May 18, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (37 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Tuesday Puzzle May 18, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Hospital scan, for short	3
2A	4. Word before line or hose	5
3A	9. Joins a rendition of "If You're Happy and You Know It," say	5
4A	14. ___ Lingus	3
5A	15. Fish tank buildup	5
6A	16. It clutches arrows and an olive branch on the Great Seal	5
7A	17. Fish eggs	3
8A	18. Rotten kid	11
9A	20. Reason for an Olympic diving demerit	6
10A	22. Birthday staple	7
11A	23. Heavy metal fan	10
12A	26. Opposite of WSW	3
13A	27. Bother	5
14A	28. New England catch	3
15A	29. Poet's cadence	5
16A	31. Trippy drug	3
17A	32. Khan who founded Khan Academy	3
18A	33. What the letters of "Roy G. Biv" stand for	6
19A	34. Brand of school supplies known for its dazzling rainbow designs	9
20A	37. What a lot of office work is spent on nowadays	6
21A	40. Highest point value for a Scrabble tile	3
22A	41. Ideology suffix	3
23A	44. Old battle clubs	5
24A	45. Sleep preventer, in a fairy tale	3
25A	46. Seasonal delivery driver?	5
26A	48. Loop in on the DL	3
27A	49. Certain emotional support animal	10
28A	51. 2016 film starring Amy Adams as a linguist who communicates with aliens	7
29A	54. Yellow henchman in "Despicable Me"	6
30A	55. Breakfast side order ... or a hint to the last words of 18-, 23-, 34- and 49-Across	11
31A	58. What tree rings indicate	3
32A	59. Process, as ore	5
33A	60. Spirit in a bottle	5
34A	61. "Nothing but ___!"	3
35A	62. Affirmatives	5
36A	63. Mythical king of Crete	5
37A	64. Braying animal	3

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. Hospital scan, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the use of nuclear magnetic resonance of protons to produce proton density images
• Words that mean the same thing: magnetic resonance imaging
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. Word before line or hose"

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 short underpants for women or children (usually used in the plural)
• Words that mean the same thing: pantie, step-in, scanty
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PANTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Joins a rendition of "If You're Happy and You Know It," say"

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 sudden very loud noise
• Words that mean the same thing: spat, blast, clap
• The opposite would be: boo
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLAPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. ___ Lingus"

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: AER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Fish tank buildup"

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 primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true stems and roots and leaves
• Words that mean the same thing: alga
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALGAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. It clutches arrows and an olive branch on the Great Seal"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various large keen-sighted diurnal birds of prey noted for their broad wings and strong soaring flight
• Words that mean the same thing: bird of Jove, double birdie
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EAGLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Fish eggs"

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 fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
• Words that mean the same thing: hard roe
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Rotten kid"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: SPOILEDBRAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Reason for an Olympic diving demerit"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sound like water splashing
• Words that mean the same thing: spattering, slosh, splattering
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPLASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Birthday staple"

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 the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech
• Words that mean the same thing: demo, demonstrate, deliver
• The opposite would be: future, absent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRESENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Heavy metal fan"

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: HEADBANGER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Opposite of WSW"

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 compass point midway between northeast and east
• Words that mean the same thing: east northeast
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Bother"

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 cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
• Words that mean the same thing: nettle, irritate, bother
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANNOY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. New England catch"

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 vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
• Words that mean the same thing: tantalise, taunt, put one over
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Poet's cadence"

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 basic unit of length adopted under the systeme international d'unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
• Words that mean the same thing: m, cadence, metre
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: METER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Trippy drug"

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 powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
• Words that mean the same thing: lysergic acid diethylamide
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LSD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Khan who founded Khan Academy"

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: SAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. What the letters of "Roy G. Biv" stand for"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a flag that shows its nationality
• Words that mean the same thing: vividness, colours, colouring material
• The opposite would be: colorlessness, discolor
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COLORS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. Brand of school supplies known for its dazzling rainbow designs"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: LISAFRANK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "37. What a lot of office work is spent on nowadays"

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 (computer science) a system of world-wide electronic communication in which a computer user can compose a message at one terminal that can be regenerated at the recipient's terminal when the recipient logs in
• Words that mean the same thing: netmail, e-mail, email
• The opposite would be: snail mail
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMAILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Highest point value for a Scrabble tile"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
• Words that mean the same thing: decade, ten-spot, x
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Ideology suffix"

