March 23, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (35 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

NYT Wednesday Crossword Across Clues - March 23, 2022 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Quite dry, but sparkling?	4
2A	5. Swallow or duck	4
3A	9. Instrument with 47 strings and seven pedals	4
4A	13. ___ fide	4
5A	14. Proven	4
6A	15. Hummus, e.g.	5
7A	16. FLIP	9
8A	18. Paperless return option	5
9A	19. Altercation	5
10A	20. FLOP	8
11A	22. Itsy-bitsy biter	4
12A	25. Volunteers	7
13A	26. FLIP-FLOP	12
14A	30. Metonym for the U.S. Congress, with "the"	4
15A	31. Cheney in the House	3
16A	32. Matches up	5
17A	36. Mathematician Lovelace	3
18A	37. Rock band that memorably played Carnegie Hall on 2/12/1964, with "the"	7
19A	40. One of the Manning brothers	3
20A	41. Verboten	5
21A	43. Polish off	3
22A	44. Goal of philanthropy	4
23A	45. FLIP-FLOP	12
24A	49. Dr. Montgomery on "Grey's Anatomy"	7
25A	52. Fancy pillowcase	4
26A	53. FLIP	8
27A	55. Doesn't buy, say	5
28A	59. Make a knot not?	5
29A	60. FLOP	9
30A	63. Education professional	5
31A	64. Drink of Athens	4
32A	65. Asics competitor	4
33A	66. Famed English boarding school	4
34A	67. Stepped	4
35A	68. Andrew who ran for president and mayor of New York City	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Quite dry, but sparkling?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BRUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Swallow or duck"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
• Words that mean the same thing: boo, shuttle, wench
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BIRD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Instrument with 47 strings and seven pedals"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a chordophone that has a triangular frame consisting of a sounding board and a pillar and a curved neck; the strings stretched between the neck and the soundbox are plucked with the fingers
• Words that mean the same thing: mouth harp, harmonica, dwell
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HARP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. ___ fide"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BONA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Proven"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that proper alignment; the property possessed by something that is in correct or proper alignment
• Words that mean the same thing: confessedly, genuine, dead on target
• The opposite would be: untruthful, false
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Hummus, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that food prepared by cooking and straining or processed in a blender
• Words that mean the same thing: strain
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PUREE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. FLIP"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: QUICKSALE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Paperless return option"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EFILE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Altercation"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SETTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. FLOP"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EPICFAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Itsy-bitsy biter"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any wingless bloodsucking parasitic insect noted for ability to leap
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Volunteers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that join the military
• Words that mean the same thing: draft, engage, enlist
• The opposite would be: discharge
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENLISTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. FLIP-FLOP"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CASUALSANDAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Metonym for the U.S. Congress, with "the""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a local and well-defined elevation of the land
• Words that mean the same thing: J. J. Hill, Alfred Hawthorne, James Jerome Hill
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HILL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Cheney in the House"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LIZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Matches up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make synchronous and adjust in time or manner
• Words that mean the same thing: synchronise, sync, synchronize
• The opposite would be: desynchronize, desynchronise
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SYNCS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. Mathematician Lovelace"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an enzyme found in mammals that can catalyze the deamination of adenosine into inosine and ammonia
• Words that mean the same thing: adenosine deaminase
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Rock band that memorably played Carnegie Hall on 2/12/1964, with "the""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a rock group from liverpool who between 1962 and 1970 produced a variety of hit songs and albums (most of them written by paul mccartney and john lennon)
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEATLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. One of the Manning brothers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Verboten"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a prejudice (especially in polynesia and other south pacific islands) that prohibits the use or mention of something because of its sacred nature
• Words that mean the same thing: prohibited, out, tabu
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TABOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. Polish off"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that take in solid food
• Words that mean the same thing: wipe out, deplete, rust
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Goal of philanthropy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that moral excellence or admirableness
• Words that mean the same thing: goodness, dependable, adept
• The opposite would be: evilness, badness
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GOOD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. FLIP-FLOP"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: POLICYCHANGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "49. Dr. Montgomery on "Grey's Anatomy""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ADDISON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "52. Fancy pillowcase"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
• Words that mean the same thing: fraud, pseud, pseudo
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "53. FLIP"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: COINTOSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "55. Doesn't buy, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service
• Words that mean the same thing: hire, rent, engage
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RENTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "59. Make a knot not?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that undo the ties of
• Words that mean the same thing: undo, unbrace, unlace
• The opposite would be: tie
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNTIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "60. FLOP"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PLUNKDOWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "63. Education professional"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who gives private instruction (as in singing, acting, etc.)
• Words that mean the same thing: private instructor, coach
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUTOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "64. Drink of Athens"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a greek liquor flavored with anise
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OUZO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "65. Asics competitor"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AVIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "66. Famed English boarding school"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ETON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "67. Stepped"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that put down or press the foot, place the foot
• Words that mean the same thing: trample, step, tread
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TROD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "68. Andrew who ran for president and mayor of New York City"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the bright positive masculine principle in chinese dualistic cosmology
• The opposite would be: yin
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YANG

