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Friday, December 26, 2025

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

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

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

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

About Today's Down Clues

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

All Down Clues - Complete List

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

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

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues

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

Complete Down Solutions:

1 Down: "1. How a supervillain might brag"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SMUGLY

2 Down: "2. Flip"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LOSEIT

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ONHOLD

4 Down: "4. Like untended plots"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WEEDY

5 Down: "5. Funeral ___"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PYRE

6 Down: "6. Broad band?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OBI

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KANGAROO

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EGGANDSPOONRACE

9 Down: "9. Professor Dumbledore"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALBUS

10 Down: "10. Contest"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: B__T
  • Similar words: round, bust
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BOUT

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OWL

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAGNAROK

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TRUELOVE

14 Down: "14. Baby sitter?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STROLLER

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MAI

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NACRE

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CARLE

18 Down: "27. Stick by a fireplace"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MATCH

19 Down: "28. Mantra"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CHANT

20 Down: "29. Nearby things"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THESE

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SWISS

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TABLETOP

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IPROMISE

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GIANTESS

25 Down: "34. Great illustrations"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EPITOMES

26 Down: "38. Connected"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MET

27 Down: "39. Sister of Moses"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MIRIAM

28 Down: "40. Worth considering"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OFNOTE

29 Down: "41. Made up"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: A____D
  • Similar words: abye, atone
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: make amends for
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ATONED

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

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KENYA

31 Down: "44. "Understood?""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GOTME

32 Down: "46. Big break"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RIFT

33 Down: "47. Stack (up)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PILE

34 Down: "49. Casting need"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DIE

35 Down: "51. Short diner order"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BLT

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

  • Down clues often reveal key letters for intersecting words
  • Vertical patterns can unlock difficult sections
  • Many prefixes and suffixes run vertically
  • Down answers often help solve Across clues

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

  1. Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Down entries
  2. Prefixes and suffixes: Common word parts often run vertically
  3. Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
  4. Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Down
  5. Pop culture references: Names and titles often appear vertically

Time-Saving Down Techniques

Technique How It Helps
Scan all Down first Get a mental map of the vertical flow
Fill short Down words 3-4 letter words are often prefixes or connectors
Use crossing letters Across letters help confirm Down answers
Look for themes Related Down answers often share a theme

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 35 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

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

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

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

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

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

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

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Wednesday, October 9, 2024

2410 Tue Oct 08, 2024 NY Times Crossword Clues Hints

Across Clues :

1. Tackle, as a crossword, 6. Hold responsible, 11. ___ culpa, 14. Pertaining to bees, 15. Small bouquets, 16. "Be on the lookout" message, for short, 17. "Beware of this sausage!"?, 19. Insult, 20. Genderqueer identity, informally, 21. Balaam couldn't move his, 22. Must, 24. French seasoning, 25. Camera roll contents, 28. Small drum, 29. Unexpected delight, 31. Like unshorn wool?, 33. Give some lip, 36. Call from a goat, 37. Frosts, as a cupcake, 38. Breed beef cattle?, 42. ___ good example, 43. A.A. Milne youngster, 44. Roughly cut, 45. Charlotte's first draft for "Some Pig"?, 48. Book in a cartographer's collection, 52. Name of Athena's shield, 53. Two up quarks and a down quark, 56. Supped on, 57. Crude and tactless, 59. Compete (for), 60. Giant squids have ones the size of dinner plates, 61. College sr.'s test, 62. Summary of the phonetic puns at 17-, 31-, 38- and 45-Across?, 66. Tee preceder, 67. Building with many wings?, 68. Handbag, 69. Thing, in legalese, 70. Hub, 71. It's a good thing

Down Clues :

