Search Clues

Showing posts sorted by relevance for query BRAINDUMP. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query BRAINDUMP. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, October 17, 2025

NYT Mini Crossword Answers Today October 17, 2025 - All 20 Clues Solved & Expert Hints

Mini Crossword NYT October 17, 2025 - Today's Puzzle Solved in Under 2 Minutes

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: March 12 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | August 12 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | July 24 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for October 17, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Friday, October 17, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date October 17, 2025
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1     
Row 2     
Row 3     
Row 4     
Row 5     

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 39. Longtime Nestlé candy brand
2 Across 28. Fun-size, so to speak
3 Across 48. ___ month
4 Across 24. Drinking game with projectiles
5 Across 5. Plant often confused with algae
6 Across 46. Portmanteau for evidence based solely on personal accounts
7 Across 51. Wipe
8 Across 49. Act of writing down whatever comes to mind in order to clear mental clutter
9 Across 15. Understanding response
10 Across 52. Biblical locale in a Steinbeck title

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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


1 Across: "39. Longtime Nestlé candy brand"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S_____S

Answer:

Click to reveal SNOCAPS


2 Across: "28. Fun-size, so to speak"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: T__Y

Answer:

Click to reveal TINY


3 Across: "48. ___ month"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: L___R

Answer:

Click to reveal LUNAR


4 Across: "24. Drinking game with projectiles"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B_______S

Answer:

Click to reveal BEERDARTS


5 Across: "5. Plant often confused with algae"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M__S

Answer:

Click to reveal MOSS


6 Across: "46. Portmanteau for evidence based solely on personal accounts"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A______A

Answer:

Click to reveal ANECDATA


7 Across: "51. Wipe"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E___E

Answer:

Click to reveal ERASE


8 Across: "49. Act of writing down whatever comes to mind in order to clear mental clutter"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: B_______P

Answer:

Click to reveal BRAINDUMP


9 Across: "15. Understanding response"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: I__E

Answer:

Click to reveal ISEE


10 Across: "52. Biblical locale in a Steinbeck title"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: E__N

Answer:

Click to reveal EDEN

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 26. British singer with the hits "R.I.P." and "Radioactive"
2 Down 6. Mac platform renamed in 2016
3 Down 8. More seductive
4 Down 11. Word with easy or high
5 Down 45. With, in Spanish
6 Down 34. DC figure since 1938
7 Down 22. Handles beautifully, in slang
8 Down 38. Certain unit of detergent
9 Down 44. Upper house of the French parliament
10 Down 4. Less prolix

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:


1 Down: "26. British singer with the hits "R.I.P." and "Radioactive""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: R_____A

Answer:

Click to reveal RITAORA


2 Down: "6. Mac platform renamed in 2016"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'X'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal OSX


3 Down: "8. More seductive"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S____R

Answer:

Click to reveal SEXIER


4 Down: "11. Word with easy or high"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: C___R

Answer:

Click to reveal CHAIR


5 Down: "45. With, in Spanish"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'N'
  • Another word like this: mulct

Answer:

Click to reveal CON


6 Down: "34. DC figure since 1938"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: S______N

Answer:

Click to reveal SUPERMAN


7 Down: "22. Handles beautifully, in slang"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C_____S

Answer:

Click to reveal CRUSHES


8 Down: "38. Certain unit of detergent"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: T_____D

Answer:

Click to reveal TIDEPOD


9 Down: "44. Upper house of the French parliament"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S___T

Answer:

Click to reveal SENAT


10 Down: "4. Less prolix"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: T____R

Answer:

Click to reveal TERSER

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 52 seconds
Difficulty: Easy

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

The puzzle comes out at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before. So you can play Monday's puzzle starting Sunday at 10 PM.

How fast should I be able to solve it?

Most people solve the Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play?

No! The NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Mini solver?

Good Mini solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

Unlike the big NYT crossword, the Mini stays about the same difficulty every day. Sometimes Saturday might be a tiny bit harder.


