August 21, 2023 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, August 21, 2023

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Monday Puzzle August 21, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Jamaican music genre	3
2A	4. Largest city in Nebraska	5
3A	9. Pulitzer or Pritzker	5
4A	14. Approximate weight of a full-grown walrus	3
5A	15. Eggs (on)	5
6A	16. Desert watering hole	5
7A	17. Author Bradbury	3
8A	18. Got hitched	11
9A	20. Some saxes	5
10A	22. ___-wop	3
11A	23. Mount ___, active Italian volcano	4
12A	24. Not require fees to be paid	12
13A	28. Hashtag that trended in a late-2010s movement	5
14A	29. Covers in goo	6
15A	33. App that asks "Where to?" on its home screen	4
16A	35. Office leader	4
17A	38. Silly	5
18A	39. Lust or envy	3
19A	40. Something you might hold to your ear in order to hear the first parts of 18-, 24-, 52- and 62-Across?	5
20A	42. Fishy bagel topper	3
21A	43. Dark beer variety	5
22A	46. Berry in a smoothie bowl	4
23A	47. Cheerful, as an outlook	4
24A	48. Prepare to regift, perhaps	6
25A	50. Story with Achilles	5
26A	52. Fruity breakfast biscuit	12
27A	57. Biblical sister of Rachel	4
28A	60. Debtor's note	3
29A	61. Ohio city where Goodyear is headquartered	5
30A	62. "Saturday Night Live" cast member from 1980 to 1984	11
31A	66. Chicago airport code	3
32A	67. Jerry Maguire's profession in "Jerry Maguire"	5
33A	68. "Twice-Told ___"	5
34A	69. G.I. entertainers	3
35A	70. Opposite of sparse	5
36A	71. Replay option	5
37A	72. Stitch up	3

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. Jamaican music genre"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy 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: SKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. Largest city in Nebraska"

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 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 3 Across: "9. Pulitzer or Pritzker"

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 something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery
• Words that mean the same thing: booty, choice, jimmy
• 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: PRIZE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Approximate weight of a full-grown walrus"

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 united states unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds
• Words that mean the same thing: long ton, short ton, gross ton
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Eggs (on)"

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 instinctive motive
• Words that mean the same thing: recommend, pep up, cheer
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: URGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Desert watering hole"

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 fertile tract in a desert (where the water table approaches the surface)
• Words that mean the same thing: haven
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OASIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Author Bradbury"

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 column of light (as from a beacon)
• Words that mean the same thing: beam of light, radiate, 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: RAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Got hitched"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: TIEDTHEKNOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Some saxes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALTOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. ___-wop"

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: DOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Mount ___, active Italian volcano"

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 inactive volcano in sicily; last erupted in 1961; the highest volcano in europe (10,500 feet)
• Words that mean the same thing: Mount Etna, Mt Etna, bunsen burner
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Not require fees to be paid"

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: WAIVECHARGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Hashtag that trended in a late-2010s movement"

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: METOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Covers in goo"

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 any thick, viscous matter
• Words that mean the same thing: lose weight, reduce, guck
• The opposite would be: gain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLIMES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. App that asks "Where to?" on its home screen"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: UBER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Office 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 a person who exercises control over workers
• Words that mean the same thing: gaffer, honcho, chief
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "38. Silly"

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 devoid of intelligence
• Words that mean the same thing: fatuous, asinine, vacuous
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Lust or envy"

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

  The answer is: SIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Something you might hold to your ear in order to hear the first parts of 18-, 24-, 52- and 62-Across?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that ammunition consisting of a cylindrical metal casing containing an explosive charge and a projectile; fired from a large gun
• Words that mean the same thing: carapace, case, shield
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHELL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Fishy bagel topper"

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 bluish translucent magnetic liquid obtained by compressing gaseous oxygen and then cooling it below its boiling point; used as an oxidizer in rocket propellants
• Words that mean the same thing: liquid oxygen
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. Dark beer variety"

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 strong very dark heavy-bodied ale made from pale malt and roasted unmalted barley and (often) caramel malt with hops
• Words that mean the same thing: portly, sturdy, hardy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "46. Berry in a smoothie bowl"

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: ACAI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Cheerful, as an outlook"