1. Most secure, 2. First game of the season, 3. On the hook, 4. Fluctuate, 5. Treebeard or Beechbone, in Middle-earth, 6. Greets with deference, 7. Sch. whose mascot is Mike the Tiger, 8. Bouncy castle filler, 9. Netting, 10. Huge tract of land, 11. Recouped, as an investment, 12. Paragons, 13. Sops up, 15. Money in Mexico, 18. "As if!", 23. Lionhearted, 25. Organizers of book fairs, for short, 26. "I'm buying!", 27. Tuck away for later, 30. Like some lions and elephants, 32. Despise, 34. Novak Djokovic or Nikola Jokic, by birth, 35. Bend over, 38. Go over the line?, 39. "If I had to estimate ...", 40. Winter frost, 41. Actor McGregor, 42. Cocky walk, 46. "Little Shop of Horrors" lyricist Howard, 47. Curiosity and Perseverance, e.g., 49. Good things to dress in when it's cold, 50. "Relax, soldier!", 51. End of a sonnet, often, 54. Wee, 55. Voluminous ref., 58. Spot for an icicle, 60. Cassowary relatives, 63. Cereal with the slogan "Kid-tested. Parent-approved", 64. Mer contents, 65. Belgian town known for its mineral baths

Break down the NYT Crosswords: October 08, 2024

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

Across Clues with Answers:

  • The clue is 1. Tackle, as a crossword. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SOLVE


    Possible Answer : figure_out, lick, work, resolve, work_out, solve, puzzle_out, clear


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

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

    The answer: BLAME


    Possible Answer : damn, deuced, goddam, goddamned, blasted, charge, incrimination, damned, inculpation, find_fault, fault, blamed, infernal, blessed, blame, darned, goddamn, pick, rap

    Possible Opposite Answer : absolve


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

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

    The answer: MEA



  • The clue is 14. Pertaining to bees. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: APIAN


    Possible Answer : apian


  • The clue is 15. Small bouquets. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: POSIES


    Possible Answer : nosegay, bouquet, corsage, posy


  • The clue is 16. "Be on the lookout" message, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: APB



  • The clue is 17. "Beware of this sausage!"?. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

    The answer: FEARTHEWURST



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

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

    The answer: DIS


    Possible Answer : Dis, Orcus


  • The clue is 20. Genderqueer identity, informally. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ENBY



  • The clue is 21. Balaam couldn't move his. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ASS


    Possible Answer : arse, butt, tail_end, bottom, buns, nooky, As, fuck, fucking, rear_end, rump, posterior, fanny, keister, fundament, can, American_Samoa, rear, tush, prat, arsenic, ass, buttocks, shag, stern, hind_end, roll_in_the_hay, hindquarters, nookie, screwing, seat, piece_of_tail, tooshie, Eastern_Samoa, screw, AS, nates, backside, behind, piece_of_ass, tail, shtup, atomic_number_33, bum, derriere


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

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

    The answer: HAVETO



  • The clue is 24. French seasoning. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SEL



  • The clue is 25. Camera roll contents. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PHOTOS


    Possible Answer : pic, photograph, exposure, picture, photo


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

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

    The answer: TABOR


    Possible Answer : tabour, tabor


  • The clue is 29. Unexpected delight. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TREAT


    Possible Answer : kickshaw, process, dainty, delicacy, address, deal, treat, do_by, plow, regale, handle, care_for, cover, goody


  • The clue is 31. Like unshorn wool?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ONTHELAMB



  • The clue is 33. Give some lip. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SASS


    Possible Answer : backtalk, lip, sassing, Special_Air_Service, mouth, SAS, sass, back_talk


  • The clue is 36. Call from a goat. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MAA



  • The clue is 37. Frosts, as a cupcake. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ICES


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


  • The clue is 38. Breed beef cattle?. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (14 letters)

    The answer: RAISETHESTEAKS



  • The clue is 42. ___ good example. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SETA


    Possible Answer : seta


  • The clue is 43. A.A. Milne youngster. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ROO



  • The clue is 44. Roughly cut. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HEWN


    Possible Answer : hew, hewn, hand-hewn, hew_out


  • The clue is 45. Charlotte's first draft for "Some Pig"?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: WHATABOAR



  • The clue is 48. Book in a cartographer's collection. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ATLAS


    Possible Answer : map_collection, Atlas, book_of_maps, telamon, atlas_vertebra, atlas


  • The clue is 52. Name of Athena's shield. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: AEGIS


    Possible Answer : protection, aegis, egis, auspices, breastplate


  • The clue is 53. Two up quarks and a down quark. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PROTON