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: October 17, 2025 at 03:48 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, October 17 2025 mini crossword

Sunday, August 25, 2024

2425 Sunday Aug 25, 2024 NY Times by John Kugelman

Break down the NYT Crosswords By John Kugelman: August 25, 2024

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

Sunday Aug 25, 2024 NY Times by John Kugelman
Sunday Aug 25, 2024 NYT by John Kugelman
Across Clues with Answers:
  • The clue is 1. Loses one's shirt, say. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: UNDRESSES

    Possible Answer : peel, discase, undress, divest, uncase, disinvest, disrobe, unclothe, strip, strip_down

    Possible Opposite Answer : dress


  • The clue is 10. Primarily studies. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MAJORSIN


  • The clue is 18. City with a cowboy hat-wearing replica of the Eiffel Tower. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

    The answer: PARISTEXAS


  • The clue is 20. Videography option on a smartphone. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TIMELAPSE


  • The clue is 21. "Tsk, tsk"?. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

    The answer: DOUBLECLICK


  • The clue is 23. Buddy-buddy?. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

    The answer: SECONDMATE


  • The clue is 24. Resistance units. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OHMS

    Possible Answer : Georg_Simon_Ohm, Ohm, ohm


  • The clue is 25. What "Ten-four" and "Over" are used in. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

    The answer: RADIOSPEAK


  • The clue is 27. ___ liver oil (dietary supplement). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: COD

    Possible Answer : COD, twit, cash_on_delivery, C.O.D., bait, razz, taunt, seedcase, pod, collect, ride, gull, codfish, put_one_across, fool, put_on, take_in, slang, put_one_over, cod, befool, tantalize, rally, rag, tease, tantalise, dupe


  • The clue is 28. Honnold who was the first to free-solo climb El Capitan. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ALEX


  • The clue is 30. Exploit. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: DEED

    Possible Answer : deed, deed_of_conveyance, title, act, human_action, human_activity


  • The clue is 31. Sight at Sydney's yearly Festival of the Winds. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: KITE

    Possible Answer : kite


  • The clue is 34. "You're on!". Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

    The answer: ITSABET


  • The clue is 38. Paper-saving invoice. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EBILL


  • The clue is 40. They keep people in the dark. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EYEMASKS


  • The clue is 44. [Knock, knock]?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RAPDUO


  • The clue is 45. 11?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ONEAFTERANOTHER


  • The clue is 47. First-tier, as a celeb. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ALIST


  • The clue is 48. Thudding noise. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CLONK


  • The clue is 49. Diamond authorities. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: UMPS

    Possible Answer : umpire, ump


  • The clue is 50. Go (for). 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 51. Word used three times in the Postal Service creed. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: NOR


  • The clue is 52. Sen. or rep., e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: POL

    Possible Answer : political_leader, politico, pol, politician


  • The clue is 53. Up to. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

    The answer: ASFARAS


  • The clue is 56. N.W.A's "Straight ___ Compton". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OUTTA


  • The clue is 58. Owl or whippoorwill, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: NIGHTBIRD

    Possible Answer : nightbird, nighthawk, night_owl


  • The clue is 62. Big step for a start-up, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: IPO

    Possible Answer : initial_offering, IPO, initial_public_offering


  • The clue is 63. "Now I get it!". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OHH


  • The clue is 64. Pooh-pooh?. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (18 letters)

    The answer: THISBEARSREPEATING


  • The clue is 69. Wrap up. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: END

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

    Possible Opposite Answer : begin, beginning


  • The clue is 70. Sch. with campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: NYU


  • The clue is 71. Places to let out anger by smashing objects. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RAGEROOMS


  • The clue is 73. Built (on). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: BASED

    Possible Answer : based, found, establish, free-base, base, ground


  • The clue is 76. Core exercise done lying down. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

    The answer: LEGLIFT


  • The clue is 79. Queer identity, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ARO


  • The clue is 80. Output of some refrigerators. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ICE