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 belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school
• Words that mean the same thing: philosophical system, philosophy, school of thought
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ISM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. Old battle clubs"

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 (trademark) a liquid that temporarily disables a person; prepared as an aerosol and sprayed in the face, it irritates the eyes and causes dizziness and immobilization
• Words that mean the same thing: mace, Chemical Mace, Mace
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MACES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Sleep preventer, in a fairy tale"

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 seed of a pea plant used for food
• Words that mean the same thing: pea plant
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "46. Seasonal delivery driver?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the legendary patron saint of children; an imaginary being who is thought to bring presents to children at christmas
• Words that mean the same thing: Saint Nicholas, St. Nick, Kriss Kringle
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SANTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Loop in on the DL"

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: BCC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "49. Certain emotional support animal"

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: THERAPYDOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. 2016 film starring Amy Adams as a linguist who communicates with aliens"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that accomplishment of an objective
• Words that mean the same thing: arriver, comer, reaching
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARRIVAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. Yellow henchman in "Despicable Me""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a servile or fawning dependant
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MINION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Breakfast side order ... or a hint to the last words of 18-, 23-, 34- and 49-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: SAUSAGELINK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. What tree rings indicate"

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 how long something has existed
• Words that mean the same thing: historic period, long time, geezerhood
• The opposite would be: rejuvenate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. Process, as ore"

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 small cold-water silvery fish; migrate between salt and fresh water
• Words that mean the same thing: smack, smell out, sense
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SMELT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "60. Spirit in a bottle"

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 (islam) an invisible spirit mentioned in the koran and believed by muslims to inhabit the earth and influence mankind by appearing in the form of humans or animals
• Words that mean the same thing: jinnee, djinny, djinn
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GENIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "61. "Nothing but ___!""

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 computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
• Words that mean the same thing: cyberspace, internet, net income
• The opposite would be: gross
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "62. Affirmatives"

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 affirmative
• Words that mean the same thing: yes
• The opposite would be: no
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YESES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "63. Mythical king of Crete"

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 son of zeus and europa; king of ancient crete; ordered daedalus to build the labyrinth; after death minos became a judge in the underworld
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MINOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "64. Braying animal"

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 fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
• Words that mean the same thing: fundament, rump, tail end
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Tuesday Puzzle May 18, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Chief of a fire department	7
2D	2. Gets back in business	7
3D	3. Where the band U2 hails from	7
4D	4. Elapse	6
5D	5. Pack leader	5
6D	6. Doctors Without Borders, e.g., for short	3
7D	7. ___ chi (martial art)	3
8D	8. Left a restaurant review, in a modern way	6
9D	9. Hand over	4
10D	10. Workplaces where white coats are worn	4
11D	11. Shake on, say	7
12D	12. Datebook	7
13D	13. Some volleyball players	7
14D	19. Blunder	3
15D	21. Fuss	3
16D	24. Org. for the Big East and Pac-12	4
17D	25. Driver's prop	7
18D	29. M.L.K. Day, e.g.: Abbr.	3
19D	30. Cousin of a caribou	3
20D	32. Radiator noise	3
21D	33. Soup container	3
22D	34. Tell a whopper	3
23D	35. French pronoun	3
24D	36. Tush	4
25D	37. ___ Row, part of Washington, D.C.	7
26D	38. Craft with knotted cords	7
27D	39. Builds up, as interest	7
28D	41. The Hoosier State	7
29D	42. Iggy Pop's band, with "the"	7
30D	43. Aids for affixing messages on refrigerators	7
31D	45. Cough it up!	6
32D	46. Hard volleyball shots	6
33D	47. Writer Rand	3
34D	49. Underwear irritant, at times	3
35D	50. Prenatal test, for short	5
36D	52. Dot in the ocean	4
37D	53. Fixtures in a chocolate factory	4
38D	56. Hawaiian garland	3
39D	57. Overnight stop on a road trip	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. Chief of a fire department"

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 law officer having duties similar to those of a sheriff in carrying out the judgments of a court of law
• Words that mean the same thing: marshall, mobilise, mobilize
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MARSHAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Gets back in business"

