February 18, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (33 clues)
• Down Clues (37 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, February 18, 2022

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (33 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

Across Clues Explained - Friday NYT Crossword February 18, 2022

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Offers a fist, in a way	4
2A	5. Speak like Clint Eastwood	4
3A	9. Irritated	5
4A	14. Fort ___ (Peace Bridge terminus)	4
5A	15. Middle range	4
6A	16. Can't get enough of	5
7A	17. Mental goof	9
8A	19. Sophia of "Two Women"	5
9A	20. Deep-fried Japanese pork cutlet	8
10A	21. They come in waffle and sugar varieties	5
11A	22. Faint theatrically	5
12A	23. General on a menu	3
13A	25. A.T.M. maker	3
14A	27. ___Kosh B'gosh	3
15A	30. Recruits	7
16A	33. Hamilton and Burr, for two	13
17A	36. Pool class	13
18A	37. Steamy period pieces	13
19A	38. Pans	7
20A	39. Common way to communicate at Gallaudet University, in brief	3
21A	40. Equinox mo.	3
22A	41. Latest gossip, in modern lingo	3
23A	43. Restraint	5
24A	48. Not *quite* a failure	5
25A	51. It's bald on its face	8
26A	54. Green features	5
27A	55. It's hardly Châteauneuf-du-Pape	9
28A	56. Dana Elaine ___, a.k.a. Queen Latifah	5
29A	57. Torpid	4
30A	58. Cared for, as some injuries	4
31A	59. Belgian Expressionist James	5
32A	60. What might have ___	4
33A	61. "Any ___?"	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. Offers a fist, in a way"

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: DAPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Speak like Clint Eastwood"

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 uttering in an irritated tone
• Words that mean the same thing: wood file, rasping
• 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: RASP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Irritated"

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 quick to take offense
• Words that mean the same thing: mad, feisty, thin-skinned
• 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: HUFFY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Fort ___ (Peace Bridge terminus)"

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 member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
• Words that mean the same thing: Lake Erie
• 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: ERIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Middle range"

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 singer whose voice lies in the alto clef
• Words that mean the same thing: countertenor, contralto
• 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: ALTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Can't get enough of"

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 love intensely
• 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: ADORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Mental goof"

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: BRAINFART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Sophia of "Two Women""

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 italian film actress (born in 1934)
• Words that mean the same thing: Sofia Scicolone, Sophia Loren
• 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: LOREN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Deep-fried Japanese pork cutlet"

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: TONKATSU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. They come in waffle and sugar varieties"

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 any cone-shaped artifact
• Words that mean the same thing: scam, strobilus, memorize
• 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: CONES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Faint theatrically"

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 spontaneous loss of consciousness caused by insufficient blood to the brain
• Words that mean the same thing: pass out, syncope, faint
• 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: SWOON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. General on a menu"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. A.T.M. maker"

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: NCR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. ___Kosh B'gosh"

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: OSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Recruits"

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: HIRESON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Hamilton and Burr, for two"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BITTERENEMIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. Pool class"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: WATERAEROBICS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Steamy period pieces"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 letters. It's a hard clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BODICERIPPERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Pans"

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 worthless material that is to be disposed of
• Words that mean the same thing: scum, wish-wash, deoxyephedrine
• 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: TRASHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Common way to communicate at Gallaudet University, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sign language used in the united states
• Words that mean the same thing: American sign language
• 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: ASL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Equinox mo."

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 month following august and preceding october
• Words that mean the same thing: September, Sept
• 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: SEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Latest gossip, in modern lingo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
• Words that mean the same thing: teatime, Camellia sinensis, tea leaf
• 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: TEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. Restraint"

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 restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal
• Words that mean the same thing: triplet, III, 3
• 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: LEASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. Not *quite* a failure"

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: DPLUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "51. It's bald on its face"

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: NAKEDLIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "54. Green features"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an opening into or through something
• Words that mean the same thing: trap, maw, gob
• 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: HOLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "55. It's hardly Châteauneuf-du-Pape"

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: BOXEDWINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "56. Dana Elaine ___, a.k.a. Queen Latifah"

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 united states athlete and black american whose success in the 1936 olympic games in berlin outraged hitler (1913-1980)
• Words that mean the same thing: James Cleveland Owens, Jesse Owens, Owen
• 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: OWENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "57. Torpid"

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 state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
• Words that mean the same thing: unfounded, stagnate, laze
• The opposite would be: busy, run
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "58. Cared for, as some injuries"

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 decorate with frosting
• Words that mean the same thing: ice, frost
• 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: ICED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "59. Belgian Expressionist James"

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: ENSOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "60. What might have ___"

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 the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)
• Words that mean the same thing: personify, make up, represent
• The opposite would be: differ
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "61. "Any ___?""