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Wednesday NYT Crossword March 23, 2022

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Cookouts, for short	4
2D	2. Cad	4
3D	3. Newton, for one	4
4D	4. Like whatever comes after "How should I put this?"	7
5D	5. "Dynamite" boy band	3
6D	6. Part of a nest egg, in brief	3
7D	7. Word that may be defiantly rhymed with "schmool"	4
8D	8. Intensify	6
9D	9. With a chip on one's shoulder	7
10D	10. Challenging soprano pieces, say	5
11D	11. Kindled anew	5
12D	12. Pre-pares potatoes?	5
13D	15. Place to play dodgeball, informally	7
14D	17. Caffeine nut	4
15D	21. Many a swing voter: Abbr.	3
16D	23. Magazine that sponsors Women in Hollywood awards	4
17D	24. Home to more than 2,300 languages	4
18D	26. Zoom window	4
19D	27. Verdi opera set in ancient Egypt	4
20D	28. It's a piece of cake!	4
21D	29. Culture that introduced popcorn to the world	5
22D	33. Light element	4
23D	34. One of a pair in the mule family?	4
24D	35. Pro or con	4
25D	37. Third shot, for many	7
26D	38. Big name in chips	4
27D	39. Make one's mark, in a way	4
28D	42. Polling subject	7
29D	44. Time for tailgating	7
30D	46. ___ roll (Brits' term for toilet paper)	3
31D	47. Where the cool kids go	6
32D	48. "Listen!"	4
33D	49. Less than right	5
34D	50. Food with a hole	5
35D	51. "So do I"	5
36D	54. Curved line over a series of notes, in sheet music	4
37D	56. Flare up?	4
38D	57. Single bed, curiously	4
39D	58. Cause for a run, maybe	4
40D	61. Emmy-winning actress Aduba	3
41D	62. Wordlessly agree	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

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

Clue 1 Down: "1. Cookouts, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BBQS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Cad"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a dissolute man in fashionable society
• Words that mean the same thing: blood, profligate, rip
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Newton, for one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any division of quantity accepted as a standard of measurement or exchange
• Words that mean the same thing: building block, whole, social unit
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Like whatever comes after "How should I put this?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others
• Words that mean the same thing: kid-glove
• The opposite would be: tactless
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TACTFUL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. "Dynamite" boy band"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Part of a nest egg, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
• Words that mean the same thing: Irish Republican Army, individual retirement account, ire
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Word that may be defiantly rhymed with "schmool""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
• Words that mean the same thing: ruler, reign, dominion
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RULE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Intensify"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make more intense, stronger, or more marked; ,
• Words that mean the same thing: change, compound, heighten
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEEPEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. With a chip on one's shoulder"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that in a huffy manner
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HUFFILY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Challenging soprano pieces, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an elaborate song for solo voice
• Words that mean the same thing: aria
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARIAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Kindled anew"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RELIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Pre-pares potatoes?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that british politician (1788-1850)
• Words that mean the same thing: peel, flake, strip
• The opposite would be: dress
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEELS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "15. Place to play dodgeball, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PECLASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "17. Caffeine nut"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that tree bearing large brown nuts containing e.g. caffeine; source of cola extract
• Words that mean the same thing: goora nut, kola nut, kola nut tree
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KOLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Many a swing voter: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Magazine that sponsors Women in Hollywood awards"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Home to more than 2,300 languages"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Zoom window"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an informal conversation
• Words that mean the same thing: confabulation, chaffer, schmoose
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Verdi opera set in ancient Egypt"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AIDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. It's a piece of cake!"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that block consisting of a thick piece of something
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Culture that introduced popcorn to the world"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the nahuatl people who established an empire in mexico that was overthrown by cortes in 1519
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AZTEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Light element"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 10, Ne
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. One of a pair in the mule family?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that footwear usually with wooden soles
• Words that mean the same thing: constipate, clog up, sabot
• The opposite would be: unclog
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Pro or con"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
• Words that mean the same thing: incline, English, slope
• The opposite would be: top
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Third shot, for many"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who backs a politician or a team etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: booster rocket, promoter, lifter
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOOSTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. Big name in chips"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
• Words that mean the same thing: ballad, lay, put down
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Make one's mark, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make an etching of
• Words that mean the same thing: engrave
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Polling subject"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
• Words that mean the same thing: ruling, public opinion, legal opinion
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPINION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. Time for tailgating"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GAMEDAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. ___ roll (Brits' term for toilet paper)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a toilet in britain
• Words that mean the same thing: closet, W.C., water closet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Where the cool kids go"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: INSPOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. "Listen!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that listen; used mostly in the imperative
• Words that mean the same thing: hearken, harken
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HARK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. Less than right"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mark (') placed above a vowel to indicate pronunciation
• Words that mean the same thing: ague, acuate, intense
• The opposite would be: obtuse, chronic
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACUTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "50. Food with a hole"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small ring-shaped friedcake
• Words that mean the same thing: sinker, doughnut
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DONUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "51. "So do I""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mark used to indicate the word above it should be repeated
• Words that mean the same thing: ditto mark
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DITTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. Curved line over a series of notes, in sheet music"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (music) a curved line spanning notes that are to be played legato
• Words that mean the same thing: dim, smirch, blur
• The opposite would be: focus
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Flare up?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a star that ejects some of its material in the form of a cloud and become more luminous in the process
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOVA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "57. Single bed, curiously"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that either of two offspring born at the same time from the same pregnancy
• Words that mean the same thing: mate, matching, pair
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TWIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "58. Cause for a run, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sharp protuberance
• Words that mean the same thing: rent, tear, rub
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "61. Emmy-winning actress Aduba"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: UZO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "62. Wordlessly agree"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sign of assent or salutation or command
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOD

