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Wednesday, September 10, 2025

April 20, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (35 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

April 20, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

April 20, 2022 Across Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Answers

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Congratulatory gestures 5
2A 6. Div. of the Treasury Department 3
3A 9. "Murder Mystery" or "Roaring 'Twenties," for a party 5
4A 14. "Todo Sobre Mi ___" (1999 Almodóvar film) 5
5A 15. Stick on a rack 3
6A 16. Like some legs and mustaches 5
7A 17. Aptly named Olympic sprinter 9
8A 19. Epic poem written in dactylic hexameter 5
9A 20. It's multifaceted 8
10A 21. Rudely arrogant 6
11A 22. "___ no sin to cheat the devil": Daniel Defoe 3
12A 23. The Cowardly Lion, back in Kansas 4
13A 24. Aptly named six-time All-Star first baseman 13
14A 30. Bread with a palindromic name 4
15A 31. Cry for assistance 6
16A 32. Hold up 3
17A 34. Actor Elgort of "Baby Driver" 5
18A 36. "___ queen!" 3
19A 37. Mist a spot? 5
20A 39. Animal that symbolizes good fortune in Chinese culture 3
21A 40. Mushrooms found in ramen 6
22A 43. Shake, as a tail 4
23A 44. Aptly named tennis great 13
24A 47. Behind, in England 4
25A 48. Football carriers: Abbr. 3
26A 49. Listen to gossip, in slang 6
27A 52. What driver's licenses serve as 8
28A 57. Writer Nin 5
29A 58. Aptly named N.B.A. M.V.P., in a manner of speaking 9
30A 59. Period of work 5
31A 60. Plastic ___ Band 3
32A 61. "Later" 5
33A 62. Album makeup 5
34A 63. Gives the nod 3
35A 64. Legally prohibit 5

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. Congratulatory gestures"

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 blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
  • Words that mean the same thing: slap, smacking, smack
  • 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: SLAPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Div. of the Treasury Department"

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 bureau of the treasury department responsible for tax collections
  • Words that mean the same thing: Internal Revenue Service
  • 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: IRS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. "Murder Mystery" or "Roaring 'Twenties," for a party"

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 the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
  • Words that mean the same thing: idea, musical theme, paper
  • 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: THEME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. "Todo Sobre Mi ___" (1999 Almodóvar film)"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about movies/film.

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: MADRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Stick on a rack"

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 an actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech
  • Words that mean the same thing: clue, discriminative stimulus, remind
  • 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: CUE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Like some legs and mustaches"

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 cover with wax
  • Words that mean the same thing: wax, rise, full
  • The opposite would be: unwaxed, wane
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WAXED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Aptly named Olympic sprinter"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: USAINBOLT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Epic poem written in dactylic hexameter"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a greek epic poem (attributed to homer) describing the siege of troy
  • 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: ILIAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. It's multifaceted"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a crystalline rock that can be cut and polished for jewelry
  • Words that mean the same thing: gem, stone
  • 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: GEMSTONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Rudely arrogant"

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 (used colloquially) overly conceited or arrogant; -laurent le sage
  • Words that mean the same thing: persnickety, uppish, snot-nosed
  • 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: SNOTTY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. "___ no sin to cheat the devil": Daniel Defoe"

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 light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts); the main sources are rutile and ilmenite
  • Words that mean the same thing: Ti, titanium, ti
  • 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: TIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. The Cowardly Lion, back in Kansas"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard 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: ZEKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "24. Aptly named six-time All-Star first baseman"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 letters. It's a expert 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: PRINCEFIELDER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Bread with a palindromic name"

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 leavened bread baked in a clay oven in india; usually shaped like a teardrop
  • Words that mean the same thing: nan
  • 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: NAAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Cry for assistance"

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: HELPME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Hold up"

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 take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
  • Words that mean the same thing: fleece, plume, soak
  • The opposite would be: undercharge
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. Actor Elgort of "Baby Driver""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium 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: ANSEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. "___ queen!""

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: YAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Mist a spot?"

