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Friday, September 5, 2025

January 12, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, January 12, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (36 Across, 38 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

NYT Thursday Crossword Across Clues - January 12, 2023 Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Royal Catherine 4
2A 5. All-day, in a way 4
3A 9. Rides 4
4A 13. Agave lookalike 4
5A 14. Spring, for one 4
6A 15. Fancy summer home 5
7A 16. Grocery store worker on the days leading up to Thanksgiving? 15
8A 19. Dress (up) 3
9A 20. Cheesemaking town 4
10A 21. Salty expanses 6
11A 22. Incense residue 3
12A 23. One who's acting out? 4
13A 24. Some trimmings 3
14A 25. Pamphlets on how to use marinara? 13
15A 31. Lecherous sort 5
16A 33. Beginning of time? 3
17A 34. When doubled, mouse-bopping bunny in a children's song 3
18A 35. Sporty Pontiac 7
19A 38. One with a tattoo of a band's name, say 7
20A 41. Oxygen makes up only one-fifth of this on the earth 3
21A 42. Gossip, slangily 3
22A 44. Part of some musical keys 5
23A 45. Bookie? 13
24A 50. Card game shout 3
25A 51. Winners of a 1932 Australian "war" 4
26A 52. Org. using millimeter wave scanners 3
27A 55. Inedible jelly on a buffet table 6
28A 58. 49-Down's city, familiarly 4
29A 59. Shubert of Broadway's Shubert Theatre 3
30A 60. Devices that help dentists monitor anesthesia? 15
31A 63. En pointe 5
32A 64. Its flag has "Allahu Akbar" written 22 times 4
33A 65. Repeated words in an analogy 4
34A 66. Common catch 4
35A 67. Hunt and peck, say 4
36A 68. Pronto 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. Royal Catherine"

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 queen of england as the 6th wife of henry viii (1512-1548)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Catherine Parr
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PARR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. All-day, in a way"

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: AMPM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Rides"

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 someone (especially a woman) who annoys people by constantly finding fault
  • Words that mean the same thing: nag, hack, scolder
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NAGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Agave lookalike"

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 succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALOE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Spring, 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 a structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
  • Words that mean the same thing: scroll, spiral, roll
  • The opposite would be: uncoil
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Fancy summer home"

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 mexican revolutionary leader (1877-1923)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Francisco Villa, Pancho Villa, Doroteo Arango
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: VILLA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. Grocery store worker on the days leading up to Thanksgiving?"

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: STUFFINGSTOCKER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Dress (up)"

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 provide with clothes or put clothes on
  • Words that mean the same thing: dress, apparel, habilitate
  • The opposite would be: undress
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Cheesemaking town"

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 mild yellow dutch cheese made in balls encased in a red covering
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EDAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Salty expanses"

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 large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere
  • Words that mean the same thing: sea, ocean
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OCEANS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Incense residue"

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 residue that remains when something is burned
  • Words that mean the same thing: ash tree
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ASH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. One who's acting out?"

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 an actor who communicates entirely by gesture and facial expression
  • Words that mean the same thing: pantomime, pantomimer, mimic
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MIME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "24. Some trimmings"

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 soft greasy substance occurring in organic tissue and consisting of a mixture of lipids (mostly triglycerides)
  • Words that mean the same thing: blubber, fatty tissue, plump
  • The opposite would be: thin, leanness
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "25. Pamphlets on how to use marinara?"

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: SAUCINGFLYERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Lecherous 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 man with strong sexual desires
  • Words that mean the same thing: lech, forest god, lecher
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SATYR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Beginning of time?"

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 starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Words that mean the same thing: golf tee, teeing ground, tee up
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. When doubled, mouse-bopping bunny in a children's song"

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

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: FOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Sporty Pontiac"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: TRANSAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. One with a tattoo of a band's name, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: MEGAFAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Oxygen makes up only one-fifth of this on the earth"

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 mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
  • Words that mean the same thing: publicize, line, zephyr
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AIR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Gossip, slangily"

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 beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
  • Words that mean the same thing: teatime, Camellia sinensis, tea leaf
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Part of some musical keys"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a very dark black
  • Words that mean the same thing: pitch black, ebony tree, soot black
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EBONY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Bookie?"

