November 10, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (33 clues)
• Down Clues (43 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (33 Across, 43 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

NYT Wednesday Crossword Across Clues - November 10, 2021 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Redding of Stax Records	4
2A	5. It often surrounds high-maintenance people	5
3A	10. Eponym of a famed N.Y.C. deli	4
4A	14. One who's got the goods	10
5A	16. Contents of Lago Titicaca	4
6A	17. 56-Across, to a dairy farmer	10
7A	18. South African currency	4
8A	19. Singer Rita	3
9A	20. Side with tandoori chicken	4
10A	21. Backed up, say	5
11A	22. 56-Across, to a smartphone user	12
12A	25. On and on and on	7
13A	28. x or y, in math class	4
14A	29. ___ hand	4
15A	30. State bird of Arizona or South Carolina	4
16A	31. Debtor's note	3
17A	34. 56-Across, to a gambler	15
18A	39. Battle of Britain grp.	3
19A	40. Reddit Q&As	4
20A	41. Plant used by ancient Greeks and Romans to treat wounds	4
21A	42. BuzzFeed offering	4
22A	43. Becomes more and more irksome	7
23A	46. 56-Across, to Occupy protesters	12
24A	50. Succeeded in	5
25A	51. Bad, in Bolivia	4
26A	52. "Wanna ___?"	3
27A	55. Apple variety	4
28A	56. Small amount	10
29A	59. Mishap during a shave	4
30A	60. Pharmacist's workplace in a hospital	10
31A	61. They consist of reps	4
32A	62. Actor Buddy of "The Beverly Hillbillies"	5
33A	63. Rustic verse	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. Redding of Stax Records"

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 united states inventor who manufactured the first elevator with a safety device (1811-1861)
• Words that mean the same thing: genus Otis, Elisha Graves Otis
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OTIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. It often surrounds high-maintenance people"

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 dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
• Words that mean the same thing: play, dramatic event, dramatic play
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRAMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Eponym of a famed N.Y.C. deli"

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: KATZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. One who's got the goods"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a merchant who owns or manages a shop
• Words that mean the same thing: market keeper, storekeeper, tradesman
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHOPKEEPER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Contents of Lago Titicaca"

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 largest known toad species; native to central america; valuable destroyer of insect pests
• Words that mean the same thing: Bufo marinus, agua toad
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGUA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. 56-Across, to a dairy farmer"

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: LOWFATMILK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. South African currency"

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 basic unit of money in south africa; equal to 100 cents
• Words that mean the same thing: Reef, Ayn Rand, Witwatersrand
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Singer Rita"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
• Words that mean the same thing: operating system, bone, os
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Side with tandoori chicken"

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 leavened bread baked in a clay oven in india; usually shaped like a teardrop
• Words that mean the same thing: nan
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Backed up, say"

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 save from ruin, destruction, or harm
• Words that mean the same thing: economise, make unnecessary, salvage
• The opposite would be: lost
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAVED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. 56-Across, to a smartphone user"

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: DYINGBATTERY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. On and on and on"

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: TONOEND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. x or y, in math class"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a straight line through a body or figure that satisfies certain conditions
• Words that mean the same thing: axis of rotation, bloc, axis vertebra
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AXIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. ___ hand"

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: 60 minutes, minute, 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 15 Across: "30. State bird of Arizona or South Carolina"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that english architect who designed more than fifty london churches (1632-1723)
• Words that mean the same thing: Sir Christopher Wren, jenny wren
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WREN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Debtor's note"

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 informal debt instrument; representing `i owe you'
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IOU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. 56-Across, to a gambler"

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: UNFAVORABLEODDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Battle of Britain grp."

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 airforce of great britain
• Words that mean the same thing: Red Army Faction, Royal Air Force
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Reddit Q&As"

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: AMAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Plant used by ancient Greeks and Romans to treat wounds"

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 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 21 Across: "42. BuzzFeed offering"

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 examination consisting of a few short questions
• Words that mean the same thing: test
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: QUIZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Becomes more and more irksome"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sore that has become inflamed and formed pus
• Words that mean the same thing: fester, suppurate, maturate
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FESTERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. 56-Across, to Occupy protesters"

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: THEULTRARICH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "50. Succeeded in"

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: WONAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "51. Bad, in Bolivia"

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: MALO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. "Wanna ___?""

