27420 Fri Dec 06, 2024 NYT by Robyn Weintraub

Across Clues :

1. Meaning of Imani, the seventh principle of Kwanzaa, 6. Just, 10. Have a rash reaction, 14. Sally Bowles's flatmate in Chelsea, per a "Cabaret" number, 15. Hedgehog ___ (prickly plant), 16. Teddy alternative, 17. Turning point in telecommunications history?, 19. Spam containers, 20. ___ prime (focus of a computational challenge in math), 21. Tempted fate, 22. Screenwriter's way of reintroducing some characters?, 23. Successor of the Metroliner, 25. Masterpiece by Klimt or Rodin, 27. They might be fixed, 30. Contrary to popular belief, they don't cause warts, 31. One who gets all snooty when it's time to get a cab?, 34. Singer born Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin, 35. Test the temperature of, perhaps, 36. Zipped, 37. Burrowing creatures of the African savanna, 40. Join, as a table, 41. Sacred creatures in some Indigenous cultures, 44. In need of ice, maybe, 46. Outed online, 47. Takeaway from a tale, 48. One of 18 on the periodic table, 50. Issa of "American Fiction", 53. McGregor of "Moulin Rouge!", 54. Suggests something subtly, 56. Bit of hypertext, 57. Totally consumed, 58. Certain pops, 59. Midsummer arrivals, 60. Contact sites, 61. Grace who married Prince Rainier

Down Clues :

1. Seedless plant, 2. More than some, 3. "Sorry, can you clarify your answer?", 4. ___ Maria (liqueur), 5. Collies and sheepdogs, by nature, 6. Patterned cotton fabric originally from India, 7. First name of fashion designers Tahari and Saab, 8. Good time to start an audiobook, 9. Omakase serving, 10. "These things don't happen overnight", 11. Urgent words during an emergency, 12. Small change, 13. They're often lying in beds and might be kinky, 18. University that awarded the first Ph.D. in the U.S., 22. Stinky ___, "Toy Story 2" antagonist, 24. Grilling surfaces made of fragrant wood, 26. China's ___ Dynasty, 27. What's on the agenda, 28. Zip, 29. Checker's move, 32. Like some histories, 33. Red and black, e.g., 35. Chevy sports car named for a boneless fish, 38. Last word in the titles of two 1980s James Bond films, 39. Is for some?, 40. Beer buy, 42. Votes to accept, 43. We, to Louis, 44. Sense that dolphins lack, 45. "Yowza!", 49. You can skip it, 51. Overly fastidious, 52. Online marketplace headquartered in Brooklyn, 54. N.F.L. linebacker Greenlaw, 55. Clear weeds, in a way

Break down the NYT Crosswords: December 06, 2024

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

New York Times, Friday, December 6, 2024

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Meaning of Imani, the seventh principle of Kwanzaa. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FAITH

  Possible Answer : organized_religion, religion, faith, trust, religious_belief




• The clue is 6. Just. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MERE

  Possible Answer : simple, bare, mere




• The clue is 10. Have a rash reaction. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ITCH

  Possible Answer : itching, scratch, spoil, rub, itch, urge, scabies, itchiness




• The clue is 14. Sally Bowles's flatmate in Chelsea, per a "Cabaret" number. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ELSIE




• The clue is 15. Hedgehog ___ (prickly plant). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALOE

  Possible Answer : aloe




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

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

  The answer: THEO




• The clue is 17. Turning point in telecommunications history?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ROTARYDIAL




• The clue is 19. Spam containers. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TINS

  Possible Answer : atomic_number_50, put_up, can, Sn, tin, tin_can, cannister, canister




• The clue is 20. ___ prime (focus of a computational challenge in math). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NTH

  Possible Answer : nth, n-th




• The clue is 21. Tempted fate. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DARED

  Possible Answer : presume, defy, make_bold, dare




• The clue is 22. Screenwriter's way of reintroducing some characters?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PASTE

