December 20, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, December 20, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.7 letters

Across Clues Explained - Monday NYT Crossword December 20, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Actress Raquel	5
2A	6. Slightly wet	4
3A	10. ___-retentive	4
4A	14. Nebraska city nicknamed the "Gateway to the West"	5
5A	15. Female French friend	4
6A	16. It's good for what ails you	4
7A	17. Prince or princess	5
8A	18. Held in high esteem	9
9A	20. Prompt action when things are unraveling	12
10A	22. Number of provinces in Canada	3
11A	23. Nay's opposite	3
12A	24. Rear end, in slang	6
13A	28. Ground-breaking tool	3
14A	29. Watery expanse	3
15A	31. In the mail	4
16A	32. Beat around the bush	9
17A	36. "Well, ___-di-dah!"	3
18A	37. Cry of pity	4
19A	38. Shoe bottoms	5
20A	40. "The ___ Duckling" (fairy tale)	4
21A	41. Relieved (of)	3
22A	42. "Oh, blast!"	9
23A	44. One of three in Orion's belt	4
24A	46. Bundle of money	3
25A	47. Poetic praise	3
26A	48. Prefix meaning "different"	6
27A	50. "A work of ___ that did not begin in emotion is not ___": Cézanne	3
28A	51. Letter before chi	3
29A	54. What ties everything together, including 20-, 32- and 42-Across?	12
30A	58. Pulsating	9
31A	61. Like coincidences that make you go "hmm"	5
32A	62. The "h" in m.p.h.	4
33A	63. Brewed beverages in bottles	4
34A	64. Fauna's partner	5
35A	65. Piece with a view	4
36A	66. Exam	4
37A	67. Annual theater awards	5

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. Actress Raquel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cheat by avoiding payment of a gambling debt
• Words that mean the same thing: welsh
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WELCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Slightly wet"

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 slight wetness
• Words that mean the same thing: dampen, dull, tone down
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAMP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. ___-retentive"

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 of or related to the anus
• Words that mean the same thing: anal retentive
• The opposite would be: oral
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Nebraska city nicknamed the "Gateway to the West""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in the missouri river valley in northeastern nebraska
• Words that mean the same thing: Maha
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMAHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Female French friend"

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: AMIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. It's good for what ails you"

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 medicine or therapy that cures disease or relieve pain
• Words that mean the same thing: curative, therapeutic, heal
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Prince or princess"

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 sail set next above the topgallant on a royal mast
• Words that mean the same thing: imperial, royal stag, purple
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROYAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Held in high esteem"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that regard highly; think much of
• Words that mean the same thing: well-thought-of, prize, esteem
• The opposite would be: disrespect, disesteem
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RESPECTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Prompt action when things are unraveling"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: STITCHINTIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Number of provinces in Canada"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Nay's opposite"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an affirmative
• Words that mean the same thing: yeah
• The opposite would be: nay
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Rear end, in slang"

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: TUSHIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Ground-breaking tool"

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 tool with a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Watery expanse"

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 division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
• Words that mean the same thing: 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: SEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. In the mail"

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 100 senti equal 1 kroon in estonia
• Words that mean the same thing: mail, transport, send off
• The opposite would be: unsent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Beat around the bush"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: HEMANDHAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. "Well, ___-di-dah!""

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 syllable naming the sixth (submediant) note of a major or minor scale in solmization
• Words that mean the same thing: la
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Cry of pity"

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 flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
• Words that mean the same thing: unfortunately, ala, unluckily
• The opposite would be: luckily, fortunately
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Shoe bottoms"

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 colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid
• Words that mean the same thing: colloidal suspension, sol, Sol
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. "The ___ Duckling" (fairy tale)"

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 displeasing to the senses
• Words that mean the same thing: despicable, unworthy, worthless
• The opposite would be: beautiful
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UGLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Relieved (of)"

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 relieve from
• Words that mean the same thing: disembarrass, free
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. "Oh, blast!""

