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Monday, September 22, 2025

All NYT Down Clues September 22, 2025 - 41 Vertical Answers with Hints

All NYT Down Clues September 22, 2025 - 41 Vertical Answers with Hints

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 41 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: July 20 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | September 18 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers August 28 |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for September 22, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Monday, September 22, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 22, 2025
Day of Week Monday
Total Down Clues 41 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Challenging

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 41 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Kids these days
2 Down 2. "Not guilty," e.g.
3 Down 3. "You got that right, sister!"
4 Down 4. Certain evergreen
5 Down 5. Like some bars in gymnastics
6 Down 6. One who is barely seen?
7 Down 7. Jeer
8 Down 8. "How was ___ know?"
9 Down 9. Pamper
10 Down 10. Tour guide?
11 Down 11. Crash of thunder
12 Down 12. Promote enthusiastically
13 Down 13. "Need You Tonight" rock band
14 Down 19. Like speakeasies and refrigerators, at times
15 Down 21. Brand of cooler that shares its name with a Himalayan legend
16 Down 25. Opposite of tame
17 Down 26. Join into one
18 Down 27. Jacuzzi features
19 Down 28. Where to find the Jazz
20 Down 29. Long-winded tales
21 Down 30. Apply, as ointment
22 Down 31. City-related
23 Down 35. Desertlike
24 Down 36. Carefree motto, in modern lingo
25 Down 39. Low-scoring deadlock
26 Down 40. Richard of "Pretty Woman"
27 Down 41. Hurdles for srs.
28 Down 44. Sounded like a duck
29 Down 47. Farm docs
30 Down 49. Tartan patterns
31 Down 50. "Yeah, right"
32 Down 51. Bean
33 Down 54. Does some theater work
34 Down 55. Word before food or mate
35 Down 56. Refine, as a skill
36 Down 57. Castle defense
37 Down 59. What a whittler whittles
38 Down 60. Facts
39 Down 61. Relative of a butterfly
40 Down 63. Private online chats, for short
41 Down 64. Spicy

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. Kids these days"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'Z'
  • Word pattern: G__Z
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GENZ

2 Down: "2. "Not guilty," e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: P__A
  • Similar words: supplication
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a humble request for help from someone in authority
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PLEA

3 Down: "3. "You got that right, sister!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A__N
  • Similar words: Amon, Amun
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AMEN

4 Down: "4. Certain evergreen"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'R'
  • Similar words: fir tree, true fir
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: nonresinous wood of a fir tree
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FIR

5 Down: "5. Like some bars in gymnastics"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: U____N
  • Similar words: mismatched, scratchy
  • Opposite of: even
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: not even or uniform as e.g. in shape or texture
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UNEVEN

6 Down: "6. One who is barely seen?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: N____T
  • Similar words: naturist
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NUDIST

7 Down: "7. Jeer"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: G__E
  • Similar words: slam, jeer
  • Opposite of: disagree
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GIBE

8 Down: "8. "How was ___ know?""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ITO

9 Down: "9. Pamper"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: C____E
  • Similar words: featherbed, cocker
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: treat with excessive indulgence
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CODDLE

10 Down: "10. Tour guide?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: A_____P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AREAMAP

11 Down: "11. Crash of thunder"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: C__P
  • Similar words: bam, applaud
  • Opposite of: boo
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a sudden very loud noise
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CLAP

12 Down: "12. Promote enthusiastically"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: T__T
  • Similar words: ticket tout, brag
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TOUT

13 Down: "13. "Need You Tonight" rock band"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I__S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer INXS

14 Down: "19. Like speakeasies and refrigerators, at times"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: R____D
  • Similar words: raid, bust
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: search without warning
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAIDED

15 Down: "21. Brand of cooler that shares its name with a Himalayan legend"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: Y__I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YETI

16 Down: "25. Opposite of tame"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: W__D
  • Similar words: godforsaken, savage
  • Opposite of: tame
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a wild primitive state untouched by civilization
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WILD

17 Down: "26. Join into one"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: F__E
  • Similar words: merge, flux
  • Opposite of: defuse
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FUSE