  Possible Answer : spread, glue, paste, library_paste




• The clue is 23. Successor of the Metroliner. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ACELA




• The clue is 25. Masterpiece by Klimt or Rodin. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: THEKISS




• The clue is 27. They might be fixed. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (13 letters)

  The answer: INTERESTRATES




• The clue is 30. Contrary to popular belief, they don't cause warts. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TOADS

  Possible Answer : batrachian, salientian, frog, anuran, toad, toad_frog




• The clue is 31. One who gets all snooty when it's time to get a cab?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WINESNOB




• The clue is 34. Singer born Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ENYA




• The clue is 35. Test the temperature of, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SIP

  Possible Answer : sip




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

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

  The answer: TORE

  Possible Answer : bust, shoot_down, pull, torus, shoot, displume, tear, deplumate, tore, buck, snap, rupture, charge, deplume, pluck




• The clue is 37. Burrowing creatures of the African savanna. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MEERKATS

  Possible Answer : mierkat, meerkat




• The clue is 40. Join, as a table. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SITAT




• The clue is 41. Sacred creatures in some Indigenous cultures. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (13 letters)

  The answer: SPIRITANIMALS




• The clue is 44. In need of ice, maybe. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SWOLLEN

  Possible Answer : tumesce, swell_up, well, intumesce, tumefy, vain, conceited, swollen-headed, self-conceited, well_up, egotistic, egotistical, swell, swollen, puff_up




• The clue is 46. Outed online. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DOXED




• The clue is 47. Takeaway from a tale. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MORAL

  Possible Answer : lesson, moral

  Possible Opposite Answer : immoral




• The clue is 48. One of 18 on the periodic table. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GROUP

  Possible Answer : chemical_group, mathematical_group, grouping, radical, aggroup, group




• The clue is 50. Issa of "American Fiction". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RAE




• The clue is 53. McGregor of "Moulin Rouge!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EWAN




• The clue is 54. Suggests something subtly. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DROPSAHINT




• The clue is 56. Bit of hypertext. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LINK

  Possible Answer : unite, associate, link, relate, tie-in, data_link, connectedness, liaison, nexus, link_up, connexion, join, colligate, yoke, contact, radio_link, connect, inter-group_communication, tie, connection, linkup, tie_in

  Possible Opposite Answer : disconnectedness, dissociate, disconnect




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

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

  The answer: RAPT

  Possible Answer : rhapsodic, ecstatic, enraptured, rapt, rapturous




• The clue is 58. Certain pops. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: COLAS

  Possible Answer : cola, dope, genus_Cola, Cola




• The clue is 59. Midsummer arrivals. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LEOS

  Possible Answer : Leo, Leo_the_Lion, Lion




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

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

  The answer: EYES

  Possible Answer : eyes, heart, center, eye, centre, optic, eyeball, oculus, middle




• The clue is 61. Grace who married Prince Rainier. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: KELLY

  Possible Answer : Princess_Grace_of_Monaco, Emmett_Kelly, Gene_Kelly, Eugene_Curran_Kelly, Grace_Kelly, Weary_Willie, Grace_Patricia_Kelly, Kelly

Down Clues and Answers:

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

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

  The answer: FERN

  Possible Answer: fern

• The clue is 2. More than some. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALOT

• The clue is 3. "Sorry, can you clarify your answer?". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ISTHATAYESORANO

• The clue is 4. ___ Maria (liqueur). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TIA

  Possible Answer: TIA, transient_ischemic_attack

• The clue is 5. Collies and sheepdogs, by nature. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HERDERS

  Possible Answer: herder, Johann_Gottfried_von_Herder, drover, herdsman, Herder

• The clue is 6. Patterned cotton fabric originally from India. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MADRAS

  Possible Answer: madras, Chennai, Madras, Tamil_Nadu

• The clue is 7. First name of fashion designers Tahari and Saab. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ELIE

• The clue is 8. Good time to start an audiobook. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ROADTRIP