    Possible Answer : methamphetamine, ice_rink, Methedrine, frappe, trash, internal-combustion_engine, glass, frosting, deoxyephedrine, chicken_feed, icing, water_ice, methamphetamine_hydrochloride, chalk, shabu, ice-skating_rink, frost, ICE, meth, crank, sparkler, ice


  • The clue is 82. Word often followed by a Roman numeral. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ACT

    Possible Answer : work, enactment, represent, act, behave, dissemble, pretend, human_action, act_as, deed, roleplay, bit, number, human_activity, play, move, turn, do, playact, routine

    Possible Opposite Answer : refrain


  • The clue is 83. Helping hand. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: AIDE

    Possible Answer : aide-de-camp, auxiliary, aide, adjutant


  • The clue is 84. Show up, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OUTDO

    Possible Answer : outgo, outstrip, outperform, surpass, trump, outmatch, outflank, scoop, best, exceed, surmount, outdo


  • The clue is 86. Else. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: IFNOT


  • The clue is 88. Tut-tut?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: THEMUMMYRETURNS


  • The clue is 93. "Ow! Ow!"?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ALLOWS

    Possible Answer : permit, tolerate, earmark, allow_for, admit, appropriate, set_aside, leave, allow, give_up, grant, let, reserve, provide, take_into_account, countenance

    Possible Opposite Answer : prevent, forbid, disallow, deny


  • The clue is 94. Buccaneer's buddies. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HEARTIES


  • The clue is 95. Park worker?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: VALET

    Possible Answer : gentleman, gentleman's_gentleman, valet_de_chambre, valet, man


  • The clue is 96. "That much is obvious". Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

    The answer: CLEARLY

    Possible Answer : understandably, clear, intelligibly, clearly, distinctly

    Possible Opposite Answer : unintelligibly


  • The clue is 97. Ran out of juice. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: DIED

    Possible Answer : fail, become_flat, pall, buy_the_farm, expire, conk, drop_dead, perish, go, snuff_it, die_out, give-up_the_ghost, decease, die, break_down, go_bad, give_out, exit, croak, conk_out, pop_off, kick_the_bucket, pass_away, give_way, choke, cash_in_one's_chips, pass, break

    Possible Opposite Answer : be_born


  • The clue is 98. The Lincoln Memorial appeared on it until 2008. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CENT

    Possible Answer : penny, centime, cent


  • The clue is 99. Tangled masses of hair. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MATS

    Possible Answer : flatness, entangle, matte_up, mat_up, lusterlessness, matt-up, Master_of_Arts_in_Teaching, mat, matte, felt_up, MAT, lustrelessness, tangle, matt, snarl, matting, gym_mat, felt

    Possible Opposite Answer : disentangle, unsnarl


  • The clue is 100. One of the Mannings. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ELI


  • The clue is 102. George Lucas's original surname for Luke Skywalker. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

    The answer: STARKILLER


  • The clue is 106. Shock proof?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: GASP

    Possible Answer : pant, heave, puff, gasp


  • The clue is 110. "OK, OK"?. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

    The answer: BACKUPCOPY


  • The clue is 114. "Hubba, hubba!"?. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

    The answer: PAIROFPANTS


  • The clue is 117. Outpouring of ideas. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: BRAINDUMP


  • The clue is 118. Seasonal workers in suits. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

    The answer: MALLSANTAS


  • The clue is 119. Official beer of the Boston Red Sox, familiarly. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SAMADAMS


  • The clue is 120. On the comeback trail. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RESURGENT

    Possible Answer : resurgent, renascent


Down Clues and Answers:
  • The clue is 1. Swept style. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: UPDO

  • The clue is 2. Chemical formula for lye. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: NAOH

  • The clue is 3. Oil container. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: DRUM

    Possible Answer: grind_away, bone_up, get_up, bone, mug_up, barrel, thrum, drum, tympan, swot, swot_up, beat, cram, drumfish, brake_drum, membranophone, metal_drum