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 reflecting optimism
• Words that mean the same thing: blushful, rosy-cheeked, fortunate
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. Prepare to regift, perhaps"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: REWRAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "50. Story with Achilles"

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 greek epic poem (attributed to homer) describing the siege of troy
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ILIAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. Fruity breakfast biscuit"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: CURRANTSCONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "57. Biblical sister of Rachel"

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: LEAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "60. 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 29 Across: "61. Ohio city where Goodyear is headquartered"

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 city in northeastern ohio; the heart of the united states rubber industry
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AKRON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "62. "Saturday Night Live" cast member from 1980 to 1984"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: EDDIEMURPHY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "66. Chicago airport code"

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: ORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "67. Jerry Maguire's profession in "Jerry Maguire""

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 an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
• Words that mean the same thing: factor, federal agent, agentive 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: AGENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "68. "Twice-Told ___""

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 message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
• Words that mean the same thing: taradiddle, fib, narration
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TALES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "69. G.I. entertainers"

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: USO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "70. Opposite of sparse"

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 permitting little if any light to pass through because of denseness of matter
• Words that mean the same thing: slow, heavy, impenetrable
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DENSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "71. Replay option"

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: SLOMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "72. Stitch up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fasten by sewing; do needlework
• Words that mean the same thing: run up, stitch, sew together
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEW

  Great job if you got it right!

August 21, 2023 Down Hints: NYT Monday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Drink sucker-upper	5
2D	2. "Bear" in a eucalyptus forest	5
3D	3. "We're waiting ..."	10
4D	4. Very beginning	6
5D	5. Hosp. procedure	3
6D	6. Mature, as wine	3
7D	7. Ibsen's "___ Gabler"	5
8D	8. Fur tycoon John Jacob	5
9D	9. "The Purloined Letter" author	3
10D	10. Earns and earns and earns	7
11D	11. "Money ___ everything"	4
12D	12. National park with the notorious Angels Landing hike	4
13D	13. "Cómo ___ usted?"	4
14D	19. Refuses to share	4
15D	21. Above	4
16D	25. Corn interiors	4
17D	26. Kerfuffle	5
18D	27. Lilly of pharmaceuticals	3
19D	30. Stinky	10
20D	31. Biblical son of Seth	4
21D	32. Smokin' hot	4
22D	33. It broke up on Dec. 26, 1991	4
23D	34. Small snack	4
24D	36. Jiffy	3
25D	37. Done in, as a dragon	5
26D	41. Cheery tune	4
27D	44. Spiny sea creatures	7
28D	45. Letter between sigma and upsilon	3
29D	47. Set of antlers	4
30D	49. Strait-laced	4
31D	51. Words after "because" that don't really explain	6
32D	53. Decisive victories	5
33D	54. Of the ear	5
34D	55. Viking language	5
35D	56. Fund, as a university	5
36D	57. Metal that an alchemist "converts" into gold	4
37D	58. Slight advantage	4
38D	59. Port of Yemen	4
39D	63. Summer in Québec	3
40D	64. West Bank grp.	3
41D	65. ___ and haw	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. Drink sucker-upper"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder
• Words that mean the same thing: chaff, shuck, stubble
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STRAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "Bear" in a eucalyptus forest"

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 sluggish tailless australian arboreal marsupial with grey furry ears and coat; feeds on eucalyptus leaves and bark
• Words that mean the same thing: kangaroo bear, koala bear, Phascolarctos cinereus
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KOALA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. "We're waiting ...""

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: ANYTIMENOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Very beginning"

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 time at which something is supposed to begin
• Words that mean the same thing: start, starting time, showtime
• The opposite would be: middle
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OUTSET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Hosp. procedure"

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 use of nuclear magnetic resonance of protons to produce proton density images
• Words that mean the same thing: magnetic resonance imaging
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Mature, as wine"

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: old age, mature, long time
• 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 7 Down: "7. Ibsen's "___ Gabler""

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: HEDDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Fur tycoon John Jacob"

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 british politician (born in the united states) who was the first woman to sit in the british house of commons (1879-1964)
• Words that mean the same thing: Nancy Witcher Astor, Viscountess Astor, John Jacob Astor
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASTOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. "The Purloined Letter" author"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states writer and poet (1809-1849)
• Words that mean the same thing: Edgar Allan Poe
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Earns and earns and earns"

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: RAKESIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "Money ___ everything""

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: ISNT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. National park with the notorious Angels Landing hike"

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 originally a stronghold captured by david (the 2nd king of the israelites); above it was built a temple and later the name extended to the whole hill; finally it became a synonym for the city of jerusalem
• Words that mean the same thing: Israel, Sion, Yisrael
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ZION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. "Cómo ___ usted?""