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 a pesticide in suspension or solution; intended for spraying
  • Words that mean the same thing: sprayer, nebulizer, spraying
  • 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: SPRAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Animal that symbolizes good fortune in Chinese culture"

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 nocturnal mouselike mammal with forelimbs modified to form membranous wings and anatomical adaptations for echolocation by which they navigate
  • Words that mean the same thing: squash racket, flutter, cricket bat
  • 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: BAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Mushrooms found in ramen"

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: ENOKIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Shake, as a tail"

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 fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
  • Words that mean the same thing: drop off, recede, fall behind
  • The opposite would be: find, win
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. Aptly named tennis great"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: MARGARETCOURT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. Behind, in England"

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 fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Words that mean the same thing: hindquarters, can, buns
  • 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: ARSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Football carriers: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a soft silvery metallic element of the alkali metal group; burns in air and reacts violently in water; occurs in carnallite and lepidolite and pollucite
  • Words that mean the same thing: rubidium, atomic number 37, Rb
  • 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: RBS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. Listen to gossip, in slang"

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: SIPTEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. What driver's licenses serve as"

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

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: PHOTOIDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "57. Writer Nin"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: ANAIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "58. Aptly named N.B.A. M.V.P., in a manner of speaking"

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: TIMDUNCAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "59. Period of work"

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 an unbroken period of time during which you do something
  • Words that mean the same thing: scant, Erolia minutilla, skimp
  • 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: STINT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "60. Plastic ___ Band"

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 united states musician (born in japan) who married john lennon and collaborated with him on recordings (born in 1933)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Yoko Ono
  • 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: ONO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "61. "Later""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a easy 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: SEEYA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "62. Album makeup"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a short musical composition with words
  • Words that mean the same thing: strain, birdsong, song
  • 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: SONGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "63. Gives the nod"

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 state in south central united states
  • Words that mean the same thing: okay, okey, Sooner 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: OKS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "64. Legally prohibit"

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: ESTOP

    Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Wednesday Puzzle April 20, 2022

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Self-satisfied 4
2D 2. Use a beam on, as for cutting 4
3D 3. Apple consumer with an unhappy story to tell? 4
4D 4. Mint 8
5D 5. Submitted 6
6D 6. Tiny floppy disk, for "Save" 4
7D 7. Reign 4
8D 8. Decided 3
9D 9. Puts out light, as a star 8
10D 10. Angelic, in a way 6
11D 11. ___ strategy 4
12D 12. Most substantial part 4
13D 13. Small vortex 4
14D 18. Painter of "The Garden of Earthly Delights" 5
15D 21. "Be as you wish to ___": Socrates 4
16D 23. Shuts up 6
17D 24. Bygone airline with a logo nicknamed the "Blue Meatball" 5
18D 25. One who may use the pronoun "I and I" (meaning God-in-me) 5
19D 26. Children's character who says "It's not much of a tail, but I'm sort of attached to it" 6
20D 27. Unreliable sort 5
21D 28. Statistical calculation 5
22D 29. Event for a Comedy Central special 5
23D 30. Capture 3
24D 33. "Later" 3
25D 35. They allow you to kick back and relax 8
26D 38. Unnamed guests 8
27D 41. Org. behind the Artemis program 4
28D 42. New England seafood staple 5
29D 45. Five stars, maybe 6
30D 46. More than right 6
31D 49. Give attitude 4
32D 50. Digging 4
33D 51. Bread: Fr. 4
34D 52. Pop star whose name is stylized with an exclamation point in place of its second letter 4
35D 53. Insurance grps. 4
36D 54. "O.G. Original Gangster" rapper 4
37D 55. Word before "... wanna go home," in calypso 4
38D 56. Instant, as a decision 4
39D 58. When doubled, excessive 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. Self-satisfied"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction
  • Words that mean the same thing: self-satisfied
  • 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: SMUG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Use a beam on, as for cutting"