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 money risked on a gamble
• Words that mean the same thing: calculate, play, look
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "55. Apple variety"

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: IMAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "56. Small amount"

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: ONEPERCENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "59. Mishap during a shave"

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 impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
• Words that mean the same thing: ding, chip, notch
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "60. Pharmacist's workplace in a hospital"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that clinic where medicine and medical supplies are dispensed
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DISPENSARY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. They consist of reps"

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 group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
• Words that mean the same thing: solidification, position, arrange
• The opposite would be: rise
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "62. Actor Buddy of "The Beverly Hillbillies""

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: EBSEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "63. Rustic verse"

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 musical composition that evokes rural life
• Words that mean the same thing: pastorale, eclogue, pastoral
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDYL

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Wednesday Puzzle November 10, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Nordic capital	4
2D	2. Marvel movie directed by Kenneth Branagh	4
3D	3. Johnny Carson's home state	4
4D	4. Lotion letters	3
5D	5. Hold up	6
6D	6. Order back	6
7D	7. Mockery, of a sort	5
8D	8. Motivational speaker Robbins	3
9D	9. Genesis craft	3
10D	10. Gold standards	6
11D	11. Its dried stalks can be used to make didgeridoos	5
12D	12. The "dial" in "Don't touch that dial"	5
13D	13. Attractive, fashionable man, in modern parlance	5
14D	15. "Yeezus" rapper	5
15D	21. Author of the "Fear Street" series	5
16D	22. Cartoon character who says "Swiper, no swiping!"	4
17D	23. Stinger	4
18D	24. Jump on the ice	4
19D	25. Day of the week named after 2-Down: Abbr.	4
20D	26. Actress Chaplin	4
21D	27. "___ said!"	4
22D	30. Is, in hindsight	3
23D	31. Wait for the light to change, say	4
24D	32. What helium and nitrogen lack	4
25D	33. Exploits	4
26D	35. Olympic event featuring a table	5
27D	36. Not bring up	4
28D	37. Popular flip phone of the mid-2000s	4
29D	38. Sworn words	4
30D	42. Ones who treat people poorly?	6
31D	43. Frothy beverage	6
32D	44. Title woman in a hit song by Dexys Midnight Runners	6
33D	45. Disdain	5
34D	46. Lookalikes	5
35D	47. "___ the Clown" (classic episode of "The Simpsons")	5
36D	48. Put into law	5
37D	49. Make ___ of things	5
38D	52. Bit of hair decoration	4
39D	53. Professor 'iggins	4
40D	54. Texter's sign-off	4
41D	56. Dedicated work	3
42D	57. Writing tip?	3
43D	58. CBS series with spinoffs	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. Nordic 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 the capital and largest city of norway; the country's main port; located at the head of a fjord on norway's southern coast
• Words that mean the same thing: Christiania, capital of Norway
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OSLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Marvel movie directed by Kenneth Branagh"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (norse mythology) god of thunder and rain and farming; pictured as wielding a hammer emblematic of the thunderbolt; identified with teutonic donar
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Johnny Carson's home state"

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 member of the siouan people formerly living in iowa and minnesota and missouri
• Words that mean the same thing: IA, Hawkeye State, Ioway
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IOWA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Lotion letters"

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 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 5 Down: "5. Hold up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that deprive of freedom; take into confinement
• Words that mean the same thing: stay, confine, hold up
• The opposite would be: rush, free
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DETAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Order back"

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 act of sending an accused person back into custody to await trial (or the continuation of the trial)
• Words that mean the same thing: lag, put behind bars, imprison
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REMAND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Mockery, of a 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 imitate uncritically and in every aspect
• Words that mean the same thing: caricature, ape
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Motivational speaker Robbins"

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: MEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Genesis craft"

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 (judaism) sacred chest where the ancient hebrews kept the two tablets containing the ten commandments
• Words that mean the same thing: Ark of the Covenant
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Gold standards"

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 unit of measurement for the proportion of gold in an alloy; 18-karat gold is 75% gold; 24-karat gold is pure gold
• Words that mean the same thing: kt, karat, carat
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KARATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Its dried stalks can be used to make didgeridoos"

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 tropical american plants with basal rosettes of fibrous sword-shaped leaves and flowers in tall spikes; some cultivated for ornament or for fiber
• Words that mean the same thing: American aloe, century plant
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGAVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. The "dial" in "Don't touch that dial""

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 someone who tunes pianos
• Words that mean the same thing: piano tuner, wireless, receiving set
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUNER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Attractive, fashionable man, in modern parlance"

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: ZADDY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. "Yeezus" rapper"

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: KANYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Author of the "Fear Street" series"

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: STINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Cartoon character who says "Swiper, no swiping!""

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: DORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. Stinger"

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 an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect
• Words that mean the same thing: jibe, gibe, shaft
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BARB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. Jump on the ice"

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: AXEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "25. Day of the week named after 2-Down: Abbr."

