27428 Sun Dec 15, 2024 NY Times Crossword Clues

Across Clues :

1. Chess player's study, 8. Painting stolen from 71-Across, 13. Cashless deal, 17. Crunchy root vegetables, 19. Fertilizer compound, 20. Painting stolen from 64-Across, 21. Winter setting in New England, 23. Hunter on high, 24. Like the Beatles' "Yesterday," key-wise, 25. Plum variety often used in spirits, 26. ___ center, 27. Made eyes at, 28. Schedules, 31. Architectural annexes, 33. Bronx cheer, 35. Capital on the Río de la Plata, 39. "Anchors Aweigh" grp., 40. One step ___ time, 41. Oodles, 42. Downhill event, 44. Prefix with health, 48. Niçoise salad need, 50. Role for Jay Silverheels, 52. Charles de Gaulle's birthplace, 53. Neighborhood grocery stores, 54. Painting stolen from 21-Across, 56. Nobelist Bohr, 58. Evenhanded, 59. Customary practice, 60. Popeye's witchy foe in early comics, 62. Like a car's wheels, 64. Bar with hashish pipes, 66. Baseball great Hershiser, 68. Solution strength, in chemistry, 70. Fat used in candlemaking, 71. Common scale range, 75. Champing at the bit, 77. Fog and haze generated for a theatrical production, 81. Flimsy, as an excuse, 82. Pillow cover, 84. Fastens, in a way, 86. Nose around, 87. Director DuVernay, 88. Crumple into a ball, 90. Informal speech, 92. Painting stolen from 33-Across, 93. Painting stolen from 105-Across, 95. Opened or closed like an eye, in film lingo, 97. No longer interested in, 98. Tour de France units: Abbr., 99. Bout enders, for short, 101. Health professional focused on nutrition, 105. Household appliance that makes a hissing sound, 108. "Right now!", 109. Connecticut coastal town near Stamford, 110. Has the gumption, 111. Actress Thurman, 114. Abbr. on a music score, 116. Member of la familia, 117. "Get ___!", 118. Classic nursery rhyme, 124. Toronto team, for short, 125. Attacked by mosquitoes, say, 126. Claudius, vis-à-vis King Hamlet, 127. Land in the sea, 128. Iditarod entries, 129. Annual star-studded fashion event

Down Clues :

1. Three, in Torino, 2. Letters associated with baseball and batteries, 3. Many '90s music purchases, 4. Painting stolen from 101-Across, 5. Enjoys as a hobby, 6. Gets irritated by, 7. Title for Manchin or Murkowski: Abbr., 8. First cars made by Ford, 9. See 122-Down, 10. Hair removal brand, 11. Salinger's "For ___ – With Love and Squalor", 12. "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" airer, 13. Painting stolen from 35-Across, 14. "___ we're waiting …", 15. Cactuslike plants, 16. Duffer's obstacle, 18. '60s campus activist grp., 19. "1984" drudge, 20. Eccentric types, 22. Certain emergency message, 28. Surgeon's stitch, 29. Actress Creel of "Saved by the Bell", 30. Beauty spot?, 32. Place to keep plants, 34. Abundant, 35. Motel proprietor in "Psycho", 36. Ancient Greek region for which part of the Mediterranean is named, 37. Innocent sort, 38. God of the Qu'ran, 43. Hodgepodges, 45. Dark, in poesy, 46. Like some vowels and memories, 47. 90° from norte, 49. On dry ground, 51. Basic skateboard trick, 55. Root in some speckled chips, 57. Adjust to, as a thermostat, 59. ___ Clan, iconic hip-hop group of the 1990s, 61. Catches on, 63. Painting stolen from 53-Across, 65. Some partners in lesbian couples, 67. Franz who composed "The Merry Widow", 69. Mapped out again, 71. Deception, 72. Shankar at Woodstock, 73. Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan, 74. Acme's antonym, 76. Plunder, archaically, 78. Online tracker, 79. Old-fashioned trinket shop vendors, 80. Twitch, 83. Think aloud, 85. Bergen's dummy Mortimer, 89. Identifies, 91. "Half a truth is often a ___": Benjamin Franklin, 94. Painting stolen from 77-Across, 96. Abandons, 100. Places of refuge, 102. Xerox : copy machine :: ___ : kitchen wrap, 103. Most boring, 104. Lines at the theater?, 105. Corporate department, 106. Culmination of many a "Law & Order" episode, 107. Desensitizes, 110. Painting stolen from 118-Across, 112. It might be held during vacation, 113. Comedian Johnson of "Laugh-In", 115. Big inits. in fuel additives, 119. From Jan. 1 until now, 120. Male turkey, 121. Actress de Armas of "Knives Out", 122. With 9-Down, legendary Giant, 123. A nursing one has snaps