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: DARNITALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. One of three in Orion's belt"

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 (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
• Words that mean the same thing: prima, sensation, leading
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Bundle of money"

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 small mass of soft material
• Words that mean the same thing: tidy sum, chaw, spate
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Poetic praise"

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

  The answer is: ODE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Prefix meaning "different""

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: HETERO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. "A work of ___ that did not begin in emotion is not ___": Cézanne"

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 products of human creativity; works of art collectively
• Words that mean the same thing: artistry, artistic creation, prowess
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. Letter before chi"

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 21st letter of the greek alphabet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. What ties everything together, including 20-, 32- and 42-Across?"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: COMMONTHREAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "58. Pulsating"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an instance of rapid strong pulsation (of the heart)
• Words that mean the same thing: pulsate, shudder, throb
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THROBBING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. Like coincidences that make you go "hmm""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that suggestive of the supernatural; mysterious
• Words that mean the same thing: eery
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EERIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "62. The "h" in m.p.h."

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 period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
• Words that mean the same thing: hr, 60 minutes, time of day
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "63. Brewed beverages in bottles"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
• Words that mean the same thing: ale
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "64. Fauna's partner"

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 all the plant life in a particular region or period
• Words that mean the same thing: botany, plant life, plant
• The opposite would be: fauna
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "65. Piece with a view"

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: OPED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "66. Exam"

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 trying something to find out about it
• Words that mean the same thing: run, screen, prove
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "67. Annual theater awards"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TONYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Monday NYT Crossword December 20, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Lowest of the low	5
2D	2. Act poorly?	5
3D	3. Stockpile	5
4D	4. Chew the fat	4
5D	5. Like the good old days	7
6D	6. Title girl in a bygone MTV cartoon	5
7D	7. "You said it!"	4
8D	8. Fine spray	4
9D	9. Pumpkin seed	6
10D	10. Means of entry	6
11D	11. Hexagonal bit of hardware	3
12D	12. "___ we cool?"	3
13D	13. Was in first place	3
14D	19. Outback bird	3
15D	21. Obeys	5
16D	25. Andrew Wyeth portrait subject	5
17D	26. Counting everything together	5
18D	27. Antiknock fluid	5
19D	28. Contains	3
20D	29. One getting dressed for lunch?	5
21D	30. Wide-mouthed jug	4
22D	32. Caustic	5
23D	33. Of the highest standard	5
24D	34. Angry with	5
25D	35. Host Kotb of morning TV	4
26D	39. Sound from a pug	5
27D	40. Salt Lake City athlete	3
28D	43. Goal of phishing schemes, informally	7
29D	45. "Let the ___ show ..."	6
30D	46. Outback animal	6
31D	49. Burgle	3
32D	50. Frequent teenage sensation	5
33D	51. The Evita of "Evita"	5
34D	52. Opposite of clean-shaven	5
35D	53. They're symbolized by light bulbs in cartoons	5
36D	55. One of about 93 million between Earth and the sun	4
37D	56. Change for a five	4
38D	57. Move, in real estate lingo	4
39D	58. Howe'er	3
40D	59. You might do it after stubbing a toe	3
41D	60. Feel sorry about	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. Lowest of the low"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the least favorable outcome
• Words that mean the same thing: speculative, tough, spoiled
• The opposite would be: best, good
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WORST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Act poorly?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Stockpile"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LAYIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Chew the fat"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CHAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Like the good old days"

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 (greek mythology) a woman who was turned into a kingfisher
• Words that mean the same thing: genus Halcyon, prosperous, golden
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HALCYON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Title girl in a bygone MTV cartoon"

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: DARIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "You said it!""

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 primeval egyptian personification of air and breath; worshipped especially at thebes
• Words that mean the same thing: Amon, Amun
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Fine spray"

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 thin fog with condensation near the ground
• Words that mean the same thing: cloud, fog, obscure
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Pumpkin seed"

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: PEPITA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Means of entry"

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 right to enter
• Words that mean the same thing: admittance, get at, admission
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACCESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Hexagonal bit of hardware"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that usually large hard-shelled seed
• Words that mean the same thing: screwball, testis, en
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. "___ we cool?""