  • The clue is 4. Needles. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RIBS

    Possible Answer: blackguard, costa, jest_at, roast, rib, guy, ridicule, poke_fun, make_fun, laugh_at

  • The clue is 5. Night school subj.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ESL

  • The clue is 6. Basilica of ___ Anne de Détroit (historic Michigan landmark). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: STE

  • The clue is 7. "Three may keep a ___, if two of them are dead": Benjamin Franklin. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SECRET

    Possible Answer: cloak-and-dagger, closed_book, hush-hush, surreptitious, occult, enigma, secluded, clandestine, confidential, mystic, secret, undercover, mysterious, orphic, hole-and-corner, mystery, arcanum, privy, mystical, hidden, underground, unavowed, hugger-mugger, private

  • The clue is 8. Over-the-counter brand that promises "Guaranteed relief every time". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EXLAX

  • The clue is 9. Put forth. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SAID

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

  • The clue is 10. Flaky mineral. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MICA

    Possible Answer: isinglass, mica

  • The clue is 11. Wild. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: AMOK

    Possible Answer: murderously, possessed, amok, demoniac, berserk, amuck, demoniacal

  • The clue is 12. "Friends" star, to friends. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: JEN

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

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

    The answer: OLD

    Possible Answer: one-time, onetime, honest-to-goodness, erstwhile, sure-enough, previous, quondam, old, former, sometime, older, honest-to-god, Old

    Possible Opposite Answer : new, young

  • The clue is 14. Run into. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RAM

    Possible Answer: jam, read/write_memory, Aries, RAM, jampack, drive, pound, random-access_memory, tup, random_memory, cram, crash, force, ram_down, wad, chock_up, Aries_the_Ram, Ram, ram, random_access_memory

  • The clue is 15. Carnival attraction that propels its riders sky-high. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SPACESHOT

  • The clue is 16. ":" in analogies. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ISTO

  • The clue is 17. Call for. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: NEED

    Possible Answer: necessitate, indigence, take, involve, want, pauperization, ask, motivation, demand, call_for, pauperism, require, need, motive, penury, postulate

    Possible Opposite Answer : obviate

  • The clue is 19. Half a rhyming genre name. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SCI

  • The clue is 20. Steaming, with "off". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TEED

    Possible Answer: tee_up, tee

  • The clue is 22. Alaskan salmon hunters. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

    The answer: KODIAKS

    Possible Answer: Ursus_middendorffi, Ursus_arctos_middendorffi, Alaskan_brown_bear, Kodiak_Island, Kodiak, Kodiak_bear

  • The clue is 23. Hulled wheat. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SPELT

    Possible Answer: import, write, Triticum_spelta, spell_out, Triticum_aestivum_spelta, spelt, spell

    Possible Opposite Answer : unspell

  • The clue is 26. Mirror image?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SELF

    Possible Answer: ego, self

  • The clue is 28. Be next to. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ABUT

    Possible Answer: butt_on, border, edge, butt_against, butt, march, abut, adjoin

  • The clue is 29. MGM's aptly named mascot. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LEO

    Possible Answer: Leo, Lion, Leo_the_Lion

  • The clue is 31. Nine credited roles in "Barbie". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: KENS

    Possible Answer: cognizance, ken, sight

  • The clue is 32. Texter's hedge. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: IMO

    Possible Answer: IMO, International_Maritime_Organization

  • The clue is 33. Bit of ink, familiarly. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TAT

    Possible Answer: tat, cheapness, TAT, sleaze, Thematic_Apperception_Test, tackiness, intertwine

  • The clue is 34. Home of Kurdistan's easternmost regions. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: IRAN

    Possible Answer: Islamic_Republic_of_Iran, Persia, Iran

  • The clue is 35. Raven claw. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TALON

    Possible Answer: talon

  • The clue is 36. Vital spark. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SPIRIT