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 open again or anew
• Words that mean the same thing: reopen
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REOPENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Where the band U2 hails from"

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 republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of ireland; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1921
• Words that mean the same thing: Hibernia, Republic of Ireland, Emerald Isle
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRELAND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Elapse"

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: PASSBY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Pack leader"

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 1st letter of the greek alphabet
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALPHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Doctors Without Borders, e.g., for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an organization that is not part of the local or state or federal government
• Words that mean the same thing: nongovernmental organization
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. ___ chi (martial art)"

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 native or inhabitant of thailand
• Words that mean the same thing: Siamese, Thai
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Left a restaurant review, in a modern way"

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 bark in a high-pitched tone
• Words that mean the same thing: yip, yap, yelp
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YELPED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Hand over"

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 give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
• Words that mean the same thing: yield, give up, deliver
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CEDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Workplaces where white coats are worn"

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 workplace for the conduct of scientific research
• Words that mean the same thing: science lab, science laboratory, research laboratory
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LABS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Shake on, say"

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: AGREETO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Datebook"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who makes plans
• Words that mean the same thing: deviser, contriver
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLANNER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Some volleyball players"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that one who sets written material into type
• Words that mean the same thing: typographer, typesetter, setter
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SETTERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Blunder"

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 to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Words that mean the same thing: drift, slip, mistake
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Fuss"

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 rapid active commotion
• Words that mean the same thing: flurry, bustle, hustle
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Org. for the Big East and Pac-12"

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: NCAA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Driver's prop"

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

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: GOLFTEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "29. M.L.K. Day, e.g.: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the second day of the week; the first working day
• Words that mean the same thing: Monday
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Cousin of a caribou"

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 northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male; called `elk' in europe and `moose' in north america
• Words that mean the same thing: moose, Cervus elaphus, European elk
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. Radiator noise"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an independent federal agency that administers compulsory military service
• Words that mean the same thing: United States Secret Service, SS, Secret Service
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. Soup container"

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 airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: crapper, can buoy, force out
• The opposite would be: hire
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. Tell a whopper"

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 statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
• Words that mean the same thing: dwell, rest, lie down
• The opposite would be: arise, stand
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. French pronoun"

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 midwestern state in north-central united states
• Words that mean the same thing: IL, Prairie State, Illinois
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. Tush"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the back of a military formation or procession
• Words that mean the same thing: fundament, rump, tail end
• The opposite would be: front, head
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. ___ Row, part of Washington, D.C."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a diplomatic building where ambassadors live or work
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMBASSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. Craft with knotted cords"

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 relatively coarse lace; made by weaving and knotting cords
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MACRAME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Builds up, as interest"

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 grow by addition
• Words that mean the same thing: fall, accrue
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACCRUES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. The Hoosier State"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a state in midwestern united states
• Words that mean the same thing: IN, Robert Indiana, Hoosier State
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INDIANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Iggy Pop's band, 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 person of unquestioning obedience
• Words that mean the same thing: butt, laughingstock, flunky
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STOOGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "43. Aids for affixing messages on refrigerators"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (physics) a device that attracts iron and produces a magnetic field
• Words that mean the same thing: attraction, attractor, attractive feature
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAGNETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. Cough it up!"

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 apathy demonstrated by an absence of emotional reactions
• Words that mean the same thing: impassivity, unemotionality, lethargy
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PHLEGM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "46. Hard volleyball shots"

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 transient variation in voltage or current
• Words that mean the same thing: fortify, stiletto heel, transfix
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPIKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "47. Writer Rand"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AYN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Underwear irritant, at times"

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 label written or printed on paper, cardboard, or plastic that is attached to something to indicate its owner, nature, price, etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: go after, tag end, dog
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. Prenatal test, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (pregnancy) extraction by centesis of amniotic fluid from a pregnant woman (after the 15th week of pregnancy) to aid in the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities
• Words that mean the same thing: amniocentesis
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMNIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "52. Dot in the ocean"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small island
• Words that mean the same thing: islet
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ISLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "53. Fixtures in a chocolate factory"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a tax levied on the difference between a commodity's price before taxes and its cost of production
• Words that mean the same thing: value-added tax, tub, ad valorem tax
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "56. Hawaiian garland"

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 flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
• Words that mean the same thing: garland, leu, chaplet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "57. Overnight stop on a road trip"

