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Wednesday, August 27, 2025

February 22, 2024 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (39 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

February 22, 2024 NYT Clues Solutions

Master Today's Across: NYT Thursday Puzzle February 22, 2024

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Hot topping for a cone? 4
2A 5. Practical joke 4
3A 9. Tricky billiard shot 5
4A 14. Way off 4
5A 15. Ensconced in 4
6A 16. Asian dog breed 5
7A 17. *Ensign 9
8A 19. Rich sources of beta carotene 5
9A 20. Joint 6
10A 21. One of millions in New Zealand 3
11A 23. Migration pattern? 3
12A 24. Lose one's shirt, say 5
13A 25. *Emirate 9
14A 28. Coup planners 5
15A 30. Ensiform, adj.: Shaped like a ___ 5
16A 31. ___ Valley 4
17A 34. Singer Williams who founded the Temptations 4
18A 36. Split up 5
19A 38. Pre-med pre-req 3
20A 39. *Arbiter 7
21A 41. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, e.g. 3
22A 42. Came to pass 5
23A 44. Bibliographer's abbr. 4
24A 45. Ceremony 4
25A 46. They're typically older than seniors 5
26A 48. One in it for the long haul 5
27A 50. *Depot 9
28A 52. Put on a big smile 5
29A 56. ___ Formosa (barrier island system of Portugal) 3
30A 57. Figure in I Samuel 3
31A 58. Issuance from an American embassy, in brief 6
32A 59. Discombobulated 5
33A 61. *Begin 9
34A 64. Meant to be 5
35A 65. "And so …" 4
36A 66. Actor Woo-shik of "Parasite" 4
37A 67. Long hauls 5
38A 68. Doesn't stay tight 4
39A 69. Hankerings 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. Hot topping for a cone?"

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 rock that in its molten form (as magma) issues from volcanos; lava is what magma is called when it reaches the surface
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LAVA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Practical joke"

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 humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
  • Words that mean the same thing: laugh, gag, jest
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: JAPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Tricky billiard shot"

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 shot in billiards made by hitting the cue ball with the cue held nearly vertically; the cue ball spins around another ball before hitting the object ball
  • Words that mean the same thing: masse shot
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MASSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Way off"

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 (old-fashioned) at or from or to a great distance; far
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AFAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Ensconced in"

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: AMID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Asian dog breed"

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: AKITA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. *Ensign"

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: NOPARKING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Rich sources of beta carotene"

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 informal terms for money
  • Words that mean the same thing: dinero, simoleons, loot
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KALES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Joint"

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: DOOBIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. One of millions in New Zealand"

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 member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EWE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Migration pattern?"

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: VEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Lose one's shirt, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a relatively long narrow piece of something
  • Words that mean the same thing: uncase, slip, ransack
  • The opposite would be: dress
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STRIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. *Emirate"

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: MADASHELL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Coup planners"

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 clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue
  • Words that mean the same thing: conspiracy, complot, conjure
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CABAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Ensiform, adj.: Shaped like a ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
  • Words that mean the same thing: steel, brand, blade
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SWORD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. ___ Valley"

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 plant with an elongated head of broad stalked leaves resembling celery; used as a vegetable in east asia
  • Words that mean the same thing: Brassica rapa pekinensis, Chinese cabbage, celery cabbage
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NAPA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. Singer Williams who founded the Temptations"

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

    The answer is: OTIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Split up"

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 remote and separate physically or socially; ; - w.h.hudson
  • Words that mean the same thing: aside, asunder, obscure
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: APART

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Pre-med pre-req"

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: BIO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. *Arbiter"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that pit viper with horny segments at the end of the tail that rattle when shaken
  • Words that mean the same thing: rattlesnake, freight train
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RATTLER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, e.g."

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 two items of the same kind
  • Words that mean the same thing: span, distich, dyad
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DUO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Came to pass"

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 come into existence; take on form or shape
  • Words that mean the same thing: develop, rise, spring up
  • The opposite would be: turn in, go to bed
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AROSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. Bibliographer's abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ETAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Ceremony"

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 cheap or pretentious or vain display
  • Words that mean the same thing: gaudery, eclat
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: POMP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "46. They're typically older than seniors"

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 one-hundredth of a right angle
  • Words that mean the same thing: graduate, grade, alumnus
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GRADS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. One in it for the long haul"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a prisoner serving a term of life imprisonment
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LIFER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. *Depot"

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: DUTCHOVEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. Put on a big smile"

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: LITUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. ___ Formosa (barrier island system of Portugal)"

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: RIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. Figure in I Samuel"

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: ELI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. Issuance from an American embassy, in brief"

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: USVISA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. Discombobulated"

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: ATSEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "61. *Begin"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that officer in the (ceremonial) bodyguard of the british monarch
  • Words that mean the same thing: yeoman of the guard, yeoman
  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BEEFEATER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "64. Meant to be"

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 decree or designate beforehand
  • Words that mean the same thing: doomed, destine, fatten
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FATED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "65. "And so …""