    Possible Answer: sprightliness, intent, disembodied_spirit, feeling, flavor, smell, flavour, life, spirit_up, emotional_state, inspirit, spirit, purport, tone, look, heart, liveliness, feel

  • The clue is 37. Plugs. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ADS

    Possible Answer: advertizement, ad, advertizing, advert, advertisement, advertising

  • The clue is 38. Brian in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ENO

  • The clue is 39. Big name in allergy medication. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: BENADRYL

    Possible Answer: diphenhydramine, Benadryl

  • The clue is 40. Humorist Bombeck. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ERMA

  • The clue is 41. Talks incessantly. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: YAPS

    Possible Answer: yelp, yip, yap, cakehole, gob, hole, trap, maw

  • The clue is 42. Didn't spoil. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: KEPT

    Possible Answer: go_on, keep_open, save, keep, keep_back, restrain, sustain, preserve, observe, unbroken, proceed, hold_on, hold_back, hold_open, hold, celebrate, keep_on, continue, prevent, maintain, stay_fresh, retain, go_along, kept

    Possible Opposite Answer : discontinue, broken, break, let, lose

  • The clue is 43. Mlle. of Madrid. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SRTA

  • The clue is 45. Basic skateboarding trick. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OLLIE

  • The clue is 46. Jovian moon. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EUROPA

    Possible Answer: Europa

  • The clue is 48. Kind of salad with hard-boiled eggs. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: COBB

  • The clue is 52. What cognitive behavioral therapy can treat, in brief. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PTSD

    Possible Answer: PTSD, posttraumatic_stress_disorder

  • The clue is 54. It bears no etymological relation to "conifer," surprisingly. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: FIR

    Possible Answer: fir_tree, fir, true_fir

  • The clue is 55. Camera opening. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: APERTURE

    Possible Answer: aperture

  • The clue is 56. State with a five-sided flag. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OHIO

    Possible Answer: Buckeye_State, Ohio_River, Ohio, OH

  • The clue is 57. "That's just … wrong". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: UHNO

  • The clue is 59. Clarified butter. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: GHEE

    Possible Answer: ghee

  • The clue is 60. Rear. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HIND

    Possible Answer: hind, back, hinder

  • The clue is 61. Park worker. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RANGER

    Possible Answer: forest_fire_fighter, ranger, Texas_Ranger, fire_warden, Ranger, commando

  • The clue is 63. Por ___ lado (on the other hand: Sp.). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OTRO

  • The clue is 65. Fashion designer Anna. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SUI

  • The clue is 66. "By Jove!". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EGADS

  • The clue is 67. Lead-in to nautical. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: AERO

  • The clue is 68. Key of Mozart's Symphony No. 40. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: GMINOR

  • The clue is 72. Glower. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SCOWL

    Possible Answer: frown, scowl

  • The clue is 73. Part of a baby's nighttime routine. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: BATH

    Possible Answer: bathe, bathing_tub, bath, bathroom, Bath, bathtub, tub

  • The clue is 74. Hurt. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ACHE

    Possible Answer: aching, yearn, languish, pine, hurt, smart, ache, suffer, yen

  • The clue is 75. Filming innovation used in "The Shining". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: STEADICAM

  • The clue is 76. Choice for a twist. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LIME

    Possible Answer: linden, slaked_lime, calcium_hydrate, fluxing_lime, unslaked_lime, hydrated_lime, calcium_hydroxide, quicklime, calcined_lime, calx, lime_hydrate, lime_tree, lime, calcium_oxide, caustic_lime, burnt_lime, Citrus_aurantifolia, basswood, linden_tree, birdlime

  • The clue is 77. Häagen-Dazs shelfmate. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EDYS

  • The clue is 78. Ball that just grazes the bat, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

    The answer: FOULTIP

  • The clue is 81. Online crafts marketplace. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ETSY

  • The clue is 83. Betwixt. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: AMID

  • The clue is 85. Explosive inits.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TNT

    Possible Answer: TNT, trinitrotoluene

  • The clue is 86. Corsica and Réunion. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ILES

