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Friday, December 26, 2025

NYT Down Clues Answers December 26, 2025 - All 35 Vertical Solutions & Expert Hints

Today's Down Crossword NYT December 26, 2025 - Every Vertical Solution Explained

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 35 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: Todays NYT Crossword Across Clues_21 | July 03 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers December 02 |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 26, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Friday, December 26, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 26, 2025
Day of Week Friday
Total Down Clues 35 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Medium

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 35 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. How a supervillain might brag
2 Down 2. Flip
3 Down 3. Waiting for support, maybe
4 Down 4. Like untended plots
5 Down 5. Funeral ___
6 Down 6. Broad band?
7 Down 7. Royal Australian Air Force insignia
8 Down 8. Competition that combines speed with balance
9 Down 9. Professor Dumbledore
10 Down 10. Contest
11 Down 11. Bevy : quail :: parliament : ___
12 Down 12. The world's end, in Norse mythology
13 Down 13. Mr. or Ms. Right
14 Down 14. Baby sitter?
15 Down 21. Half of a classic rum cocktail's name
16 Down 24. Component of a nautilus shell
17 Down 25. Eric who wrote and illustrated "Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me"
18 Down 27. Stick by a fireplace
19 Down 28. Mantra
20 Down 29. Nearby things
21 Down 30. Like the pope's guards
22 Down 31. Area on which to eat or play cards
23 Down 32. "You can absolutely count on me"
24 Down 33. Figure in sci-fi's "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman," e.g.
25 Down 34. Great illustrations
26 Down 38. Connected
27 Down 39. Sister of Moses
28 Down 40. Worth considering
29 Down 41. Made up
30 Down 43. Nation dubbed the "cradle of mankind"
31 Down 44. "Understood?"
32 Down 46. Big break
33 Down 47. Stack (up)
34 Down 49. Casting need
35 Down 51. Short diner order

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. How a supervillain might brag"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: S____Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: in a smug manner
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SMUGLY

2 Down: "2. Flip"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: L____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LOSEIT

3 Down: "3. Waiting for support, maybe"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ONHOLD

4 Down: "4. Like untended plots"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: W___Y
  • Similar words: scrawny, underweight
  • Opposite of: weedless
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: abounding with or resembling weeds
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WEEDY

5 Down: "5. Funeral ___"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P__E
  • Similar words: funeral pyre
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: wood heaped for burning a dead body as a funeral rite
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PYRE

6 Down: "6. Broad band?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'I'
  • Similar words: obeah
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OBI

7 Down: "7. Royal Australian Air Force insignia"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: K______O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KANGAROO

8 Down: "8. Competition that combines speed with balance"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 15 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E_____________E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EGGANDSPOONRACE

9 Down: "9. Professor Dumbledore"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A___S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALBUS

10 Down: "10. Contest"

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: round, bust
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BOUT

11 Down: "11. Bevy : quail :: parliament : ___"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'L'
  • Similar words: bird of Minerva, bird of night
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OWL

12 Down: "12. The world's end, in Norse mythology"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: R______K
  • Similar words: Gotterdammerung
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAGNAROK

13 Down: "13. Mr. or Ms. Right"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T______E
  • Similar words: sweetheart, sweetie
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a person loved by another person
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TRUELOVE

14 Down: "14. Baby sitter?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S______R
  • Similar words: baby carriage, go-cart
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: someone who walks at a leisurely pace
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STROLLER

15 Down: "21. Half of a classic rum cocktail's name"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MAI

16 Down: "24. Component of a nautilus shell"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: N___E
  • Similar words: mother-of-pearl
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the iridescent internal layer of a mollusk shell
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NACRE

17 Down: "25. Eric who wrote and illustrated "Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: C___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CARLE

18 Down: "27. Stick by a fireplace"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: M___H
  • Similar words: equalize, gibe
  • Opposite of: disagree
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MATCH

19 Down: "28. Mantra"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: C___T
  • Similar words: cantillate, intone
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CHANT

