July 06, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (39 clues)
• Down Clues (37 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, July 06, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (39 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

July 06, 2023 Thursday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Christmas pudding ingredient	4
2A	5. It's from the underside of a hide	5
3A	10. Band whose jukebox musical led to a pair of films	4
4A	14. Clearly, in a text	4
5A	15. A.T.M. button	5
6A	16. Pupil's surrounding	4
7A	17. The emptier it is, the more of it you have	4
8A	18. Caption on a makeover photo	5
9A	19. They're often steamed, then rolled	4
10A	20. Request regarding "the ball game" … or instructions for answering the starred clues	9
11A	22. Designation for very minor stars	5
12A	23. Artist's studio	7
13A	24. *Response to a knock on the door	6
14A	25. Conspiring (with)	8
15A	28. *Their history is celebrated in March	5
16A	31. Get big, as a hashtag	5
17A	34. Boosters, e.g.	5
18A	35. Reddit Q&A	3
19A	36. Perfect	4
20A	37. Gripes	5
21A	38. Like devoted fans	4
22A	39. Bird with a bluish neck and green eggs	3
23A	40. "That's ___ shame"	5
24A	41. Michelangelo's only signed work	5
25A	42. *Neighbor of Saudi Arabia	5
26A	43. Crunch, e.g.	8
27A	45. *Concrete component	6
28A	47. "Everyone's accounted for"	7
29A	51. Some manga adaptations	5
30A	53. Earn … or what answering the starred clues will do in each case	9
31A	55. Town near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks	4
32A	56. Not bold	5
33A	57. Post-deadline	4
34A	58. Bit of dust	4
35A	59. Super-selective	5
36A	60. Cream alternative	4
37A	61. Gave a thumbs-up	4
38A	62. Ideal	5
39A	63. Word with bus or door	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Christmas pudding ingredient"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that hard fat around the kidneys and loins in beef and sheep
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. It's from the underside of a hide"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that leather with a napped surface
• Words that mean the same thing: suede leather, suede cloth
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUEDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Band whose jukebox musical led to a pair of films"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ABBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Clearly, in a text"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OBVI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. A.T.M. button"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that to come or go into
• Words that mean the same thing: inscribe, enroll, insert
• The opposite would be: drop out, exit
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Pupil's surrounding"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that plants with sword-shaped leaves and erect stalks bearing bright-colored flowers composed of three petals and three drooping sepals
• Words that mean the same thing: flag, sword lily, iris diaphragm
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. The emptier it is, the more of it you have"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
• Words that mean the same thing: board, elbow room, way
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Caption on a makeover photo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that located farther aft
• Words that mean the same thing: afterwards, afterward, later on
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AFTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. They're often steamed, then rolled"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that annual grass of europe and north africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: `oats')
• Words that mean the same thing: oat
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Request regarding "the ball game" … or instructions for answering the starred clues"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TAKEMEOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Designation for very minor stars"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DLIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Artist's studio"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a studio especially for an artist or designer
• Words that mean the same thing: artist's workroom
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATELIER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "24. *Response to a knock on the door"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: COMEIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "25. Conspiring (with)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: INLEAGUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. *Their history is celebrated in March"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
• Words that mean the same thing: char, cleaning lady, womanhood
• The opposite would be: man
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WOMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Get big, as a hashtag"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a general direction in which something tends to move
• Words that mean the same thing: slew, vogue, movement
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TREND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. Boosters, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of firing a projectile
• Words that mean the same thing: shot, injection, gibe
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Reddit Q&A"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "36. Perfect"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a whetstone made of fine gritstone; used for sharpening razors