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 (used as a sentence connector) therefore or consequently
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ERGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "66. Actor Woo-shik of "Parasite""

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: CHOI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "67. Long hauls"

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 journey by ox wagon (especially an organized migration by a group of settlers)
  • Words that mean the same thing: trek
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TREKS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "68. Doesn't stay tight"

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 shape that sags
  • Words that mean the same thing: droop, sag down, sag
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "69. Hankerings"

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 yearning for something or to do something
  • Words that mean the same thing: languish, hankering, ache
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YENS

    Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Thursday Puzzle February 22, 2024

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Scores 5
2D 2. Underway 5
3D 3. Steamy stuff 5
4D 4. Most-grown coffee bean in the world 7
5D 5. Copacetic 4
6D 6. Bon ___ 3
7D 7. Exemplar of neatness 3
8D 8. Barely defeated 5
9D 9. Launches an attack 8
10D 10. Going by, in brief 3
11D 11. Chevy truck since 1998 9
12D 12. Staple of Trinidadian music 9
13D 13. Plein-air prop 5
14D 18. Kelly of morning talk 4
15D 22. "Time ___ …" 3
16D 25. Nonreflective, in a way 5
17D 26. Not too much 7
18D 27. First part of a triple jump 3
19D 29. Stole from a burlesque act 3
20D 31. With 50-Down, annual June sports event 3
21D 32. It's never out of tune 9
22D 33. Anathema to an aesthete 9
23D 35. Cut down 5
24D 37. Surpass 3
25D 39. What some people are dyeing to be? 8
26D 40. Puckish sort 3
27D 43. ___ fly 3
28D 45. Implied right in the First and Fourth Amendments 7
29D 47. Big star, in Spain 3
30D 49. If-then-___ (programming construct) 4
31D 50. See 31-Down 5
32D 51. Things one might pick up while entering a room 5
33D 53. Church offering 5
34D 54. Apply to 5
35D 55. 2024 Olympics site 5
36D 58. Focus of the U.S.A.F.'s Project Blue Book (1952-1969) 4
37D 60. "Yikes!" 3
38D 62. Time to remember 3
39D 63. ___ white 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. Scores"

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 the land on which real estate is located
  • Words that mean the same thing: kingdom, realm, demesne
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LANDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Underway"

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 traveling by foot
  • Words that mean the same thing: underway
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AFOOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Steamy stuff"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a visible suspension in the air of particles of some substance
  • Words that mean the same thing: vaporisation, vaporization, evaporation
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: VAPOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Most-grown coffee bean in the world"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ARABICA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Copacetic"

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: JAKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Bon ___"

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: AMI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Exemplar of neatness"

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 piece of jewelry that is pinned onto the wearer's garment
  • Words that mean the same thing: peg, stick, trap
  • The opposite would be: unpin
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Barely defeated"

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 advance slowly, as if by inches
  • Words that mean the same thing: butt on, edge, abut
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EDGED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Launches an attack"

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: MAKESWAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Going by, in brief"

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: AKA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Chevy truck since 1998"

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: SILVERADO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Staple of Trinidadian music"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: STEELDRUM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Plein-air prop"

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 upright tripod for displaying something (usually an artist's canvas)
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EASEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Kelly of morning talk"

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: RIPA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. "Time ___ …""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a state in northwestern united states on the pacific
  • Words that mean the same thing: WA, exist, constitute
  • The opposite would be: differ
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Nonreflective, in a way"

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 mixture of sulfides that forms when sulfide metal ores are smelted
  • Words that mean the same thing: matt, lustrelessness, matt-up
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MATTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Not too much"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: ALITTLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. First part of a triple jump"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the act of hopping; jumping upward or forward (especially on one foot)
  • Words that mean the same thing: hops, skip, record hop
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HOP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Stole from a burlesque act"

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 long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur
  • Words that mean the same thing: feather boa
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BOA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. With 50-Down, annual June sports event"

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

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: NBA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. It's never out of tune"

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: AIRGUITAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Anathema to an aesthete"

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: POORTASTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Cut down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SLAIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Surpass"

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 upper part of anything
  • Words that mean the same thing: top out, meridian, tiptop
  • The opposite would be: bottom
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. What some people are dyeing to be?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that someone who has red hair
  • Words that mean the same thing: carrottop, Aythya americana, redheaded woodpecker
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REDHEADS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Puckish sort"

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 (folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous
  • Words that mean the same thing: imp, pixy, brownie
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ELF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. ___ fly"

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 enclosed space
  • Words that mean the same thing: pocket, theca, Sauk
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. Implied right in the First and Fourth Amendments"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the quality of being secluded from the presence or view of others
  • Words that mean the same thing: privateness, concealment, secrecy
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PRIVACY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Big star, in Spain"

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 colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid
  • Words that mean the same thing: soh, colloidal solution, so
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SOL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. If-then-___ (programming construct)"

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: ELSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. See 31-Down"