18 Down: "27. Jacuzzi features"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: J__S
  • Similar words: spurt, green
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an airplane powered by one or more jet engines
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JETS

19 Down: "28. Where to find the Jazz"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: U__H
  • Similar words: Mormon State, Beehive State
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UTAH

20 Down: "29. Long-winded tales"

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: saga
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SAGAS

21 Down: "30. Apply, as ointment"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: R___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RUBON

22 Down: "31. City-related"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: U___N
  • Opposite of: rural
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer URBAN

23 Down: "35. Desertlike"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: A__D
  • Similar words: desiccated, waterless
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: lacking sufficient water or rainfall
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARID

24 Down: "36. Carefree motto, in modern lingo"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: Y__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YOLO

25 Down: "39. Low-scoring deadlock"

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 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ONEONE

26 Down: "40. Richard of "Pretty Woman""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 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 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GERE

27 Down: "41. Hurdles for srs."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S__S
  • Similar words: Sat, Saturday
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SATS

28 Down: "44. Sounded like a duck"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Q' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: Q_____D
  • Similar words: quack
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: utter quacking noises
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer QUACKED

29 Down: "47. Farm docs"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: V__S
  • Similar words: veterinary, ex-serviceman
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a doctor who practices veterinary medicine
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VETS

30 Down: "49. Tartan patterns"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P____S
  • Similar words: tartan, plaid
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a cloth having a crisscross design
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PLAIDS

31 Down: "50. "Yeah, right""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 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 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IMSURE

32 Down: "51. Bean"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: N____N
  • Similar words: noodle, bonce
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: informal terms for a human head
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NOGGIN

33 Down: "54. Does some theater work"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S
  • Similar words: number, deed
  • Opposite of: refrain
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACTS

34 Down: "55. Word before food or mate"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: S__L
  • Similar words: person, someone
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOUL

35 Down: "56. Refine, as a skill"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: H__E
  • Similar words: perfect
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HONE

36 Down: "57. Castle defense"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: M__T
  • Similar words: fosse
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MOAT

37 Down: "59. What a whittler whittles"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: W__D
  • Similar words: Sir Henry Wood, forest
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WOOD

38 Down: "60. Facts"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: I__O
  • Similar words: information
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a message received and understood
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer INFO

39 Down: "61. Relative of a butterfly"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: M__H
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MOTH

40 Down: "63. Private online chats, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: decimeter, decimetre
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DMS

41 Down: "64. Spicy"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: live, raging
  • Opposite of: cold
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOT

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 41 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: September 22, 2025 at 05:13 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, September 22 2025 down clues

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Friday, January 16, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers January 16, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

January 16, 2026 NYT Crossword Solutions

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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. Coming-out party? 10
2A 11. Finish (up) 4
3A 15. "Hello-o-o?" 10
4A 16. Dialect featured in the literature of Alice Walker and Toni Morrison, for short 4
5A 17. Scenario calling for self-reliance 10
6A 18. Summer flier 4
7A 19. Classic 1926 poem associated with the Harlem Renaissance 4
8A 20. Do some cleaning 4
9A 21. Creatures that can turn into humans on land, in Scottish folklore 5
10A 22. Sound around a summer cornfield 3
11A 23. Wood used for flooring 3
12A 24. Trunk item 6
13A 25. Shortest-reigning English monarch (9 days) 8
14A 28. Molecule that can self-splice 3
15A 29. Enthusiasm-curbing 6
16A 32. "Here we go!" 8
17A 34. Uncovered 4
18A 35. Some cuts of meat 5
19A 37. Tennis great who had a tennis scholarship from U.C.L.A. 4
20A 38. Place for trading stories? 8
21A 40. Diverts 6
22A 42. It takes a long time to get this 3
23A 43. Leading character on social media? 8
24A 45. White House partner, for short 6
25A 47. Assume, as costs 3
26A 48. Do some cleaning 3
27A 51. Market for currencies, informally 5
28A 52. Financial aid basis 4
29A 54. Hand count? 4
30A 55. Ian : Scotland :: ___ : Wales 4
31A 56. One might help you hitch a ride 10
32A 58. Parmesan cheese feature 4
33A 59. Novel whence the line "Four legs good, two legs bad" 10
34A 60. Rests 4
35A 61. They're green year-round 10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Coming-out party?"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BABYSHOWER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "11. Finish (up)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cloak that is folded or wrapped around a person
  • Similar words include: roll, twine, enwrap
  • Opposite of: unwrap, unwind
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WRAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. "Hello-o-o?""

