NYT Down Clues Answers December 04, 2025 - All 39 Vertical Solutions & Expert Hints
Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 39 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!
Related Puzzles: August 13 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | February 26 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | August 19 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |
About Today's Down Clues
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | December 04, 2025 |
| Day of Week | Thursday |
| Total Down Clues | 39 clues |
| Direction | Vertical (Top to Bottom) |
| Difficulty | Medium |
All Down Clues - Complete List
Here are all 39 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.
| Number | Clue |
|---|---|
| 1 Down | 1. Oranges, but not apples |
| 2 Down | 2. Precocious literary resident of the Plaza Hotel |
| 3 Down | 3. One who expects the apocalyptic worst |
| 4 Down | 4. Aims to sell for, as a price |
| 5 Down | 5. Last name in "The Last Jedi" |
| 6 Down | 6. Evil one |
| 7 Down | 7. Flexible |
| 8 Down | 8. Eyebrow, essentially |
| 9 Down | 9. Sweetie |
| 10 Down | 10. Follows through on one's R.S.V.P., say |
| 11 Down | 11. Turns the volume way up |
| 12 Down | 12. Posture |
| 13 Down | 13. Toy with a scent trademarked by Hasbro |
| 14 Down | 18. Cosmetics alternative to Essie |
| 15 Down | 22. Clutch producer |
| 16 Down | 24. Mama's mama |
| 17 Down | 25. Swinton of 2024's "The Room Next Door" |
| 18 Down | 26. Hawaii, often, on a map |
| 19 Down | 28. Besmirches |
| 20 Down | 32. Head of the design firm behind One Dallas Center |
| 21 Down | 33. Noggin |
| 22 Down | 34. Stein's contents |
| 23 Down | 35. Secrete |
| 24 Down | 36. A little rusty, perhaps |
| 25 Down | 37. Element of a certain belt |
| 26 Down | 38. Period of abstinence, for some |
| 27 Down | 39. Speed equal to roughly 767 miles per hour |
| 28 Down | 42. It'll find a way, for short |
| 29 Down | 44. Noted name in clowns |
| 30 Down | 45. Falsify, as a photo |
| 31 Down | 46. Two-time Grammy-winning Easton |
| 32 Down | 48. Primitive |
| 33 Down | 49. When tripled, a 1962 Elvis movie title |
| 34 Down | 50. Go around |
| 35 Down | 51. Troupe for troops, in brief |
| 36 Down | 55. Jazz great Anita |
| 37 Down | 57. Greenhorn |
| 38 Down | 58. Input on an alcohol retailer's website |
| 39 Down | 59. Advanced degree? |
Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues
Need help? Here are comprehensive hints and answers for each Down clue. Also check these helpful guides:
- February 26 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
- February 03 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
- January 20 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
- August 13 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
Complete Down Solutions:
1 Down: "1. Oranges, but not apples"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: C____S
- Similar words: citrus fruit, citrous fruit
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 1
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
CITRUS
2 Down: "2. Precocious literary resident of the Plaza Hotel"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: E____E
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 2
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ELOISE
3 Down: "3. One who expects the apocalyptic worst"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'D' and ends with 'R'
- Word pattern: D____R
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 3
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
DOOMER
4 Down: "4. Aims to sell for, as a price"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: A__S
- Similar words: inquire, involve
- Opposite of: obviate
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: inquire about
- This is Down clue number 4
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ASKS
5 Down: "5. Last name in "The Last Jedi""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 5
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
REN
6 Down: "6. Evil one"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
- Word pattern: S___N
- Similar words: the Tempter, Old Nick
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 6
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SATAN
7 Down: "7. Flexible"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: A___E
- Similar words: spry, quick
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: moving quickly and lightly
- This is Down clue number 7
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
AGILE
8 Down: "8. Eyebrow, essentially"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'C'
- Similar words: electric arc, arch
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 8
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ARC
9 Down: "9. Sweetie"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'B' and ends with 'E'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 9
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
BAE
10 Down: "10. Follows through on one's R.S.V.P., say"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: C___S
- Similar words: number, add up
- Opposite of: go
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 10
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
COMES
11 Down: "11. Turns the volume way up"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: C______T
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 11
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
CRANKSIT
12 Down: "12. Posture"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: C______E
- Similar words: bearing, pusher
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a railcar where passengers ride
- This is Down clue number 12
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
CARRIAGE
13 Down: "13. Toy with a scent trademarked by Hasbro"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'P' and ends with 'H'
- Word pattern: P_____H
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 13
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
PLAYDOH
14 Down: "18. Cosmetics alternative to Essie"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'O' and ends with 'I'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 14
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
OPI
15 Down: "22. Clutch producer"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'H' and ends with 'N'
- Similar words: biddy
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: adult female chicken
- This is Down clue number 15
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
HEN
16 Down: "24. Mama's mama"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'N' and ends with 'A'
- Word pattern: N__A
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 16
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
NANA
17 Down: "25. Swinton of 2024's "The Room Next Door""
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
- Word pattern: T___A
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 17
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TILDA
18 Down: "26. Hawaii, often, on a map"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'I' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: I___T
- Similar words: insert, gusset
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a small picture inserted within the bounds or a larger one
- This is Down clue number 18
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
INSET
19 Down: "28. Besmirches"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: T__S
- Similar words: seaman, gob
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 19