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: LASE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Apple consumer with an unhappy story to tell?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (old testament) in judeo-christian mythology; the first man and the husband of eve and the progenitor of the human race
  • Words that mean the same thing: go, disco biscuit, hug drug
  • 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: ADAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Mint"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that completely free from dirt or contamination
  • 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: PRISTINE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Submitted"

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: SENTIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Tiny floppy disk, for "Save""

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 (computer science) a graphic symbol (usually a simple picture) that denotes a program or a command or a data file or a concept in a graphical user interface
  • Words that mean the same thing: image, ikon, picture
  • 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: ICON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Reign"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
  • Words that mean the same thing: linguistic rule, predominate, find
  • 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: RULE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Decided"

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 group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Words that mean the same thing: specify, readiness, congeal
  • The opposite would be: rise
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Puts out light, as a star"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a rapid change in brightness; a brief spark or flash
  • Words that mean the same thing: scintillation, twinkle, scintillate
  • 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: TWINKLES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Angelic, in a way"

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: HALOED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. ___ strategy"

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 opening that permits escape or release
  • Words that mean the same thing: issue, perish, pop off
  • The opposite would be: be born, enter
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EXIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Most substantial part"

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 flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
  • Words that mean the same thing: core, centre, nub
  • 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: MEAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Small vortex"

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 founder of christian science in 1866 (1821-1910)
  • Words that mean the same thing: swirl, whirl, Mary Baker Eddy
  • 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: EDDY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Painter of "The Garden of Earthly Delights""

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 dutch painter (1450-1516)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Jerom Bos, Hieronymus Bosch
  • 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: BOSCH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. "Be as you wish to ___": Socrates"

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 give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
  • Words that mean the same thing: look, appear
  • 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: SEEM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Shuts up"

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: ZIPSIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Bygone airline with a logo nicknamed the "Blue Meatball""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: PANAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. One who may use the pronoun "I and I" (meaning God-in-me)"

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 follower of rastafarianism
  • Words that mean the same thing: Rastafarian
  • 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: RASTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Children's character who says "It's not much of a tail, but I'm sort of attached to it""

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: EEYORE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Unreliable sort"

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 crystal of snow
  • Words that mean the same thing: oddball, snowflake, eccentric
  • 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: FLAKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. Statistical calculation"

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 wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
  • Words that mean the same thing: erroneous belief, wrongdoing, fault
  • 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: ERROR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. Event for a Comedy Central special"

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 a piece of meat roasted or for roasting and of a size for slicing into more than one portion
  • Words that mean the same thing: ridicule, jest at, laugh at
  • 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: ROAST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "30. Capture"

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 tag the base runner to get him out
  • Words that mean the same thing: cop, collar, nail
  • 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: NAB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "33. "Later""

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 you advance to the next round in a tournament without playing an opponent
  • Words that mean the same thing: arrivederci, adieu, au revoir
  • 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: BYE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. They allow you to kick back and relax"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: LEGRESTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. Unnamed guests"

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: PLUSONES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Org. behind the Artemis program"

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 independent agency of the united states government responsible for aviation and spaceflight
  • Words that mean the same thing: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
  • 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: NASA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. New England seafood staple"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that flesh of young atlantic cod weighing up to 2 pounds; also young haddock and pollock; often broiled
  • Words that mean the same thing: schrod
  • 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: SCROD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. Five stars, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an appraisal of the value of something
  • Words that mean the same thing: snitch, shit, give away
  • 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: RATING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. More than right"

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 of an angle; between 90 and 180 degrees
  • Words that mean the same thing: slow, dense, dull
  • The opposite would be: acute
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OBTUSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Give attitude"

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 impudent or insolent rejoinder
  • Words that mean the same thing: lip, sassing, mouth
  • 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: SASS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Digging"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy 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: INTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Bread: Fr."

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 symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
  • Words that mean the same thing: anguish, hurting, painfulness
  • The opposite would be: pleasure
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PAIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Pop star whose name is stylized with an exclamation point in place of its second letter"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a light shade of red
  • Words that mean the same thing: garden pink, pinko, knock
  • 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: PINK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Insurance grps."