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

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "50. Card game shout"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: UNO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "51. Winners of a 1932 Australian "war""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
  • Words that mean the same thing: emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae, Emu novaehollandiae
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EMUS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. Org. using millimeter wave scanners"

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 established in 2001 to safeguard united states transportation systems and insure safe air travel
  • Words that mean the same thing: Transportation Security Administration
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TSA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "55. Inedible jelly on a buffet table"

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: STERNO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "58. 49-Down's city, familiarly"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: NOLA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "59. Shubert of Broadway's Shubert Theatre"

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 united states filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in america (born in 1957)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Shelton Jackson Lee, Gypsy Rose Lee, Lee Yuen Kam
  • The opposite would be: windward
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "60. Devices that help dentists monitor anesthesia?"

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: NUMBINGTRACKERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "63. En pointe"

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: ONTOE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "64. Its flag has "Allahu Akbar" written 22 times"

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 theocratic islamic republic in the middle east in western asia; iran was the core of the ancient empire that was known as persia until 1935; rich in oil
  • Words that mean the same thing: Islamic Republic of Iran, Persia
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IRAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Repeated words in an analogy"

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: ISTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "66. Common catch"

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 lowest part of the musical range
  • Words that mean the same thing: basso, freshwater bass, sea bass
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BASS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "67. Hunt and peck, say"

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 subdivision of a particular kind of thing
  • Words that mean the same thing: typewrite, typecast, character
  • The opposite would be: antitype
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TYPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "68. Pronto"

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

    The answer is: ASAP

    Great job if you got it right!

January 12, 2023 Thursday NYT - All Down Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. It gets into hot water 5
2D 2. Chorus section 5
3D 3. Inauspicious beginning 10
4D 4. Certain whistle-blower 3
5D 5. Hardly basic 6
6D 6. Personal friend in France 6
7D 7. Something cephalopods control for camouflage 7
8D 8. Units on a graduated cylinder: Abbr. 3
9D 9. Fine point 6
10D 10. ___-Seltzer 4
11D 11. Campbell with the 1975 #1 hit "Rhinestone Cowboy" 4
12D 12. 2003 outbreak 4
13D 15. Outspoken 5
14D 17. Pelvis/patella connectors 6
15D 18. Sticky ___ pudding 6
16D 26. Author Rand 3
17D 27. It's set in a ring 3
18D 28. Easy-peasy 10
19D 29. Speckled 4
20D 30. Maker of the first portable music player 4
21D 31. Guess 4
22D 32. Grammy winner India.___ 4
23D 36. When both hands are up 6
24D 37. Unit of RAM 3
25D 39. Passes, but not with flying colors 6
26D 40. Shinzo ___, Japan's longest-serving prime minister 3
27D 43. Representative's work 7
28D 46. Powerful engines 6
29D 47. Feature of many a belly 5
30D 48. Angsty hip-hop subgenre 6
31D 49. Prestigious university in 58-Across 6
32D 53. Company whose mascots are sheep with numbers painted on them 5
33D 54. Author whose titles often feature two animals 5
34D 55. One with an upturned nose, so to speak 4
35D 56. Common catch 4
36D 57. CPR specialists 4
37D 61. "Scram!" 3
38D 62. Car once advertised with the slogan "The power to surprise" 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. It gets into hot water"

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 dish that contains pasta as its main ingredient
  • Words that mean the same thing: alimentary paste
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PASTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Chorus section"

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 singer whose voice lies in the alto clef
  • Words that mean the same thing: contralto, countertenor, alto
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALTOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Inauspicious beginning"

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: ROUGHSTART

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Certain whistle-blower"

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 (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or american football) who is expected to ensure fair play
  • Words that mean the same thing: referee
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Hardly basic"

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 being or containing an acid; of a solution having an excess of hydrogen atoms (having a ph of less than 7)
  • Words that mean the same thing: acidulent, acid, acidulous
  • The opposite would be: alkaline
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ACIDIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Personal friend in France"

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: MONAMI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Something cephalopods control for camouflage"

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 dry coloring material (especially a powder to be mixed with a liquid to produce paint, etc.)
  • Words that mean the same thing: paint
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PIGMENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Units on a graduated cylinder: 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 a master's degree in library science
  • Words that mean the same thing: ml, cubic centimetre, Master of Library Science
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Fine point"

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 conformity with some esthetic standard of correctness or propriety
  • Words that mean the same thing: justness, shade, subtlety
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NICETY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. ___-Seltzer"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ALKA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Campbell with the 1975 #1 hit "Rhinestone Cowboy""

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 narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GLEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. 2003 outbreak"

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 respiratory disease of unknown etiology that apparently originated in mainland china in 2003; characterized by fever and coughing or difficulty breathing or hypoxia; can be fatal
  • Words that mean the same thing: severe acute respiratory syndrome
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SARS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "15. Outspoken"