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 information about recent and important events
• Words that mean the same thing: news show, intelligence, news program
• 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: NEWS

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Friday Crossword Down Clues - February 18, 2022 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Credit card charges, essentially	5
2D	2. Keyboard symbol	5
3D	3. Soft	5
4D	4. Japanese watch brand	5
5D	5. Host	4
6D	6. Lead-in to some regrets	4
7D	7. Walk around like you own the place	5
8D	8. Dope	3
9D	9. Beyoncé song with the line "I got my angel now"	4
10D	10. Thick noodle	4
11D	11. Field that involves blood, sweat and tears?	9
12D	12. Some works by Goya	8
13D	13. Deep desire	3
14D	18. Small-scale study, for short	8
15D	21. Some pinball machines, e.g.	7
16D	24. Tibetan ethnic group	6
17D	26. I.C.U. figures	3
18D	28. Most of the alphabet, in Washington, D.C.	7
19D	29. Something drawn by an invisible horse outside Disney's Haunted Mansion	6
20D	31. Was revolting?	8
21D	32. Mideast ruler	4
22D	33. Corrupting sorts	9
23D	34. "Affirmative"	4
24D	35. Popular gear retailer	3
25D	36. Nagged and nagged and nagged	8
26D	37. First K-pop group to perform at the Grammys	3
27D	42. Terminal type	5
28D	44. Buzz Aldrin's given name	5
29D	45. Children's character who asks herself "And what is the use of a book without pictures or conversations?"	5
30D	46. Tendon	5
31D	47. Obeys	5
32D	49. One side of a classic late- night feud	4
33D	50. Red states, once, in brief	4
34D	52. Toll unit, at times	4
35D	53. Sharp	4
36D	54. It might turn up a plot	3
37D	55. Diner's neckwear	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. Credit card charges, essentially"

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 state of owing something (especially money)
• Words that mean the same thing: debt
• 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: DEBTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Keyboard symbol"

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 mark to indicate a direction or relation
• Words that mean the same thing: pointer
• 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: ARROW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Soft"

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 keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds
• Words that mean the same thing: soft, pianoforte, softly
• The opposite would be: forte
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIANO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Japanese watch brand"

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: SEIKO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Host"

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 flat float (usually made of logs or planks) that can be used for transport or as a platform for swimmers
• Words that mean the same thing: muckle, quite a little, wad
• 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: RAFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Lead-in to some regrets"

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 flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
• Words that mean the same thing: ala, regrettably, unfortunately
• The opposite would be: luckily, fortunately
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Walk around like you own the place"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a proud stiff pompous gait
• Words that mean the same thing: cock, swagger, prance
• 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: STRUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Dope"

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 metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid
• Words that mean the same thing: stool, skunk, muckle
• 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: POT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Beyoncé song with the line "I got my angel now""

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 an indication of radiant light drawn around the head of a saint
• Words that mean the same thing: glory, anchor ring, nimbus
• 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: HALO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Thick noodle"

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: UDON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Field that involves blood, sweat and tears?"

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 scientific tests or techniques used in the investigation of crimes
• 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: FORENSICS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Some works by Goya"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mural done with watercolors on wet plaster
• Words that mean the same thing: fresco
• 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: FRESCOES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Deep desire"

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 yearning for something or to do something
• Words that mean the same thing: pine, ache, languish
• 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: YEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Small-scale study, for short"

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

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: NANOTECH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Some pinball machines, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: COINOPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Tibetan ethnic group"

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 a member of the himalayan people living in nepal and tibet who are famous for their skill as mountaineers
• 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: SHERPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. I.C.U. figures"

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 radioactive gaseous element formed by the disintegration of radium; the heaviest of the inert gasses; occurs naturally (especially in areas over granite) and is considered a hazard to health
• Words that mean the same thing: RN, registered nurse, radon
• 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: RNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Most of the alphabet, in Washington, D.C."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
• Words that mean the same thing: street
• 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: STREETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Something drawn by an invisible horse outside Disney's Haunted Mansion"

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 a vehicle for carrying a coffin to a church or a cemetery; formerly drawn by horses but now usually a motor vehicle
• 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: HEARSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Was revolting?"