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 unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
• Words that mean the same thing: represent, equal, be
• The opposite would be: differ
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Was in first place"

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 diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
• Words that mean the same thing: conduct, take, leave
• The opposite would be: follow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Outback bird"

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 any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism
• Words that mean the same thing: electromagnetic unit, Emu novaehollandiae, Dromaius 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: EMU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Obeys"

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 paying particular notice (as to children or helpless people)
• Words that mean the same thing: mind, heed, attentiveness
• The opposite would be: inattentiveness
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEEDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Andrew Wyeth portrait subject"

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: HELGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Counting everything together"

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: INALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Antiknock fluid"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the univalent hydrocarbon radical c2h5 derived from ethane by the removal of one hydrogen atom
• Words that mean the same thing: ethyl radical, ethyl group
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETHYL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Contains"

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 (astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing; the right ascension for an observer at a particular location and time of day
• Words that mean the same thing: feature, get, throw
• The opposite would be: abstain, refuse
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. One getting dressed for lunch?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that food mixtures either arranged on a plate or tossed and served with a moist dressing; usually consisting of or including greens
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SALAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Wide-mouthed jug"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an open vessel with a handle and a spout for pouring
• Words that mean the same thing: pitcher
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EWER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Caustic"

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 unpleasantly stern
• Words that mean the same thing: rough, abrasive, coarse
• The opposite would be: fine
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HARSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Of the highest standard"

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 group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status
• Words that mean the same thing: elect, elite group
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Angry with"

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: MADAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. Host Kotb of morning TV"

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: HODA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Sound from a pug"

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 disrespectful laugh
• Words that mean the same thing: bird, razz, snigger
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNORT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Salt Lake City athlete"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the shoshonean people of utah and colorado and new mexico
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Goal of phishing schemes, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IDTHEFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. "Let the ___ show ...""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events
• Words that mean the same thing: platter, put down, phonograph recording
• The opposite would be: erase
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RECORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Outback animal"

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

  The answer is: WOMBAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Burgle"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
• Words that mean the same thing: gazump, soak, surcharge
• The opposite would be: undercharge
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Frequent teenage sensation"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an acute but unspecific feeling of anxiety; usually reserved for philosophical anxiety about the world or about personal freedom
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANGST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. The Evita of "Evita""

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 argentine soldier who became president of argentina (1895-1974)
• Words that mean the same thing: Juan Domingo Peron
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PERON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Opposite of clean-shaven"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that having or covered with hair
• Words that mean the same thing: hirsute, haired
• The opposite would be: hairless
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAIRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. They're symbolized by light bulbs in cartoons"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
• Words that mean the same thing: mind, estimate, idea
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDEAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. One of about 93 million between Earth and the sun"

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 unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
• Words that mean the same thing: nautical mile, air mile, statute mile
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MILE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Change for a five"

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 smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Words that mean the same thing: I, single, ace
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "57. Move, in real estate lingo"

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: RELO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "58. Howe'er"

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

  The answer is: THO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "59. You might do it after stubbing a toe"

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 act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
• Words that mean the same thing: hops, hop-skip, skip
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "60. Feel sorry about"

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 european strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
• Words that mean the same thing: sorrow, repent, herb of grace
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	53	67.9%
Short Answer	18	23.1%
Geography	3	3.8%
History	3	3.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.7 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	12 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

Last Updated: September 13, 2025 at 02:34 AM

September 20, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• July 17 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 26 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• Saturday September 21 2024 Ny Times
• August 26 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 07 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, September 20, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (35 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