• The clue is 9. Omakase serving. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EEL

  Possible Answer: eel

• The clue is 10. "These things don't happen overnight". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ITTAKESTIME

• The clue is 11. Urgent words during an emergency. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: THISISNOTADRILL

• The clue is 12. Small change. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CENTS

  Possible Answer: centime, penny, cent

• The clue is 13. They're often lying in beds and might be kinky. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HOSES

  Possible Answer: hose, hosepipe, hosiery, hose_down

• The clue is 18. University that awarded the first Ph.D. in the U.S.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: YALE

  Possible Answer: Yale_University, Yale, Elihu_Yale

• The clue is 22. Stinky ___, "Toy Story 2" antagonist. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PETE

• The clue is 24. Grilling surfaces made of fragrant wood. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CEDARPLANKS

• The clue is 26. China's ___ Dynasty. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HAN

  Possible Answer: Han, Han_dynasty

• The clue is 27. What's on the agenda. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ITEM

  Possible Answer: item, point, token, detail, particular

• The clue is 28. Zip. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NONE

  Possible Answer: none

• The clue is 29. Checker's move. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TWIST

  Possible Answer: wind, distort, deform, spin, squirm, curve, winding, sprain, turn, twine, wrick, twisting, convolute, worm, turn_of_events, flex, crook, wrench, pervert, twirl, kink, rick, plait, bend, twist_around, tress, wrestle, device, eddy, pull, wriggle, gimmick, sophisticate, writhe, construction, twist, whirl, braid

  Possible Opposite Answer : untwist, unbend

• The clue is 32. Like some histories. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ORAL

  Possible Answer: viva, oral, viva_voce, oral_exam, oral_examination, unwritten

  Possible Opposite Answer : aboral, anal

• The clue is 33. Red and black, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BETS

  Possible Answer: wager, stake, look, reckon, calculate, depend, play, stakes, bet, count

• The clue is 35. Chevy sports car named for a boneless fish. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STINGRAY

  Possible Answer: stingray

• The clue is 38. Last word in the titles of two 1980s James Bond films. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: KILL

  Possible Answer: shoot_down, stamp_out, toss_off, pop, belt_down, defeat, kill, vote_out, bolt_down, killing, pour_down, obliterate, vote_down, wipe_out, down, putting_to_death, drink_down

• The clue is 39. Is for some?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ARE

  Possible Answer: ar, live, cost, make_up, personify, embody, are, equal, comprise, follow, exist, represent, constitute, be

  Possible Opposite Answer : differ

• The clue is 40. Beer buy. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SIXPACK

  Possible Answer: sixpack, six_pack, six-pack

• The clue is 42. Votes to accept. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ADOPTS

  Possible Answer: acquire, assume, sweep_up, take_over, take_up, espouse, take, dramatize, take_on, embrace, follow, borrow, adopt, take_in, dramatise

• The clue is 43. We, to Louis. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NOUS

  Possible Answer: nous, brain, head, mind, psyche

• The clue is 44. Sense that dolphins lack. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SMELL

  Possible Answer: olfaction, smell, olfactory_sensation, sense_of_smell, smelling, smack, odor, aroma, feel, odour, olfactory_modality, olfactory_property, reek, flavour, sense, olfactory_perception, flavor, look, spirit, smell_out, feeling, scent, tone

• The clue is 45. "Yowza!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WOWIE

• The clue is 49. You can skip it. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ROPE

  Possible Answer: circle, roach, rope, Mexican_valium, rophy, leash, R-2, roofy, forget_me_drug, lasso

• The clue is 51. Overly fastidious. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ANAL

  Possible Answer: anal_retentive, anal

  Possible Opposite Answer : oral

• The clue is 52. Online marketplace headquartered in Brooklyn. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ETSY

• The clue is 54. N.F.L. linebacker Greenlaw. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DRE

• The clue is 55. Clear weeds, in a way. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HOE