20 Down: "29. Nearby things"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THESE

21 Down: "30. Like the pope's guards"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S___S
  • Similar words: Swiss people
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the natives or inhabitants of Switzerland
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SWISS

22 Down: "31. Area on which to eat or play cards"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: T______P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the top horizontal work surface of a table
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TABLETOP

23 Down: "32. "You can absolutely count on me""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: I______E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IPROMISE

24 Down: "33. Figure in sci-fi's "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman," e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: G______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a female giant
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GIANTESS

25 Down: "34. Great illustrations"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E______S
  • Similar words: epitome, paradigm
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a standard or typical example
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EPITOMES

26 Down: "38. Connected"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: contact, converge
  • Opposite of: diverge
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: come together
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MET

27 Down: "39. Sister of Moses"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: M____M
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MIRIAM

28 Down: "40. Worth considering"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OFNOTE

29 Down: "41. Made up"

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
  • Similar words: abye, atone
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: make amends for
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATONED

30 Down: "43. Nation dubbed the "cradle of mankind""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: K___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KENYA

31 Down: "44. "Understood?""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: G___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GOTME

32 Down: "46. Big break"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: R__T
  • Similar words: breach, severance
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a gap between cloud masses
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RIFT

33 Down: "47. Stack (up)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P__E
  • Similar words: stack, stilt
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a collection of objects laid on top of each other
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PILE

34 Down: "49. Casting need"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: break down, snuff it
  • Opposite of: be born
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DIE

35 Down: "51. Short diner order"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'T'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BLT

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 35 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

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

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

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

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

Last Updated: December 26, 2025 at 05:16 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 26 2025 down clues

on No comments:

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

No 27391, Tue Nov 05, 2024 NYT Evan Kalish

Across Clues :

1. Quoth, 5. Rae of "Barbie", 9. Precipitation unit, 13. "Therefore ...", 14. Parental punishment that might be circumvented with an iPad, 15. What a host might offer a first-time visitor, 16. Tarnishes, 17. Professional pitchers?, 19. Pulitzer-winning author James, 20. Nada, 21. Claws badly, 22. Hindu aphorisms, 24. They have issues, in brief, 25. Unsubscribe, with "out", 26. Franklin of Motown, 29. Creative spark, for short, 33. Cotton gin inventor Whitney, 34. What was founded as the Collegiate School in Killingworth, Connecticut, 36. Popular sushi options depicted four times in this puzzle, 40. Genre for BTS, 41. Like Triple Word Score squares in Scrabble, 42. Marina markers, 43. Milky Way shape, 45. Nail polish brand, 47. ___ contendere, 48. Prez #41, 52. Impressive note for a soprano, 54. Fallopian tube traveler, 55. Orangutans, e.g., 57. Oscar nominee for "Network", 59. Pose performed on a mat, 60. (base x height)/2, for a triangle, 61. Singer Chappell ___, 62. Crossed a kiddie pool, perhaps, 63. Forgo humility, 64. Nocturnal reef hunters, 65. Ruminate in frustration

Down Clues :

1. Makes out, to a Brit, 2. "Farewell!", 3. Speck in the sea, 4. Opposites of no-nos, 5. Demand, 6. Hand sanitizer alternative, 7. City with the Mississippi River-spanning Eads Bridge: Abbr., 8. Rosary prayer, 9. "That sounds fine, go ahead", 10. Number of carolers?, 11. Four in a quart, 12. Billing increments: Abbr., 13. Pretty ___ picture, 18. Herb used in stuffing, 20. What a shock!, 23. Part of the mouth known as the palate, 24. Neighbor of Niger and Senegal, 27. Ring light?, 28. One sharing a common cause, 29. "Gross!", 30. Lies down for a bit, 31. Pig food, 32. It puts the icing on the cake, 33. Terminus, 35. Part of a dollar sign, 37. Brushing, flossing, etc., 38. Move, informally, 39. Trio collected by a bases-clearing hit, for short, 44. Ludwig Mies van der ___ (noted midcentury architect), 45. Pregnancy docs, 46. Wrinkle-faced pooch, 49. Lays into, 50. Fashion designer Kate, 51. Extend, as a membership, 52. German Mr., 53. "Here's a better ___ …", 54. Citation shortener, 56. Downcast, 57. Apprehend, 58. Croc's tip, 59. "How adorable!" reactions

