December 22, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (33 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (33 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

December 22, 2021 Across Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. "Darn it!"	4
2A	5. In base eight	5
3A	10. "Resident Alien" channel	4
4A	14. Sound heard in a long hall	4
5A	15. Tennis champ Osaka	5
6A	16. City with a beef	4
7A	17. Jovial seasonal mood	15
8A	20. ___-Seltzer	4
9A	21. Take a snooze, with "out"	4
10A	22. Cost of not doing business, maybe	15
11A	29. Significant ___	5
12A	30. Hubbub	3
13A	31. Like many a go-getter	5
14A	32. Warrior in the Greek pantheon	4
15A	33. Regional wildlife	5
16A	35. Lovable goofball, say	4
17A	36. NASA endeavors whose vehicles can be found at the ends of 17-, 22-, 51- and 57-Across	15
18A	39. Sketch show since '75	3
19A	40. Fist bump	3
20A	41. Walkie-talkie band, briefly	3
21A	44. Place to catch up over a hot drink	7
22A	48. When repeated, slangy sound of eating	3
23A	51. Why everyone loves a good train wreck	15
24A	54. Fish also known as a bluegill	5
25A	55. Make a bow	3
26A	56. Title woman in a classic 1973 breakup tune	5
27A	57. Uniquely American cleverness	15
28A	60. ___ homo	4
29A	61. Rest atop	5
30A	62. Cheeseboard choice	4
31A	63. Quizzical Quebec questions?	3
32A	64. "I ___ know" (common excuse)	5
33A	65. Member of the fam	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. "Darn 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 any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
• Words that mean the same thing: rotter, bum, rat
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. In base eight"

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 a number system having 8 as its base
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OCTAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. "Resident Alien" channel"

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: SYFY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Sound heard in a long hall"

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 repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
• Words that mean the same thing: reverberation, replication, sound reflection
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ECHO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Tennis champ Osaka"

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 mother-in-law of ruth whose story is told in the book of ruth in the old testament
• Words that mean the same thing: Noemi
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAOMI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. City with a beef"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a port city in japan on osaka bay in southern honshu; was damaged by an earthquake in 1995
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KOBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Jovial seasonal mood"

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: CHRISTMASSPIRIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. ___-Seltzer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Take a snooze, with "out""

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: ZONK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Cost of not doing business, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LOSTOPPORTUNITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "29. Significant ___"

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 not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied; - the white queen
• Words that mean the same thing: former, early
• The opposite would be: same
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OTHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "30. Hubbub"

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 rapid active commotion
• Words that mean the same thing: stir, hustle, flurry
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "31. Like many a go-getter"

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: TYPEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "32. Warrior in the Greek pantheon"

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 (greek mythology) greek god of war; son of zeus and hera; identified with roman mars
• Words that mean the same thing: ar, are
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Regional wildlife"

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 and animal life of a particular region
• Words that mean the same thing: biology
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BIOTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Lovable goofball, say"

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 dull stupid fatuous person
• Words that mean the same thing: jerk
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DORK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. NASA endeavors whose vehicles can be found at the ends of 17-, 22-, 51- and 57-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MARTIANMISSIONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Sketch show since '75"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SNL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Fist bump"

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: DAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Walkie-talkie band, briefly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that 300 to 3000 megahertz
• Words that mean the same thing: ultrahigh frequency
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UHF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Place to catch up over a hot drink"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a restaurant where tea and light meals are available
• Words that mean the same thing: teashop, tea parlor, tea parlour
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEAROOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "48. When repeated, slangy sound of eating"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "51. Why everyone loves a good train wreck"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MORBIDCURIOSITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "54. Fish also known as a bluegill"

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 flesh of various freshwater fishes of north america or of europe
• Words that mean the same thing: sea bream, freshwater bream
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BREAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "55. Make a bow"

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 neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
• Words that mean the same thing: affiliation, connect, attach
• The opposite would be: untie, disconnect
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "56. Title woman in a classic 1973 breakup tune"

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: ANGIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "57. Uniquely American cleverness"

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: YANKEEINGENUITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "60. ___ homo"

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: ECCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "61. Rest atop"

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: LIEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "62. Cheeseboard choice"

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 soft creamy white cheese; milder than camembert
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "63. Quizzical Quebec questions?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "64. "I ___ know" (common excuse)"

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: DIDNT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Member of the fam"

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 female person who has the same parents as another person
• Words that mean the same thing: silicon, Si, International System of Units
• The opposite would be: brother
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIS

  Great job if you got it right!