• Words that mean the same thing: perfect
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "37. Gripes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cattle that are reared for their meat
• Words that mean the same thing: gripe, grouse, squawk
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEEFS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "38. Like devoted fans"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (often followed by `for') ardently or excessively desirous
• Words that mean the same thing: devouring, greedy, zealous
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AVID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "39. Bird with a bluish neck and green eggs"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
• Words that mean the same thing: Emu novaehollandiae, electromagnetic unit, Dromaius novaehollandiae
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "40. "That's ___ shame""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that of or relating to or involving an area
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AREAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "41. Michelangelo's only signed work"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a representation of the virgin mary mourning over the dead body of jesus
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "42. *Neighbor of Saudi Arabia"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a republic on the southwestern shores of the arabian peninsula on the indian ocean; formed in 1990
• Words that mean the same thing: Republic of Yemen
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YEMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "43. Crunch, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CANDYBAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "45. *Concrete component"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that concrete pavement is sometimes referred to as cement
• Words that mean the same thing: cementum
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CEMENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "47. "Everyone's accounted for""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALLHERE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "51. Some manga adaptations"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a hard copal derived from an african tree
• Words that mean the same thing: gum anime, Zanzibar copal
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "53. Earn … or what answering the starred clues will do in each case"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MAKEMONEY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. Town near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MOAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "56. Not bold"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that people who are fearful and cautious
• Words that mean the same thing: unsure, faint-hearted, faint
• The opposite would be: brave, confident
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIMID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "57. Post-deadline"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
• Words that mean the same thing: tardy, belatedly, recently
• The opposite would be: early
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "58. Bit of dust"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
• Words that mean the same thing: atom, particle, corpuscle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "59. Super-selective"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status
• Words that mean the same thing: elect, elite group
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "60. Cream alternative"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a very light brown
• Words that mean the same thing: beige
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ECRU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "61. Gave a thumbs-up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OKED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "62. Ideal"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process
• Words that mean the same thing: fashion model, pattern, exemplar
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MODEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "63. Word with bus or door"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the event of something ending
• Words that mean the same thing: period, kibosh, blockage
• The opposite would be: continue, begin
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Thursday Puzzle July 06, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. "More or less"	5
2D	2. W.W. II sub	5
3D	3. Call up	5
4D	4. Where a dot may be a date	8
5D	5. Anago, at a sushi restaurant	6
6D	6. Not expected	10
7D	7. Caesarean delivery?	4
8D	8. Bug spray ingredient	4
9D	9. Spell "mispell," e.g.	3
10D	10. Garlicky condiment	5
11D	11. Head line?	9
12D	12. Comic routines	4
13D	13. Appt. scheduler, say	4
14D	21. "Do you ___?"	4
15D	22. Executes	4
16D	24. Acts of downsizing	4
17D	26. ___ of the game	5
18D	27. "Get lost!"	10
19D	29. Skip	4
20D	30. Zip	4
21D	31. "So ___ say"	4
22D	32. City where the 41-Across was commissioned	4
23D	33. Say it all?	9
24D	37. German sausage, informally	4
25D	38. Pet carrier features	8
26D	40. Some spots	4
27D	41. Place for a reading	4
28D	44. Actress Alexis of "Gilmore Girls"	6
29D	46. Fix firmly	5
30D	48. Pass	5
31D	49. Like a Pac-Man T-shirt, say	5
32D	50. Visually assess	5
33D	51. Backing for an argument, so to speak	4
34D	52. Recess	4
35D	53. Otis's feline friend in a 1989 film	4
36D	54. During	4
37D	56. Pro___ (for now)	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