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 hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
• Words that mean the same thing: lodge, auberge, hostel
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INN

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	37	48.7%
Short Answer	24	31.6%
Abbreviation	4	5.3%
Geography	4	5.3%
Sports	2	2.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.6%
Literature	2	2.6%
History	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.0 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	11 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 Tuesday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

• November 12 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 12 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 25 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 10 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• No 27383 Mon Oct 28 2024 NYT Crossword
• 27395 Sat Nov 09 2024 Ny Times Chandi
• 2410 Tue Oct 08 2024 Ny Times Crossword
• September 03 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• May 22 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• 2425 Sunday Aug 25 2024 Ny Times By

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 17, 2025 at 01:28 PM

December 08, 2021 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, December 08, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (35 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

December 08, 2021 Across Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Sample collector	4
2A	5. Banjo sound	5
3A	10. Computer menu heading	4
4A	14. Hookup that may get kinky?	4
5A	15. Broadcaster	5
6A	16. Soprano who ends up trapped in a vault	4
7A	17. Leave out	4
8A	18. "My name is ...," e.g.	5
9A	19. Automaker that went bankrupt in 2011	4
10A	20. What intellectual rivals engage in	13
11A	23. Oktoberfest quaff	5
12A	24. Munch Museum locale	4
13A	25. Election-influencing grp.	3
14A	28. Like the Tower of Babel, in two ways	7
15A	31. Arrogant	6
16A	33. What chess has that bridge doesn't	5
17A	36. God of passion	4
18A	37. "Theodore Roosevelt" or "Robert Louis Stevenson"	15
19A	43. Lot calculation	4
20A	44. Classic gas brand	5
21A	45. Fancy drinking glass	6
22A	48. Percussion instrument that's also the name of a popular ringtone	7
23A	53. End of a dean's address	3
24A	54. Sign of inactivity	4
25A	57. Untrustworthy sort	5
26A	58. Mid-19th-century Russian ruler described as "autocracy personified"	13
27A	62. Initial stake	4
28A	64. Get into some hot water?	5
29A	65. Work without ___	4
30A	66. See 68-Across	4
31A	67. Edmonton athlete	5
32A	68. With 66-Across, director's cry ... or hint to 20-, 37- and 58-Across	4
33A	69. Word after rock, sea or table	4
34A	70. Tons and tons	5
35A	71. Pointillism features	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. Sample collector"

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 implement consisting of a small piece of cotton that is used to apply medication or cleanse a wound or obtain a specimen of a secretion
• Words that mean the same thing: swob, mop, dab
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Banjo sound"

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 sharp vibrating sound (as of a plucked string)
• Words that mean the same thing: nasal twang
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TWANG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Computer menu heading"

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: redact, blue-pencil, 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 4 Across: "14. Hookup that may get kinky?"

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 socks and stockings and tights collectively (the british include underwear)
• Words that mean the same thing: hosepipe, hosiery, hose 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: HOSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Broadcaster"

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: AIRER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Soprano who ends up trapped in a vault"

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: AIDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Leave out"

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 prevent from being included or considered or accepted
• Words that mean the same thing: leave off, overleap, miss
• The opposite would be: attend to, include
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. "My name is ...," 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 formally making a person known to another or to the public
• Words that mean the same thing: presentation, introduction
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INTRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Automaker that went bankrupt in 2011"

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: SAAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. What intellectual rivals engage in"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ABATTLEOFWITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Oktoberfest quaff"

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 camp defended by a circular formation of wagons
• Words that mean the same thing: lager beer, laager
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAGER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Munch Museum locale"

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 capital and largest city of norway; the country's main port; located at the head of a fjord on norway's southern coast
• Words that mean the same thing: Christiania, capital of Norway
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OSLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Election-influencing grp."

