All NYT Down Clues September 17, 2025 - 44 Vertical Answers with Hints
Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 44 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!
Related Puzzles: Monday August 05 2024 NYT Crossword | Xwordhint Crossword Answers June 03 | December 02 2022 NYT Clues Solutions |
About Today's Down Clues
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | September 17, 2025 |
| Day of Week | Wednesday |
| Total Down Clues | 44 clues |
| Direction | Vertical (Top to Bottom) |
| Difficulty | Tricky |
All Down Clues - Complete List
Here are all 44 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.
| Number | Clue |
|---|---|
| 1 Down | 1. ___ Club |
| 2 Down | 2. Actress Dunham |
| 3 Down | 3. Apollo mission mementos |
| 4 Down | 4. Alternative to a strike [cough cough] |
| 5 Down | 5. Variety |
| 6 Down | 6. Brooks & ___ (country duo) |
| 7 Down | 7. Literary download |
| 8 Down | 8. Anime style involving giant robots |
| 9 Down | 9. Rocksteady precursor |
| 10 Down | 10. Soothing home remedy for puffy eyes |
| 11 Down | 11. Spanish rice |
| 12 Down | 12. Sorcerous elder of folklore |
| 13 Down | 13. Garden hose problems |
| 14 Down | 16. Go over lightly |
| 15 Down | 19. Enemy agency in "Get Smart" |
| 16 Down | 23. ___ Maria (liqueur) |
| 17 Down | 26. Beatles sobriquet |
| 18 Down | 28. See 68-Down |
| 19 Down | 29. Slightly |
| 20 Down | 30. Go pit-a-pat |
| 21 Down | 31. Enjoy |
| 22 Down | 35. Texter's [!!!] |
| 23 Down | 36. Make "it," in a kids' game |
| 24 Down | 37. Ripening agent |
| 25 Down | 39. Body of policy advisers |
| 26 Down | 40. Take home |
| 27 Down | 41. Bird named for a Titan |
| 28 Down | 43. Like some short tennis matches |
| 29 Down | 44. Contrite answer to "Who put the empty ice cream carton back in the freezer?" |
| 30 Down | 47. Legendary sea monsters |
| 31 Down | 49. Some bottled waters |
| 32 Down | 51. String tightener on a guitar |
| 33 Down | 53. Ear covering |
| 34 Down | 54. Screwballs |
| 35 Down | 55. Director Kurosawa |
| 36 Down | 56. Caramel-filled candies |
| 37 Down | 57. Actress Palmer of "Nope" |
| 38 Down | 58. Outie's counterpart |
| 39 Down | 59. Hung on the clothesline |
| 40 Down | 63. Vape pen, informally |
| 41 Down | 65. When Hamilton arrives in New York City, in "Hamilton" |
| 42 Down | 66. Some ring decisions, in brief |
| 43 Down | 68. With 28-Down, longtime McDonald's chief |
| 44 Down | 70. Comedian Jo |
Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues
Need help? Here are comprehensive hints and answers for each Down clue. Also check these helpful guides:
- March 07 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
- 27433 Fri Dec 20 2024 Ny Times
- 0917 NYT Crossword Tuesday Sept 17 2024
- NYT Crossword January 03 1990 Xwordhint_84
Complete Down Solutions:
1 Down: "1. ___ Club"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: E__S
- Similar words: moose, elk
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 1
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ELKS
2 Down: "2. Actress Dunham"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'L' and ends with 'A'
- Word pattern: L__A
- Similar words: Lena River
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 2
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
LENA
3 Down: "3. Apollo mission mementos"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: M_______S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 3
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
MOONROCKS
4 Down: "4. Alternative to a strike [cough cough]"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: S_____T
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 4
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SICKOUT
5 Down: "5. Variety"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'I' and ends with 'K'
- Similar words: like
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a kind of person
- This is Down clue number 5
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ILK
6 Down: "6. Brooks & ___ (country duo)"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'D' and ends with 'N'
- Word pattern: D__N
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 6
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
DUNN
7 Down: "7. Literary download"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'K'
- Word pattern: E___K
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 7
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
EBOOK
8 Down: "8. Anime style involving giant robots"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'M' and ends with 'A'
- Word pattern: M___A
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 8
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
MECHA
9 Down: "9. Rocksteady precursor"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 9
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SKA
10 Down: "10. Soothing home remedy for puffy eyes"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: T_____S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 10
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TEABAGS
11 Down: "11. Spanish rice"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'Z'
- Word pattern: A___Z
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 11
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ARROZ
12 Down: "12. Sorcerous elder of folklore"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: C___E
- Similar words: witch, hag
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: an ugly evil-looking old woman
- This is Down clue number 12
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
CRONE
13 Down: "13. Garden hose problems"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'K' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: K___S
- Similar words: crape, frizzle
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 13
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
KINKS
14 Down: "16. Go over lightly"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'M'
- Word pattern: S__M
- Similar words: glance over, skim over
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a thin layer covering the surface of a liquid
- This is Down clue number 14
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SKIM
15 Down: "19. Enemy agency in "Get Smart""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'K' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: K__S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 15
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
KAOS
16 Down: "23. ___ Maria (liqueur)"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 16
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TIA
17 Down: "26. Beatles sobriquet"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'F' and ends with '4'
- Word pattern: F__4
- This answer contains numbers
- This is Down clue number 17
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
FAB4
18 Down: "28. See 68-Down"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'K' and ends with 'C'
- Word pattern: K__C
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 18
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
KROC
19 Down: "29. Slightly"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'D'
- Word pattern: A__D
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 19
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ATAD
20 Down: "30. Go pit-a-pat"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: R__E
- Similar words: slipstream, speed
- Opposite of: linger
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: any competition
- This is Down clue number 20
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
RACE
21 Down: "31. Enjoy"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: L__E
- Similar words: the like, alike
- Opposite of: unalike
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a similar kind;