    Possible Answer : proton


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

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

    The answer: ATE


    Possible Answer : exhaust, consume, Ate, eat_on, eat_up, feed, wipe_out, use_up, run_through, corrode, eat, deplete, rust


  • The clue is 57. Crude and tactless. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: GAUCHE


    Possible Answer : unpolished, gauche, graceless


  • The clue is 59. Compete (for). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: VIE


    Possible Answer : compete, vie, contend


  • The clue is 60. Giant squids have ones the size of dinner plates. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EYES


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


  • The clue is 61. College sr.'s test. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: GRE



  • The clue is 62. Summary of the phonetic puns at 17-, 31-, 38- and 45-Across?. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

    The answer: MAKEENDSMEAT



  • The clue is 66. Tee preceder. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ESS


    Possible Answer : Es, einsteinium, E, atomic_number_99


  • The clue is 67. Building with many wings?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: AVIARY


    Possible Answer : bird_sanctuary, volary, aviary


  • The clue is 68. Handbag. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PURSE


    Possible Answer : wrinkle, pocketbook, bag, purse, handbag


  • The clue is 69. Thing, in legalese. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RES


    Possible Answer : RES, ray, Ra, atomic_number_75, Re, rhenium, reticuloendothelial_system, re


  • The clue is 70. Hub. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: NEXUS


    Possible Answer : nexus, link


  • The clue is 71. It's a good thing. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ASSET


    Possible Answer : plus, asset

    Possible Opposite Answer : liability


Down Clues and Answers:

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

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

    The answer: SAFEST


    Possible Answer: good, secure, dependable, safe

    Possible Opposite Answer : dangerous, out

  • The clue is 2. First game of the season. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OPENER


    Possible Answer: unfastener, opener, untier, undoer

  • The clue is 3. On the hook. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LIABLE


    Possible Answer: unresistant, apt, liable, nonimmune, nonresistant

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

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

    The answer: VARY


    Possible Answer: alter, depart, change, diverge, vary, deviate, motley, variegate

    Possible Opposite Answer : conform

  • The clue is 5. Treebeard or Beechbone, in Middle-earth. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ENT


  • The clue is 6. Greets with deference. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: BOWSTO


  • The clue is 7. Sch. whose mascot is Mike the Tiger. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LSU


  • The clue is 8. Bouncy castle filler. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: AIR


    Possible Answer: melodic_phrase, zephyr, aerate, aviation, ventilate, publicize, atmosphere, transmit, bare, line, aura, send, melody, broadcast, airwave, air, vent, air_out, beam, melodic_line, strain, air_travel, tune, breeze, publicise, gentle_wind

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

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

    The answer: MESH


    Possible Answer: meshwork, operate, enmesh, ensnarl, net, mesh_topology, meshing, mesh, interlocking, engage, engagement, lock, network, interlock

    Possible Opposite Answer : disengage

  • The clue is 10. Huge tract of land. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ESTATE


    Possible Answer: demesne, estate, estate_of_the_realm, land, acres, landed_estate, the_three_estates

  • The clue is 11. Recouped, as an investment. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MADEBACK


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

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

    The answer: EPITOMES


    Possible Answer: paradigm, prototype, epitome, image

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

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

    The answer: ABSORBS


    Possible Answer: plunge, suck_up, steep, engage, assimilate, imbibe, absorb, draw, suck, soak_up, engulf, sop_up, ingest, immerse, take_up, take_in, engross, occupy, take_over

    Possible Opposite Answer : emit

  • The clue is 15. Money in Mexico. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PESO


    Possible Answer: Dominican_peso, Guinea-Bissau_peso, Colombian_peso, Mexican_peso, Philippine_peso, Uruguayan_peso, peso, Chilean_peso, Cuban_peso

  • The clue is 18. "As if!". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HAH


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

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

    The answer: VALIANT


    Possible Answer: valiant, valorous

  • The clue is 25. Organizers of book fairs, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PTAS


  • The clue is 26. "I'm buying!". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ONME


  • The clue is 27. Tuck away for later. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: STASH


    Possible Answer: squirrel_away, hive_up, lay_away, stash, cache, hoard

  • The clue is 30. Like some lions and elephants. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ASIATIC