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

Clue 1 Down: "1. "More or less""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SORTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. W.W. II sub"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: UBOAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Call up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
• Words that mean the same thing: put forward, provoke, draw out
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVOKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Where a dot may be a date"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sequence of related events arranged in chronological order and displayed along a line (usually drawn left to right or top to bottom)
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIMELINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Anago, at a sushi restaurant"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SEAEEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Not expected"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that not anticipated; - h.w.glidden
• Words that mean the same thing: out of the blue, unanticipated, unlooked-for
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNFORESEEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Caesarean delivery?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ETTU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Bug spray ingredient"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DEET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Spell "mispell," e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Words that mean the same thing: slip, drift, stray
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Garlicky condiment"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that garlic mayonnaise
• Words that mean the same thing: aioli sauce, garlic sauce
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AIOLI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Head line?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (neurophysiology) rapid fluctuations of voltage between parts of the cerebral cortex that are detectable with an electroencephalograph
• Words that mean the same thing: brainstorm, brain wave, insight
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRAINWAVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Comic routines"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small piece or quantity of something
• Words that mean the same thing: morsel, bite, act
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Appt. scheduler, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ASST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. "Do you ___?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that that which is responsible for one's thoughts and feelings; the seat of the faculty of reason
• Words that mean the same thing: brain, thinker, take care
• The opposite would be: forget
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MIND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Executes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the united states; created in 1977
• Words that mean the same thing: practice, coiffure, Energy
• The opposite would be: unmake
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Acts of downsizing"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a share of the profits
• Words that mean the same thing: swerve, make out, bring down
• The opposite would be: expand, switch on
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. ___ of the game"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that having the leading position or higher score in a contest
• Words that mean the same thing: forrader, out front, forwards
• The opposite would be: back, backward
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AHEAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. "Get lost!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GOFLYAKITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Skip"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that prevent from being included or considered or accepted
• Words that mean the same thing: except, pretermit, miss
• The opposite would be: attend to, include
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Zip"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a quantity of no importance
• Words that mean the same thing: zippo, naught, goose egg
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NADA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. "So ___ say""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: THEY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. City where the 41-Across was commissioned"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that capital and largest city of italy; on the tiber; seat of the roman catholic church; formerly the capital of the roman republic and the roman empire
• Words that mean the same thing: capital of Italy, Roma, Italian capital
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Say it all?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way
• Words that mean the same thing: articulate, sound out, pronounce
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENUNCIATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. German sausage, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a very troublesome child
• Words that mean the same thing: terror, bratwurst, little terror
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Pet carrier features"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AIRHOLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Some spots"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Place for a reading"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers
• Words that mean the same thing: thenar, medallion, medal
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PALM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Actress Alexis of "Gilmore Girls""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BLEDEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Fix firmly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fix or set securely or deeply
• Words that mean the same thing: plant, engraft, implant
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMBED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. Pass"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that order by virtue of superior authority; decree
• Words that mean the same thing: act out, reenact, ordain
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENACT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Like a Pac-Man T-shirt, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a fashion reminiscent of the past
• Words that mean the same thing: ex post facto, retroactive
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RETRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Visually assess"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EYEUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Backing for an argument, so to speak"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that projectiles to be fired from a gun
• Words that mean the same thing: ammunition
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Recess"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sheltered and secluded place
• Words that mean the same thing: corner
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOOK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Otis's feline friend in a 1989 film"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that small drought-resistant sorghums having large yellow or whitish grains
• Words that mean the same thing: milo maize
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MILO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. During"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Pro___ (for now)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	62	81.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment	4	5.3%
Short Answer	4	5.3%
Sports	2	2.6%
Music	1	1.3%
History	1	1.3%
Geography	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	39
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.1 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

Last Updated: September 01, 2025 at 09:25 AM

October 20, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, October 20, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (35 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.6 letters