  Possible Answer: hoe

NYT Mini Answers March 03, 2026 - Trivia Week 1 Special

Trivia Week 1 Manual for NYT Mini March 03, 2026

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: NYT Crossword Across September 13 2025 | April 06 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | Across Clues NYT December 02 2025 |

Jump To Section

• Puzzle Information
• Grid Layout
• Across Clues (10 total)
• Down Clues (10 total)
• How to Solve Faster
• Common Questions

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Tuesday, March 03, 2026

Puzzle Statistics

Detail	Information
Date	March 03, 2026
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 Trivia Week {week_num} 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	43. Regrets
2 Across	33. Online connection
3 Across	7. Historic tree in Boston Common
4 Across	56. "They already left"
5 Across	64. Caller of balls and strikes
6 Across	16. Not worth a ___
7 Across	60. Present for an expectant mom or bride-to-be
8 Across	20. Classical Indian stringed instrument
9 Across	17. He-Man's superheroine twin sister
10 Across	57. Scorching

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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

• January 03 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 16 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 06 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

---

1 Across: "43. Regrets"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

RUES

---

2 Across: "33. Online connection"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 4 letters
• It starts with 'L' and ends with 'K'
• Word pattern: L__K

Answer:

Click to reveal

LINK

---

3 Across: "7. Historic tree in Boston Common"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 3 letters
• It starts with 'E' and ends with 'M'
• Another word like this: elmwood

Answer:

Click to reveal

ELM

---

4 Across: "56. "They already left""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

TOOLATE

---

5 Across: "64. Caller of balls and strikes"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 3 letters
• It starts with 'U' and ends with 'P'
• Another word like this: umpire

Answer:

Click to reveal

UMP

---

6 Across: "16. Not worth a ___"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

SOU

---

7 Across: "60. Present for an expectant mom or bride-to-be"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 10 letters
• It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
• Word pattern: S________T

Answer:

Click to reveal

SHOWERGIFT

---

8 Across: "20. Classical Indian stringed instrument"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

SITAR

---

9 Across: "17. He-Man's superheroine twin sister"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 5 letters
• It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
• Word pattern: S___A

Answer:

Click to reveal

SHERA

---

10 Across: "57. Scorching"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 3 letters
• It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
• Another word like this: live

Answer:

Click to reveal

HOT

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List

Number	Clue
1 Down	19. Have a meal
2 Down	24. Abbey residents
3 Down	58. Shrek, e.g.
4 Down	52. Cut the grass
5 Down	26. Sudden burst of wind
6 Down	14. Showed some courage
7 Down	47. Leaves shocked
8 Down	12. Knot again
9 Down	7. Channel for collegiate sports fans
10 Down	46. Like a cocktail with an extra shot

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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

• June 28 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 16 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• Across Clues NYT December 02 2025

---

1 Down: "19. Have a meal"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 3 letters
• It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
• Another word like this: eat on

Answer:

Click to reveal

EAT

---

2 Down: "24. Abbey residents"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 5 letters
• It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: M___S

Answer:

Click to reveal

MONKS

---

3 Down: "58. Shrek, e.g."

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

OGRE

---

4 Down: "52. Cut the grass"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 3 letters
• It starts with 'M' and ends with 'W'
• Another word like this: pout

Answer:

Click to reveal

MOW

---

5 Down: "26. Sudden burst of wind"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

GUST

---

6 Down: "14. Showed some courage"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 5 letters
• It starts with 'D' and ends with 'D'
• Word pattern: D___D

Answer:

Click to reveal

DARED

---

7 Down: "47. Leaves shocked"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 5 letters
• It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: S___S

Answer:

Click to reveal

STUNS

---

8 Down: "12. Knot again"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

RETIE

---

9 Down: "7. Channel for collegiate sports fans"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

ESPNU

---

10 Down: "46. Like a cocktail with an extra shot"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

POTENT

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 58 seconds
Difficulty:	Medium

More Puzzle Help

If you like the NYT Mini, you might enjoy these other puzzles too:

Recent Crossword Solutions:

• Mini Crossword NYT September 14 2025
• December 01 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 28 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 01 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• Across Clues NYT December 02 2025
• Mini Crossword NYT December 02 2025

Common Questions About Trivia Week 1

When can I play the Trivia Week 1 Mini?