  • The clue is 87. Part of 115-Down: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: FLA

  • The clue is 89. PET scan alternative. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MRI

    Possible Answer: magnetic_resonance_imaging, MRI

  • The clue is 90. Uintah Basin people. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: UTE

    Possible Answer: Ute

  • The clue is 91. Word in the mnemonic E-G-B-D-F. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EVERY

    Possible Answer: every

  • The clue is 92. Deliberately try to fail, informally. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TANK

    Possible Answer: cooler, storage_tank, armored_combat_vehicle, army_tank, armoured_combat_vehicle, tankful, tank, tank_car

  • The clue is 93. Key near Ctrl. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ALT

    Possible Answer: EL, altitude, ALT, elevation

  • The clue is 96. "O Tannenbaum" and others. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CAROLS

    Possible Answer: carol, Christmas_carol

  • The clue is 98. "Li'l Abner" cartoonist. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CAPP

  • The clue is 99. Haggard fellow?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MERLE

    Possible Answer: merle, European_blackbird, merl, ouzel, ousel, Turdus_merula, blackbird

  • The clue is 100. Abates. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EBBS

    Possible Answer: ebb_down, reflux, wane, ebbing, ebb_away, ebb_out, ebb_off, ebb

    Possible Opposite Answer : tide

  • The clue is 101. "Good Morning America" co-host Spencer. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LARA

  • The clue is 102. Dirty film. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SCUM

    Possible Answer: trash, scum

  • The clue is 103. Some turkeys and tabbies. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TOMS

    Possible Answer: tom, Uncle_Tom, tomcat, gobbler, turkey_cock, Tom, tom_turkey

  • The clue is 104. Hasty getaway. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LAM

    Possible Answer: fly_the_coop, run, escape, getaway, run_away, scarper, break_away, bunk, scat, thrash, take_to_the_woods, lam, flail, thresh, hightail_it, head_for_the_hills, turn_tail

  • The clue is 105. "Success has always been the greatest ___": Nietzsche. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LIAR

    Possible Answer: liar, prevaricator

    Possible Opposite Answer : square_shooter

  • The clue is 106. Group of buffalo. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: GANG

    Possible Answer: crew, mob, crowd, gang, work_party, gang_up, pack, bunch, ring

  • The clue is 107. Payment before a deal. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ANTE

    Possible Answer: ante

  • The clue is 108. Big supporter, in modern slang. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: STAN

  • The clue is 109. Quiet "Hey!". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PSST

  • The clue is 111. Telluride maker. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: KIA

  • The clue is 112. Sturm ___ Drang. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: UND

  • The clue is 113. Initialism for exhibitionism. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PDA

    Possible Answer: personal_organiser, organiser, personal_digital_assistant, organizer, personal_organizer, PDA

  • The clue is 115. Seminoles' sch.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: FSU

  • The clue is 116. Tiger's target. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PAR

    Possible Answer: equivalence, par, equality, equation

Friday, October 17, 2025

XWordHint Crossword Answers October 17, 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