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 take part in a rebellion; renounce a former allegiance
• Words that mean the same thing: renegade, rise, rebel
• 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: REBELLED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Mideast ruler"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an independent ruler or chieftain (especially in africa or arabia)
• Words that mean the same thing: ameer, amir, emeer
• 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: EMIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Corrupting sorts"

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: BADAPPLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. "Affirmative""

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: ITIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Popular gear retailer"

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: REI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Nagged and nagged and nagged"

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: WOREDOWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. First K-pop group to perform at the Grammys"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium 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: BTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. Terminal type"

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 positively charged electrode by which electrons leave an electrical device
• The opposite would be: cathode
• 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: ANODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Buzz Aldrin's given name"

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 king of northumbria who was converted to christianity (585-633)
• 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: EDWIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. Children's character who asks herself "And what is the use of a book without pictures or conversations?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Tendon"

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 cord or band of inelastic tissue connecting a muscle with its bony attachment
• Words that mean the same thing: muscularity, tendon, brawn
• 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: SINEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Obeys"

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 paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people)
• Words that mean the same thing: paying attention, mind, listen
• The opposite would be: inattentiveness
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEEDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "49. One side of a classic late- night feud"

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: LENO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Red states, once, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a former communist country in eastern europe and northern asia; established in 1922; included russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (ukraine and byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 december 1991
• Words that mean the same thing: Soviet Union, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Russia
• 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: USSR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Toll unit, at 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 a shaft on which a wheel rotates
• 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: AXLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Sharp"

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 funeral lament sung with loud wailing
• Words that mean the same thing: groovy, exquisite, corking
• 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: KEEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. It might turn up a plot"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a tool with a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle
• 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: HOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "55. Diner's neckwear"

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 top part of an apron; covering the chest
• Words that mean the same thing: tipple
• 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: BIB

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	52	74.3%
Short Answer	12	17.1%
History	1	1.4%
Sports	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%
Geography	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.3 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	13 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is 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: September 11, 2025 at 07:38 PM

December 23, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (32 clues)
• Down Clues (42 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, December 23, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (32 Across, 42 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

December 23, 2021 Thursday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. When said three times, how an overlong comment might be summarized	4
2A	5. Morgan Stanley acquisition of 2020	6
3A	11. Shock, in a way	3
4A	14. Let up	4
5A	15. Get something just right	6
6A	16. Word aptly hidden in "I've got this!"	3
7A	17. Reef deposit hung on the holiday tree?	15
8A	20. Is unobliged to	7
9A	21. Popular web browser	6
10A	22. Something an Australian might throw on the barbie	6
11A	25. Beats (out)	5
12A	26. Heath genus that's also a woman's name	5
13A	29. Certain international soccer championship, familiarly	5
14A	31. Noble gas you can't live without?	10
15A	33. It's 1 for 90°	4
16A	37. Occasion on which to sing the hymn "Up From the Grave He Arose"	6
17A	38. Word with candy or ball	6
18A	40. Things caught at a beach	4
19A	41. Starbucks order for a man's man?	10
20A	45. True	5
21A	46. Essential character	5
22A	47. Cause of the moon hitting your eye like a big pizza pie, in song	5
23A	51. Sugar or flour	6
24A	53. Car model with a musical name	6
25A	55. Miami five	7
26A	59. Buys tickets for a couple of friends for a Polynesian getaway?	15
27A	62. Something it's good to get a hole in?	3
28A	63. Archers	6
29A	64. Trash day reminder	4
30A	65. Passage blocker, maybe	3
31A	66. New citizen, perhaps	6
32A	67. What cynophobia is the fear of	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. When said three times, how an overlong comment might be summarized"

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 pompous or pretentious talk or writing
• Words that mean the same thing: claptrap, fustian, bombast
• 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: BLAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Morgan Stanley acquisition of 2020"

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: ETRADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Shock, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sudden event that imparts energy or excitement, usually with a dramatic impact
• Words that mean the same thing: vaporize, nuke, atomise
• 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: ZAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Let up"

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 freedom from difficulty or hardship or effort
• Words that mean the same thing: repose, relieve, easiness
• The opposite would be: difficulty
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EASE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Get something just right"

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: NAILIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Word aptly hidden in "I've got this!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
• Words that mean the same thing: self-importance, self, egotism
• 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: EGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Reef deposit hung on the holiday tree?"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: ACHRISTMASCORAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Is unobliged to"

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: NEEDNOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Popular web browser"

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 another word for chromium when it is used in dyes or pigments
• Words that mean the same thing: chromium-plate
• 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: CHROME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Something an Australian might throw on the barbie"

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 disparaging terms for small people
• Words that mean the same thing: prawn, half-pint, runt
• 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: SHRIMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "25. Beats (out)"

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 boundary of a surface
• Words that mean the same thing: inch, butt, border
• 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: EDGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Heath genus that's also a woman's name"

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 any plant of the genus erica
• Words that mean the same thing: true heath
• 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: ERICA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "29. Certain international soccer championship, familiarly"

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 the basic monetary unit of most members of the european union (introduced in 1999); in 2002 twelve european nations (germany, france, belgium, luxembourg, the netherlands, italy, spain, portugal, ireland, greece, austria, finland) adopted the euro as their basic unit of money and abandoned their traditional currencies
• Words that mean the same thing: euro
• 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: EUROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "31. Noble gas you can't live without?"