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 committee formed by a special-interest group to raise money for their favorite political candidates
• Words that mean the same thing: political action committee
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Like the Tower of Babel, in two ways"

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 having an illustrious past
• Words that mean the same thing: storeyed, historied, celebrated
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STORIED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Arrogant"

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 (used colloquially) overly conceited or arrogant; -laurent le sage
• Words that mean the same thing: snot-nosed, snotty, too big for one's breeches
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNOOTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. What chess has that bridge doesn't"

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 committee having supervisory powers
• Words that mean the same thing: plug-in, panel, table
• The opposite would be: get off
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. God of passion"

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 (greek mythology) god of love; son of aphrodite; identified with roman cupid
• Words that mean the same thing: sexual desire, concupiscence, physical attraction
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. "Theodore Roosevelt" or "Robert Louis Stevenson""

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: SARGENTPORTRAIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "43. Lot calculation"

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: region, orbit, arena
• The 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 20 Across: "44. Classic gas brand"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMOCO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "45. Fancy drinking glass"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a drinking glass with a base and stem
• Words that mean the same thing: chalice
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GOBLET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "48. Percussion instrument that's also the name of a popular ringtone"

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 percussion instrument with wooden bars tuned to produce a chromatic scale and with resonators; played with small mallets
• Words that mean the same thing: xylophone
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MARIMBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "53. End of a dean's address"

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: EDU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "54. Sign of inactivity"

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 red or brown oxide coating on iron or steel caused by the action of oxygen and moisture
• Words that mean the same thing: rusting, eat, rusty
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "57. Untrustworthy sort"

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 is regarded as underhanded and furtive and contemptible
• Words that mean the same thing: snitch, lift, creep
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNEAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "58. Mid-19th-century Russian ruler described as "autocracy personified""

Quick Info: This answer has 13 letters. It's a expert 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: TSARNICHOLASI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "62. Initial stake"

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 (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "64. Get into some hot water?"

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 the act of swimming
• Words that mean the same thing: bath
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BATHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "65. Work without ___"

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: ANET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "66. See 68-Across"

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 cloak that is folded or wrapped around a person
• Words that mean the same thing: wrapper, enwrap, wind
• The opposite would be: unwrap, unwind
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WRAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "67. Edmonton athlete"

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 worker who oils engines or machinery
• Words that mean the same thing: oil tanker, tank ship, oil well
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OILER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "68. With 66-Across, director's cry ... or hint to 20-, 37- and 58-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ITSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "69. Word after rock, sea or table"

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 compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)
• Words that mean the same thing: Strategic Arms Limitation Talks, saltiness, table salt
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SALT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "70. Tons and tons"

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 large number or amount
• Words that mean the same thing: rafts, heaps, slue
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLEWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "71. Pointillism features"

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 very small circular shape
• Words that mean the same thing: loony toons, superman, dit
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Wednesday Crossword Down Clues - December 08, 2021 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Muscle ___, Ala.	6
2D	2. Marsupial with distinctive cube-shaped droppings	6
3D	3. Italian alpine cheese	6
4D	4. "That's more like it"	6
5D	5. Comet feature	4
6D	6. Rioja, for one	4
7D	7. "Star Wars" droid, familiarly	5
8D	8. Spongy balls	5
9D	9. Speaks brusquely	6
10D	10. It's right on the map	4
11D	11. Population beyond the homeland	8
12D	12. Journalist Wells or Tarbell	3
13D	13. Coke's first diet soda	3
14D	21. What many a U.S. state is named after	5
15D	22. It comes with a charge	3
16D	26. Yours, in Arles	4
17D	27. Dermatological sac	4
18D	29. Long time	3
19D	30. "The world's most valuable resource," per The Economist	4
20D	32. 'Neath's opposite	3
21D	34. Record speed, for short	3
22D	35. Send to oblivion	4
23D	37. "Scarborough Fair" herb	4
24D	38. J.Lo's onetime beau	4
25D	39. Counterargument	8
26D	40. Actress Gadot	3
27D	41. Record label for D'Angelo or Doja Cat	3
28D	42. Midsection	5
29D	46. Long time	3
30D	47. Engines with oomph	6
31D	49. Like some decorative wooden floors	6
32D	50. Will, given a chance	6
33D	51. Most despicable	6
34D	52. Dogs that were once samurai companions	6
35D	55. ___ mail	5
36D	56. Line on a spine	5
37D	59. Last month in the U.S. government's fiscal year: Abbr.	4
38D	60. Mull, with "on"	4
39D	61. Gendered pronoun	4
40D	62. Reactions to adorableness	3
41D	63. Food industry lobby, in brief	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. Muscle ___, Ala."