Across Clues Explained - Monday NYT Crossword September 20, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. What lava becomes after an eruption	5
2A	6. The "S" of L.S.U.	5
3A	11. Number of provinces in Canada	3
4A	14. Relative by marriage	5
5A	15. "This ___ to do the trick"	5
6A	16. Pub brew	3
7A	17. Pizza feature for a specialized diet	15
8A	20. Nay's opposite	3
9A	21. College official	4
10A	22. Gossiping types	6
11A	23. Products of Pilot and Bic	4
12A	24. Lead-in to girl or boy	4
13A	25. River beneath 37 Parisian bridges	5
14A	27. Pain	4
15A	28. Lucy of "Charlie's Angels"	3
16A	31. Five, in French	4
17A	32. Classic arcade game set in outer space	9
18A	34. Take on a position, along with its responsibilities	15
19A	37. Cleaned, as a window	9
20A	38. Storage for garden tools	4
21A	39. Sticky part of a gecko	3
22A	40. Dress like, for a costume party, say	4
23A	41. Contemptuous look	5
24A	43. Soccer great Mia	4
25A	44. Iota	4
26A	45. Eastern place of worship	6
27A	48. James who played Sonny Corleone	4
28A	49. Letters on a bottle of tanning lotion	3
29A	52. Lacking any moral compass	15
30A	55. Year, in Spain	3
31A	56. "Cleanup on ___ 5!"	5
32A	57. ___ noir (wine)	5
33A	58. "Affirmative!"	3
34A	59. Los Angeles N.B.A. player	5
35A	60. What lava is before an eruption	5

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. What lava becomes after an eruption"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
• Words that mean the same thing: careen, rock candy, rock
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROCKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. The "S" of L.S.U."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
• Words that mean the same thing: nation, tell, body politic
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Number of provinces in Canada"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
• Words that mean the same thing: X, 10, ten-spot
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Relative by marriage"

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: INLAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. "This ___ to do the trick""

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: OUGHT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Pub brew"

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 general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Pizza feature for a specialized diet"

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: GLUTENFREECRUST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Nay's opposite"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. College official"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an administrator in charge of a division of a university or college
• Words that mean the same thing: doyen, James Dean, James Byron Dean
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Gossiping types"

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 (yiddish) a vulgar shrew; a shallow coarse termagant
• Words that mean the same thing: yenta
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YENTAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Products of Pilot and Bic"

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 writing implement with a point from which ink flows
• Words that mean the same thing: compose, write, indite
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Lead-in to girl or boy"

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: ATTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. River beneath 37 Parisian bridges"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a french river that flows through the heart of paris and then northward into the english channel
• Words that mean the same thing: Seine River
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Pain"

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 dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
• Words that mean the same thing: languish, suffer, smart
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. Lucy of "Charlie's Angels""

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: LIU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Five, in French"

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: CINQ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Classic arcade game set in outer space"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about sports.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of numerous small celestial bodies composed of rock and metal that move around the sun (mainly between the orbits of mars and jupiter)
• Words that mean the same thing: asteroid
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASTEROIDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Take on a position, along with its responsibilities"

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: ASSUMETHEMANTLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Cleaned, as a window"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SQUEEGEED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Storage for garden tools"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage
• Words that mean the same thing: throw off, throw away, exuviate
• The opposite would be: persistent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "39. Sticky part of a gecko"

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 one of the digits of the foot
• Words that mean the same thing: toenail
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "40. Dress like, for a costume party, say"

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 state of southwestern india; a former portuguese colony
• Words that mean the same thing: Goa
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GOAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "41. Contemptuous look"

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 facial expression of contempt or scorn; the upper lip curls
• Words that mean the same thing: leer
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNEER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "43. Soccer great Mia"

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: HAMM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "44. Iota"

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 tiny or scarcely detectable amount
• Words that mean the same thing: smidge, iota, smidgin
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WHIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "45. Eastern place of worship"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an asian temple; usually a pyramidal tower with an upward curving roof
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAGODA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "48. James who played Sonny Corleone"

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: CAAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "49. Letters on a bottle of tanning lotion"

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 degree to which a sunscreen protects the skin from the direct rays of the sun
• Words that mean the same thing: sun protection factor
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "52. Lacking any moral compass"

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: ROTTENTOTHECORE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Year, in Spain"

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 palestinian international terrorist organization that split from the plo in 1974; has conducted terrorist attacks in 20 countries
• Words that mean the same thing: Abu Nidal Organization, Fatah Revolutionary Council, Black September
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "56. "Cleanup on ___ 5!""

