crown; worn by chefs
  • Similar words include: pillbox, turban
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOQUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "52. Fabrication expert"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who has lied or who lies repeatedly
  • Similar words include: prevaricator
  • Opposite of: square shooter
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LIAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
  • Similar words include: certain, trusted, surely
  • Opposite of: uncertain, unsure
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "60. Microdosing drug"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
  • Similar words include: lysergic acid diethylamide
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LSD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: December 18, 2025 at 04:08 AM

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