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 sandbank in a stretch of water that is visible at low tide
• Words that mean the same thing: shallow, shoal, school
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHOALS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Marsupial with distinctive cube-shaped droppings"

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 burrowing herbivorous australian marsupials about the size of a badger
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WOMBAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Italian alpine cheese"

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: ASIAGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. "That's more like it""

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 something superior in quality or condition or effect
• Words that mean the same thing: just, best, ripe
• The opposite would be: bad, disadvantageously
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BETTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Comet feature"

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 posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body
• Words that mean the same thing: rear end, keister, derriere
• The opposite would be: head
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Rioja, 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 fermented juice (of grapes especially)
• Words that mean the same thing: vino, wine-colored, wine-coloured
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "Star Wars" droid, familiarly"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: ARTOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Spongy balls"

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: NERFS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Speaks brusquely"

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 the sound of growling (as made by animals)
• Words that mean the same thing: rumble, growling, growl
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GROWLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. It's right on the map"

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 cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
• Words that mean the same thing: due east, E, eastern United States
• The opposite would be: west
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Population beyond the homeland"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the body of jews (or jewish communities) outside palestine or modern israel
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIASPORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Journalist Wells or Tarbell"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an agency of the united nations affiliated with the world bank
• Words that mean the same thing: International Development Association
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Coke's first diet soda"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the bill in a restaurant
• Words that mean the same thing: check, chit, tablet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. What many a U.S. state is named after"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a social division of (usually preliterate) people
• Words that mean the same thing: folk, kinship group, federation of tribes
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRIBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. It comes with a charge"

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 particle that is electrically charged (positive or negative); an atom or molecule or group that has lost or gained one or more electrons
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "26. Yours, in Arles"

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: ATOI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Dermatological sac"

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 closed sac that develops abnormally in some body structure
• Words that mean the same thing: vesicle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CYST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "29. Long time"

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 longest division of geological time
• Words that mean the same thing: aeon
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. "The world's most valuable resource," per The Economist"

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 collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn
• Words that mean the same thing: data point, information, datum
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DATA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. 'Neath's opposite"

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: OER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. Record speed, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that rate of revolution of a motor
• Words that mean the same thing: rev, revolutions per minute
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RPM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. Send to oblivion"

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 unpleasant or disastrous destiny
• Words that mean the same thing: day of reckoning, sentence, end of the world
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DOOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "37. "Scarborough Fair" herb"

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 mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom
• Words that mean the same thing: sage-green, salvia
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "38. J.Lo's onetime beau"

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: AROD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Counterargument"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the speech act of refuting by offering a contrary contention or argument
• Words that mean the same thing: rebutter
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REBUTTAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Actress Gadot"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states liquid unit equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters
• Words that mean the same thing: gallon
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Record label for D'Angelo or Doja Cat"

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: RCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Midsection"

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 body excluding the head and neck and limbs
• Words that mean the same thing: body, trunk
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TORSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Long time"

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, epoch, earned run average
• The 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 30 Down: "47. Engines with oomph"

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: TURBOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Like some decorative wooden floors"

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 decorate the surface of by inserting wood, stone, and metal
• Words that mean the same thing: inlay
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INLAID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Will, given a chance"

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: MEANTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Most despicable"

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 serving as or forming a base
• Words that mean the same thing: base, humble, mean
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BASEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Dogs that were once samurai companions"

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: AKITAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. ___ mail"

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 freshwater or marine or terrestrial gastropod mollusk usually having an external enclosing spiral shell
• Words that mean the same thing: escargot
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "56. Line on a spine"

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 heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
• Words that mean the same thing: rubric, style, deed of conveyance
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TITLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "59. Last month in the U.S. government's fiscal year: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the month following august and preceding october
• Words that mean the same thing: September, family, kinfolk
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEPT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "60. Mull, 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 wad of something chewable as tobacco
• Words that mean the same thing: chaw, mastication, manduction
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "61. Gendered pronoun"

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: HERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "62. Reactions to adorableness"

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: AWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "63. Food industry lobby, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a powerful lobby that advocates the right to own and bear arms and rejects any gun regulation by the government
• Words that mean the same thing: National Rifle Association
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	56	73.7%
Short Answer	10	13.2%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	3.9%
Food & Drink	2	2.6%
History	2	2.6%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Geography	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	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 13, 2025 at 07:37 AM