The Trivia Week 1 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 1?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 1 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 Trivia Week 1?

No! The Trivia Week 1 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 1 solver?

Good Trivia Week 1 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 1?

Trivia Week 1 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.

---

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: March 03, 2026 at 05:03 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, March 03 2026 mini crossword

XWordHint Crossword Answers March 03, 2026 | 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
• Across Clues Table (37 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (42 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Garam ___ (South Asian spice blend)	6
2A	7. Historic tree in Boston Common	3
3A	10. Stinging, as an odor	5
4A	15. Notices	6
5A	16. Not worth a ___	3
6A	17. He-Man's superheroine twin sister	5
7A	18. Intentionally cause drama	10
8A	20. Classical Indian stringed instrument	5
9A	21. Painting and sculpture	4
10A	22. Actor McKellen who played Magneto	3
11A	23. "Don't you agree with me?," informally	7
12A	25. "Come to our rescue!"	3
13A	26. Learn all the latest info	12
14A	28. Image problem?	4
15A	30. "Say it ___ so!"	4
16A	31. Is awesome, in slang	5
17A	33. Online connection	4
18A	34. Tie-dyed bit of attire, often	3
19A	37. "Before we discuss other matters ..." or a hint to the starts of 18-, 26-, 47- and 60-Across	16
20A	42. Word after photo or covert	3
21A	43. Regrets	4
22A	44. Defeats going away	5
23A	45. Cheeky attitude	4
24A	46. Southern cornbread	4
25A	47. Promgoers' luxurious rides	12
26A	53. Kind of oil extracted from hemp, for short	3
27A	56. "They already left"	7
28A	57. Scorching	3
29A	58. Black bits in cookies and cream	4
30A	59. Beneath	5
31A	60. Present for an expectant mom or bride-to-be	10
32A	63. Brother's daughter	5
33A	64. Caller of balls and strikes	3
34A	65. Person with mainstream likes, pejoratively	6
35A	66. Residents of Edinburgh and Glasgow	5
36A	67. "The Tell-Tale Heart" author	3
37A	68. Sounds from baby robins	6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Garam ___ (South Asian spice blend)"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MASALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Historic tree in Boston Common"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
• Similar words include: elm tree, elmwood
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Stinging, as an odor"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that strong and sharp
• Similar words include: acid, blistering, virulent
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACRID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "15. Notices"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that catch sight of
• Similar words include: descry, spy, spot
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ESPIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Not worth a ___"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a former french coin of low denomination; often used of any small amount of money
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. He-Man's superheroine twin sister"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SHERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Intentionally cause drama"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STIRTHEPOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Classical Indian stringed instrument"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a stringed instrument of india; has a long neck and movable frets; has 6 or 7 metal strings for playing and usually 13 resonating strings
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SITAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Painting and sculpture"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
• Similar words include: artistry, fine art, artistic creation
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Actor McKellen who played Magneto"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. "Don't you agree with me?," informally"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMIRITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. "Come to our rescue!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
• Similar words include: so, sol, soh
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Learn all the latest info"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GETUPTOSPEED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Image problem?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a hazy or indistinct representation
• Similar words include: glaze over, confuse, obnubilate
• Opposite of: focus

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BLUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. "Say it ___ so!""