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANYONEHOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Dialect featured in the literature of Alice Walker and Toni Morrison, for short"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a nonstandard form of american english characteristically spoken by african americans in the united states
  • Similar words include: Black English Vernacular, Black Vernacular, Black Vernacular English
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AAVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Scenario calling for self-reliance"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SINKORSWIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Summer flier"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various small biting flies: midges; biting midges; black flies; sand flies
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GNAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Classic 1926 poem associated with the Harlem Renaissance"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Do some cleaning"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fine powdery material such as dry earth or pollen that can be blown about in the air
  • Similar words include: detritus, disperse, scatter
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Creatures that can turn into humans on land, in Scottish folklore"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
  • Similar words include: sealskin, SEAL, cachet
  • Opposite of: unseal
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Sound around a summer cornfield"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by corvine birds
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Wood used for flooring"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that nonresinous wood of a fir tree
  • Similar words include: true fir, fir tree
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Trunk item"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Shortest-reigning English monarch (9 days)"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Molecule that can self-splice"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from dna to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
  • Similar words include: ribonucleic acid
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Enthusiasm-curbing"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that lose interest or become bored with something or somebody
  • Similar words include: wear down, tire, fatigue
  • Opposite of: refresh
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JADING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. "Here we go!""

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Uncovered"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
  • Similar words include: spread out, afford, heart-to-heart
  • Opposite of: covert, closed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Some cuts of meat"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the irregular motion of waves (usually caused by wind blowing in a direction opposite to the tide)
  • Similar words include: chop up, chopper, chop
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHOPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Tennis great who had a tennis scholarship from U.C.L.A."

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states tennis player who was the first black to win united states and english singles championships (1943-1993)
  • Similar words include: Arthur Ashe, Arthur Robert Ashe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Place for trading stories?"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fair organized by publishers or booksellers to promote the sale of books
  • Similar words include: book fair
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOOKFAIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "40. Diverts"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
  • Similar words include: divert, disport, amuse
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMUSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. It takes a long time to get this"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
  • Similar words include: older, sure-enough, sometime
  • Opposite of: new, young
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Leading character on social media?"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. White House partner, for short"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Assume, as costs"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that take in solid food
  • Similar words include: eat on, deplete, run through
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Do some cleaning"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cleaning implement consisting of absorbent material fastened to a handle; for cleaning floors
  • Similar words include: mop up, mow, swob
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Market for currencies, informally"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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28A: "52. Financial aid basis"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition requiring relief
  • Similar words include: ask, call for, necessitate
  • Opposite of: obviate
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NEED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "54. Hand count?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
  • Similar words include: quintuplet, quint, fin
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Ian : Scotland :: ___ : Wales"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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31A: "56. One might help you hitch a ride"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CARTRAILER

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32A: "58. Parmesan cheese feature"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the natural outer covering of food (usually removed before eating)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RIND

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33A: "59. Novel whence the line "Four legs good, two legs bad""

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANIMALFARM

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34A: "60. Rests"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that be around, often idly or without specific purpose
  • Similar words include: sit, pose, posture
  • Opposite of: arise, stand
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "61. They're green year-round"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAKEPLANTS

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Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Bare-bones 5
2D 2. Oscar-winning musical role for Rita Moreno 5
3D 3. Already 5
4D 4. "The Memory Police" author ___ Ogawa 4
5D 5. Brand lead-in to Caps or Balls 3
6D 6. Unwieldy situation, metaphorically 11
7D 7. "As if!" 6
8D 8. Blows away 4
9D 9. Release 4
10D 10. Kind of cycle 3
11D 11. Listing on a W-2 form 5
12D 12. Stumbled upon 9
13D 13. Overwhelming amount 9
14D 14. Some terrarium denizens 9
15D 21. Declares 4
16D 23. Tai chi accessory 3
17D 24. Receives unfair criticism 11
18D 25. Nimble, zigzagging maneuver 4
19D 26. Best Original Song Oscar winner from 2014's "Selma" 5
20D 27. P.E. unit 3
21D 29. Invitations to come on board 9
22D 30. First NASA mission broadcast live from orbit 9
23D 31. Secret offering? 9
24D 33. Julia of "The Addams Family" 4
25D 36. ___ Excellency 3
26D 39. Like leatherette 4
27D 41. Witticism 3
28D 44. Start of a secret invitation, perhaps 6
29D 46. Leans 5
30D 48. Locale of a semiannual fashion week 5
31D 49. Opposite of subtle 5
32D 50. Makes do for a while? 5
33D 52. Gram, by another name 4
34D 53. Composer Satie 4
35D 54. Goal-oriented global org.? 4
36D 56. Half-___ 3
37D 57. Totally 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Bare-bones"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a popular programming language that is relatively easy to learn; an acronym for beginner's all-purpose symbolic instruction code; no longer in general use
  • Similar words include: staple, canonical, canonic
  • Opposite of: incidental
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Oscar-winning musical role for Rita Moreno"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Already"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "The Memory Police" author ___ Ogawa"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Brand lead-in to Caps or Balls"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Unwieldy situation, metaphorically"

11 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HERDINGCATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "As if!""

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Blows away"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a joke that seems extremely funny
  • Similar words include: sidesplitter, scream, belly laugh
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WOWS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Release"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that expel (gases or odors)
  • Similar words include: give off, pass off, utter
  • Opposite of: absorb
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Kind of cycle"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a recurring sleep state during which dreaming occurs; a state of rapidly shifting eye movements during sleep
  • Similar words include: rapid eye movement, paradoxical sleep, REM sleep
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Listing on a W-2 form"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing
  • Similar words include: reward, waggle, earnings
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAGES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Stumbled upon"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Overwhelming amount"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slide of large masses of snow and ice and mud down a mountain
  • Similar words include: roll down
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVALANCHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Some terrarium denizens"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. Declares"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the chance to speak
  • Similar words include: enunciate, enjoin, pronounce
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Tai chi accessory"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces
  • Similar words include: lover, buff, devotee
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Receives unfair criticism"

11 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GETSABADRAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Nimble, zigzagging maneuver"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. Best Original Song Oscar winner from 2014's "Selma""

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state of high honor
  • Similar words include: glorification, nimbus, aureole
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GLORY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. P.E. unit"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal abbreviation of `representative'
  • Similar words include: repp
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Invitations to come on board"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. First NASA mission broadcast live from orbit"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. Secret offering?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a toiletry applied to the skin in order to mask unpleasant odors
  • Similar words include: deodourant
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEODORANT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Julia of "The Addams Family""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "36. ___ Excellency"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "39. Like leatherette"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article
  • Similar words include: fake, imitation, simulated
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAUX

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Witticism"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a clever remark
  • Similar words include: Ministry of Transportation test, bon mot, MOT test
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Start of a secret invitation, perhaps"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Leans"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Locale of a semiannual fashion week"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the capital of lombardy in northern italy; has been an international center of trade and industry since the middle ages
  • Similar words include: Milano
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MILAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. Opposite of subtle"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that open and observable; not secret or hidden
  • Similar words include: open
  • Opposite of: covert
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. Makes do for a while?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in the european part of russia
  • Similar words include: permanent wave, permanent, Perm
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "52. Gram, by another name"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "53. Composer Satie"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "54. Goal-oriented global org.?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Half-___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Totally"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
  • Similar words include: wholly, totally, entirely
  • Opposite of: partly, some
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALL

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
37 Down Clues
72 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: January 16, 2026 at 04:13 AM

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