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: VITALARGON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. It's 1 for 90°"

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 ratio of the length of the side opposite the given angle to the length of the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle
• Words that mean the same thing: sin
• 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: SINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "37. Occasion on which to sing the hymn "Up From the Grave He Arose""

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 a christian celebration of the resurrection of christ; celebrated on the sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox
• Words that mean the same thing: east wind, easterly
• 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: EASTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "38. Word with candy or ball"

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 soft silky fibers from cotton plants in their raw state
• Words that mean the same thing: cotton plant, cotton fiber, cotton wool
• 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: COTTON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "40. Things caught at a beach"

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 column of light (as from a beacon)
• Words that mean the same thing: electron beam, light beam, ray
• 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: RAYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. Starbucks order for a man's man?"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: CAFFEMACHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "45. True"

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 steadfast in allegiance or duty
• Words that mean the same thing: firm, patriotic, fast
• The opposite would be: disloyal, unpatriotic
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOYAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "46. Essential character"

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 (anthropology) the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era
• 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: ETHOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "47. Cause of the moon hitting your eye like a big pizza pie, in song"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: AMORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "51. Sugar or flour"

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 (usually plural) a necessary commodity for which demand is constant
• Words that mean the same thing: basic, raw material, staple fibre
• The opposite would be: unstaple
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STAPLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "53. Car model with a musical name"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a musical composition of 3 or 4 movements of contrasting forms
• 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: SONATA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "55. Miami five"

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: THEHEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "59. Buys tickets for a couple of friends for a Polynesian getaway?"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: TAKESTWOTOTONGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "62. Something it's good to get a hole in?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Words that mean the same thing: i, unity, unitary
• 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: ONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "63. Archers"

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 a person who is expert in the use of a bow and arrow
• Words that mean the same thing: archer, bowman
• 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: BOWMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "64. Trash day reminder"

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 property detected by the olfactory system
• Words that mean the same thing: olfactory perception, olfactory property, olfactory sensation
• 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: ODOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "65. Passage blocker, maybe"

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 this merely but also; not only so but
• The opposite would be: yea
• 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: NAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "66. New citizen, perhaps"

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 someone who leaves one country to settle in another
• Words that mean the same thing: emigrant, outgoer, emigree
• 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: EMIGRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "67. What cynophobia is the fear of"

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 a member of the genus canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
• Words that mean the same thing: tag, track, andiron
• 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: DOGS

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Thursday Crossword Down Clues - December 23, 2021 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Black-eyed pea, technically	4
2D	2. Get ready to skate, with "up"	4
3D	3. Lead-in to a Southern "-ville"	4
4D	4. Tries to wrangle the unwrangleable	9
5D	5. "Christ's Entry Into Brussels in 1889" artist	5
6D	6. More ragged	7
7D	7. ___ shot	3
8D	8. In the way of	3
9D	9. 45, e.g.	4
10D	10. Does some cave art	6
11D	11. Free-fall phenomenon, informally	5
12D	12. Good thing to bring to the field	5
13D	13. North and South, but not East or West	5
14D	18. Gobble down	6
15D	19. Chicago airport code	3
16D	23. ___ shot	3
17D	24. For	3
18D	26. At all	4
19D	27. Org. that gives out "gold" but fights pirates	4
20D	28. Teeny-tiny	4
21D	30. "Kiss her ___ for me" ("A Holly Jolly Christmas" lyric)	4
22D	32. Western gas brand	4
23D	33. District of Columbia advocacy subject	9
24D	34. Hankering	4
25D	35. N.Y.C. neighborhood next to the Bowery	4
26D	36. Great-great-great-great-great grandfather of Noah	4
27D	39. Dish that may be served folded	6
28D	42. Old-timey agreements	3
29D	43. Like Santa, in traditional depictions	3
30D	44. Butter up, say	7
31D	45. Doesn't disturb	6
32D	47. Start of an English auto name	5
33D	48. 2016 animated film with songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda	5
34D	49. Pitch-perfect	5
35D	50. Explorer John	3
36D	52. Give a buzz	5
37D	54. Small thing	4
38D	56. Opposite of exo-	4
39D	57. Full of anticipation	4
40D	58. Besmirches	4
41D	60. Historical event given its current name in 1939: Abbr.	3
42D	61. "!!!"	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. Black-eyed pea, technically"