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	58	76.3%
Short Answer	7	9.2%
Science/Technology	2	2.6%
Food & Drink	2	2.6%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
History	2	2.6%
Geography	1	1.3%
Music	1	1.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	4.9 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	12 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: September 11, 2025 at 04:43 AM

December 21, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Wednesday Puzzle December 21, 2022

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Be an omen of	4
2A	5. Reduce	5
3A	10. Belabor, with "on"	4
4A	14. Follower of Bay or gray	4
5A	15. ___ setter	5
6A	16. Sheepish answer to "Who broke this?"	4
7A	17. Sign in a clearance section	15
8A	20. "___ soon?"	3
9A	21. The duck in "Peter and the Wolf"	4
10A	22. Grunts and groans, e.g.	6
11A	23. Country with the second-most Portuguese speakers	6
12A	25. Stretch	5
13A	27. Party people, for short	4
14A	29. Peach or plum	3
15A	30. Download that might use a freemium model	3
16A	33. "A fickle food," per Emily Dickinson	4
17A	36. Large-scale corporate union	10
18A	39. In the loop	5
19A	41. One able to lift 10 to 50 times its body weight	3
20A	42. Like flourless cake	5
21A	43. Dream hand for a poker player	10
22A	46. ___ slicker	4
23A	47. "Cabin Fever" director Roth	3
24A	48. Enthusiastic response to "Wanna come?"	3
25A	49. Expel	4
26A	51. Deceptive movement	5
27A	53. "Fudge," "fie" and "fiddlesticks" are some of the printable ones	6
28A	57. Title holders	6
29A	60. Ideal for audiophiles, in brief	4
30A	62. Swing ___	3
31A	63. "Why are you making such a fuss?" … or a hint to 17-, 36- and 43-Across	15
32A	66. It means nothing at Wimbledon	4
33A	67. U.S. theater awards	5
34A	68. Modify, as an article	4
35A	69. Key word when writing dialogue	4
36A	70. Word with due or true	5
37A	71. Manhattan, on an envelope	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Be an omen of"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that indicate by signs
• Words that mean the same thing: omen, prognosticate, foretell
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Reduce"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the lower of two berths
• Words that mean the same thing: small, depress, depressed
• The opposite would be: raise, high
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOWER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Belabor, with "on""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a chordophone that has a triangular frame consisting of a sounding board and a pillar and a curved neck; the strings stretched between the neck and the soundbox are plucked with the fingers
• Words that mean the same thing: mouth organ, dwell, mouth harp
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HARP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Follower of Bay or gray"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
• Words that mean the same thing: orbit, field, country
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AREA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. ___ setter"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that people of ireland or of irish extraction
• Words that mean the same thing: Irish whisky, Irish Gaelic, Irish whiskey
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRISH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Sheepish answer to "Who broke this?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IDID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Sign in a clearance section"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FIFTYPERCENTOFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. "___ soon?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
• Words that mean the same thing: to a fault, excessively, besides
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. The duck in "Peter and the Wolf""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
• Words that mean the same thing: hautbois, hautboy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OBOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Grunts and groans, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
• Words that mean the same thing: noise, interference, resound
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOISES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Country with the second-most Portuguese speakers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a republic in southwestern africa on the atlantic ocean; achieved independence from portugal in 1975 and was the scene of civil war until 1990
• Words that mean the same thing: Republic of Angola
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANGOLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Stretch"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an unbroken period of time during which you do something
• Words that mean the same thing: Erolia minutilla, scrimp, least sandpiper
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Party people, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person active in party politics
• Words that mean the same thing: politico, political leader, pol
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Peach or plum"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the quality of a color as determined by its dominant wavelength
• Words that mean the same thing: imbue, chromaticity
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Download that might use a freemium model"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: APP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. "A fickle food," per Emily Dickinson"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed
• Words that mean the same thing: celebrity, renown
• The opposite would be: infamy