Break down the NYT Crosswords: December 15, 2024

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

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Chess player's study. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TACTICS

  
  

  Possible Answer : manoeuvre, tactics, maneuver, tactic




• The clue is 8. Painting stolen from 71-Across. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MONET

  
  

  Possible Answer : Claude_Monet, Monet




• The clue is 13. Cashless deal. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SWAP

  
  

  Possible Answer : swop, switch, swap, barter, trade




• The clue is 17. Crunchy root vegetables. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RADISHES

  
  

  Possible Answer : daikon, Japanese_radish, radish, radish_plant, Raphanus_sativus, Raphanus_sativus_longipinnatus




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

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

  The answer: POTASH

  
  

  Possible Answer : potassium_hydroxide, potash, caustic_potash




• The clue is 20. Painting stolen from 64-Across. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: KAHLO

  
  



• The clue is 21. Winter setting in New England. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (19 letters)

  The answer: EASTERNSTANDARDTIME

  
  



• The clue is 23. Hunter on high. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ORION

  
  

  Possible Answer : Orion, Hunter




• The clue is 24. Like the Beatles' "Yesterday," key-wise. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: INF

  
  



• The clue is 25. Plum variety often used in spirits. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SLOE

  
  

  Possible Answer : Prunus_spinosa, Alleghany_plum, Prunus_alleghaniensis, blackthorn, Allegheny_plum, sloe




• The clue is 26. ___ center. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: REC

  
  



• The clue is 27. Made eyes at. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OGLED

  
  

  Possible Answer : ogle




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

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

  The answer: SLATES

  
  

  Possible Answer : slate, slat, slating, ticket




• The clue is 31. Architectural annexes. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ELLS

  
  

  Possible Answer : ell




• The clue is 33. Bronx cheer. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GOYANKEES

  
  



• The clue is 35. Capital on the Río de la Plata. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (20 letters)

  The answer: BUENOSAIRESARGENTINA

  
  



• The clue is 39. "Anchors Aweigh" grp.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: USN

  
  

  Possible Answer : USN, US_Navy, United_States_Navy, Navy




• The clue is 40. One step ___ time. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ATA

  
  



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

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

  The answer: ALOT

  
  



• The clue is 42. Downhill event. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SLALOM

  
  

  Possible Answer : slalom




• The clue is 44. Prefix with health. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TELE

  
  



• The clue is 48. Niçoise salad need. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TUNA

  
  

  Possible Answer : tunny, Anguilla_sucklandii, Opuntia_tuna, tuna_fish, tuna




• The clue is 50. Role for Jay Silverheels. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TONTO

  
  



• The clue is 52. Charles de Gaulle's birthplace. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LILLE

  
  

  Possible Answer : Lille




• The clue is 53. Neighborhood grocery stores. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BODEGAS

  
  

  Possible Answer : bodega




• The clue is 54. Painting stolen from 21-Across. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ERNST

  
  

  Possible Answer : Max_Ernst, Ernst




• The clue is 56. Nobelist Bohr. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NIELS

  
  



• The clue is 58. Evenhanded. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FAIR

  
  

  Possible Answer : fair, average, honest, bonnie, fairly, funfair, mediocre, bazaar, fairish, sightly, just, clean, evenhandedly, carnival, bonny, comely, reasonable, middling

  Possible Opposite Answer : foul, unfairly, unfair




• The clue is 59. Customary practice. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WONT

  
  

  Possible Answer : wont, habit




• The clue is 60. Popeye's witchy foe in early comics. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SEAHAG

  
  



• The clue is 62. Like a car's wheels. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AXLED

  
  



• The clue is 64. Bar with hashish pipes. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HOOKAHLOUNGE

  
  



• The clue is 66. Baseball great Hershiser. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OREL

  
  