December 22, 2021 Down Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. College app element	3
2D	2. "___ Tannenbaum" (16th-century folk song that inspired a carol)	3
3D	3. Avid skateboarder, in lingo	8
4D	4. Gardeners' orders, at times	9
5D	5. Straight out of the barrel	5
6D	6. Nanny ___	3
7D	7. Ode words	3
8D	8. Morning hrs.	3
9D	9. Composer of the piano piece played by Bugs Bunny in "Rhapsody Rabbit"	5
10D	10. Lose the suit, say	9
11D	11. Certain designer dog	8
12D	12. Clarice Starling's employer in "The Silence of the Lambs," in brief	3
13D	13. Nevertheless	3
14D	18. Hershey toffee confection	4
15D	19. Fit of sullenness	4
16D	22. Fertile ground	4
17D	23. "___ vez" ("Again," in Valencia)	4
18D	24. Bother	4
19D	25. "Hamilton" actor Leslie ___ Jr.	4
20D	26. Indian flatbread	4
21D	27. Cousin of a gull	4
22D	28. Gabs	4
23D	33. Like hay on a farm	5
24D	34. "Same here"	5
25D	37. Eventually	6
26D	38. ___ Islands, Polynesian archipelago	6
27D	41. Awkward farewell	5
28D	42. Poet who coined the term "carpe diem"	6
29D	43. Kind of kiss	6
30D	45. Timing of the Mercutio/Tybalt duel in "Romeo and Juliet"	6
31D	46. Unfixable	6
32D	47. Home to the deepest lake and river gorge in the U.S.	6
33D	48. Cold rice topped with wasabi and raw fish	6
34D	49. Likely cause of a cranky toddler's ear-tugging	6
35D	50. "Ridiculous!"	5
36D	52. Soaks up the hot sun	5
37D	53. Ignores	5
38D	58. Days gone by, in bygone days	3
39D	59. Fangorn Forest dweller	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. College app element"

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

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: REC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "___ Tannenbaum" (16th-century folk song that inspired a carol)"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: ACH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Avid skateboarder, in lingo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a farm machine for separating seeds or grain from the husks and straw
• Words that mean the same thing: Alopius vulpinus, mocking thrush, thresher shark
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: THRASHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Gardeners' orders, at times"

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: SOILTESTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Straight out of the barrel"

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: ONTAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Nanny ___"

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 river in east central england that flows past cambridge to join the ouse river
• Words that mean the same thing: Cam River, River Cam
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Ode words"

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: TOA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Morning hrs."

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 radioactive transuranic metallic element; discovered by bombarding uranium with helium atoms
• Words that mean the same thing: Artium Magister, americium, amplitude modulation
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Composer of the piano piece played by Bugs Bunny in "Rhapsody Rabbit""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that hungarian composer and piano virtuoso (1811-1886)
• Words that mean the same thing: Franz Liszt
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LISZT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Lose the suit, say"

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: SKINNYDIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Certain designer dog"

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: YORKIPOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Clarice Starling's employer in "The Silence of the Lambs," in brief"

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 a federal law enforcement agency that is the principal investigative arm of the department of justice
• Words that mean the same thing: Federal Bureau of Investigation
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Nevertheless"

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 up to the present time
• Words that mean the same thing: nonetheless, notwithstanding, in time
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Hershey toffee confection"

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: SKOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Fit of sullenness"