October 20, 2023 Across Hints: NYT Friday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Stipulation that's more common in a seller's market	4
2A	5. Centers of some centers	5
3A	10. Exchange words, in a way	4
4A	14. Stops along the way, say	10
5A	16. Lamenting words	4
6A	17. It clearly divides people	10
7A	18. Hat material for the paranoid	4
8A	19. Cry during an argument between siblings	3
9A	20. OK, in Oaxaca	5
10A	21. Like an adjustable drinking straw	5
11A	22. Active ingredient in Off!	4
12A	23. Struck down	5
13A	25. Occasions to read the Haggadah	6
14A	28. Gift for guests	8
15A	31. Setting for a battle in "Lawrence of Arabia"	5
16A	32. Spilling a drink on someone or dancing on a host's sofa	9
17A	33. Banksy work	5
18A	34. Slip	3
19A	35. A.C. converter	5
20A	36. Irreverent Christmas tune	9
21A	38. Big name in pest control	5
22A	39. Second half?	8
23A	40. Worries over small details	6
24A	41. Cousin of a wolverine	5
25A	42. What red might indicate	4
26A	43. Spikes, for example	5
27A	45. Help	5
28A	47. Preening sort	3
29A	50. Particle	4
30A	51. One with bright and dark sides	10
31A	53. Godawful	4
32A	54. Sole supporters	10
33A	55. ___ Zimmer, Oscar-winning composer for "Dune"	4
34A	56. Sharon who starred in "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill"	5
35A	57. Frontier direction during frontier times	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Stipulation that's more common in a seller's market"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ASIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Centers of some centers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any chamber that is connected to other chambers or passageways (especially one of the two upper chambers of the heart)
• Words that mean the same thing: atrium
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATRIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Exchange words, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various nonmetallic minerals (calcite or feldspar) that are light in color and transparent or translucent and cleavable
• Words that mean the same thing: sparring
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Stops along the way, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MOTELROOMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Lamenting words"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AHME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. It clearly divides people"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a light transparent weather resistant thermoplastic
• Words that mean the same thing: Plexiglas
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLEXIGLASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Hat material for the paranoid"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a piece of thin and flexible sheet metal
• Words that mean the same thing: cross, queer, transparency
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FOIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Cry during an argument between siblings"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that informal terms for a mother
• Words that mean the same thing: mammy, ma, mummy
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. OK, in Oaxaca"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BUENO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Like an adjustable drinking straw"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BENDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Active ingredient in Off!"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DEET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Struck down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that inflict a heavy blow on, with the hand, a tool, or a weapon
• Words that mean the same thing: afflict, smite
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SMOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Occasions to read the Haggadah"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (judaism) the ceremonial dinner on the first night (or both nights) of passover
• Words that mean the same thing: Seder, Passover supper
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEDERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Gift for guests"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GOODYBAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Setting for a battle in "Lawrence of Arabia""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that jordan's port; located in southwestern jordan on the gulf of aqaba
• Words that mean the same thing: Akaba, Al Aqabah
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AQABA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Spilling a drink on someone or dancing on a host's sofa"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PARTYFOUL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Banksy work"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a painting that is applied to a wall surface
• Words that mean the same thing: wall painting
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MURAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Slip"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Words that mean the same thing: stray, mistake, slip
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. A.C. converter"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a thermionic tube having two electrodes; used as a rectifier
• Words that mean the same thing: semiconductor diode, rectifying valve, crystal rectifier
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "36. Irreverent Christmas tune"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SANTABABY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "38. Big name in pest control"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ORKIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "39. Second half?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALTEREGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "40. Worries over small details"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an excited state of agitation
• Words that mean the same thing: tiff, bicker, hustle
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FUSSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "41. Cousin of a wolverine"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the fur of an otter
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OTTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "42. What red might indicate"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of owing something (especially money)
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEBT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "43. Spikes, for example"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a particular situation
• Words that mean the same thing: skid, brake shoe, place
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHOES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "45. Help"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AVAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "47. Preening sort"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance
• Words that mean the same thing: clotheshorse, sheik, dandy
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "50. Particle"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
• Words that mean the same thing: smidgen, smidgeon, smidgin
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IOTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "51. One with bright and dark sides"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EVILGENIUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "53. Godawful"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
• Words that mean the same thing: unappeasable, dark, low
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "54. Sole supporters"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GELINSERTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "55. ___ Zimmer, Oscar-winning composer for "Dune""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that imperial dynasty that ruled china (most of the time from 206 bc to ad 220) and expanded its boundaries and developed its bureaucracy; remembered as one of the great eras of chinese civilization
• Words that mean the same thing: Han dynasty, Han
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HANS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "56. Sharon who starred in "The Trials of Rosie O'Neill""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GLESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "57. Frontier direction during frontier times"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the countries of (originally) europe and (now including) north america and south america
• Words that mean the same thing: due west, Dame Rebecca West, Benjamin West
• The opposite would be: east
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WEST

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Friday Crossword Down Clues - October 20, 2023 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Distinction not used in the military	4
2D	2. Eschewing help	4
3D	3. Tabloid pair	4
4D	4. Undertone of Cole Porter's "Let's Do It"	3
5D	5. Makes the case	6
6D	6. Vacancy sign	5
7D	7. Bookbinding leather	4
8D	8. "My deepest apologies"	9
9D	9. Jerk	3
10D	10. Adage for the risk-averse	11
11D	11. D.I.Y. booster seats	10
12D	12. In an atmosphere of	4
13D	13. Have faith	4
14D	15. Oh, the humanities!	11
15D	21. Some nudes	11
16D	22. Testing grounds for aspiring politicians	11
17D	24. Pithy remark	3
18D	25. Central Asian savory pastry	5
19D	26. ___ rights	5
20D	27. "Heck, yeah!"	10
21D	28. Actress Greta of "Camille"	5
22D	29. ___ Cornish, former co-host of "All Things Considered"	5
23D	30. Dales	5
24D	32. Rocky road ingredient?	9
25D	37. Stingy sort?	3
26D	40. Pretends	6
27D	42. "Venus de Milo With Drawers" and "Lobster Telephone"	5
28D	43. Sound from the satisfied	4
29D	44. Dance in a ring	4
30D	46. Nasty	4
31D	47. Awesome, in modern slang	4
32D	48. Backup plans	4
33D	49. "Hey, you!"	4
34D	51. Drive, with "on"	3
35D	52. Misoneism, n.: Hatred of anything ___	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