• The clue is 68. Solution strength, in chemistry. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TITER

  
  

  Possible Answer : titre, titer




• The clue is 70. Fat used in candlemaking. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SUET

  
  

  Possible Answer : suet




• The clue is 71. Common scale range. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FROMONETOTEN

  
  



• The clue is 75. Champing at the bit. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EAGER

  
  

  Possible Answer : eager, eagre, tidal_bore, bore, aegir

  Possible Opposite Answer : uneager




• The clue is 77. Fog and haze generated for a theatrical production. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SMOKEEFFECTS

  
  



• The clue is 81. Flimsy, as an excuse. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LAME

  
  

  Possible Answer : game, crippled, square, gimpy, lame, feeble, halting, cripple, halt




• The clue is 82. Pillow cover. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SHAM

  
  

  Possible Answer : false, fictive, sham, fake, role_player, fictitious, imposter, simulate, affect, pretender, assumed, assume, put_on, shammer, pretend, pseud, faker, postiche, dissemble, fraud, pseudo, impostor, pretended, feign




• The clue is 84. Fastens, in a way. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TAPES

  
  

  Possible Answer : tape_measure, intercept, pink, tapeline, magnetic_tape, exploit, tape_recording, tap, solicit, beg, taping, bug, tapdance, record, rap, videotape, tape, wiretap, mag_tape, tip, knock

  Possible Opposite Answer : erase




• The clue is 86. Nose around. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SNOOP

  
  

  Possible Answer : snoop, snooper, sleuth, stag, spy




• The clue is 87. Director DuVernay. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AVA

  
  



• The clue is 88. Crumple into a ball. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WADUP

  
  



• The clue is 90. Informal speech. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SLANG

  
  

  Possible Answer : slang_term, dupe, fool, put_on, befool, put_one_over, argot, lingo, gull, cant, vernacular, put_one_across, cod, slang, patois, take_in, jargon, slang_expression




• The clue is 92. Painting stolen from 33-Across. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GOYA

  
  

  Possible Answer : Francisco_de_Goya, Francisco_Jose_de_Goya_y_Lucientes, Francisco_Jose_de_Goya, Goya, Goya_y_Lucientes, Francisco_Goya




• The clue is 93. Painting stolen from 105-Across. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MIRO

  
  

  Possible Answer : Miro, Joan_Miro, black_pine, miro, Podocarpus_ferruginea, Prumnopitys_ferruginea




• The clue is 95. Opened or closed like an eye, in film lingo. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IRISED

  
  



• The clue is 97. No longer interested in. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OVER

  
  

  Possible Answer : o'er, terminated, over, ended, all_over, complete, concluded




• The clue is 98. Tour de France units: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: KMS

  
  

  Possible Answer : km, klick, kilometer, kilometre




• The clue is 99. Bout enders, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: KOS

  
  

  Possible Answer : kos, kayo, knockout, KO, coss




• The clue is 101. Health professional focused on nutrition. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (19 letters)

  The answer: REGISTEREDDIETITIAN

  
  



• The clue is 105. Household appliance that makes a hissing sound. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STEAMIRON

  
  



• The clue is 108. "Right now!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STAT

  
  



• The clue is 109. Connecticut coastal town near Stamford. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DARIEN

  
  



• The clue is 110. Has the gumption. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DARES

  
  

  Possible Answer : make_bold, dare, defy, daring, presume




• The clue is 111. Actress Thurman. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: UMA

  
  

  Possible Answer : genus_Uma, Uma




• The clue is 114. Abbr. on a music score. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CRES

  
  



• The clue is 116. Member of la familia. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TIA

  
  

  Possible Answer : transient_ischemic_attack, TIA




• The clue is 117. "Get ___!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALIFE

  
  



• The clue is 118. Classic nursery rhyme. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (18 letters)

  The answer: MARYHADALITTLELAMB

  
  



• The clue is 124. Toronto team, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LEAFS

  
  

  Possible Answer : flip, riffle, flick, folio, leaf, thumb, leafage, riff, foliage




• The clue is 125. Attacked by mosquitoes, say. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BITTEN

  
  

  Possible Answer : sting, bite, seize_with_teeth, prick, burn




• The clue is 126. Claudius, vis-à-vis King Hamlet. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: POISONER

  
  