    Possible Answer: Asian, Asiatic

  • The clue is 32. Despise. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HATE


    Possible Answer: detest, hatred, hate

    Possible Opposite Answer : love

  • The clue is 34. Novak Djokovic or Nikola Jokic, by birth. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SERB


    Possible Answer: Serbian, Serb

  • The clue is 35. Bend over. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: STOOP


    Possible Answer: condescend, bow, stoep, crouch, stoup, stoop, lower_oneself, bend

  • The clue is 38. Go over the line?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: REHEARSE


    Possible Answer: rehearse, practice, practise

  • The clue is 39. "If I had to estimate ...". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ATAGUESS


  • The clue is 40. Winter frost. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HOAR


    Possible Answer: gray-headed, grey-headed, gray, hoar, white-haired, frost, hoarfrost, gray-haired, grizzly, rime, grey, grey-haired, hoary

  • The clue is 41. Actor McGregor. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EWAN


  • The clue is 42. Cocky walk. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SWAGGER


    Possible Answer: bluster, browbeat, tittup, swagman, strut, ruffle, bully, groovy, swagger, cock, sashay, prance, swaggie, swash

  • The clue is 46. "Little Shop of Horrors" lyricist Howard. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ASHMAN


  • The clue is 47. Curiosity and Perseverance, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ROVERS


    Possible Answer: wanderer, bird_of_passage, roamer, rover, scouter

  • The clue is 49. Good things to dress in when it's cold. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LAYERS


    Possible Answer: bed, level, layer, stratum

  • The clue is 50. "Relax, soldier!". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ATEASE


  • The clue is 51. End of a sonnet, often. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SESTET


    Possible Answer: sextuplet, sestet, VI, six, sextet, 6, Captain_Hicks, hexad, sise, sextette, sixer, half_a_dozen

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

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

    The answer: TINY


    Possible Answer: petite, lilliputian, flyspeck, diminutive, tiny, bantam, midget

  • The clue is 55. Voluminous ref.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OED


    Possible Answer: OED, O.E.D., Oxford_English_Dictionary

  • The clue is 58. Spot for an icicle. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EAVE


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

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

    The answer: EMUS


    Possible Answer: emu, electromagnetic_unit, Dromaius_novaehollandiae, Emu_novaehollandiae

  • The clue is 63. Cereal with the slogan "Kid-tested. Parent-approved". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: KIX


  • The clue is 64. Mer contents. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EAU


  • The clue is 65. Belgian town known for its mineral baths. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SPA


    Possible Answer: watering_place, spa, resort_hotel, health_club, health_spa, watering_hole

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Friday, December 26, 2025

XWordHint Crossword Answers December 26, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

December 26, 2025 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Dawdler 8
2A 9. Cuts short 6
3A 15. Typical sight in a bank robbery cartoon 8
4A 16. Kitsch 6
5A 17. Doing some theater work 8
6A 18. Cracked wheat used in tabbouleh 6
7A 19. One whose beauty is on the inside 5
8A 20. Whole kit and caboodle 5
9A 22. ___-Latin (like some modern coinages) 3
10A 23. Plant that's toxic to cats 4
11A 24. Some babysitters 5
12A 25. A cold one is unexpected (and usually unappreciated) 4
13A 26. Since Jan. 1, on a pay stub 3
14A 27. Tuesday, in French 5
15A 28. Song commonly performed outdoors 5
16A 29. Food that can be prepared de canasta 5
17A 30. ___ Tuesday (end of the pre-Lenten season) 6
18A 31. One toeing the line? 15
19A 35. Individually 6
20A 36. Editorialize 5
21A 37. Overly self-assertive 5
22A 38. Like a good sponge cake 5
23A 39. Down Under bird that scientists are working to "de-extinct" 3
24A 42. Singular, with or without its first letter 4
25A 43. Origin story family in DC Comics 5
26A 44. Facility 4
27A 45. Certain care provider, for short 3
28A 46. Re-fresh? 5
29A 47. It might be marked with an X 5
30A 48. Linked (with) 6
31A 50. Drive 8
32A 52. Harden and become resistant to change 6
33A 53. Life partner, perhaps? 8
34A 54. Old coin with a picture of Generalissimo Franco 6
35A 55. Treated with respect 8

