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Friday, September 26, 2025

March 06, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, March 06, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (33 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.4 letters

Across Clues Explained - Friday NYT Crossword March 06, 2020

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Artificially inflates 4
2A 5. Sub (for) 4
3A 9. "The Emancipation of ___" (6x platinum Mariah Carey album) 4
4A 13. Oath locale 5
5A 14. Men's grooming aid 9
6A 16. Oath locale 5
7A 17. 404 Not Found, e.g. 9
8A 18. Shower amenity 5
9A 19. Tight 9
10A 20. Turner on a record 4
11A 22. Subject of a scandal, maybe 4
12A 23. "Heavens to Betsy!" 8
13A 27. Points 4
14A 31. ___ suit 3
15A 32. Smoking or procrastination, e.g. 5
16A 34. Alfred who pioneered in I.Q. testing 5
17A 35. "Make it snappy!" 15
18A 38. Set out on the highway? 5
19A 39. Big cast? 5
20A 40. Barely 3
21A 41. Lose sleep (over) 4
22A 42. Dirty look 8
23A 44. Literary character played by Gregory Peck, Patrick Stewart and Orson Welles 4
24A 48. You can bet on them 4
25A 49. Help to set the scene 9
26A 53. Old knockout? 5
27A 57. Counter sign? 9
28A 58. Per diem 5
29A 59. Wretch 9
30A 60. Casual phone greeting 5
31A 61. Make (out) 4
32A 62. Matches 4
33A 63. Co-author of the 1957 memoir "The Untouchables" 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. Artificially inflates"

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 number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge
  • Words that mean the same thing: lard, tramp, launching pad
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PADS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Sub (for)"

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 worker (especially in an office) hired on a temporary basis
  • Words that mean the same thing: temporary worker, temporary
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TEMP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. "The Emancipation of ___" (6x platinum Mariah Carey album)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: MIMI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Oath locale"

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 assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
  • Words that mean the same thing: motor inn, judicature, court of law
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COURT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Men's grooming aid"

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: HAIRTONIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Oath locale"

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 table in christian churches where communion is given
  • Words that mean the same thing: communion table, Lord's table
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALTAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. 404 Not Found, e.g."

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: ERRORCODE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Shower amenity"

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 dried fibrous part of the fruit of a plant of the genus luffa; used as a washing sponge or strainer
  • Words that mean the same thing: loufah sponge, loofah, luffa
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOOFA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Tight"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: CLOSEKNIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Turner on a record"

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: TINA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Subject of a scandal, maybe"

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 fourth of the seven canonical hours; about noon
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SEXT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. "Heavens to Betsy!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: OHMYGOSH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Points"

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 anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
  • Words that mean the same thing: object, point, shoot for
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AIMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "31. ___ suit"

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 enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine and serotonin)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Mao Zedong, Mao Tsetung, monoamine oxidase
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MAO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. Smoking or procrastination, e.g."

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 established custom
  • Words that mean the same thing: drug abuse, wont, substance abuse
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HABIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Alfred who pioneered in I.Q. testing"

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 french psychologist remembered for his studies of the intellectual development of children (1857-1911)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Alfred Binet
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BINET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. "Make it snappy!""

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: IDONTHAVEALLDAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Set out on the highway?"

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 hoop that covers a wheel
  • Words that mean the same thing: tire, fatigue, fag out
  • The opposite would be: refresh, interest
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TIRES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. Big cast?"

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 upward movement (especially a rhythmical rising and falling)
  • Words that mean the same thing: retch, lift, gag
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HEAVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. Barely"

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 often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
  • Words that mean the same thing: ailment, inauspicious, complaint
  • The opposite would be: well
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ILL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Lose sleep (over)"

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 agitation resulting from active worry
  • Words that mean the same thing: grizzle, fret, lather
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STEW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Dirty look"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: STINKEYE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. Literary character played by Gregory Peck, Patrick Stewart and Orson Welles"

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 according to the old testament he was a pagan king of israel and husband of jezebel (9th century bc)
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AHAB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. You can bet on them"

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 likelihood of a thing occurring rather than not occurring
  • Words that mean the same thing: betting odds
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ODDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Help to set the scene"

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: STAGECREW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "53. Old knockout?"