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
TARS
20 Down: "32. Head of the design firm behind One Dallas Center"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'I' and ends with 'I'
- Word pattern: I___I
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 20
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
IMPEI
21 Down: "33. Noggin"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'M' and ends with 'N'
- Word pattern: M___N
- Similar words: melon vine
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 21
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
MELON
22 Down: "34. Stein's contents"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 22
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ALE
23 Down: "35. Secrete"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'H' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: H__E
- Similar words: fell, blot out
- Opposite of: show
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: the dressed skin of an animal (especially a large animal)
- This is Down clue number 23
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
HIDE
24 Down: "36. A little rusty, perhaps"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'C' and ends with 'D'
- Word pattern: C______D
- Similar words: eat, rust
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: cause to deteriorate due to the action of water
- This is Down clue number 24
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
CORRODED
25 Down: "37. Element of a certain belt"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'D'
- Word pattern: A______D
- Similar words: star-shaped
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 25
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ASTEROID
26 Down: "38. Period of abstinence, for some"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'L' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: L__T
- Similar words: contribute, bestow
- Opposite of: borrow
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday
- This is Down clue number 26
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
LENT
27 Down: "39. Speed equal to roughly 767 miles per hour"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'M' and ends with 'E'
- Word pattern: M_____E
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 27
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
MACHONE
28 Down: "42. It'll find a way, for short"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'G' and ends with 'S'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 28
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
GPS
29 Down: "44. Noted name in clowns"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'R' and ends with 'D'
- Word pattern: R____D
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 29
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
RONALD
30 Down: "45. Falsify, as a photo"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'D' and ends with 'R'
- Word pattern: D____R
- Similar words: sophisticate, touch on
- Opposite of: break
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a licensed medical practitioner
- This is Down clue number 30
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
DOCTOR
31 Down: "46. Two-time Grammy-winning Easton"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
- Word pattern: S____A
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 31
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
SHEENA
32 Down: "48. Primitive"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'E' and ends with 'Y'
- Word pattern: E___Y
- Similar words: other, ahead of time
- Opposite of: late
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 32
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
EARLY
33 Down: "49. When tripled, a 1962 Elvis movie title"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'G' and ends with 'S'
- Word pattern: G___S
- Similar words: young woman, female child
- Opposite of: boy
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: a young woman
- This is Down clue number 33
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
GIRLS
34 Down: "50. Go around"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'O' and ends with 'T'
- Word pattern: O___T
- Similar words: compass, field
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 34
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ORBIT
35 Down: "51. Troupe for troops, in brief"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'U' and ends with 'O'
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 35
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
USO
36 Down: "55. Jazz great Anita"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'O' and ends with 'Y'
- Word pattern: O__Y
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- This is Down clue number 36
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
ODAY
37 Down: "57. Greenhorn"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'C' and ends with 'B'
- Similar words: lad, laddie
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: an awkward and inexperienced youth
- This is Down clue number 37
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
CUB
38 Down: "58. Input on an alcohol retailer's website"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
- Similar words: senesce, geezerhood
- Opposite of: rejuvenate
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: how long something has existed
- This is Down clue number 38
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
AGE
39 Down: "59. Advanced degree?"
Helpful hints for this Down clue:
- This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
- It starts with 'N' and ends with 'H'
- Similar words: n-th
- This is an abbreviation or acronym
- Definition: last or greatest in an indefinitely large series
- This is Down clue number 39
Answer: Click to reveal the Down answer
NTH
Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues
Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:
Why Start with Down Clues?
- Down clues often reveal key letters for intersecting words
- Vertical patterns can unlock difficult sections
- Many prefixes and suffixes run vertically
- Down answers often help solve Across clues
Down Clue Patterns to Recognize
- Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Down entries
- Prefixes and suffixes: Common word parts often run vertically
- Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
- Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Down
- Pop culture references: Names and titles often appear vertically
Time-Saving Down Techniques
| Technique | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Scan all Down first | Get a mental map of the vertical flow |
| Fill short Down words | 3-4 letter words are often prefixes or connectors |
| Use crossing letters | Across letters help confirm Down answers |
| Look for themes | Related Down answers often share a theme |
Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues
What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?
Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.
Should I solve Down or Across clues first?
Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.
How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?
Today's NYT crossword has 39 Down clues.
Are Down clues easier than Across clues?
Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Down clues often contain helpful prefixes, suffixes, and word parts that can be easier to guess.
How do Down clues interact with Across clues?
Down and Across clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.