  Possible Answer : poisoner




• The clue is 127. Land in the sea. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ISLE

  
  

  Possible Answer : islet, isle




• The clue is 128. Iditarod entries. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SLEDS

  
  

  Possible Answer : sled, sledge, sleigh




• The clue is 129. Annual star-studded fashion event. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: METGALA

  
  

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Three, in Torino. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TRE

  
  

• The clue is 2. Letters associated with baseball and batteries. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AAA

  
  

  Possible Answer: AAA, abdominal_aortic_aneurysm

• The clue is 3. Many '90s music purchases. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CDS

  
  

  Possible Answer: Cd, cd, candle, compact_disk, CD, certificate_of_deposit, candela, standard_candle, cadmium, compact_disc, atomic_number_48

• The clue is 4. Painting stolen from 101-Across. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TITIAN

  
  

  Possible Answer: Titian, Tiziano_Vecellio

• The clue is 5. Enjoys as a hobby. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ISINTO

  
  

• The clue is 6. Gets irritated by. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CHAFESAT

  
  

• The clue is 7. Title for Manchin or Murkowski: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SEN

  
  

  Possible Answer: sen

• The clue is 8. First cars made by Ford. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MODELAS

  
  

• The clue is 9. See 122-Down. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OTT

  
  

• The clue is 10. Hair removal brand. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NAIR

  
  

• The clue is 11. Salinger's "For ___ – With Love and Squalor". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ESME

  
  

• The clue is 12. "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" airer. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: THECW

  
  

• The clue is 13. Painting stolen from 35-Across. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SARGENT

  
  

  Possible Answer: John_Singer_Sargent, Sargent

• The clue is 14. "___ we're waiting …". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WHILE

  
  

  Possible Answer: piece, spell, while, patch

• The clue is 15. Cactuslike plants. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALOES

  
  

  Possible Answer: aloes, bitter_aloes, aloe

• The clue is 16. Duffer's obstacle. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: POND

  
  

  Possible Answer: pool, pond

• The clue is 18. '60s campus activist grp.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SDS

  
  

  Possible Answer: SD, Coyote_State, South_Dakota, Mount_Rushmore_State

• The clue is 19. "1984" drudge. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PROLE

  
  

  Possible Answer: prole, worker, proletarian

• The clue is 20. Eccentric types. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: KOOKS

  
  

  Possible Answer: queer_bird, odd_man_out, kook, queer_duck, odd_fish, odd_fellow

• The clue is 22. Certain emergency message. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALERTTEXT

  
  

• The clue is 28. Surgeon's stitch. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SUTURE

  
  

  Possible Answer: sutura, fibrous_joint, surgical_seam, suture

• The clue is 29. Actress Creel of "Saved by the Bell". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LEANNA

  
  

• The clue is 30. Beauty spot?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SALON

  
  

  Possible Answer: beauty_salon, beauty_parlour, beauty_shop, beauty_parlor, salon

• The clue is 32. Place to keep plants. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SILL

  
  

  Possible Answer: sill

• The clue is 34. Abundant. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NUMEROUS

  
  

  Possible Answer: numerous, legion

• The clue is 35. Motel proprietor in "Psycho". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BATES

  
  

  Possible Answer: flutter, clobber, bat, bate, drub, cream, thrash, lick

• The clue is 36. Ancient Greek region for which part of the Mediterranean is named. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IONIA

  
  

  Possible Answer: Ionia

• The clue is 37. Innocent sort. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NAIF

  
  

  Possible Answer: naif, naive

  Possible Opposite Answer : sophisticated

• The clue is 38. God of the Qu'ran. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALLAH

  
  

  Possible Answer: Allah

• The clue is 43. Hodgepodges. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OLIOS

  
  

• The clue is 45. Dark, in poesy. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EBON

  
  

  Possible Answer: ebon, ebony

• The clue is 46. Like some vowels and memories. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LONG

  
  

  Possible Answer: tenacious, long, farsighted, foresightful, longsighted, recollective, yearn, prospicient, hanker, foresighted, farseeing, retentive

  Possible Opposite Answer : unretentive, short

• The clue is 47. 90° from norte. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ESTE

  
  

• The clue is 49. On dry ground. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ASHORE

  
  