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 edible seeds of plants of the family leguminosae used for food
• Words that mean the same thing: edible bean, attic, noggin
• 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: BEAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Get ready to skate, with "up""

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 a cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
• Words that mean the same thing: fortify, lace up, intertwine
• The opposite would be: untwine
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Lead-in to a Southern "-ville""

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 united states tennis player who was the first black to win united states and english singles championships (1943-1993)
• Words that mean the same thing: Arthur Ashe, Arthur Robert Ashe
• 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: ASHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Tries to wrangle the unwrangleable"

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: HERDSCATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. "Christ's Entry Into Brussels in 1889" artist"

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: ENSOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. More ragged"

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 showing signs of wear and tear
• Words that mean the same thing: gimcrack, tacky, tatty
• 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: TATTIER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. ___ shot"

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 shape of a raised edge of a more or less circular object
• Words that mean the same thing: brim, flange, lip
• 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: RIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. In the way of"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
• 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: ALA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. 45, e.g."

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 sound recording consisting of a disk with a continuous groove; used to reproduce music by rotating while a phonograph needle tracks in the groove
• Words that mean the same thing: magnetic disk, phonograph recording, disk
• 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: DISC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Does some cave art"

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 make an etching of
• Words that mean the same thing: etch, engrave
• 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: ETCHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Free-fall phenomenon, informally"

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: ZEROG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Good thing to bring to the field"

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: AGAME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. North and South, but not East or West"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic
• Words that mean the same thing: celestial pole, magnetic pole, Pole
• 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: POLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Gobble down"

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 draw deep into the lungs in by breathing
• Words that mean the same thing: breathe in, inspire
• The opposite would be: exhale
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INHALE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Chicago airport code"

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: ORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. ___ shot"

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 quantity that can be held in a mug
• Words that mean the same thing: sucker, smiler, mark
• 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: MUG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. For"

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 an athlete who plays for pay
• Words that mean the same thing: professional
• The opposite would be: con, amateur
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. At all"

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 at any time
• Words that mean the same thing: e'er, always, of all time
• The opposite would be: never
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Org. that gives out "gold" but fights pirates"

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: RIAA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Teeny-tiny"

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: ITSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. "Kiss her ___ for me" ("A Holly Jolly Christmas" lyric)"

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 on one occasion
• Words that mean the same thing: erst, erstwhile, at one time
• 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: ONCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Western gas brand"

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 (of instruments in the violin family) to be played with the bow
• 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: ARCO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. District of Columbia advocacy subject"

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: STATEHOOD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Hankering"

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 contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
• Words that mean the same thing: scratch, spoil, itchiness
• 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: ITCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. N.Y.C. neighborhood next to the Bowery"

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: NOHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "36. Great-great-great-great-great grandfather of Noah"

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: ENOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Dish that may be served folded"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that beaten eggs or an egg mixture cooked until just set; may be folded around e.g. ham or cheese or jelly
• Words that mean the same thing: omelette
• 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: OMELET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Old-timey agreements"

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: AYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Like Santa, in traditional depictions"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a soft greasy substance occurring in organic tissue and consisting of a mixture of lipids (mostly triglycerides)
• Words that mean the same thing: fatten up, fertile, fatty
• The opposite would be: thin, leanness
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "44. Butter up, say"

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 praise somewhat dishonestly
• Words that mean the same thing: prostrate, matte, vapid
• The opposite would be: contrasty, natural
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLATTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. Doesn't disturb"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LETSBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "47. Start of an English auto name"

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: ASTON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "48. 2016 animated film with songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: MOANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Pitch-perfect"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONKEY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. Explorer John"

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: RAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "52. Give a buzz"

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 electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
• Words that mean the same thing: earpiece, headphone, telephone set
• 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: PHONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "54. Small thing"

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 (physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element
• Words that mean the same thing: particle, molecule, speck
• 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: ATOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "56. Opposite of exo-"

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: ENDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "57. Full of anticipation"

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 highly excited
• 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: AGOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "58. Besmirches"

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 any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
• Words that mean the same thing: old salt, Jack, seaman
• 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: TARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "60. Historical event given its current name in 1939: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WWI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "61. "!!!""

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: OMG

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	53	71.6%
Short Answer	13	17.6%
Music	3	4.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.7%
Sports	1	1.4%
Food & Drink	1	1.4%
History	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	32
Down Clues	42
Total Clues	74
Average Answer Length	5.1 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 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 12, 2025 at 11:17 PM