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Dawdler"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who moves slowly
  • Similar words include: plodder, slowcoach, stick-in-the-mud
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOWPOKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "9. Cuts short"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of terminating a project or procedure before it is completed
  • Similar words include: abort
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABORTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. Typical sight in a bank robbery cartoon"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a drawstring bag for holding money
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MONEYBAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Kitsch"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Doing some theater work"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take (someone) to their seats, as in theaters or auditoriums
  • Similar words include: show, usher
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USHERING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Cracked wheat used in tabbouleh"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that parched crushed wheat
  • Similar words include: bulgur wheat, bulghur
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BULGUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. One whose beauty is on the inside"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (mineralogy) a hollow rock or nodule with the cavity usually lined with crystals
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Whole kit and caboodle"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a complete extent or range:
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GAMUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "22. ___-Latin (like some modern coinages)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used as a combining form) recent or new
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "23. Plant that's toxic to cats"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any liliaceous plant of the genus lilium having showy pendulous flowers
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LILY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Some babysitters"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. A cold one is unexpected (and usually unappreciated)"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a telephone connection
  • Similar words include: yell, phone call, forebode
  • Opposite of: put option
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CALL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Since Jan. 1, on a pay stub"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Tuesday, in French"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. Song commonly performed outdoors"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that joyful religious song celebrating the birth of christ
  • Similar words include: Christmas carol
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAROL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Food that can be prepared de canasta"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of mexican descent
  • Similar words include: greaser, wetback, taco
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TACOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "30. ___ Tuesday (end of the pre-Lenten season)"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that grant remission of a sin to
  • Similar words include: shrive, absolve
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHROVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "31. One toeing the line?"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIGHTROPEWALKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "35. Individually"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to or from every one of two or more (considered individually)
  • Similar words include: to each one, from each one, for each one
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APIECE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "36. Editorialize"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express one's opinion openly and without fear or hesitation
  • Similar words include: animadvert, guess, imagine
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "37. Overly self-assertive"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that offensively bold
  • Similar words include: cheeky, nervy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRASH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "38. Like a good sponge cake"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slightly wet
  • Similar words include: damp, dampish
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "39. Down Under bird that scientists are working to "de-extinct""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that extinct flightless bird of new zealand
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. Singular, with or without its first letter"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lacking companions or companionship
  • Similar words include: lonesome, alone, sole
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "43. Origin story family in DC Comics"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a county in southeastern england on the english channel; formerly an anglo-saxon kingdom, it was the first to be colonized by the romans
  • Similar words include: Kent, Rockwell Kent
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KENTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "44. Facility"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something acquired without compensation
  • Similar words include: invest, endow, endowment
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIFT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "45. Certain care provider, for short"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "46. Re-fresh?"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fashion reminiscent of the past
  • Similar words include: retroactive, ex post facto
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "47. It might be marked with an X"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that creative activity (writing or pictures or films etc.) of no literary or artistic value other than to stimulate sexual desire
  • Similar words include: porn, pornography, smut
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PORNO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "48. Linked (with)"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "50. Drive"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cherished desire
  • Similar words include: aspiration, ambitiousness, dream
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMBITION

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "52. Harden and become resistant to change"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that become bony
  • Similar words include: petrify, rigidify
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSSIFY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "53. Life partner, perhaps?"