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

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: THUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Actress Chaplin"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: OONA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "27. "___ said!""

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: NUFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. Is, in hindsight"

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 state in northwestern united states on the pacific
• Words that mean the same thing: exist, personify, comprise
• 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: WAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. Wait for the light to change, 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 the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
• Words that mean the same thing: jobless, light, laze
• The opposite would be: busy, work
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. What helium and nitrogen lack"

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 any property detected by the olfactory system
• Words that mean the same thing: smell, scent, odour
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ODOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "33. Exploits"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of using
• Words that mean the same thing: enjoyment, usage, U.S.
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "35. Olympic event featuring a table"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a burial chamber (usually underground)
• Words that mean the same thing: burial vault, bank vault, hurdle
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VAULT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "36. Not bring up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OMIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "37. Popular flip phone of the mid-2000s"

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: RAZR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "38. Sworn words"

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 profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
• Words that mean the same thing: curse, curse word, expletive
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "42. Ones who treat people poorly?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an untrained person who pretends to be a physician and who dispenses medical advice
• Words that mean the same thing: quack
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: QUACKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "43. Frothy beverage"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that liqueur poured over shaved ice
• Words that mean the same thing: ice
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FRAPPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "44. Title woman in a hit song by Dexys Midnight Runners"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a hard 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: EILEEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "45. Disdain"

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 lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
• Words that mean the same thing: despise, reject, contempt
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCORN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "46. Lookalikes"

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 (mineralogy) two interwoven crystals that are mirror images on each other
• Words that mean the same thing: mate, pair, Gemini
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TWINS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "47. "___ the Clown" (classic episode of "The Simpsons")"

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: HOMIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "48. Put into law"

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 order by virtue of superior authority; decree
• Words that mean the same thing: ordain, reenact, act out
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENACT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "49. Make ___ of things"

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: AMESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "52. Bit of hair decoration"

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 small ball with a hole through the middle
• Words that mean the same thing: astragal, beadwork, pearl
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "53. Professor 'iggins"

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: ENRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "54. Texter's sign-off"

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: TTYL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "56. Dedicated work"

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 42 Down: "57. Writing tip?"

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 writing point of a pen
• Words that mean the same thing: pen nib, bill, pecker
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NIB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 43 Down: "58. CBS series with spinoffs"

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: CSI

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	52	68.4%
Short Answer	10	13.2%
Celebrity/Entertainment	4	5.3%
Geography	3	3.9%
History	2	2.6%
Science/Technology	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%
Music	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	43
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 Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: September 13, 2025 at 08:19 PM

XWordHint Crossword Answers December 15, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Today's Puzzle Difficulty
• Across Clues Table (36 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (40 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. ___ Nicholas	5
2A	6. Judge's seat, from the French	4
3A	10. N.Y.C. airport	3
4A	13. "Star Wars" droid, familiarly	5
5A	14. Side's length squared, for a square	4
6A	15. Thrilla in Manila boxer	3
7A	16. Recharge one's batteries	6
8A	18. Prepared to bathe	8
9A	20. Cool ___ cucumber	3
10A	21. "Balderdash!"	4
11A	23. Filled in (for), for short	6
12A	24. Schmoozed (with)	9
13A	27. Good, long bath	4
14A	28. Slight injury from tripping	10
15A	30. Bridge support	5
16A	32. Karl Marx's "___ Kapital"	3
17A	33. Do one better than	3
18A	36. President Hoover	7
19A	39. "You take credit cards?" response	7
20A	42. Unconventional	3
21A	43. Alternative to the pill, in brief	3
22A	45. Dog-___ (like the pages in some books)	5
23A	46. Foreign-language movie that you don't have to read subtitles for	10
24A	50. Location for a goatee or soul patch	4
25A	52. Enchanted	9
26A	55. Big-beaked tropical bird	6
27A	57. One-named Brazilian soccer star	4
28A	58. "If you ask me ...," to texters	3
29A	59. Camp sleeping spots ... or a hint to this puzzle's circled letters	8
30A	61. Sci-fi writer Isaac	6
31A	63. Suitable, as a unit in a bldg.?	3
32A	64. Tales of yore	4
33A	65. Join in marriage	5
34A	66. Lo-___ graphics	3
35A	67. One-named Grammy winner from Ireland	4
36A	68. ___ Cottontail	5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. ___ Nicholas"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
• Similar words include: nonesuch, holy man, nonsuch
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAINT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Judge's seat, from the French"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BANC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. N.Y.C. airport"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that 35th president of the united states; established the peace corps; assassinated in dallas (1917-1963)
• Similar words include: John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Kennedy, President John F. Kennedy
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JFK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. "Star Wars" droid, familiarly"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARTOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Side's length squared, for a square"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
• Similar words include: sphere, expanse, orbit
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AREA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Thrilla in Manila boxer"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
• Similar words include: Cassius Marcellus Clay, Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Recharge one's batteries"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RESTUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Prepared to bathe"