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "31. Is awesome, in slang"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a blow from a flat object (as an open hand)
• Similar words include: smacking, slap, smack
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLAPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Online connection"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the means of connection between things linked in series
• Similar words include: linkup, nexus, link up
• Opposite of: disconnectedness, disconnect

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LINK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "34. Tie-dyed bit of attire, often"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
• Similar words include: football tee, tee up, teeing ground
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. "Before we discuss other matters ..." or a hint to the starts of 18-, 26-, 47- and 60-Across"

16 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FIRSTTHINGSFIRST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Word after photo or covert"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (roman mythology) goddess of abundance and fertility; wife of saturn; counterpart of greek rhea and cybele of ancient asia minor
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Regrets"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that european strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
• Similar words include: ruefulness, repent, Ruta graveolens
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RUES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Defeats going away"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a disorderly crowd of people
• Similar words include: rout, gouge, rabble
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROUTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "45. Cheeky attitude"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
• Similar words include: back talk, sassing, lip
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Southern cornbread"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cornbread often made without milk or eggs and baked or fried (southern)
• Similar words include: cornpone
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Promgoers' luxurious rides"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STRETCHLIMOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "53. Kind of oil extracted from hemp, for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CBD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. "They already left""

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOOLATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "57. Scorching"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
• Similar words include: raging, blistering, red-hot
• Opposite of: cold

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "58. Black bits in cookies and cream"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that chocolate cookie with white cream filling
• Similar words include: oreo cookie
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OREO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Beneath"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that located below or beneath something else
• Similar words include: below, nether
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UNDER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Present for an expectant mom or bride-to-be"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SHOWERGIFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. Brother's daughter"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a daughter of your brother or sister
• Opposite of: nephew
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NIECE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Caller of balls and strikes"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an official at a baseball game
• Similar words include: umpire
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Person with mainstream likes, pejoratively"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NORMIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Residents of Edinburgh and Glasgow"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the dialect of english used in scotland
• Similar words include: Scotch, Scottish, Scotsman
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCOTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. "The Tell-Tale Heart" author"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states writer and poet (1809-1849)
• Similar words include: Edgar Allan Poe
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Sounds from baby robins"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a weak chirping sound as of a small bird
• Similar words include: twirp, twinge, tweet
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TWEETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Flat-topped hills	5
2D	2. Houston ballplayer	5
3D	3. Raps freestyle, in slang	9
4D	4. Broadcasts	4
5D	5. Allow to	3
6D	6. Less rosy-cheeked	6
7D	7. Channel for collegiate sports fans	5
8D	8. Where to go in the U.K.?	3
9D	9. Changing genetically	8
10D	10. Basketball datum	6
11D	11. Cricket's call	5
12D	12. Knot again	5
13D	13. Absolutely steaming	5
14D	14. Showed some courage	5
15D	19. Have a meal	3
16D	24. Abbey residents	5
17D	26. Sudden burst of wind	4
18D	27. Advil targets	5
19D	29. Vinyl records, familiarly	3
20D	31. Where to catch a Bay Area flight	3
21D	32. Stiff upper ___	3
22D	33. Eldest von Trapp daughter in "The Sound of Music"	5
23D	34. Genre for wannabe sleuths	9
24D	35. Winter setting in D.C.	3
25D	36. Sci-fi space travelers	3
26D	38. Plot of land	5
27D	39. Keeps from being publicly known	8
28D	40. Some natural hairstyles, informally	4
29D	41. + or – particle	3
30D	45. Looks slack-jawed (at)	6
31D	46. Like a cocktail with an extra shot	6
32D	47. Leaves shocked	5
33D	48. What accompanies gin and a lime wedge	5
34D	49. Event with cowboys and clowns	5
35D	50. Vote into office	5
36D	51. "With any luck ..."	5
37D	52. Cut the grass	3
38D	54. Prove appropriate for	5
39D	55. Lavishes love (on)	5
40D	58. Shrek, e.g.	4
41D	61. Type of medical network, for short	3
42D	62. Part of a seat assignment	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Flat-topped hills"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that flat tableland with steep edges
• Similar words include: mesa, table, Mesa
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MESAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Houston ballplayer"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASTRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Raps freestyle, in slang"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SPITSBARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Broadcasts"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that affected manners intended to impress others
• Similar words include: publicise, send, aura
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AIRS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Allow to"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