- This is Down clue number 21
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
LIKE
22 Down: "35. Texter's [!!!]"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'O' and ends with 'G'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 22
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
OMG
23 Down: "36. Make "it," in a kids' game"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'G'
- Similar words: label, give chase
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a label written or printed on paper
- This is Down clue number 23
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TAG
24 Down: "37. Ripening agent"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'R'
- Word pattern: A__R
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 24
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
AGER
25 Down: "39. Body of policy advisers"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'K'
- Word pattern: T_______K
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 25
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
THINKTANK
26 Down: "40. Take home"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
- Word pattern: E__N
- Similar words: realise, garner
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 26
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
EARN
27 Down: "41. Bird named for a Titan"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'R' and ends with 'A'
- Word pattern: R__A
- Similar words: Rhea americana, nandu
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 27
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
RHEA
28 Down: "43. Like some short tennis matches"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with '2' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: 2__T
- This answer contains numbers
- This is Down clue number 28
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
2SET
29 Down: "44. Contrite answer to "Who put the empty ice cream carton back in the freezer?""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'I' and ends with 'D'
- Word pattern: I__D
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 29
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
IDID
30 Down: "47. Legendary sea monsters"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'K' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: K_____S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 30
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
KRAKENS
31 Down: "49. Some bottled waters"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: D_____S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 31
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
DASANIS
32 Down: "51. String tightener on a guitar"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'P' and ends with 'G'
- Similar words: oarlock, leg
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a wooden pin pushed or driven into a surface
- This is Down clue number 32
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
PEG
33 Down: "53. Ear covering"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'H' and ends with 'K'
- Word pattern: H__K
- Similar words: chaff, stalk
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 33
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
HUSK
34 Down: "54. Screwballs"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'K' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: K___S
- Similar words: queer duck, odd fellow
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 34
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
KOOKS
35 Down: "55. Director Kurosawa"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
- Word pattern: A___A
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 35
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
AKIRA
36 Down: "56. Caramel-filled candies"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: R___S
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 36
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ROLOS
37 Down: "57. Actress Palmer of "Nope""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'K' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: K__E
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 37
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
KEKE
38 Down: "58. Outie's counterpart"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: I___E
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 38
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
INNIE
39 Down: "59. Hung on the clothesline"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'D' and ends with 'D'
- Word pattern: D___D
- Similar words: dehydrated, dry
- Opposite of: wet
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: remove the moisture from and make dry
- This is Down clue number 39
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
DRIED
40 Down: "63. Vape pen, informally"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'G'
- Word pattern: E__G
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 40
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ECIG
41 Down: "65. When Hamilton arrives in New York City, in "Hamilton""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'I'
- Word pattern: A__I
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 41
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ACTI
42 Down: "66. Some ring decisions, in brief"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: T__S
- Similar words: TKO
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 42
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TKOS
43 Down: "68. With 28-Down, longtime McDonald's chief"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'R' and ends with 'Y'
- Similar words: radiate, irradiation
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a column of light (as from a beacon)
- This is Down clue number 43
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
RAY
44 Down: "70. Comedian Jo"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'K' and ends with 'Y'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 44
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
KOY
Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues
Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:
Why Start with Down Clues?
- Down clues often reveal key letters for intersecting words
- Vertical patterns can unlock difficult sections
- Many prefixes and suffixes run vertically
- Down answers often help solve Across clues
Down Clue Patterns to Recognize
- Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Down entries
- Prefixes and suffixes: Common word parts often run vertically
- Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
- Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Down
- Pop culture references: Names and titles often appear vertically
Time-Saving Down Techniques
| Technique | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Scan all Down first | Get a mental map of the vertical flow |
| Fill short Down words | 3-4 letter words are often prefixes or connectors |
| Use crossing letters | Across letters help confirm Down answers |
| Look for themes | Related Down answers often share a theme |
Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues
What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?
Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.
Should I solve Down or Across clues first?
Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.
How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?
Today's NYT crossword has 44 Down clues.
Are Down clues easier than Across clues?
Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Down clues often contain helpful prefixes, suffixes, and word parts that can be easier to guess.
How do Down clues interact with Across clues?
Down and Across clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.