8 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "54. Old coin with a picture of Generalissimo Franco"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formerly the basic unit of money in spain; equal to 100 centimos
  • Similar words include: Spanish peseta
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PESETA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "55. Treated with respect"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that regard highly; think much of
  • Similar words include: repute, esteem, look upon
  • Opposite of: disrespect, disesteem
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESTEEMED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. How a supervillain might brag 6
2D 2. Flip 6
3D 3. Waiting for support, maybe 6
4D 4. Like untended plots 5
5D 5. Funeral ___ 4
6D 6. Broad band? 3
7D 7. Royal Australian Air Force insignia 8
8D 8. Competition that combines speed with balance 15
9D 9. Professor Dumbledore 5
10D 10. Contest 4
11D 11. Bevy : quail :: parliament : ___ 3
12D 12. The world's end, in Norse mythology 8
13D 13. Mr. or Ms. Right 8
14D 14. Baby sitter? 8
15D 21. Half of a classic rum cocktail's name 3
16D 24. Component of a nautilus shell 5
17D 25. Eric who wrote and illustrated "Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me" 5
18D 27. Stick by a fireplace 5
19D 28. Mantra 5
20D 29. Nearby things 5
21D 30. Like the pope's guards 5
22D 31. Area on which to eat or play cards 8
23D 32. "You can absolutely count on me" 8
24D 33. Figure in sci-fi's "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman," e.g. 8
25D 34. Great illustrations 8
26D 38. Connected 3
27D 39. Sister of Moses 6
28D 40. Worth considering 6
29D 41. Made up 6
30D 43. Nation dubbed the "cradle of mankind" 5
31D 44. "Understood?" 5
32D 46. Big break 4
33D 47. Stack (up) 4
34D 49. Casting need 3
35D 51. Short diner order 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. How a supervillain might brag"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in a smug manner
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SMUGLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Flip"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Like untended plots"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that abounding with or resembling weeds
  • Similar words include: underweight, scraggy, boney
  • Opposite of: weedless
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEEDY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Funeral ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wood heaped for burning a dead body as a funeral rite
  • Similar words include: funeral pyre
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PYRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Broad band?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (west indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery
  • Similar words include: obeah
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several herbivorous leaping marsupials of australia and new guinea having large powerful hind legs and a long thick tail
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KANGAROO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

15 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGGANDSPOONRACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Professor Dumbledore"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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10D: "10. Contest"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (sports) a division during which one team is on the offensive
  • Similar words include: bust, turn, tear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOUT

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

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
  • Similar words include: hooter, bird of night, bird of Minerva
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OWL

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

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that myth about the ultimate destruction of the gods in a battle with evil
  • Similar words include: Gotterdammerung, Twilight of the Gods
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAGNAROK

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

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person loved by another person
  • Similar words include: steady, sweetheart, sweetie
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUELOVE

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14D: "14. Baby sitter?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who walks at a leisurely pace
  • Similar words include: baby carriage, perambulator, carriage
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STROLLER

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

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the iridescent internal layer of a mollusk shell
  • Similar words include: mother-of-pearl
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NACRE

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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18D: "27. Stick by a fireplace"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lighter consisting of a thin piece of wood or cardboard tipped with combustible chemical; ignites with friction
  • Similar words include: mates, catch, equal
  • Opposite of: disagree
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MATCH

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19D: "28. Mantra"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a repetitive song in which as many syllables as necessary are assigned to a single tone
  • Similar words include: tone, intonate, intone
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHANT

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20D: "29. Nearby things"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the natives or inhabitants of switzerland
  • Similar words include: Swiss people
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWISS

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

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the top horizontal work surface of a table
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TABLETOP

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

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a female giant
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIANTESS

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25D: "34. Great illustrations"

8 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a standard or typical example
  • Similar words include: paradigm, image, prototype
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPITOMES

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26D: "38. Connected"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come together
  • Similar words include: converge, conform to, see
  • Opposite of: diverge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MET

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27D: "39. Sister of Moses"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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28D: "40. Worth considering"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "41. Made up"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that make amends for
  • Similar words include: repent, atone, expiate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ATONED

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

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in eastern africa; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1963; major archeological discoveries have been made in the great rift valley in kenya
  • Similar words include: Republic of Kenya
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KENYA

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31D: "44. "Understood?""

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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32D: "46. Big break"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a gap between cloud masses
  • Similar words include: rupture, break, severance
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIFT

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33D: "47. Stack (up)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a collection of objects laid on top of each other
  • Similar words include: quite a little, flock, spile
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PILE

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34D: "49. Casting need"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small cube with 1 to 6 spots on the six faces; used in gambling to generate random numbers
  • Similar words include: snuff it, fail, cash in one's chips
  • Opposite of: be born
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIE

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35D: "51. Short diner order"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sandwich filled with slices of bacon and tomato with lettuce
  • Similar words include: bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLT

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

35 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: December 26, 2025 at 04:10 AM

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