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

Clue 1 Down: "1. Distinction not used in the military"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMPM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Eschewing help"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any activity that is performed alone without assistance
• Words that mean the same thing: alone, unaccompanied
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Tabloid pair"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a distinct part that can be specified separately in a group of things that could be enumerated on a list
• Words that mean the same thing: token, detail, particular
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ITEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Undertone of Cole Porter's "Let's Do It""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that activities associated with sexual intercourse
• Words that mean the same thing: arouse, wind up, gender
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Makes the case"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that present reasons and arguments
• Words that mean the same thing: contend, fence, reason
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARGUES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Vacancy sign"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TOLET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Bookbinding leather"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a soft sheepskin leather that is colored and finished to resemble morocco; used in bookbinding
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. "My deepest apologies""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IMSOSORRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Jerk"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
• Words that mean the same thing: buttocks, fucking, backside
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Adage for the risk-averse"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SAFETYFIRST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. D.I.Y. booster seats"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a directory containing an alphabetical list of telephone subscribers and their telephone numbers
• Words that mean the same thing: telephone book, phone book, phonebook
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PHONEBOOKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. In an atmosphere of"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Have faith"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that have confidence or faith in
• Words that mean the same thing: swear, trust, bank
• The opposite would be: mistrust
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RELY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Oh, the humanities!"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LIBERALARTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Some nudes"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BODYDOUBLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Testing grounds for aspiring politicians"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DEBATETEAMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Pithy remark"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a clever remark
• Words that mean the same thing: Ministry of Transportation test, bon mot, MOT test
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Central Asian savory pastry"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SAMSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. ___ rights"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who is of equal standing with another in a group
• Words that mean the same thing: be, peer, rival
• The opposite would be: inadequate, unequal
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EQUAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. "Heck, yeah!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DARNTOOTIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. Actress Greta of "Camille""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states film actress (born in sweden) known for her reclusiveness (1905-1990)
• Words that mean the same thing: Greta Garbo, Greta Louisa Gustafsson
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GARBO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. ___ Cornish, former co-host of "All Things Considered""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AUDIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "30. Dales"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)
• Words that mean the same thing: glen
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GLENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. Rocky road ingredient?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PEAGRAVEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Stingy sort?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Pretends"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make believe with the intent to deceive
• Words that mean the same thing: feign, affect, simulate
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FEIGNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. "Venus de Milo With Drawers" and "Lobster Telephone""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that surrealist spanish painter (1904-1989)
• Words that mean the same thing: Salvador Dali, Dali
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DALIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Sound from the satisfied"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an utterance made by exhaling audibly
• Words that mean the same thing: suspiration, suspire
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIGH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. Dance in a ring"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Nasty"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that morally reprehensible
• Words that mean the same thing: loathsome, worthless, noisome
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VILE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Awesome, in modern slang"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the event of something burning (often destructive)
• Words that mean the same thing: fervour, flack, blast
• The opposite would be: hire
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FIRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Backup plans"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (baseball) a failure by a batter or runner to reach a base safely in baseball
• Words that mean the same thing: come out, come out of the closet, out
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OUTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. "Hey, you!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PSST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. Drive, with "on""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that animal reproductive body consisting of an ovum or embryo together with nutritive and protective envelopes; especially the thin-shelled reproductive body laid by e.g. female birds
• Words that mean the same thing: eggs, testis, ballock
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. Misoneism, n.: Hatred of anything ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
• Words that mean the same thing: novel, newfangled, young
• The opposite would be: worn, old
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	55	78.6%
Short Answer	9	12.9%
Food & Drink	2	2.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.9%
Music	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.6 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	11 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

Last Updated: August 30, 2025 at 04:23 AM