8 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that get undressed
• Similar words include: uncase, discase, strip down
• Opposite of: dress

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DISROBED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Cool ___ cucumber"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. "Balderdash!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
• Similar words include: rest, Lie, Trygve Lie
• Opposite of: stand, arise

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Filled in (for), for short"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that be a substitute
• Similar words include: substitute, stand in, sub
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SUBBED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Schmoozed (with)"

9 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that rub elbows with
• Similar words include: hobnob
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOBNOBBED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. Good, long bath"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the process of becoming softened and saturated as a consequence of being immersed in water (or other liquid)
• Similar words include: sop, drench, inebriate
• Opposite of: undercharge

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOAK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Slight injury from tripping"

10 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STUBBEDTOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Bridge support"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (medicine) a bandage consisting of a pad and belt; worn to hold a hernia in place by pressure
• Similar words include: bind, tie up, tie down
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRUSS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Karl Marx's "___ Kapital""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of several small ungulate mammals of africa and asia with rodent-like incisors and feet with hooflike toes
• Similar words include: hyrax, dassie, district attorney
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "33. Do one better than"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the upper part of anything
• Similar words include: cover, spinning top, tiptop
• Opposite of: bottom

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. President Hoover"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924)
• Similar words include: Victor Herbert
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HERBERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. "You take credit cards?" response"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YESWEDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Unconventional"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that not divisible by two
• Similar words include: leftover, peculiar, unmated
• Opposite of: even

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ODD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Alternative to the pill, in brief"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that contraceptive device consisting of a piece of bent plastic or metal that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus
• Similar words include: intrauterine device
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IUD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Dog-___ (like the pages in some books)"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that worn or shabby from overuse or (of pages) from having corners turned down; -clifton fadiman
• Similar words include: dog-eared
• Opposite of: earless

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EARED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. Foreign-language movie that you don't have to read subtitles for"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DUBBEDFILM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "50. Location for a goatee or soul patch"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the protruding part of the lower jaw
• Similar words include: mentum, Kuki, chin up
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CHIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "52. Enchanted"

9 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that to cause someone to lose clear vision, especially from intense light
• Similar words include: bedazzle, dazzle, daze
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BEDAZZLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "55. Big-beaked tropical bird"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that brilliantly colored arboreal fruit-eating bird of tropical america having a very large thin-walled beak
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOUCAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "57. One-named Brazilian soccer star"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PELE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "58. "If you ask me ...," to texters"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the united nations agency concerned with international maritime activities
• Similar words include: International Maritime Organization
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Camp sleeping spots ... or a hint to this puzzle's circled letters"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BUNKBEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Sci-fi writer Isaac"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states writer (born in russia) noted for his science fiction (1920-1992)
• Similar words include: Isaac Asimov
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASIMOV

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "63. Suitable, as a unit in a bldg.?"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward
• Similar words include: given, minded, liable
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "64. Tales of yore"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that knowledge gained through tradition or anecdote
• Similar words include: traditional knowledge
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "65. Join in marriage"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that act in concert or unite in a common purpose or belief
• Similar words include: join, combine, unify
• Opposite of: divide, disunify