  Possible Answer: ashore

• The clue is 51. Basic skateboard trick. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OLLIE

  
  

• The clue is 55. Root in some speckled chips. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TARO

  
  

  Possible Answer: cocoyam, taro, taro_plant, taro_root, Colocasia_esculenta, edda, eddo, dasheen, dalo

• The clue is 57. Adjust to, as a thermostat. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SETAT

  
  

• The clue is 59. ___ Clan, iconic hip-hop group of the 1990s. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WUTANG

  
  

• The clue is 61. Catches on. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GETSWISE

  
  

• The clue is 63. Painting stolen from 53-Across. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DEGAS

  
  

  Possible Answer: Degas, Edgar_Degas, degas, Hilaire_Germain_Edgar_Degas

• The clue is 65. Some partners in lesbian couples. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FEMS

  
  

• The clue is 67. Franz who composed "The Merry Widow". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LEHAR

  
  

  Possible Answer: Franz_Lehar, Lehar

• The clue is 69. Mapped out again. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: REPLOTTED

  
  

• The clue is 71. Deception. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FLAM

  
  

• The clue is 72. Shankar at Woodstock. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RAVI

  
  

• The clue is 73. Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OMAR

  
  

• The clue is 74. Acme's antonym. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NADIR

  
  

  Possible Answer: nadir, low-water_mark

  Possible Opposite Answer : zenith

• The clue is 76. Plunder, archaically. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: REAVE

  
  

  Possible Answer: loot, strip, despoil, rifle, foray, ransack, pillage, reave, plunder

• The clue is 78. Online tracker. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: COOKIE

  
  

  Possible Answer: biscuit, cooky, cookie

• The clue is 79. Old-fashioned trinket shop vendors. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TOYMEN

  
  

• The clue is 80. Twitch. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SPASM

  
  

  Possible Answer: cramp, spasm, muscle_spasm

• The clue is 83. Think aloud. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MUSE

  
  

  Possible Answer: think_over, meditate, contemplate, muse, chew_over, mull, excogitate, ruminate, Muse, speculate, reflect, mull_over, ponder

• The clue is 85. Bergen's dummy Mortimer. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SNERD

  
  

• The clue is 89. Identifies. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PEGS

  
  

  Possible Answer: pin, thole, peg, pegleg, nail, rowlock, peg_down, nog, wooden_leg, tholepin, nail_down, oarlock, stick, leg

• The clue is 91. "Half a truth is often a ___": Benjamin Franklin. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GREATLIE

  
  

• The clue is 94. Painting stolen from 77-Across. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OKEEFFE

  
  

• The clue is 96. Abandons. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DITCHES

  
  

  Possible Answer: ditch, chuck, trench, dump

• The clue is 100. Places of refuge. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OASES

  
  

  Possible Answer: oasis, haven

• The clue is 102. Xerox : copy machine :: ___ : kitchen wrap. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SARAN

  
  

  Possible Answer: saran

• The clue is 103. Most boring. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DRIEST

  
  

  Possible Answer: teetotal, juiceless, ironical, dry, ironic, wry

  Possible Opposite Answer : phlegmy, wet, sweet

• The clue is 104. Lines at the theater?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DIALOG

  
  

  Possible Answer: dialogue, dialog, duologue

• The clue is 105. Corporate department. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SALES

  
  

  Possible Answer: gross_revenue, sales, sales_agreement, sales_event, sale, gross_sales, cut-rate_sale

• The clue is 106. Culmination of many a "Law & Order" episode. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TRIAL

  
  

  Possible Answer: trial_run, run, trial, tribulation, visitation, test, tryout

• The clue is 107. Desensitizes. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NUMBS

  
  

  Possible Answer: blunt, benumb, numb, dull

• The clue is 110. Painting stolen from 118-Across. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DALI

  
  

  Possible Answer: Salvador_Dali, Dali

• The clue is 112. It might be held during vacation. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MAIL

  
  

  Possible Answer: get_off, chain_mail, post, mail, ring_armor, ring_mail, ring_armour, send, chain_armour, chain_armor, postal_service, mail_service

• The clue is 113. Comedian Johnson of "Laugh-In". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ARTE

  
  

• The clue is 115. Big inits. in fuel additives. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STP

  
  

  Possible Answer: STP, s.t.p.