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FAME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. Large-scale corporate union"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MEGAMERGER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. In the loop"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (sometimes followed by `of') having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
• Words that mean the same thing: cognizant, mindful, cognisant
• The opposite would be: unmindful, unaware
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. One able to lift 10 to 50 times its body weight"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
• Words that mean the same thing: pismire, emmet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Like flourless cake"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter
• Words that mean the same thing: dim, slow, dull
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DENSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. Dream hand for a poker player"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ROYALFLUSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "46. ___ slicker"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
• Words that mean the same thing: urban center, metropolis
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. "Cabin Fever" director Roth"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. Enthusiastic response to "Wanna come?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the united states federal department charged with conservation and the development of natural resources; created in 1849
• Words that mean the same thing: Interior Department, Department of the Interior, Interior
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Expel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that remove from a position or office
• Words that mean the same thing: expel, boot out, throw out
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OUST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "51. Deceptive movement"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any distracting or deceptive maneuver (as a mock attack)
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FEINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "53. "Fudge," "fie" and "fiddlesticks" are some of the printable ones"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FWORDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "57. Title holders"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (law) someone who owns (is legal possessor of) a business
• Words that mean the same thing: possessor, owner, proprietor
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OWNERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "60. Ideal for audiophiles, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HIFI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "62. Swing ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
• Words that mean the same thing: geological era, earned run average, epoch
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "63. "Why are you making such a fuss?" … or a hint to 17-, 36- and 43-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WHATSTHEBIGDEAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "66. It means nothing at Wimbledon"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
• Words that mean the same thing: eff, lovemaking, make out
• The opposite would be: hate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "67. U.S. theater awards"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OBIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "68. Modify, as an article"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
• Words that mean the same thing: cut, redact, edit out
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "69. Key word when writing dialogue"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the chance to speak
• Words that mean the same thing: order, enounce, enjoin
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "70. Word with due or true"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the region of the united states lying to the north of the mason-dixon line
• Words that mean the same thing: N, magnetic north, Frederick North
• The opposite would be: south
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NORTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "71. Manhattan, on an envelope"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NYNY

  Great job if you got it right!

December 21, 2022 Down Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. U.K. acting award	5
2D	2. Hunter visible at night	5
3D	3. Remove condensation from	5
4D	4. Conquer a hero?	3
5D	5. It can prevent cracking	7
6D	6. Snack item sometimes shown in ads next to a glass of milk	4
7D	7. Confusion might ensue when they're crossed	5
8D	8. Key for getting out, not in	3
9D	9. Metal next to tungsten on the periodic table	7
10D	10. Signal to play	5
11D	11. Brouhahas	4
12D	12. Widespread	4
13D	13. E-tickets often come as these	4
14D	18. Risk taker's acronym	4
15D	19. "You don't really have to"	6
16D	24. Field for Maria Callas	5
17D	26. "Oh yeah?"	6
18D	28. Protect, as freshness	6
19D	30. Hindu fire god	4
20D	31. Target for an exterminator	4
21D	32. Food, potentially	4
22D	33. Food	4
23D	34. Nowhere to be found	4
24D	35. "Do you mind?"	4
25D	37. Antelope with chin hair	3
26D	38. One side of a page	5
27D	40. Patriarchs and matriarchs	6
28D	44. Shove down the throat of	7
29D	45. Sulky	7
30D	50. Large swallow	4
31D	51. Major bashes	5
32D	52. "A League of ___ Own"	5
33D	54. Like marshes or bagpipes	5
34D	55. Exhaust physically	5
35D	56. Like tears and some language	5
36D	57. Bevy : quails :: parliament : ___	4
37D	58. "Now wait just a second!"	4
38D	59. Blue shade	4
39D	61. "Yeah, sure"	4
40D	64. "Euphoria" channel	3
41D	65. Place for thieves	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