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 long narrow passage (as in a cave or woods)
• Words that mean the same thing: gangway
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AISLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "57. ___ noir (wine)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of several purple or white wine grapes used especially for burgundies and champagnes
• Words that mean the same thing: Pinot grape
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PINOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "58. "Affirmative!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an affirmative
• The opposite would be: no
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "59. Los Angeles N.B.A. player"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: LAKER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "60. What lava is before an eruption"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that molten rock in the earth's crust
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAGMA

  Great job if you got it right!

September 20, 2021 Down Hints: NYT Monday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Latvia's capital	4
2D	2. Solitary	4
3D	3. Aid in solving a mystery	4
4D	4. Dennings of "2 Broke Girls"	3
5D	5. Land between Norway and Finland	6
6D	6. Couches	5
7D	7. Word before "the tables" or "the tide"	4
8D	8. Grow older	3
9D	9. Nonbinary pronoun pair	8
10D	10. "... and the list goes on"	8
11D	11. Opposite of loose	4
12D	12. Disney princess voiced by Idina Menzel	4
13D	13. Safeguards for tightrope walkers	4
14D	18. Official bird of Hawaii	4
15D	19. Genetic "messenger"	3
16D	23. Excite, as curiosity	5
17D	24. Played a part on stage	5
18D	25. One-named R&B singer with the 1999 6x platinum album "Unleash the Dragon"	5
19D	26. Follow shortly thereafter	5
20D	27. Volcanic emissions	5
21D	28. Thin and graceful	5
22D	29. One just passing time	5
23D	30. Secondhand	4
24D	31. Group in a playbill	4
25D	32. Starting squad	5
26D	33. Arrival	5
27D	35. Business announcement involving billions of dollars	8
28D	36. It's all about me, me, me	8
29D	41. Former Iranian leader	4
30D	42. Prime-time hour	6
31D	43. Sweltering	3
32D	44. One piece of evidence of a planet's habitability	5
33D	45. Address God	4
34D	46. Top-notch	4
35D	47. Classic Pontiac muscle cars	4
36D	48. Rapper J. ___	4
37D	49. Serenade, e.g.	4
38D	50. Big night for a high schooler	4
39D	51. Crumbly salad cheese	4
40D	53. Chastising syllable	3
41D	54. "Zero Dark Thirty" org.	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. Latvia's capital"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a port city on the gulf of riga that is the capital and largest city of latvia; formerly a member of the hanseatic league
• Words that mean the same thing: capital of Latvia
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Solitary"

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 being the only one; single and isolated from others
• Words that mean the same thing: merely, but, simply
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Aid in solving a mystery"

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 slight indication
• Words that mean the same thing: clew, hint, cue
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Dennings of "2 Broke Girls""

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 leaves of the shrub catha edulis which are chewed like tobacco or used to make tea; has the effect of a euphoric stimulant
• Words that mean the same thing: qat, cat, quat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Land between Norway and Finland"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a scandinavian kingdom in the eastern part of the scandinavian peninsula
• Words that mean the same thing: Kingdom of Sweden, Sverige
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWEDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Couches"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an upholstered seat for more than one person
• Words that mean the same thing: sofa, couch, lounge
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOFAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Word before "the tables" or "the tide""

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 circular segment of a curve
• Words that mean the same thing: bit, flex, wrick
• The opposite would be: unbend
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TURN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Grow older"