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 disdainful grimace
• Words that mean the same thing: sulk, mop, horned pout
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Fertile ground"

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 rich soil consisting of a mixture of sand and clay and decaying organic materials
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. "___ vez" ("Again," in Valencia)"

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: OTRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. Bother"

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 symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
• Words that mean the same thing: pain sensation, ail, painful sensation
• The opposite would be: pleasure
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "25. "Hamilton" actor Leslie ___ Jr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ODOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Indian flatbread"

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: ROTI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "27. Cousin of a gull"

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 small slender gull having narrow wings and a forked tail
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TERN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "28. Gabs"

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 large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
• Words that mean the same thing: yack, gab, chatter
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YAKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Like hay on a farm"

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 make into a bale
• Words that mean the same thing: bale
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BALED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. "Same here""

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: ASDOI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Eventually"

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: INTIME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. ___ Islands, Polynesian archipelago"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a native or inhabitant of the samoan islands
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SAMOAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Awkward farewell"

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: UMBYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Poet who coined the term "carpe diem""

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 roman lyric poet said to have influenced english poetry (65-8 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: HORACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Kind of kiss"

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 romance language spoken in france and in countries colonized by france
• Words that mean the same thing: Daniel Chester French, French people, Gallic
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FRENCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Timing of the Mercutio/Tybalt duel in "Romeo and Juliet""

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: ACTIII

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. Unfixable"

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 destroy completely; damage irreparably
• Words that mean the same thing: undone, smash, ruin
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUINED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "47. Home to the deepest lake and river gorge in the U.S."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a state in northwestern united states on the pacific
• Words that mean the same thing: OR, Beaver State
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OREGON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "48. Cold rice topped with wasabi and raw fish"

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: NIGIRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Likely cause of a cranky toddler's ear-tugging"

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 inflammation of 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: OTITIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. "Ridiculous!""

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: MYEYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "52. Soaks up the hot sun"

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 cook and make edible by putting in a hot oven
• Words that mean the same thing: broil, bake
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "53. Ignores"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an instance of driving away or warding off
• Words that mean the same thing: repulse, disregard, repel
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNUBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. Days gone by, in bygone days"

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 late time of life
• Words that mean the same thing: geezerhood, age, years
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "59. Fangorn Forest dweller"

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: ENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	48	66.7%
Short Answer	13	18.1%
History	3	4.2%
Geography	2	2.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.8%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
Food & Drink	1	1.4%
Science/Technology	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	33
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.3 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually 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!

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 12, 2025 at 11:38 PM

NY Times Crossword Answers May 20, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

NY Times Crossword Complete Solution: May 20, 2025

Published on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 • Updated daily

Our expert breakdown helps you solve the May 20 NYT crossword while expanding your vocabulary. Learn answer strategies and discover word connections.

Across Clues and Answers (35)

Clue #1: 1. Bit or byte

4-letter answer Answer: UNIT

Word Help: Synonyms: building_block, whole, social_unit

Clue #2: 5. Laundry collectors

4-letter answer Answer: BINS

Word Help: Synonyms: BIN, binful, ABA_transit_number

Clue #3: 9. Good thing to bring to a competition

5-letter answer Answer: AGAME

Clue #4: 14. Comedian Trevor with the memoir "Born a Crime"

4-letter answer Answer: NOAH

Word Help: Synonyms: Noah

Clue #5: 15. Give off

4-letter answer Answer: EMIT

Word Help: Synonyms: give_out, utter, pass_off
Antonyms: absorb

Clue #6: 16. Ring-tailed primate

5-letter answer Answer: LEMUR

Word Help: Synonyms: lemur

Clue #7: 17. Consistent with party policy

9-letter answer Answer: ONMESSAGE

Clue #8: 19. Court colleague of Kagan and Kavanaugh

5-letter answer Answer: ALITO

Clue #9: 20. "Eye on the ball," "Get under it!," "I got it!," etc.