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 fifth and highest element after air and earth and fire and water; was believed to be the substance composing all heavenly bodies
  • Words that mean the same thing: ethyl ether, ethoxyethane, vinyl ether
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ETHER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "57. Counter sign?"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: ORDERHERE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "58. Per diem"

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 newspaper that is published every day
  • Words that mean the same thing: day-by-day, casual, day by 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: DAILY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "59. Wretch"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: POORDEVIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "60. Casual phone greeting"

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: ITSME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. Make (out)"

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 type genus of the suidae
  • Words that mean the same thing: genus Sus, Sus
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SUSS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "62. Matches"

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 seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Words that mean the same thing: hear, image, realise
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SEES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "63. Co-author of the 1957 memoir "The Untouchables""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
  • Words that mean the same thing: cape
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NESS

    Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Friday NYT Crossword March 06, 2020

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Standard part of preppy attire 4
2D 2. An exhausted person might be on it 4
3D 3. Like a hospital gown, maybe 6
4D 4. They're in good hands 9
5D 5. Place "rocked" in a 1982 top 10 hit 9
6D 6. Noble sort 4
7D 7. "The Spanish Playing Cards" and "Nude With Mirror" 5
8D 8. Novel filler 5
9D 9. Faux alcoholic drink 8
10D 10. A part of 4
11D 11. French for "noon" 4
12D 12. Grammy winner whose name sounds like a beverage 4
13D 13. Low-___ 3
14D 15. Threat bearing small arms? 4
15D 21. One famous for seeing double? 4
16D 23. Cuts out 5
17D 24. "I've ___!" 5
18D 25. Poet Marianne who won a 1952 Pulitzer 5
19D 26. Sources of buzz 5
20D 28. Opposite of mainstream 5
21D 29. Like a bad apple, maybe 5
22D 30. Punk, e.g. 5
23D 33. Hand dryers 9
24D 34. Wasn't conspicuous 9
25D 36. Crystal collectors, maybe 8
26D 37. Like big fans 4
27D 43. Big 12 school, familiarly 6
28D 45. Do a cowboy's job 4
29D 46. Pines 5
30D 47. Two whole notes, essentially 5
31D 49. Soaks (up) 4
32D 50. Drop ___ 4
33D 51. Dustups 4
34D 52. City on a lake of the same name 4
35D 54. Cat sound 4
36D 55. Eugene O'Neill's "Desire Under the ___" 4
37D 56. Kvass ingredient 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. Standard part of preppy attire"

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 venetian traveler who explored asia in the 13th century and served kublai khan (1254-1324)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Marco Polo
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: POLO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. An exhausted person might be on it"

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 motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
  • Words that mean the same thing: automobile, motorcar, car
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AUTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Like a hospital gown, maybe"

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 not airtight
  • Words that mean the same thing: draughty
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DRAFTY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. They're in good hands"

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 a heterosexual person; someone having a sexual orientation to persons of the opposite sex
  • Words that mean the same thing: straight person, straightaway, straight
  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STRAIGHTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Place "rocked" in a 1982 top 10 hit"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: THECASBAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Noble sort"

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 british peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EARL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "The Spanish Playing Cards" and "Nude With Mirror""

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 new zealand conifer used for lumber; the dark wood is used for interior carpentry
  • Words that mean the same thing: Joan Miro, black pine, Miro
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MIROS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Novel filler"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that ordinary writing as distinguished from verse
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PROSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Faux alcoholic drink"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about food & drink.

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: MOCKTAIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. A part of"

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: INON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. French for "noon""

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 southern part of france
  • Words that mean the same thing: musical instrument digital interface
  • The opposite would be: maxi
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MIDI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Grammy winner whose name sounds like a beverage"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard 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: ICET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Low-___"

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: CAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Threat bearing small arms?"

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: TREX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. One famous for seeing double?"

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 hebrew patriarch who saved himself and his family and the animals by building an ark in which they survived 40 days and 40 nights of rain; the story of noah and the flood is told in the book of genesis
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NOAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Cuts out"

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 prevent from being included or considered or accepted
  • Words that mean the same thing: miss, exclude, omit
  • 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: OMITS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. "I've ___!""

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: HADIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Poet Marianne who won a 1952 Pulitzer"

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 united states composer of works noted for their use of the american vernacular (1893-1969)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Henry Moore, Dudley Moore, Marianne Craig Moore
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MOORE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Sources of buzz"

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 itchy skin eruption characterized by weals with pale interiors and well-defined red margins; usually the result of an allergic response to insect bites or food or drugs
  • Words that mean the same thing: urticaria, beehive, nettle rash
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HIVES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Opposite of mainstream"

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 pop group not affiliated with a major record company
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: INDIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Like a bad apple, maybe"

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 containing meal or made of meal
  • Words that mean the same thing: farinaceous, coarse-grained, granular
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MEALY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. Punk, e.g."