• The clue is 119. From Jan. 1 until now. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: YTD

  
  

• The clue is 120. Male turkey. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TOM

  
  

  Possible Answer: gobbler, tom, turkey_cock, tom_turkey, Uncle_Tom, tomcat, Tom

• The clue is 121. Actress de Armas of "Knives Out". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ANA

  
  

  Possible Answer: ana, Ana

• The clue is 122. With 9-Down, legendary Giant. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MEL

  
  

• The clue is 123. A nursing one has snaps. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BRA

  
  

  Possible Answer: bandeau, brassiere, bra

NYT Down Crossword December 22, 2025 - Master All 37 Top-to-Bottom Clues

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 37 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: September 24 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | Todays Down Crossword NYT October 21 | Xwordhint Crossword Answers October 30 |

Jump To Section

• Puzzle Information
• All Down Clues (37 total)
• Detailed Hints & Answers
• Down Solving Strategies
• More Crossword Help
• Down Clues FAQ

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down Clues - Monday, December 22, 2025

Down Clues Statistics

Detail	Information
Date	December 22, 2025
Day of Week	Monday
Total Down Clues	37 clues
Direction	Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty	Easy

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 37 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List

Number	Clue
1 Down	1. Persuades with flattery
2 Down	2. Doing keto, perhaps
3 Down	3. Creator of Firefox and Thunderbird
4 Down	4. Woodworking tool
5 Down	5. Orderly arrangement: Abbr.
6 Down	6. Oscars and Grammys, e.g.
7 Down	7. Wispy clouds
8 Down	8. Approx.
9 Down	9. Harper ___, author of "To Kill a Mockingbird"
10 Down	10. Monet or Manet
11 Down	11. Don't blow it!
12 Down	12. Reaction to pollen, e.g.
13 Down	13. Shiny coatings
14 Down	18. Lyft competitor
15 Down	23. Heart attack risk factor
16 Down	25. Cherokee maker
17 Down	26. "The kissing disease"
18 Down	27. Em, to Dorothy
19 Down	32. Foot, in baby talk
20 Down	33. Word after fire or carpenter
21 Down	36. Actor Morales
22 Down	37. Drug agent, informally
23 Down	38. "No sweat!"
24 Down	39. Ball batted up and behind the catcher, say
25 Down	40. Length of a pithy joke
26 Down	41. Released from jail early
27 Down	44. Pasta preference
28 Down	45. Nine-sided figure
29 Down	46. Stirs from sleep
30 Down	48. Is over by
31 Down	49. With a light touch
32 Down	50. Suffix with problem
33 Down	53. Gold standard
34 Down	57. Scourge
35 Down	60. Shade of color
36 Down	61. Surgery sites, in brief
37 Down	62. Beanie or bowler

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:

• August 04 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• April 09 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 26 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 17 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

Complete Down Solutions:

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1 Down: "1. Persuades with flattery"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: C_____S
• Similar words: sweet-talk, palaver
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: influence or urge by gentle urging
• This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

CAJOLES

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2 Down: "2. Doing keto, perhaps"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'O' and ends with 'T'
• Word pattern: O_____T
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ONADIET

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3 Down: "3. Creator of Firefox and Thunderbird"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 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 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

MOZILLA

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4 Down: "4. Woodworking tool"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
• Word pattern: A__E
• Similar words: adz
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: an edge tool used to cut and shape wood
• This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ADZE

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5 Down: "5. Orderly arrangement: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Q'
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

SEQ

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6 Down: "6. Oscars and Grammys, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: A____S
• Similar words: prize, award
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: a grant made by a law court
• This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

AWARDS

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7 Down: "7. Wispy clouds"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'C' and ends with 'I'
• Word pattern: C___I
• Similar words: cirrus cloud, cirrus
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: usually coiled
• This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

CIRRI

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8 Down: "8. Approx."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
• Similar words: Eastern Time
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: standard time in the 5th time zone west of Greenwich
• This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

EST

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9 Down: "9. Harper ___, author of "To Kill a Mockingbird""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
• Similar words: lee side, leeward
• Opposite of: windward
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

LEE

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10 Down: "10. Monet or Manet"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
• Word pattern: A____T
• Similar words: creative person
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ARTIST

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11 Down: "11. Don't blow it!"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'B' and ends with 'D'
• Word pattern: B_____D
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