Break down the NYT Crosswords: November 05, 2024

Let's go into the puzzle, starting with the across clues and answers, followed by the down clues and answers.

New York Times, Tuesday, November 5, 2024
New York Times, Tuesday, November 5, 2024


Across Clues with Answers:

  • The clue is 1. Quoth. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: SAID

    Possible Answer : allege, sound_out, said, pronounce, suppose, read, enunciate, aforesaid, aforementioned, order, tell, state, say, enjoin, aver, enounce, articulate


  • The clue is 5. Rae of "Barbie". Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: ISSA


  • The clue is 9. Precipitation unit. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: INCH

    Possible Answer : edge, inch, in, column_inch


  • The clue is 13. "Therefore ...". Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

    The answer: ANDSO


  • The clue is 14. Parental punishment that might be circumvented with an iPad. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: NOTV


  • The clue is 15. What a host might offer a first-time visitor. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: TOUR

    Possible Answer : hitch, term_of_enlistment, go, spell, tour, enlistment, tour_of_duty, circuit, duty_tour, turn


  • The clue is 16. Tarnishes. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

    The answer: SOILS

    Possible Answer : territory, soil, grime, grease, dirty, grunge, bemire, dirt, stain, land, ground, begrime, filth, colly

    Possible Opposite Answer : clean


  • The clue is 17. Professional pitchers?. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

    The answer: SALESREPS


  • The clue is 19. Pulitzer-winning author James. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: AGEE

    Possible Answer : James_Agee, Agee


  • The clue is 20. Nada. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: ZIP

    Possible Answer : cypher, speed, zilch, goose_egg, travel_rapidly, nil, aught, nada, nix, vigor, zip_up, energy, ZIP, postcode, postal_code, slide_fastener, cipher, hurry, vigour, null, zippo, naught, zip, ZIP_code, zipper, nothing, zero, zip_fastener

    Possible Opposite Answer : unzip


  • The clue is 21. Claws badly. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

    The answer: MAULS

    Possible Answer : mangle, maul, sledge, sledgehammer


  • The clue is 22. Hindu aphorisms. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

    The answer: SUTRAS

    Possible Answer : sutra


  • The clue is 24. They have issues, in brief. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: MAGS

    Possible Answer : magazine, mag


  • The clue is 25. Unsubscribe, with "out". Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: OPT

    Possible Answer : opt, choose, prefer


  • The clue is 26. Franklin of Motown. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

    The answer: ARETHA


  • The clue is 29. Creative spark, for short. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

    The answer: INSPO


  • The clue is 33. Cotton gin inventor Whitney. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: ELI


  • The clue is 34. What was founded as the Collegiate School in Killingworth, Connecticut. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: YALE

    Possible Answer : Yale_University, Yale, Elihu_Yale


  • The clue is 36. Popular sushi options depicted four times in this puzzle. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (15 letters)

    The answer: CALIFORNIAROLLS


  • The clue is 40. Genre for BTS. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: KPOP


  • The clue is 41. Like Triple Word Score squares in Scrabble. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: RED

    Possible Answer : Bolshevik, cherry-red, bolshie, loss, red-faced, red, Red, cerise, reddened, ruby, cherry, scarlet, Marxist, redness, bolshy, reddish, blood-red, ruddy, ruby-red, Red_River, flushed, violent, crimson, red_ink, carmine

    Possible Opposite Answer : gain


  • The clue is 42. Marina markers. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