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

  The answer is: AGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Nonbinary pronoun pair"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: THEYTHEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. "... and the list goes on""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that additional unspecified odds and ends; more of the same
• Words that mean the same thing: and so on, etc., and so forth
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETCETERA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Opposite of loose"

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 pulled or drawn tight
• Words that mean the same thing: tight
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Disney princess voiced by Idina Menzel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Safeguards for tightrope walkers"

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 computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
• Words that mean the same thing: lucre, network, sack 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: NETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Official bird of Hawaii"

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: NENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Genetic "messenger""

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 (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from dna to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
• Words that mean the same thing: ribonucleic acid
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Excite, as curiosity"

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 tightly woven fabric with raised cords
• Words that mean the same thing: temper, offend, irritation
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIQUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Played a part on stage"

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 perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
• Words that mean the same thing: playact, pretend, act
• The opposite would be: refrain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. One-named R&B singer with the 1999 6x platinum album "Unleash the Dragon""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SISQO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Follow shortly thereafter"

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 issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
• Words that mean the same thing: result
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENSUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Volcanic emissions"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ASHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. Thin and graceful"

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 moving and bending with ease
• Words that mean the same thing: lithesome, supple, svelte
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LITHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. One just passing time"

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 person who does no work
• Words that mean the same thing: loafer, do-nothing, bum
• The opposite would be: busy
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDLER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "30. Secondhand"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
• Words that mean the same thing: exploited, utilize, utilise
• The opposite would be: misused
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "31. Group in a playbill"

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 actors in a play
• Words that mean the same thing: plaster cast, throw away, disgorge
• The opposite would be: keep down
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "32. Starting squad"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ATEAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "33. Arrival"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the beginning or early stages
• Words that mean the same thing: onslaught, onrush, oncoming
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONSET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "35. Business announcement involving billions of dollars"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: MEGADEAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "36. It's all about me, me, me"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an intense and irresistible love for yourself and concern for your own needs
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGOMANIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "41. Former Iranian leader"

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 title for the former hereditary monarch of iran
• Words that mean the same thing: Shah of Iran
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "42. Prime-time hour"

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: NINEPM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "43. Sweltering"

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 used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
• Words that mean the same thing: live, raging, spicy
• The opposite would be: cold
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "44. One piece of evidence of a planet's habitability"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
• Words that mean the same thing: pee, piss, water supply
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WATER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "45. Address God"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that address a deity, a prophet, a saint or an object of worship; say a prayer
• Words that mean the same thing: implore, beg
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "46. Top-notch"

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: AONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "47. Classic Pontiac muscle cars"

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: GTOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "48. Rapper J. ___"

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 hardy cabbage with coarse curly leaves that do not form a head
• Words that mean the same thing: borecole, kail, kale
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "49. Serenade, e.g."

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 short musical composition with words
• Words that mean the same thing: birdcall, Sung, call
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SONG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "50. Big night for a high schooler"

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 formal ball held for a school class toward the end of the academic year
• Words that mean the same thing: promenade
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PROM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "51. Crumbly salad cheese"

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: FETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "53. Chastising syllable"

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 utter `tsk,' `tut,' or `tut-tut,' as in disapproval
• Words that mean the same thing: tut-tut, tut
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TSK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "54. "Zero Dark Thirty" org."

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 independent agency of the united states government responsible for collecting and coordinating intelligence and counterintelligence activities abroad in the national interest; headed by the director of central intelligence under the supervision of the president and national security council
• Words that mean the same thing: Central Intelligence Agency
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	56	73.7%
Short Answer	14	18.4%
Geography	2	2.6%
Sports	2	2.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.6%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.0 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 Monday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

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

• December 08 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 29 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers July 05
• December 05 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• June 26 2024 NYT Clues Solutions
• 2424 Sat Aug 24 2024 La Times Crossword
• August 26 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 08 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• Saturday September 21 2024 Ny Times
• Ny Times Crossword Answers July 14 2021

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 14, 2025 at 08:37 PM