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Saturday, September 13, 2025

December 01, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 01, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

December 01, 2021 Wednesday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Titan of industry 4
2A 5. Peyote and prickly pear 5
3A 10. Bash 4
4A 14. Crazy, in Spanish 4
5A 15. Literary partner of Porthos and Aramis 5
6A 16. Like the Australian outback 4
7A 17. Play a wrong note during a violin sonata? 15
8A 20. Artist Kahlo 5
9A 21. Source of milk for Manchego cheese 3
10A 22. Roast host 5
11A 23. Golf course supply 3
12A 24. Totally wreck, as a noob 3
13A 26. Ripped 4
14A 28. Little prince taking a bath? 12
15A 33. Went it alone 6
16A 36. Suffix with auction 3
17A 37. "Get out!" 4
18A 38. Smooths (out) 5
19A 39. Largest artificial satellite in orbit, before 9-Down 3
20A 40. Leave a mark on 5
21A 41. Muppet's makeup 4
22A 42. One might read "Don't talk to me until I've had my coffee" 3
23A 43. No-can-do 6
24A 44. "We all put things on TV sometimes"? 12
25A 47. Fretboard locale 4
26A 48. D.C. player 3
27A 49. American acquisition of 2001 3
28A 52. Condescend (to) 5
29A 55. Lip balm brand with a pod-shaped container 3
30A 57. Pink-red hue 5
31A 59. Headline after Jane becomes queen? 15
32A 62. Something to regress to 4
33A 63. Numbers for a diva 5
34A 64. Very top 4
35A 65. First word of Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns" 4
36A 66. Where Nintendo is headquartered 5
37A 67. Mother of Helen of Troy 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. Titan of industry"

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 male monarch or emperor (especially of russia prior to 1917)
  • Words that mean the same thing: tsar, tzar
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CZAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Peyote and prickly pear"

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 any succulent plant of the family cactaceae native chiefly to arid regions of the new world and usually having spines
  • Words that mean the same thing: cactus
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CACTI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Bash"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an elaborate party (often outdoors)
  • Words that mean the same thing: celebrate, festival, fiesta
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FETE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Crazy, in Spanish"

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 informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
  • Words that mean the same thing: nutty, around the bend, fruity
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOCO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Literary partner of Porthos and Aramis"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an autonomous area in northeastern greece that is the site of several greek orthodox monasteries founded in the tenth century
  • Words that mean the same thing: Mount Athos
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ATHOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Like the Australian outback"

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 lacking sufficient water or rainfall
  • Words that mean the same thing: desiccated, waterless, desiccate
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Play a wrong note during a violin sonata?"

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: ERRONTHEGSTRING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Artist Kahlo"

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: FRIDA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Source of milk for Manchego cheese"

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 10 Across: "22. Roast host"

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 person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)
  • Words that mean the same thing: compere, host, master of ceremonies
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EMCEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Golf course supply"

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 surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots
  • Words that mean the same thing: sodomite, superoxide dismutase, sward
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SOD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Totally wreck, as a noob"

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: PWN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Ripped"

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 commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
  • Words that mean the same thing: rupture, deplume, buck
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TORE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Little prince taking a bath?"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: CLEANHEIRACT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Went it alone"

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 fly alone, without a co-pilot or passengers
  • Words that mean the same thing: solo
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SOLOED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "36. Suffix with auction"

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: EER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. "Get out!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that drive away by crying `shoo!'
  • Words that mean the same thing: shoo off, shoo away
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SHOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Smooths (out)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that metal shackles; for hands or legs
  • Words that mean the same thing: press, chains, smoothing iron
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IRONS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. Largest artificial satellite in orbit, before 9-Down"

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: MIR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. Leave a mark on"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a soiled or discolored appearance
  • Words that mean the same thing: soil, discoloration, spot
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STAIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Muppet's makeup"

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 fabric made of compressed matted animal fibers
  • Words that mean the same thing: experience, finger, mat
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FELT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. One might read "Don't talk to me until I've had my coffee""

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 quantity that can be held in a mug
  • Words that mean the same thing: phiz, patsy, countenance
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MUG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. No-can-do"

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 (usually followed by `to') not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
  • Words that mean the same thing: ineffective, ineffectual
  • The opposite would be: able
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: UNABLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. "We all put things on TV sometimes"?"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: TOAIRISHUMAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Fretboard locale"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
  • Words that mean the same thing: make out, cervix, neck opening
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NECK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. D.C. player"

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

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "49. American acquisition of 2001"

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: TWA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. Condescend (to)"

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 do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
  • Words that mean the same thing: condescend, descend
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DEIGN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Lip balm brand with a pod-shaped container"

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 (greek mythology) the winged goddess of the dawn in ancient mythology; daughter of hyperion; identified with roman aurora
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. Pink-red hue"

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 variable color averaging a deep pink
  • Words that mean the same thing: precious coral, red coral
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CORAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "59. Headline after Jane becomes queen?"