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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. What a comment might be made in 4
2A 5. Plant often confused with algae 4
3A 9. "The Craft" 5
4A 14. Pulitzer-winning historian and journalist Applebaum 4
5A 15. Understanding response 4
6A 16. Amazon smart speakers 5
7A 17. British singer with the top 10 albums "Crash" and "Brat" 9
8A 19. Some suitors 5
9A 20. Sets in motion 6
10A 21. Sake, for one 8
11A 23. Not fixed, as a stone 5
12A 24. Drinking game with projectiles 9
13A 25. Sign of healing 4
14A 26. New service member 7
15A 27. Mental image, for short? 3
16A 28. Fun-size, so to speak 4
17A 29. Stalk 4
18A 31. First releases 6
19A 33. Taking out the trash and others 6
20A 35. Lab liquids 4
21A 36. Max ___, boxer nicknamed "Madcap Maxie" 4
22A 37. Corn ___ (snack misnomer) 3
23A 39. Longtime Nestlé candy brand 7
24A 41. Arizona tribe with matrilineal clans 4
25A 42. 1992 Whoopi Goldberg comedy 9
26A 45. Survived, so to speak 5
27A 46. Portmanteau for evidence based solely on personal accounts 8
28A 47. Popular name of the 1958 Italian hit "Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu" 6
29A 48. ___ month 5
30A 49. Act of writing down whatever comes to mind in order to clear mental clutter 9
31A 51. Wipe 5
32A 52. Biblical locale in a Steinbeck title 4
33A 53. Golfer Aoki 4
34A 54. Rationed (out) 5
35A 55. Bleak 4
36A 56. Gravitate 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. What a comment might be made in"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
  • Similar words include: jape, gag, joke
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Plant often confused with algae"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. "The Craft""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a community of followers of the wicca religion
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WICCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Pulitzer-winning historian and journalist Applebaum"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that queen of england and scotland and ireland; daughter if james ii and the last of the stuart monarchs; in 1707 she was the last english ruler to exercise the royal veto over parliament (1665-1714)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANNE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Understanding response"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Amazon smart speakers"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
  • Similar words include: reverberation, repeat, recall
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ECHOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. British singer with the top 10 albums "Crash" and "Brat""

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Some suitors"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man who is the lover of a girl or young woman
  • Similar words include: swell, dude, fashion plate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEAUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Sets in motion"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
  • Similar words include: get, causal agent, stimulate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAUSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Sake, for one"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Not fixed, as a stone"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Drinking game with projectiles"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Sign of healing"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mark left (usually on the skin) by the healing of injured tissue
  • Similar words include: scrape, cicatrice, pit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. New service member"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a recently enlisted soldier
  • Similar words include: enroll, military recruit, enter
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RECRUIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "27. Mental image, for short?"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a graphical record of electrical activity of the brain; produced by an electroencephalograph
  • Similar words include: electroencephalogram, encephalogram
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EEG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "28. Fun-size, so to speak"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Similar words include: bantam, petite, midget
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TINY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "29. Stalk"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed
  • Similar words include: prow, halt, radical
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "31. First releases"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of beginning something new
  • Similar words include: introduction, first appearance, launching
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEBUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "33. Taking out the trash and others"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a specific piece of work required to be done as a duty or for a specific fee
  • Similar words include: job, chore, task
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHORES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "35. Lab liquids"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an amber, watery fluid, rich in proteins, that separates out when blood coagulates
  • Similar words include: blood serum, serum
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "36. Max ___, boxer nicknamed "Madcap Maxie""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "37. Corn ___ (snack misnomer)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually large hard-shelled seed
  • Similar words include: bollock, fruitcake, freak
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "39. Longtime Nestlé candy brand"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "41. Arizona tribe with matrilineal clans"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the shoshonean people of northeastern arizona
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOPI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "42. 1992 Whoopi Goldberg comedy"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. Survived, so to speak"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come to terms with
  • Similar words include: make do, contend, get by
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COPED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "46. Portmanteau for evidence based solely on personal accounts"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "47. Popular name of the 1958 Italian hit "Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu""

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "48. ___ month"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or relating to or associated with the moon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUNAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "49. Act of writing down whatever comes to mind in order to clear mental clutter"