    The answer: BUOYS

    Possible Answer : buoy, buoy_up


  • The clue is 43. Milky Way shape. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

    The answer: SPIRAL

    Possible Answer : whorled, turbinate, helical, whorl, gyrate, coiling, coil, helix, spiral, corkscrew, volute, spiraling, voluted


  • The clue is 45. Nail polish brand. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: OPI


  • The clue is 47. ___ contendere. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: NOLO


  • The clue is 48. Prez #41. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

    The answer: BUSHSR


  • The clue is 52. Impressive note for a soprano. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

    The answer: HIGHC


  • The clue is 54. Fallopian tube traveler. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: EGG

    Possible Answer : ballock, testis, testicle, bollock, orchis, eggs, nut, ball, egg


  • The clue is 55. Orangutans, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: APES

    Possible Answer : caricature, emulator, imitator, ape, copycat, anthropoid, aper


  • The clue is 57. Oscar nominee for "Network". Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

    The answer: NEDBEATTY


  • The clue is 59. Pose performed on a mat. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

    The answer: ASANA

    Possible Answer : asana


  • The clue is 60. (base x height)/2, for a triangle. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: AREA

    Possible Answer : surface_area, domain, arena, expanse, sphere, region, area, country, orbit, field


  • The clue is 61. Singer Chappell ___. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: ROAN

    Possible Answer : roan


  • The clue is 62. Crossed a kiddie pool, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

    The answer: WADED

    Possible Answer : bundle, pack, jam, ram, jampack, cram, chock_up, compact, wade, wad


  • The clue is 63. Forgo humility. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: BRAG

    Possible Answer : tout, brag, crow, vaporing, boast, shoot_a_line, gas, blow, boss, gasconade, swash, bragging, crowing, line-shooting, vaunt, bluster


  • The clue is 64. Nocturnal reef hunters. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: EELS

    Possible Answer : eel


  • The clue is 65. Ruminate in frustration. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: STEW

    Possible Answer : lather, grudge, sweat, fret, swither, grizzle, stew, brood


Down Clues and Answers:

  • The clue is 1. Makes out, to a Brit. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

    The answer: SNOGS

    Possible Answer: osculate, snog, buss, kiss

  • The clue is 2. "Farewell!". Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

    The answer: ADIEU

    Possible Answer: sayonara, auf_wiedersehen, goodby, so_long, good-by, bye, arrivederci, au_revoir, goodbye, good_day, adieu, cheerio, good-bye, bye-bye, adios

  • The clue is 3. Speck in the sea. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

    The answer: ISLET

    Possible Answer: islet, isle

  • The clue is 4. Opposites of no-nos. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: DOS

    Possible Answer: DoS, DOS, behave, arrange, doh, United_States_Department_of_State, make, practice, coiffure, State_Department, make_out, do, Doctor_of_Osteopathy, answer, coif, ut, set, perform, exercise, come, Department_of_State, disk_operating_system, execute, practise, DO, brawl, cause, fare, suffice, get_along, manage, bash, act, State, coiffe, dress, serve

    Possible Opposite Answer : unmake

  • The clue is 5. Demand. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

    The answer: INSIST

    Possible Answer: assert, insist, take_a_firm_stand, importune

  • The clue is 6. Hand sanitizer alternative. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: SOAP

    Possible Answer: soap, scoop, easy_lay, lather, Georgia_home_boy, max, grievous_bodily_harm, liquid_ecstasy, goop

  • The clue is 7. City with the Mississippi River-spanning Eads Bridge: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: STL

  • The clue is 8. Rosary prayer. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

    The answer: AVEMARIA

  • The clue is 9. "That sounds fine, go ahead". Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

    The answer: ITRUSTYOU

  • The clue is 10. Number of carolers?. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: NOEL

    Possible Answer: Christmastime, Yule, Noel, Yuletide, Christmas, Christmastide

  • The clue is 11. Four in a quart. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: CUPS