12-letter answer Answer: CATCHPHRASES

Word Help: Synonyms: catch_phrase, catchphrase

Clue #10: 22. Like some ground balls

6-letter answer Answer: ONEHOP

Clue #11: 25. CPR pro

3-letter answer Answer: EMT

Clue #12: 26. Queen of Olympus

4-letter answer Answer: HERA

Word Help: Synonyms: Here, Hera

Clue #13: 27. Pet rescue grp.

5-letter answer Answer: ASPCA

Clue #14: 31. Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan

4-letter answer Answer: OMAR

Clue #15: 35. Mink, ferret, stoat, etc.

11-letter answer Answer: WEASELWORDS

Clue #16: 38. Indiana or Independence, in D.C.

3-letter answer Answer: AVE

Clue #17: 39. Detroit dud of the 1950s

5-letter answer Answer: EDSEL

Clue #18: 40. Wall St. debut

3-letter answer Answer: IPO

Word Help: Synonyms: initial_public_offering, initial_offering, IPO

Clue #19: 41. "You're just too complimentary!"

5-letter answer Answer: AWGEE

Clue #20: 43. 4G ___ (letters on a cellphone screen)

3-letter answer Answer: LTE

Clue #21: 44. "Ta-da," "All done," "There you have it," etc.

11-letter answer Answer: FINISHLINES

Clue #22: 47. Poet Byron, for one

4-letter answer Answer: LORD

Word Help: Synonyms: lord, Creator, Divine
Antonyms: noblewoman, Lady

Clue #23: 49. Like pound cake

5-letter answer Answer: DENSE

Word Help: Synonyms: slow, dim, dense

Clue #24: 50. Bird whose name sounds like a hip-hop dance move

4-letter answer Answer: NENE

Clue #25: 51. Employ

3-letter answer Answer: USE

Word Help: Synonyms: enjoyment, purpose, expend

Clue #26: 53. Crafters' knives

6-letter answer Answer: XACTOS

Clue #27: 55. Yield, Stop, Dead End, etc.

12-letter answer Answer: SIGNLANGUAGE

Clue #28: 61. Tennis champ Naomi

5-letter answer Answer: OSAKA

Word Help: Synonyms: Osaka

Clue #29: 62. Freighter

9-letter answer Answer: CARGOSHIP

Clue #30: 66. On the up and up

5-letter answer Answer: LEGIT

Clue #31: 67. Too

4-letter answer Answer: ALSO

Word Help: Synonyms: besides, as_well, likewise

Clue #32: 68. Vibe

4-letter answer Answer: AURA

Word Help: Synonyms: aureole, air, aura

Clue #33: 69. College V.I.P.s

5-letter answer Answer: DEANS

Word Help: Synonyms: dean, doyen, James_Byron_Dean

Clue #34: 70. Cryptanalyst Turing

4-letter answer Answer: ALAN

Clue #35: 71. What spring may bring

4-letter answer Answer: THAW

Word Help: Synonyms: thaw, melting, unthaw

Across Clues and Answers (35)

Clue #1: 1. Card game shout

3-letter answer Answer: UNO

Clue #2: 2. Oui's opposite

3-letter answer Answer: NON

Word Help: Synonyms: not, non

Clue #3: 3. Response to "Who's going?"

3-letter answer Answer: IAM

Clue #4: 4. Action film climax one might "cut to," in a saying

8-letter answer Answer: THECHASE

Clue #5: 5. Closest confidant

7-letter answer Answer: BESTPAL

Clue #6: 6. Apple all-in-one

4-letter answer Answer: IMAC

Clue #7: 7. Walt Whitman's "As the Time Draws ___"