9 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "51. Wipe"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from memory or existence
  • Similar words include: delete, wipe off, rub out
  • Opposite of: record
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERASE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "52. Biblical locale in a Steinbeck title"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "53. Golfer Aoki"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "54. Rationed (out)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "55. Bleak"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fraught with extreme danger; nearly hopeless; ; - g.c.marshall
  • Similar words include: horrendous, desperate, dreaded
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "56. Gravitate"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined
  • Similar words include: run, lean, be given
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Historic Émile Zola letter of 1898 7
2D 2. Improved 8
3D 3. Meaty dog treats "in a blanket" 9
4D 4. Less prolix 6
5D 5. Customizable Nintendo avatars 4
6D 6. Mac platform renamed in 2016 3
7D 7. Condition of discretion 7
8D 8. More seductive 6
9D 9. One managing online content 9
10D 10. Drink that comes with free refills 8
11D 11. Word with easy or high 5
12D 12. Matter 5
13D 13. Insufferable sorts 5
14D 18. Court call 3
15D 22. Handles beautifully, in slang 7
16D 24. Bills worth 100 buckaroos 4
17D 26. British singer with the hits "R.I.P." and "Radioactive" 7
18D 28. Showed embarrassment, say 9
19D 30. Event typically occurring in one's late 40s or early 50s 9
20D 32. Hoped-for scenario 8
21D 33. America, for one: Abbr. 4
22D 34. DC figure since 1938 8
23D 36. Brand of rum mentioned in Hemingway novels 7
24D 38. Certain unit of detergent 7
25D 40. Pet gear often eschewed in favor of someone's lap 6
26D 41. "Stop the presses!" 6
27D 42. Capital that's home to the oldest university in the Western U.S. (1842) 5
28D 43. Habituate 5
29D 44. Upper house of the French parliament 5
30D 45. With, in Spanish 3
31D 47. Plant on a pergola 4
32D 50. ___ Lingus 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Historic Émile Zola letter of 1898"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Improved"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make better or more attractive
  • Similar words include: enhance, raise, heighten
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENHANCED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Meaty dog treats "in a blanket""

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Less prolix"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that brief and to the point; effectively cut short
  • Similar words include: terse, laconic, curt
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TERSER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Customizable Nintendo avatars"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Mac platform renamed in 2016"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Condition of discretion"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the trait of keeping things secret
  • Similar words include: concealment, secretiveness, privateness
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SECRECY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. More seductive"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by or tending to arouse sexual desire or interest
  • Similar words include: aphrodisiacal, aphrodisiac, sexy
  • Opposite of: anaphrodisiac, unsexy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEXIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. One managing online content"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Drink that comes with free refills"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Word with easy or high"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a seat for one person, with a support for the back
  • Similar words include: chairperson, chairwoman, president
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Matter"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the total number counted
  • Similar words include: weigh, look, number
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COUNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Insufferable sorts"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Similar words include: bottom, ass, fuck
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Court call"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
  • Similar words include: Army of the Righteous, countenance, Army of the Pure
  • Opposite of: disallow, forbid
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Handles beautifully, in slang"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that leather that has had its grain pattern accentuated
  • Similar words include: squeeze, trounce, compaction
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRUSHES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Bills worth 100 buckaroos"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mountain or tall hill
  • Similar words include: ben
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. British singer with the hits "R.I.P." and "Radioactive""

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Showed embarrassment, say"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Event typically occurring in one's late 40s or early 50s"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the time in a woman's life in which the menstrual cycle ends
  • Similar words include: change of life, climacteric
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MENOPAUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "32. Hoped-for scenario"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. America, for one: Abbr."

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. DC figure since 1938"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person with great powers and abilities
  • Similar words include: Lucy in the sky with diamonds, loony toons, demigod
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUPERMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "36. Brand of rum mentioned in Hemingway novels"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "38. Certain unit of detergent"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "40. Pet gear often eschewed in favor of someone's lap"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "41. "Stop the presses!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "42. Capital that's home to the oldest university in the Western U.S. (1842)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that capital of the state of oregon in the northwestern part of the state on the willamette river
  • Similar words include: capital of Oregon
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SALEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "43. Habituate"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to accept or become hardened to; habituate
  • Similar words include: indurate, harden
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INURE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "44. Upper house of the French parliament"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. With, in Spanish"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an argument opposed to a proposal
  • Similar words include: goldbrick, bunko game, hornswoggle
  • Opposite of: pro
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Plant on a pergola"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. ___ Lingus"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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

36 Across Clues
32 Down Clues
68 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: October 17, 2025 at 03:49 AM