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

Clue 1 Down: "1. U.K. acting award"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BAFTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Hunter visible at night"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (greek mythology) a giant boeotian hunter who pursued the pleiades and was eventually slain by artemis; was then placed in the sky as a constellation
• Words that mean the same thing: Hunter
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Remove condensation from"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that free from mist
• Words that mean the same thing: demist
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEFOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Conquer a hero?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that take in solid food
• Words that mean the same thing: rust, use up, eat on
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. It can prevent cracking"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LIPBALM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Snack item sometimes shown in ads next to a glass of milk"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that chocolate cookie with white cream filling
• Words that mean the same thing: oreo cookie
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OREO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Confusion might ensue when they're crossed"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
• Words that mean the same thing: wire, telegraph, conducting wire
• The opposite would be: unwire
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WIRES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Key for getting out, not in"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ESC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Metal next to tungsten on the periodic table"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a rare heavy polyvalent metallic element that resembles manganese chemically and is used in some alloys; is obtained as a by-product in refining molybdenum
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 75, Re
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RHENIUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Signal to play"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HITIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Brouhahas"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a rapid active commotion
• Words that mean the same thing: ado, stir, bustle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Widespread"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that most frequent or common
• Words that mean the same thing: prevalent, dominant, overabundant
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIFE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. E-tickets often come as these"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PDFS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Risk taker's acronym"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: YOLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. "You don't really have to""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NONEED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Field for Maria Callas"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
• Words that mean the same thing: opera house
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPERA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. "Oh yeah?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: THATSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Protect, as freshness"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SEALIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Hindu fire god"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (sanskrit) hindu god of fire in ancient and traditional india; one of the three chief deities of the vedas
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGNI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Target for an exterminator"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a serious (sometimes fatal) infection of rodents caused by yersinia pestis and accidentally transmitted to humans by the bite of a flea that has bitten an infected animal
• Words that mean the same thing: cuss, gadfly, pestilence
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Food, potentially"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
• Words that mean the same thing: predate, fair game, target
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PREY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Food"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an agenda of things to do
• Words that mean the same thing: come, get along, make out
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Nowhere to be found"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one who is away or absent without leave
• Words that mean the same thing: truant
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWOL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. "Do you mind?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MAYI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Antelope with chin hair"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that large african antelope having a head with horns like an ox and a long tufted tail
• Words that mean the same thing: wildebeest
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GNU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. One side of a page"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that right-hand page
• The opposite would be: verso
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RECTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Patriarchs and matriarchs"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who is older than you are
• Words that mean the same thing: senior, elderberry bush, elder
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELDERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Shove down the throat of"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: FOISTON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. Sulky"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that sullen or moody
• Words that mean the same thing: sulky
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HUFFISH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Large swallow"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a large and hurried swallow
• Words that mean the same thing: quaff, draft, slog
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Major bashes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an elaborate party (often outdoors)
• Words that mean the same thing: feast, festival, fiesta
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FETES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. "A League of ___ Own""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: THEIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. Like marshes or bagpipes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: REEDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "55. Exhaust physically"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that emptying something accomplished by allowing liquid to run out of it
• Words that mean the same thing: drainpipe, enfeeble, debilitate
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. Like tears and some language"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that engagingly stimulating or provocative
• Words that mean the same thing: piquant
• The opposite would be: fresh
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SALTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "57. Bevy : quails :: parliament : ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
• Words that mean the same thing: bird of Minerva, owl, hooter
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OWLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "58. "Now wait just a second!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WHOA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "59. Blue shade"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an organization of military vessels belonging to a country and available for sea warfare
• Words that mean the same thing: USN, US Navy, dark blue
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAVY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "61. "Yeah, sure""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IBET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "64. "Euphoria" channel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HBO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "65. Place for thieves"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the habitation of wild animals
• Words that mean the same thing: hideout, hideaway, lair
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	58	74.4%
Short Answer	11	14.1%
Food & Drink	3	3.8%
History	2	2.6%
Geography	1	1.3%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.9 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: September 05, 2025 at 11:16 AM