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 music intended to be performed by one or more singers, usually with instrumental accompaniment
  • Words that mean the same thing: outspoken, song, vocal music
  • The opposite would be: instrumental
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: VOCAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "17. Pelvis/patella connectors"

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 longest and thickest bone of the human skeleton; extends from the pelvis to the knee
  • Words that mean the same thing: femoris, thighbone, femur
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FEMURS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "18. Sticky ___ pudding"

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 caramelized sugar cooled in thin sheets
  • Words that mean the same thing: brittle, toffy
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOFFEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "26. Author Rand"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: AYN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. It's set in a ring"

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 art highly prized for its beauty or perfection
  • Words that mean the same thing: precious stone, muffin, gemstone
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GEM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Easy-peasy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that requiring or apparently requiring no effort
  • Words that mean the same thing: casual
  • The opposite would be: effortful
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EFFORTLESS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Speckled"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a soft sheepskin leather that is colored and finished to resemble morocco; used in bookbinding
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Maker of the first portable music player"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SONY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Guess"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: STAB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Grammy winner India.___"

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: ARIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. When both hands are up"

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: ATNOON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Unit of RAM"

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 number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros
  • Words that mean the same thing: million, 1000000, one thousand thousand
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MEG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Passes, but not with flying colors"

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: GETSAC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Shinzo ___, Japan's longest-serving prime minister"

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: ABE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Representative's work"

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: AGENTRY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. Powerful engines"

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 29 Down: "47. Feature of many a belly"

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: INNIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. Angsty hip-hop subgenre"

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: EMORAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Prestigious university in 58-Across"

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: TULANE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. Company whose mascots are sheep with numbers painted on them"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: SERTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. Author whose titles often feature two animals"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that greek author of fables (circa 620-560 bc)
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AESOP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "55. One with an upturned nose, so to speak"

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 person regarded as arrogant and annoying
  • Words that mean the same thing: snoot, snot, prig
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SNOB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. Common catch"

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 tropical american prickly pear of jamaica
  • Words that mean the same thing: tuna fish, Opuntia tuna, Anguilla sucklandii
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TUNA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "57. CPR specialists"

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: EMTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "61. "Scram!""

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 person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible
  • Words that mean the same thing: rat, crumb, scum bag
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "62. Car once advertised with the slogan "The power to surprise""

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: KIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 49 66.2%
Short Answer 14 18.9%
Sports 3 4.1%
Music 2 2.7%
Celebrity/Entertainment 2 2.7%
Literature 1 1.4%
History 1 1.4%
Geography 1 1.4%
Abbreviation 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 36
Down Clues 38
Total Clues 74
Average Answer Length 5.1 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 Thursday, 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!

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 04, 2025 at 10:39 PM

Thursday, December 25, 2025

NYT Down Crossword December 25, 2025 - Master All 37 Top-to-Bottom Clues

All NYT Down Clues December 25, 2025 - 37 Vertical Answers with Hints

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: April 02 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | October 23 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | November 07 2022 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 25, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Thursday, December 25, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 25, 2025
Day of Week Thursday
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. Chillness
2 Down 2. "Oh me, oh my!"
3 Down 3. Ready to go
4 Down 4. "___ the Limit" (posthumous hit for the Notorious B.I.G.)
5 Down 5. Horses studied by touts
6 Down 6. Portuguese greeting
7 Down 7. O'er the fields ___ ...
8 Down 8. Eurasia or Oceania, in "1984"
9 Down 9. Like many Mormons
10 Down 10. The "R" of P.R.
11 Down 11. Vodka-and-pineapple juice cocktail popularized on "Sex and the City"
12 Down 15. Sews up
13 Down 17. Phil of the Grateful Dead
14 Down 19. Uber-enthusiasts
15 Down 22. Someone who might ask "Mother, may I?"
16 Down 27. Zoom call issue
17 Down 28. "S.N.L." V.I.P.
18 Down 29. Pilot who shares a tent with Yossarian in "Catch-22"
19 Down 30. Sides of pie slices, essentially
20 Down 31. Ballon ___ (soccer star's award)
21 Down 34. Slangy "dude"
22 Down 35. White House family of the 1980s
23 Down 36. Tax dodger's fear
24 Down 37. Loc. ___ (footnote abbr.)
25 Down 38. Very in
26 Down 39. Big name in windows and doors
27 Down 43. Raider in times past
28 Down 44. A person
29 Down 45. Go "Phew!," say
30 Down 46. "He has my permission"
31 Down 47. Total slimeball
32 Down 49. Intl. org. with 12 stars on its flag
33 Down 52. Halal cart offering
34 Down 53. Elided farewell
35 Down 54. Do pretty much nothing
36 Down 55. Between you and me
37 Down 58. At whom you might yell "Are we watching the same game?!"