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 how something is done or how it happens
  • Words that mean the same thing: vogue, expressive style, fashion
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STYLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Hand dryers"

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: TEATOWELS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Wasn't conspicuous"

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: BLENDEDIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Crystal collectors, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: NEWAGERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Like big fans"

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 (often followed by `for') ardently or excessively desirous
  • Words that mean the same thing: greedy, zealous, esurient
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AVID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Big 12 school, familiarly"

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: KSTATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. Do a cowboy's job"

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 cattle or sheep or other domestic mammals all of the same kind that are herded by humans
  • Words that mean the same thing: crowd, ruck
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HERD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Pines"

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

    The answer is: ACHES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Two whole notes, essentially"

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 diacritical mark (u-shaped) placed over a vowel to indicate a short sound
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BREVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Soaks (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 piece of solid food for dipping in a liquid
  • Words that mean the same thing: standing operating procedure, sop, dowse
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SOPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Drop ___"

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: TROU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Dustups"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a rapid active commotion
  • Words that mean the same thing: hustle, stir, fuss
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ADOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. City on a lake of the same name"

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 a member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
  • Words that mean the same thing: Lake Erie
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ERIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "54. Cat sound"

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 fricative sound (especially as an expression of disapproval)
  • Words that mean the same thing: hissing, hushing, hoot
  • The opposite would be: applaud
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HISS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Eugene O'Neill's "Desire Under the ___""

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 any of various trees of the genus ulmus: important timber or shade trees
  • Words that mean the same thing: elm, elm tree, elmwood
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ELMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Kvass ingredient"

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 seed of the cereal grass
  • Words that mean the same thing: rye whisky, rye whiskey, Secale cereale
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RYE

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 59 84.3%
Short Answer 4 5.7%
History 2 2.9%
Music 1 1.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment 1 1.4%
Literature 1 1.4%
Food & Drink 1 1.4%
Geography 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 33
Down Clues 37
Total Clues 70
Average Answer Length 5.4 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 Friday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 5 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

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 26, 2025 at 04:46 PM

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Mini Crossword NYT December 18, 2025 - Today's Puzzle Solved in Under 2 Minutes

Quick NYT Mini Crossword December 18, 2025 - Mobile-Friendly Solutions & Speed Tips

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: October 28 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | September 13 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | January 08 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for December 18, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Thursday, December 18, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 18, 2025
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1     
Row 2     
Row 3     
Row 4     
Row 5     

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 53. Volleyball team count
2 Across 17. Feats performed on knights' quests
3 Across 16. Platoon sgt., e.g.
4 Across 52. Get schooled
5 Across 44. Follow-up to an oath
6 Across 41. Word with ball or card
7 Across 66. Alley components
8 Across 24. Go off on
9 Across 49. Crosses off
10 Across 38. Jake's love in "The Sun Also Rises"

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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


1 Across: "53. Volleyball team count"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'X'
  • Another word like this: vi

Answer:

Click to reveal SIX


2 Across: "17. Feats performed on knights' quests"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 11 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'Q'
  • Word pattern: D_________Q

Answer:

Click to reveal DARINGRESQQ


3 Across: "16. Platoon sgt., e.g."

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'O'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal NCO


4 Across: "52. Get schooled"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: L___N

Answer:

Click to reveal LEARN


5 Across: "44. Follow-up to an oath"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 12 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: E__________H

Answer:

Click to reveal EXQQMYFRENCH


6 Across: "41. Word with ball or card"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Another word like this: clue

Answer:

Click to reveal CUE


7 Across: "66. Alley components"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L___S

Answer:

Click to reveal LANES


8 Across: "24. Go off on"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: R____T

Answer:

Click to reveal RAILAT


9 Across: "49. Crosses off"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'X' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: X____T

Answer:

Click to reveal XESOUT


10 Across: "38. Jake's love in "The Sun Also Rises""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: B___T

Answer:

Click to reveal BRETT

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 11. "That's what she said" and others
2 Down 6. Levels
3 Down 34. In a class by oneself
4 Down 3. It comes from the heart
5 Down 12. Beyond impressive, informally
6 Down 52. Fabrication expert
7 Down 46. Lives
8 Down 4. Glide down a piste
9 Down 23. Caribbean music genre
10 Down 7. One versed in verse

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:


1 Down: "11. "That's what she said" and others"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I_______S

Answer:

Click to reveal INNUENDOS


2 Down: "6. Levels"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: S____A

Answer:

Click to reveal STRATA


3 Down: "34. In a class by oneself"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: U_______D

Answer:

Click to reveal UNEQUALED


4 Down: "3. It comes from the heart"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A___A

Answer:

Click to reveal AORTA


5 Down: "12. Beyond impressive, informally"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S_______D

Answer:

Click to reveal SCARYGOOD


6 Down: "52. Fabrication expert"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: L__R

Answer:

Click to reveal LIAR


7 Down: "46. Lives"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E____S

Answer:

Click to reveal EXISTS


8 Down: "4. Glide down a piste"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'I'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal SKI


9 Down: "23. Caribbean music genre"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal SKA


10 Down: "7. One versed in verse"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: P__T

Answer:

Click to reveal POET

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 1 minute 10 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

The puzzle comes out at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before. So you can play Monday's puzzle starting Sunday at 10 PM.

How fast should I be able to solve it?

Most people solve the Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play?

No! The NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Mini solver?

Good Mini solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

Unlike the big NYT crossword, the Mini stays about the same difficulty every day. Sometimes Saturday might be a tiny bit harder.


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 18, 2025 at 04:07 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, December 18 2025 mini crossword