4-letter answer Answer: NIGH

Word Help: Synonyms: most, well-nigh, near
Antonyms: far

Clue #8: 8. Call repeated in an aerobics class

4-letter answer Answer: STEP

Word Help: Synonyms: stair, stone's_throw, dance_step

Clue #9: 9. Wake-up call

5-letter answer Answer: ALARM

Word Help: Synonyms: alarum, warning_device, alert

Clue #10: 10. Dessert served with the query "Cono o coppetta?" in Italy

6-letter answer Answer: GELATO

Clue #11: 11. Somme friends

4-letter answer Answer: AMIS

Clue #12: 12. Silence on Zoom

4-letter answer Answer: MUTE

Word Help: Synonyms: silent, tone_down, damp

Clue #13: 13. Cherubic Greek god

4-letter answer Answer: EROS

Word Help: Synonyms: Eros, physical_attraction, concupiscence

Clue #14: 18. ___ Paulo, Brazil

3-letter answer Answer: SAO

Clue #15: 21. Circle at the top of a stick figure

4-letter answer Answer: HEAD

Word Help: Synonyms: headspring, caput, chief
Antonyms: foot, tail

Clue #16: 22. "Such is life!"

6-letter answer Answer: OHWELL

Clue #17: 23. Must

6-letter answer Answer: NEEDTO

Clue #18: 24. Chalk accompanier

6-letter answer Answer: ERASER

Word Help: Synonyms: eraser

Clue #19: 28. Consumers of hogwash

5-letter answer Answer: SWINE

Word Help: Synonyms: swine

Clue #20: 29. Stop by

5-letter answer Answer: POPIN

Clue #21: 30. Hybridize

5-letter answer Answer: CROSS

Word Help: Synonyms: grumpy, Cross, get_across
Antonyms: uncross

Clue #22: 32. Souvenir for a refrigerator

6-letter answer Answer: MAGNET

Word Help: Synonyms: attracter, attractor, magnet

Clue #23: 33. Moisturizer brand

6-letter answer Answer: AVEENO

Clue #24: 34. ___ Pieces

6-letter answer Answer: REESES

Clue #25: 36. Fey figure of folklore

3-letter answer Answer: ELF

Word Help: Synonyms: imp, ELF, gremlin

Clue #26: 37. Khan who founded Khan Academy

3-letter answer Answer: SAL

Clue #27: 42. Flinches in response to

8-letter answer Answer: WINCESAT

Clue #28: 45. Brainstorm

4-letter answer Answer: IDEA

Word Help: Synonyms: theme, thought, approximation

Clue #29: 46. Utah, geometrically speaking

7-letter answer Answer: HEXAGON

Word Help: Synonyms: hexagon

Clue #30: 48. What "America runs on," in a franchise slogan

6-letter answer Answer: DUNKIN

Clue #31: 52. Bed supports

5-letter answer Answer: SLATS

Word Help: Synonyms: spline, slat

Clue #32: 54. "Give it ___"

3-letter answer Answer: AGO

Word Help: Synonyms: agone, ago

Clue #33: 55. Auctioned off, e.g.

4-letter answer Answer: SOLD

Word Help: Synonyms: sell, betray, trade
Antonyms: buy, unsold

Clue #34: 56. "Oh, OK"

4-letter answer Answer: ISEE

Clue #35: 57. Crazy (about)

4-letter answer Answer: GAGA

Word Help: Synonyms: gaga, dotty, wild

Clue #36: 58. March Madness org.

4-letter answer Answer: NCAA

Clue #37: 59. Chutzpah

4-letter answer Answer: GALL

Word Help: Synonyms: impudence, resentment, cheekiness

Clue #38: 60. ___ Major

4-letter answer Answer: URSA

Clue #39: 63. "What'd you say?"

3-letter answer Answer: HUH

Clue #40: 64. Public radio host Glass

3-letter answer Answer: IRA

Word Help: Synonyms: ire, IRA, Provisional_IRA

Clue #41: 65. Where to find a kitten's "toe beans"

3-letter answer Answer: PAW

Word Help: Synonyms: mitt, hand, paw

Expert Solving Strategies

• Look for fill-in-the-blank clues first (they're often easiest)
• Watch for question marks indicating wordplay
• Check vowel patterns in partially solved words

Related Search Terms

NYT Crossword Help, Daily Puzzle Solutions, Crossword Answer Finder, May Crossword Answers