BIGLEAD

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12 Down: "12. Reaction to pollen, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'A' and ends with 'Y'
• Word pattern: A_____Y
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ALLERGY

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13 Down: "13. Shiny coatings"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'G' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: G_____S
• Similar words: annotate, gloss
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: an explanation or definition of an obscure word in a text
• This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

GLOSSES

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14 Down: "18. Lyft competitor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'U' and ends with 'R'
• Word pattern: U__R
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

UBER

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15 Down: "23. Heart attack risk factor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: S____S
• Similar words: tenseness, accentuate
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

STRESS

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16 Down: "25. Cherokee maker"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'J' and ends with 'P'
• Word pattern: J__P
• Similar words: landrover
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: a car suitable for traveling over rough terrain
• This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

JEEP

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17 Down: "26. "The kissing disease""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'M' and ends with 'O'
• Word pattern: M__O
• Similar words: monophonic, glandular fever
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

MONO

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18 Down: "27. Em, to Dorothy"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
• Word pattern: A__T
• Similar words: aunty, auntie
• Opposite of: uncle
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
• This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

AUNT

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19 Down: "32. Foot, in baby talk"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'T' and ends with 'Y'
• Word pattern: T____Y
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

TOOTSY

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20 Down: "33. Word after fire or carpenter"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
• Similar words: emmet, pismire
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ANT

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21 Down: "36. Actor Morales"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'E' and ends with 'I'
• Word pattern: E__I
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ESAI

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22 Down: "37. Drug agent, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'N' and ends with 'C'
• Word pattern: N__C
• Similar words: narcotics agent, nark
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: a lawman concerned with narcotics violations
• This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

NARC

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23 Down: "38. "No sweat!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'E' and ends with 'Y'
• Word pattern: E__Y
• Similar words: tardily, well-to-do
• Opposite of: quickly
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
• This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

EASY

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24 Down: "39. Ball batted up and behind the catcher, say"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'P' and ends with 'L'
• Word pattern: P_____L
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

POPFOUL

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25 Down: "40. Length of a pithy joke"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
• Word pattern: O_____E
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ONELINE

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26 Down: "41. Released from jail early"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'P' and ends with 'D'
• Word pattern: P_____D
• Similar words: parole
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: release a criminal from detention and place him on parole
• This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

PAROLED

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27 Down: "44. Pasta preference"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
• Word pattern: A_____E
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ALDENTE

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28 Down: "45. Nine-sided figure"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'N' and ends with 'N'
• Word pattern: N_____N
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: a nine-sided polygon
• This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

NONAGON

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29 Down: "46. Stirs from sleep"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: A_____S
• Similar words: wake, awaken
• Opposite of: fall asleep
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: cause to become awake or conscious
• This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

AWAKENS

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30 Down: "48. Is over by"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
• Word pattern: E____T
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ENDSAT

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31 Down: "49. With a light touch"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'G' and ends with 'Y'
• Word pattern: G____Y
• Similar words: lightly, softly
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: in a gradual manner
• This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

GENTLY

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32 Down: "50. Suffix with problem"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'A' and ends with 'C'
• Word pattern: A__C
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ATIC

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33 Down: "53. Gold standard"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'K' and ends with 'T'
• Word pattern: K___T
• Similar words: kt, carat
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

KARAT

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34 Down: "57. Scourge"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'B' and ends with 'E'
• Word pattern: B__E
• Similar words: nemesis, scourge
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: something causing misery or death
• This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

BANE

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35 Down: "60. Shade of color"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'H' and ends with 'E'
• Similar words: chromaticity, imbue
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

HUE

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36 Down: "61. Surgery sites, in brief"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
• Similar words: operating room, OR
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: a state in northwestern United States on the Pacific
• This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ORS

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37 Down: "62. Beanie or bowler"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
• Similar words: chapeau, lid
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

HAT

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

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

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

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

Time-Saving Down Techniques

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

More Crossword Resources

Recent Crossword Solutions:

• December 04 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 04 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers October 30
• May 07 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• Todays Down Crossword NYT October 21
• All NYT Across Clues October 27 2025 37
• September 24 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 13 2020 NYT Clues Solutions

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 37 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.

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

Last Updated: December 22, 2025 at 05:19 AM

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