    Possible Answer: cup, transfuse, loving_cup, cupful

  • The clue is 12. Billing increments: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: HRS

    Possible Answer: hr, hour, 60_minutes

  • The clue is 13. Pretty ___ picture. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: ASA

  • The clue is 18. Herb used in stuffing. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: SAGE

    Possible Answer: sage, salvia, sage-green

  • The clue is 20. What a shock!. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: ZAP

    Possible Answer: nuke, vaporize, atomize, micro-cook, microwave, zap, atomise

  • The clue is 23. Part of the mouth known as the palate. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: ROOF

    Possible Answer: roof, ceiling, cap

  • The clue is 24. Neighbor of Niger and Senegal. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: MALI

    Possible Answer: French_Sudan, Mali, Republic_of_Mali

  • The clue is 27. Ring light?. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: HALO

    Possible Answer: doughnut, gloriole, nimbus, annulus, glory, aureole, ring, anchor_ring, halo, aura

  • The clue is 28. One sharing a common cause. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: ALLY

    Possible Answer: ally, friend

    Possible Opposite Answer : foe

  • The clue is 29. "Gross!". Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: ICK

  • The clue is 30. Lies down for a bit. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: NAPS

    Possible Answer: short_sleep, sleep, catch_a_wink, cat_sleep, nap, Napoleon, pile, snooze, forty_winks, catnap

  • The clue is 31. Pig food. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: SLOP

    Possible Answer: splosh, slops, mire, splatter, pigwash, squish, glop, swill, slop, splash, spill, squelch, slosh, treacle, pigswill, mush

  • The clue is 32. It puts the icing on the cake. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

    The answer: PIPINGBAG

  • The clue is 33. Terminus. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: END

    Possible Answer: goal, close, death, finish, terminal, remainder, remnant, closing, conclusion, stop, end, terminate, ending, cease, final_stage, last, oddment, destruction

    Possible Opposite Answer : begin, beginning

  • The clue is 35. Part of a dollar sign. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: ESS

    Possible Answer: einsteinium, E, atomic_number_99, Es

  • The clue is 37. Brushing, flossing, etc.. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

    The answer: ORALCARE

  • The clue is 38. Move, informally. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: RELO

  • The clue is 39. Trio collected by a bases-clearing hit, for short. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: RBIS

    Possible Answer: rbi, run_batted_in

  • The clue is 44. Ludwig Mies van der ___ (noted midcentury architect). Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: ROHE

  • The clue is 45. Pregnancy docs. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

    The answer: OBGYNS

  • The clue is 46. Wrinkle-faced pooch. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: PUG

    Possible Answer: pug, pug-dog

  • The clue is 49. Lays into. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

    The answer: HASAT

  • The clue is 50. Fashion designer Kate. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

    The answer: SPADE

    Possible Answer: nigger, coon, nigra, jigaboo, spade, nigga

  • The clue is 51. Extend, as a membership. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

    The answer: RENEW

    Possible Answer: reincarnate, regenerate, renew

  • The clue is 52. German Mr.. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: HERR

    Possible Answer: Herr

  • The clue is 53. "Here's a better ___ …". Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: IDEA

    Possible Answer: theme, approximation, thought, melodic_theme, musical_theme, estimation, idea, estimate, mind

  • The clue is 54. Citation shortener. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

    The answer: ETAL

  • The clue is 56. Downcast. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: SAD

    Possible Answer: deplorable, lamentable, pitiful, sorry, sad, distressing

    Possible Opposite Answer : glad

  • The clue is 57. Apprehend. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: NAB

    Possible Answer: arrest, collar, cop, nab, pick_up, apprehend, nail

  • The clue is 58. Croc's tip. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: TOE

    Possible Answer: toe, toenail

  • The clue is 59. "How adorable!" reactions. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

    The answer: AWS

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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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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25D: "38. ___ Mawr"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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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

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27D: "40. Greeting from Kermit"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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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

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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

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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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

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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

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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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

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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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

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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

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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