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UNITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "66. Lo-___ graphics"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a widely distributed system consisting of all the cells able to ingest bacteria or colloidal particles etc, except for certain white blood cells
• Similar words include: rhenium, atomic number 75, reticuloendothelial system
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "67. One-named Grammy winner from Ireland"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENYA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "68. ___ Cottontail"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that disciple of jesus and leader of the apostles; regarded by catholics as the vicar of christ on earth and first pope
• Similar words include: shaft, dick, prick
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PETER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Wife of Abraham, in the Bible	5
2D	2. "You ___ right!"	5
3D	3. "Ridiculous!"	9
4D	4. "I'm kidding!!," in "Wayne's World"	3
5D	5. Artist Henri de ___-Lautrec	8
6D	6. One who's rotten from the start	7
7D	7. Singer Grande, to fans	3
8D	8. Loch ___ monster	4
9D	9. Opera great Enrico	6
10D	10. Sluglike "Star Wars" crime boss	5
11D	11. On ___ (looking great, in slang)	5
12D	12. Colonial-era pirate captain	4
13D	17. Mr. ___ (Dr Pepper competitor)	4
14D	19. Orchestral woodwind	4
15D	22. Be on the wane	3
16D	25. Crash-investigating org.	4
17D	26. Turning point in W.W. II	4
18D	29. When doubled, an African fly	3
19D	30. But, briefly	3
20D	31. Like a ripe strawberry	3
21D	33. Re-election restriction	9
22D	34. Many a Wordsworth poem	3
23D	35. Pea holder	3
24D	37. Part of a barbecue rack	3
25D	38. Ernest in the Country Music Hall of Fame	4
26D	40. Suddenly stops working, as an engine	8
27D	41. Gov. Tim ___, 2024 running mate	4
28D	44. Beyond the continental shelf, say	7
29D	46. Comic actor Van Dyke	4
30D	47. Lacking the capacity	6
31D	48. Prez before 10-Across	3
32D	49. "Deck the Halls" syllables	4
33D	50. Two-door auto	5
34D	51. Outings for foxhounds	5
35D	53. Show feelings onstage	5
36D	54. Capital of Delaware	5
37D	55. Lift on the slopes	4
38D	56. Like bright signs on the Las Vegas Strip	4
39D	60. Funny in a subtle way	3
40D	62. Suffix with Benedict or elephant	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Wife of Abraham, in the Bible"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (old testament) the wife of abraham and mother of isaac
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SARAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "You ___ right!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARESO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. "Ridiculous!""

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ITSABSURD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "I'm kidding!!," in "Wayne's World""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that negation of a word or group of words
• Similar words include: non
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Artist Henri de ___-Lautrec"

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a city on the garonne river in southern france to the southeast of bordeaux; a cultural center of medieval europe
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOULOUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. One who's rotten from the start"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BADSEED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Singer Grande, to fans"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Loch ___ monster"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
• Similar words include: cape
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Opera great Enrico"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that outstanding italian operatic tenor (1873-1921)
• Similar words include: Enrico Caruso
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CARUSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Sluglike "Star Wars" crime boss"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: JABBA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. On ___ (looking great, in slang)"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FLEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Colonial-era pirate captain"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that scottish sea captain who was hired to protect british shipping in the indian ocean and then was accused of piracy and hanged (1645-1701)
• Similar words include: Captain Kidd, William Kidd
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KIDD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "17. Mr. ___ (Dr Pepper competitor)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PIBB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "19. Orchestral woodwind"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
• Similar words include: hautbois, hautboy
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OBOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Be on the wane"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a gradual decline (in size or strength or power or number)
• Similar words include: ebbing, reflux, ebb down
• Opposite of: tide

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EBB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Crash-investigating org."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NTSB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Turning point in W.W. II"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DDAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "29. When doubled, an African fly"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. But, briefly"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a branch of the tai languages
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Like a ripe strawberry"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
• Similar words include: red ink, cherry, reddish
• Opposite of: gain

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "33. Re-election restriction"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TERMLIMIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "34. Many a Wordsworth poem"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a lyric poem with complex stanza forms
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ODE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Pea holder"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
• Similar words include: seedpod, fuel pod, seedcase
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: POD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Part of a barbecue rack"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that support resembling the rib of an animal
• Similar words include: poke fun, laugh at, roast
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RIB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. Ernest in the Country Music Hall of Fame"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TUBB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Suddenly stops working, as an engine"

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEIZESUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. Gov. Tim ___, 2024 running mate"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WALZ

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Beyond the continental shelf, say"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEEPSEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Comic actor Van Dyke"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that someone who is a detective
• Similar words include: shaft, prick, tool
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DICK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "47. Lacking the capacity"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (usually followed by `to') not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
• Similar words include: ineffectual, ineffective
• Opposite of: able

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UNABLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "48. Prez before 10-Across"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DDE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "49. "Deck the Halls" syllables"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FALA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "50. Two-door auto"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a car with two doors and front seats and a luggage compartment
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: COUPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "51. Outings for foxhounds"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that englishman and pre-raphaelite painter (1827-1910)
• Similar words include: trace, hound, hunt down
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HUNTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "53. Show feelings onstage"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EMOTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "54. Capital of Delaware"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the capital of the state of delaware
• Similar words include: capital of Delaware
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOVER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "55. Lift on the slopes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TBAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "56. Like bright signs on the Las Vegas Strip"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
• Similar words include: atomic number 10, Ne
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "60. Funny in a subtle way"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a reformer who opposes the use of intoxicating beverages
• Similar words include: ironic, dry out, juiceless
• Opposite of: wet, phlegmy

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "62. Suffix with Benedict or elephant"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

36 Across Clues

40 Down Clues

76 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

• Complete NYT Crossword Archive
• Advanced Solving Techniques
• Common Crossword Words

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: December 15, 2025 at 04:27 AM