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: ESTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Refuses to share"

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 person regarded as greedy and pig-like
• Words that mean the same thing: hog, grunter, squealer
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Above"

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 (cricket) the division of play during which six balls are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
• Words that mean the same thing: ended, all over, complete
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Corn interiors"

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 nut of any of several trees of the genus corylus
• Words that mean the same thing: Larus marinus, cobnut, great black-backed gull
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Kerfuffle"

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: HOOHA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Lilly of pharmaceuticals"

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: ELI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Stinky"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that having an unpleasant smell
• Words that mean the same thing: unpleasant-smelling, stinky, malodourous
• The opposite would be: fragrant
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MALODOROUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Biblical son of Seth"

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: ENOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Smokin' hot"

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 marked by or tending to arouse sexual desire or interest
• Words that mean the same thing: aphrodisiac, aphrodisiacal
• The opposite would be: unsexy, anaphrodisiac
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEXY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. It broke up on Dec. 26, 1991"

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 former communist country in eastern europe and northern asia; established in 1922; included russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (ukraine and byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 december 1991
• Words that mean the same thing: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, Soviet Union, Russia
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: USSR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Small snack"

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 wound resulting from biting by an animal or a person
• Words that mean the same thing: sharpness, collation, chomp
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. Jiffy"

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 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the systeme international d'unites
• Words that mean the same thing: s, Securities and Exchange Commission, unsweet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Done in, as a dragon"

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 people who have been slain (as in battle)
• Words that mean the same thing: polish off, off, dispatch
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Cheery tune"

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 jaunty rhythm in music
• Words that mean the same thing: swing
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LILT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "44. Spiny sea creatures"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that poor and often mischievous city child
• Words that mean the same thing: urchin
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: URCHINS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. Letter between sigma and upsilon"

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 19th 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: TAU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Set of antlers"

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 framework for holding objects
• Words that mean the same thing: wring, stand, torture
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Strait-laced"

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 assume a prim appearance
• Words that mean the same thing: puritanical, straightlaced, victorian
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Words after "because" that don't really explain"

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: ISAYSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. Decisive victories"

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 disorderly crowd of people
• Words that mean the same thing: rout out, mob, rootle
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROUTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. Of the ear"

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

  The answer is: AURAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "55. Viking language"

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 inhabitant of scandinavia
• Words that mean the same thing: North Germanic, Scandinavian, Scandinavian language
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NORSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. Fund, as a university"

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 give qualities or abilities to
• Words that mean the same thing: invest, gift, indue
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENDOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "57. Metal that an alchemist "converts" into gold"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an advantage held by a competitor in a race
• Words that mean the same thing: leave, hint, trail
• The opposite would be: deficit, follow
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "58. Slight advantage"

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 boundary of a surface
• Words that mean the same thing: sharpness, butt on, inch
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "59. Port of Yemen"

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 important port of yemen; located on the gulf of aden; its strategic location has made it a major trading center of southern arabia since ancient times
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "63. Summer in Québec"

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: ETE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "64. West Bank grp."

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 political movement uniting palestinian arabs in an effort to create an independent state of palestine; when formed in 1964 it was a terrorist organization dominated by yasser arafat's al-fatah; in 1968 arafat became chairman; received recognition by the united nations and by arab states in 1974 as a government in exile; has played a largely political role since the creation of the palestine national authority
• Words that mean the same thing: Palestine Liberation Organization
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "65. ___ and haw"

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 edge of a piece of cloth; especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down
• Words that mean the same thing: ahem
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	56	71.8%
Short Answer	16	20.5%
Geography	2	2.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.6%
Music	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.8 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: August 31, 2025 at 09:19 AM

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