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 group insurance that entitles members to services of participating hospitals and clinics and physicians
  • Words that mean the same thing: health maintenance organization, HMO
  • 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: HMOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. "O.G. Original Gangster" rapper"

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: ICET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "55. Word before "... wanna go home," in calypso"

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: DAYO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "56. Instant, as a decision"

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 catching an object with the hands
  • Words that mean the same thing: walkover, gingersnap, grab
  • The opposite would be: inelasticity
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SNAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "58. When doubled, excessive"

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 to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
  • Words that mean the same thing: excessively, likewise, to a fault
  • 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: TOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 48 64.9%
Short Answer 12 16.2%
Celebrity/Entertainment 5 6.8%
Literature 2 2.7%
Movies/Film 1 1.4%
Sports 1 1.4%
History 1 1.4%
Abbreviation 1 1.4%
Geography 1 1.4%
Music 1 1.4%
Food & Drink 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 35
Down Clues 39
Total Clues 74
Average Answer Length 5.1 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 13 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 Wednesday, 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!

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 10, 2025 at 02:19 PM

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Monday, October 20, 2025

All NYT Down Clues October 20, 2025 - 40 Vertical Answers with Hints

Monday NYT Down Solutions October 20, 2025 - Every Vertical Clue Decoded with Hints

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 40 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: May 27 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | August 30 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | December 23 2023 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for October 20, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Monday, October 20, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date October 20, 2025
Day of Week Monday
Total Down Clues 40 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Tricky

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 40 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. What covers the North Pole
2 Down 2. End of some sentences
3 Down 3. Having a certain natural hairstyle
4 Down 4. Furniture piece for a talk show host
5 Down 5. Shade of yellow
6 Down 6. More abrupt in language
7 Down 7. Hire to the team
8 Down 8. Band with the aptly titled debut album "High Voltage"
9 Down 9. Stratum
10 Down 10. Marketplace with stalls
11 Down 11. Occasion for a percussionist to shine
12 Down 12. With 13-Down, "___ can eat" (restaurant come-on)
13 Down 13. See 12-Down
14 Down 21. Inuit's home
15 Down 22. Time unit aptly hidden in "paleontology"
16 Down 26. University in North Carolina
17 Down 27. Difficult, tiring work
18 Down 29. Comic actress Wong
19 Down 31. Unit of flour
20 Down 32. Door handle
21 Down 34. Untuneful trumpet sound
22 Down 37. Lacking much thought
23 Down 38. Water, in Oaxaca
24 Down 39. Aforementioned
25 Down 40. Hospital area with IVs
26 Down 42. News media
27 Down 43. Crosstown rivals of the Cubbies
28 Down 46. Windpipe
29 Down 49. Decision-making consideration
30 Down 50. Neither here ___ there
31 Down 51. Only black key in a G major scale
32 Down 53. Fodder for "Jeopardy!"
33 Down 54. Alludes (to)
34 Down 55. Not interrupted by commercials ... or shortened like the middle words of 20-, 30-, 48- and 60-Across?
35 Down 58. Ties that are hard to untie
36 Down 61. Super-uptight
37 Down 62. Bit of bathroom décor
38 Down 63. Do, re or mi
39 Down 64. It goes around every year
40 Down 65. Short ___ (beef cut)

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues

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

Complete Down Solutions:

1 Down: "1. What covers the North Pole"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: I____P
  • Similar words: ice cap
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ICECAP

2 Down: "2. End of some sentences"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P____E
  • Similar words: password, word
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a promise
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PAROLE

3 Down: "3. Having a certain natural hairstyle"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: A____D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AFROED

4 Down: "4. Furniture piece for a talk show host"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DESK

5 Down: "5. Shade of yellow"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: A___R
  • Similar words: brownish-yellow, yellow-brown
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a deep yellow color
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AMBER

6 Down: "6. More abrupt in language"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: T____R
  • Similar words: crisp, terse
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: brief and to the point; effectively cut short
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TERSER

7 Down: "7. Hire to the team"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BRINGON

8 Down: "8. Band with the aptly titled debut album "High Voltage""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: A__C
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACDC

9 Down: "9. Stratum"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: T__R
  • Similar words: tier up, grade
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIER

10 Down: "10. Marketplace with stalls"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: B____R
  • Similar words: fair, bazar
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a shop where a variety of goods are sold
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BAZAAR

11 Down: "11. Occasion for a percussionist to shine"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DRUMSOLO

12 Down: "12. With 13-Down, "___ can eat" (restaurant come-on)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • Similar words: entirely, completely
  • Opposite of: some
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALL

13 Down: "13. See 12-Down"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YOU

14 Down: "21. Inuit's home"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: I___O
  • Similar words: iglu
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IGLOO

15 Down: "22. Time unit aptly hidden in "paleontology""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: aeon
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the longest division of geological time
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EON

16 Down: "26. University in North Carolina"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ELON

17 Down: "27. Difficult, tiring work"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: S__G
  • Similar words: swig, tramp
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: work doggedly or persistently
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLOG

18 Down: "29. Comic actress Wong"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'I'
  • Similar words: Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALI

19 Down: "31. Unit of flour"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'P'
  • Similar words: loving cup, cupful
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CUP

20 Down: "32. Door handle"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: K__B
  • Similar words: pommel, node
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a circular rounded projection or protuberance
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KNOB

21 Down: "34. Untuneful trumpet sound"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: B__T
  • Similar words: baa, bleat
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: cry plaintively
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BLAT

22 Down: "37. Lacking much thought"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: R__H
  • Similar words: efflorescence, skin rash
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any red eruption of the skin
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RASH

23 Down: "38. Water, in Oaxaca"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A__A
  • Similar words: agua toad, Bufo marinus
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AGUA

24 Down: "39. Aforementioned"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: V______E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VERYSAME

25 Down: "40. Hospital area with IVs"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'U'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ICU

26 Down: "42. News media"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P___S
  • Similar words: military press, bid
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the state of demanding notice or attention
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PRESS

27 Down: "43. Crosstown rivals of the Cubbies"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'X'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOX

28 Down: "46. Windpipe"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: T_____A
  • Similar words: windpipe
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TRACHEA

29 Down: "49. Decision-making consideration"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: F____R
  • Similar words: ingredient, divisor
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: anything that contributes causally to a result
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FACTOR

30 Down: "50. Neither here ___ there"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NOR

31 Down: "51. Only black key in a G major scale"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: F____P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FSHARP

32 Down: "53. Fodder for "Jeopardy!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: T____A
  • Similar words: triviality, trifle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: something of small importance
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TRIVIA

33 Down: "54. Alludes (to)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R____S
  • Similar words: touch on, cite
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: make reference to
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REFERS

34 Down: "55. Not interrupted by commercials ... or shortened like the middle words of 20-, 30-, 48- and 60-Across?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ADFREE

35 Down: "58. Ties that are hard to untie"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: K___S
  • Similar words: air mile, burl
  • Opposite of: unravel
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a tight cluster of people or things
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KNOTS

36 Down: "61. Super-uptight"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: A__L
  • Similar words: anal retentive
  • Opposite of: oral
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: of or related to the anus
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ANAL

37 Down: "62. Bit of bathroom décor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T__E
  • Similar words: roofing tile
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TILE

38 Down: "63. Do, re or mi"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: N__E
  • Similar words: distinction, bank note
  • Opposite of: ignore
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a brief written record
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NOTE

39 Down: "64. It goes around every year"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'U'
  • Similar words: grippe, influenza
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an acute febrile highly contagious viral disease
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FLU

40 Down: "65. Short ___ (beef cut)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'B'
  • Similar words: costa, laugh at
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: support resembling the rib of an animal
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RIB

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

  • Down clues often reveal key letters for intersecting words
  • Vertical patterns can unlock difficult sections
  • Many prefixes and suffixes run vertically
  • Down answers often help solve Across clues

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

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

Time-Saving Down Techniques

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 40 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

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

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

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

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

Last Updated: October 20, 2025 at 05:14 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, October 20 2025 down clues

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