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues

Need help? Here are comprehensive hints and answers for each Down clue. Also check these helpful guides:

Complete Down Solutions:


1 Down: "1. Chillness"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: A____B
  • Similar words: cool, sang-froid
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: great coolness and composure under strain
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer APLOMB


2 Down: "2. "Oh me, oh my!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: H____Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOOBOY


3 Down: "3. Ready to go"

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
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALLSET


4 Down: "4. "___ the Limit" (posthumous hit for the Notorious B.I.G.)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S__S
  • Similar words: toss, sky
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKYS


5 Down: "5. Horses studied by touts"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: N__S
  • Similar words: hen-peck, nag
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NAGS


6 Down: "6. Portuguese greeting"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'A'
  • Similar words: olla
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OLA


7 Down: "7. O'er the fields ___ ..."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: W__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WEGO


8 Down: "8. Eurasia or Oceania, in "1984""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S________E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SUPERSTATE


9 Down: "9. Like many Mormons"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: U___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UTAHN


10 Down: "10. The "R" of P.R."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: R__O
  • Similar words: RICO Act
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RICO


11 Down: "11. Vodka-and-pineapple juice cocktail popularized on "Sex and the City""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: F______I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FLIRTINI


12 Down: "15. Sews up"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E_____S
  • Similar words: assure, guarantee
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: make certain of
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENSURES


13 Down: "17. Phil of the Grateful Dead"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LESH


14 Down: "19. Uber-enthusiasts"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: G___S
  • Similar words: geek, oddball
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a carnival performer who does disgusting acts
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GEEKS


15 Down: "22. Someone who might ask "Mother, may I?""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: conical buoy, nun buoy
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a woman religious
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NUN


16 Down: "27. Zoom call issue"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: E__O
  • Similar words: reverberate, reverberation
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ECHO


17 Down: "28. "S.N.L." V.I.P."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: H________R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HEADWRITER


18 Down: "29. Pilot who shares a tent with Yossarian in "Catch-22""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'R'
  • Similar words: Robert Orr, Bobby Orr
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: Canadian hockey player (born 1948)
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ORR


19 Down: "30. Sides of pie slices, essentially"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: R___I
  • Similar words: spoke, r
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RADII


20 Down: "31. Ballon ___ (soccer star's award)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'R'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DOR


21 Down: "34. Slangy "dude""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BRAH


22 Down: "35. White House family of the 1980s"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R_____S
  • Similar words: Reagan, Ronald Reagan
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: 40th President of the United States (1911-2004)
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REAGANS


23 Down: "36. Tax dodger's fear"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: I______T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IRSAUDIT


24 Down: "37. Loc. ___ (footnote abbr.)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CIT


25 Down: "38. Very in"

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: spicy, red-hot
  • Opposite of: cold
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOT


26 Down: "39. Big name in windows and doors"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: P___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PELLA


27 Down: "43. Raider in times past"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: Krauthead, Jerry
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HUN


28 Down: "44. A person"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: E__H
  • Similar words: to each one, from each one
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: (used of count nouns) every one considered individually
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EACH


29 Down: "45. Go "Phew!," say"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E____E
  • Similar words: emanate, expire
  • Opposite of: inhale
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: expel air
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EXHALE


30 Down: "46. "He has my permission""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: L____M
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LETHIM


31 Down: "47. Total slimeball"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: S____O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLEAZO


32 Down: "49. Intl. org. with 12 stars on its flag"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'U'
  • Word pattern: T___U
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THEEU


33 Down: "52. Halal cart offering"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: G__O
  • Similar words: gyroscope
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GYRO


34 Down: "53. Elided farewell"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: G__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GBYE


35 Down: "54. Do pretty much nothing"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'F'
  • Word pattern: L__F
  • Similar words: linger, loll
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LOAF


36 Down: "55. Between you and me"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: O__S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OURS


37 Down: "58. At whom you might yell "Are we watching the same game?!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'F'
  • Similar words: referee
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REF

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

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

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

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

Time-Saving Down Techniques

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 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.


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 25, 2025 at 05:18 AM

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