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 document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another
  • Words that mean the same thing: drawing, conscription, gulp
  • The opposite would be: discharge
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DRAFT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. Things one might pick up while entering a room"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a percussion instrument similar to a xylophone but having metal bars and rotating disks in the resonators that produce a vibrato sound
  • Words that mean the same thing: vibraharp, vibraphone, vibration
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: VIBES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Church offering"

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 levy of one tenth of something
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TITHE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. Apply to"

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: USEON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. 2024 Olympics site"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the capital and largest city of france; and international center of culture and commerce
  • Words that mean the same thing: genus Paris, capital of France, French capital
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PARIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "58. Focus of the U.S.A.F.'s Project Blue Book (1952-1969)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an (apparently) flying object whose nature is unknown; especially those considered to have extraterrestrial origins
  • Words that mean the same thing: unidentified flying object, flying saucer, UFO
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: UFOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "60. "Yikes!""

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: EEK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "62. Time to remember"

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 period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Words that mean the same thing: epoch, geological era, earned run average
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ERA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "63. ___ white"

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 animal reproductive body consisting of an ovum or embryo together with nutritive and protective envelopes; especially the thin-shelled reproductive body laid by e.g. female birds
  • Words that mean the same thing: orchis, eggs, ballock
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EGG

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 51 65.4%
Short Answer 18 23.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment 3 3.8%
Sports 3 3.8%
Abbreviation 1 1.3%
Music 1 1.3%
Literature 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 39
Down Clues 39
Total Clues 78
Average Answer Length 4.9 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 9 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 Thursday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 4 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: August 27, 2025 at 01:47 PM

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Friday, December 26, 2025

Friday NYT Mini Crossword Answers December 26, 2025 - Quick 5×5 Grid Solutions & Tips

Today's 5×5 NYT Mini December 26, 2025 - Instant Answers Plus Learning Hints

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: Sundays NYT Mini Nov 30 All 10 Across | All NYT Down Clues November 17 2025 41 | August 11 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for December 26, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Friday, December 26, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 26, 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 30. ___ Tuesday (end of the pre-Lenten season)
2 Across 31. One toeing the line?
3 Across 15. Typical sight in a bank robbery cartoon
4 Across 55. Treated with respect
5 Across 26. Since Jan. 1, on a pay stub
6 Across 18. Cracked wheat used in tabbouleh
7 Across 27. Tuesday, in French
8 Across 25. A cold one is unexpected (and usually unappreciated)
9 Across 42. Singular, with or without its first letter
10 Across 24. Some babysitters

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: "30. ___ Tuesday (end of the pre-Lenten season)"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SHROVE

2 Across: "31. One toeing the line?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 15 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: T_____________R

Answer:

Click to reveal TIGHTROPEWALKER

3 Across: "15. Typical sight in a bank robbery cartoon"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: M______G

Answer:

Click to reveal MONEYBAG

4 Across: "55. Treated with respect"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: E______D

Answer:

Click to reveal ESTEEMED

5 Across: "26. Since Jan. 1, on a pay stub"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal YTD

6 Across: "18. Cracked wheat used in tabbouleh"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: B____R

Answer:

Click to reveal BULGUR

7 Across: "27. Tuesday, in French"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: M___I

Answer:

Click to reveal MARDI

8 Across: "25. A cold one is unexpected (and usually unappreciated)"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal CALL

9 Across: "42. Singular, with or without its first letter"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LONE

10 Across: "24. Some babysitters"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal NANAS

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 47. Stack (up)
2 Down 8. Competition that combines speed with balance
3 Down 27. Stick by a fireplace
4 Down 49. Casting need
5 Down 41. Made up
6 Down 6. Broad band?
7 Down 12. The world's end, in Norse mythology
8 Down 40. Worth considering
9 Down 14. Baby sitter?
10 Down 33. Figure in sci-fi's "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman," e.g.

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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

1 Down: "47. Stack (up)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P__E

Answer:

Click to reveal PILE

2 Down: "8. Competition that combines speed with balance"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 15 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E_____________E

Answer:

Click to reveal EGGANDSPOONRACE

3 Down: "27. Stick by a fireplace"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: M___H

Answer:

Click to reveal MATCH

4 Down: "49. Casting need"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • Another word like this: die out

Answer:

Click to reveal DIE

5 Down: "41. Made up"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ATONED

6 Down: "6. Broad band?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'I'
  • Another word like this: obeah

Answer:

Click to reveal OBI

7 Down: "12. The world's end, in Norse mythology"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: R______K

Answer:

Click to reveal RAGNAROK

8 Down: "40. Worth considering"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal OFNOTE

9 Down: "14. Baby sitter?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S______R

Answer:

Click to reveal STROLLER

10 Down: "33. Figure in sci-fi's "Attack of the 50 Foot Woman," e.g."

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: G______S

Answer:

Click to reveal GIANTESS

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 58 seconds
Difficulty: Medium

More Puzzle Help

If you like the NYT Mini, you might enjoy these other puzzles too:

Recent Crossword Solutions:

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 26, 2025 at 04:09 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, December 26 2025 mini crossword

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