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: Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, get, net ball
• Opposite of: prevent, disallow

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Less rosy-cheeked"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that of a light grey
• Similar words include: ash-gray, ashy, ash-grey
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASHIER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Channel for collegiate sports fans"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ESPNU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Where to go in the U.K.?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a toilet in britain
• Similar words include: W.C., closet, water closet
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Changing genetically"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that undergo mutation
• Similar words include: mutate
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MUTATING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Basketball datum"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
• Similar words include: serve, assistance, help
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASSIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Cricket's call"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sharp sound made by small birds or insects
• Similar words include: tweedle, chirrup, cheep
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CHIRP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Knot again"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that tie again or anew
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RETIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Absolutely steaming"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that feeling or showing extreme anger
• Similar words include: ireful
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IRATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Showed some courage"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
• Similar words include: make bold, presume, dare
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DARED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "19. Have a meal"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that take in solid food
• Similar words include: consume, run through, corrode
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Abbey residents"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a male religious living in a cloister and devoting himself to contemplation and prayer and work
• Similar words include: Thelonious Sphere Monk, monastic, Thelonious Monk
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MONKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Sudden burst of wind"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a strong current of air
• Similar words include: blow, blast
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Advil targets"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an effortful attempt to attain a goal
• Similar words include: trouble, pain in the neck, anguish
• Opposite of: pleasure

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PAINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Vinyl records, familiarly"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a long-playing phonograph record; designed to be played at 33.3 rpm
• Similar words include: LP, L-P
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Where to catch a Bay Area flight"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SFO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Stiff upper ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
• Similar words include: back talk, sassing, backtalk
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Eldest von Trapp daughter in "The Sound of Music""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIESL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Genre for wannabe sleuths"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRUECRIME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "35. Winter setting in D.C."

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that standard time in the 5th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern united states
• Similar words include: Eastern Standard Time, Eastern Time
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. Sci-fi space travelers"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. Plot of land"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an extended area of land
• Similar words include: nerve tract, parcel, nerve pathway
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRACT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "39. Keeps from being publicly known"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HUSHESUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "40. Some natural hairstyles, informally"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FROS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "41. + or – particle"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "45. Looks slack-jawed (at)"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a fixed look with eyes open wide
• Similar words include: gaze, stare, asterisk
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STARES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "46. Like a cocktail with an extra shot"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that having great influence
• Similar words include: virile, strong, stiff
• Opposite of: impotent

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POTENT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "47. Leaves shocked"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that make senseless or dizzy by or as if by a blow
• Similar words include: sandbag, stupefy, stun
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STUNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "48. What accompanies gin and a lime wedge"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that lime- or lemon-flavored carbonated water containing quinine
• Similar words include: brisk, pop, quinine water
• Opposite of: atonic

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TONIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "49. Event with cowboys and clowns"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an exhibition of cowboy skills
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RODEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "50. Vote into office"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an exclusive group of people
• Similar words include: elite, chosen
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELECT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "51. "With any luck ...""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IHOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "52. Cut the grass"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a loft in a barn where hay is stored
• Similar words include: haymow, hayloft, cut down
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "54. Prove appropriate for"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that accord or comport with
• Similar words include: suit, beseem
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BEFIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "55. Lavishes love (on)"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that be foolish or senile due to old age
• Similar words include: dust, disperse, dot
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOTES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "58. Shrek, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a cruel wicked and inhuman person
• Similar words include: fiend, monster, devil
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OGRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

41D: "61. Type of medical network, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that group insurance that entitles members to services of participating hospitals and clinics and physicians
• Similar words include: health maintenance organization
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

42D: "62. Part of a seat assignment"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
• Similar words include: words, rowing, quarrel
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues

42 Down Clues

79 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.

• Complete NYT Crossword Archive
• Advanced Solving Techniques
• Common Crossword Words

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: March 03, 2026 at 04:59 AM