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: EYRETOTHETHRONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "62. Something to regress to"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an average of n numbers computed by adding some function of the numbers and dividing by some function of n
  • Words that mean the same thing: think of, entail, signify
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MEAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "63. Numbers for a diva"

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 elaborate song for solo voice
  • Words that mean the same thing: aria
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARIAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "64. Very top"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the highest point (of something)
  • Words that mean the same thing: peak, solar apex, vertex
  • The opposite would be: antapex
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: APEX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "65. First word of Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ISNT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "66. Where Nintendo is headquartered"

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 city in central japan on southern honshu; a famous cultural center that was once the capital of japan
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KYOTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "67. Mother of Helen of Troy"

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 (greek mythology) a queen of sparta who was raped by zeus who had taken the form of a swan; helen of troy was conceived in the rape of leda
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LEDA

    Great job if you got it right!

NYT Wednesday Crossword Down Clues - December 01, 2021 Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Heads of staff? 5
2D 2. Swordsman with a horse named Tornado 5
3D 3. Nostril-burning 5
4D 4. Church cross 4
5D 5. Only domestic species in the family Felidae 3
6D 6. She created the olive tree, in myth 6
7D 7. ___ toy 4
8D 8. In a relationship 8
9D 9. 39-Across successor: Abbr. 3
10D 10. What wearing a shirt at the beach might get you 10
11D 11. Former attorney general Holder 4
12D 12. One of three in the foreground of "American Gothic" 4
13D 13. Upper hand 4
14D 18. Home of the first pizza 6
15D 19. Actress Hatcher 4
16D 25. Calendar abbr. 3
17D 27. Anthem contraction 3
18D 28. Delegation 10
19D 29. Hey, for horses? 5
20D 30. Obsessed captain 4
21D 31. Roll of stamps 4
22D 32. Timbre 4
23D 33. Filter (through) 4
24D 34. ___ O's (Post cereal) 4
25D 35. "Whatever ___ wants, ___ gets" ("Damn Yankees" lyric) 4
26D 39. Skill never performed by 15-Across, oddly enough 8
27D 40. Grab suddenly 6
28D 42. Word with stand or drop 3
29D 43. Actress Thurman 3
30D 45. 1996 musical set in New York's Alphabet City 4
31D 46. Vote out, say 6
32D 49. Amnesia in soap operas, e.g. 5
33D 50. Diminished 5
34D 51. Voice with an Echo 5
35D 52. Singer Lovato 4
36D 53. Hawks have sharp ones 4
37D 54. Modern home of ancient Persepolis 4
38D 56. Birthplace of seven U.S. presidents 4
39D 58. Kind of thermometer 4
40D 60. Barrel wood 3
41D 61. General on a menu 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. Heads of staff?"

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 musical notation written on a staff indicating the pitch of the notes following it
  • Words that mean the same thing: clef
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CLEFS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Swordsman with a horse named Tornado"

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: ZORRO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Nostril-burning"

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 strong and sharp
  • Words that mean the same thing: acerb, sulfurous, caustic
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ACRID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Church cross"

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 representation of the cross on which jesus died
  • Words that mean the same thing: rood-tree, crucifix
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROOD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Only domestic species in the family Felidae"

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 feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
  • Words that mean the same thing: regorge, computerized axial tomography, sick
  • The opposite would be: keep down
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. She created the olive tree, in myth"

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 (greek mythology) goddess of wisdom and useful arts and prudent warfare; guardian of athens; identified with roman minerva
  • Words that mean the same thing: Pallas, Pallas Athene, Athene
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ATHENA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. ___ toy"

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 wad of something chewable as tobacco
  • Words that mean the same thing: jaw, manduction, wad
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CHEW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. In a relationship"

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 mentally and emotionally stable
  • Words that mean the same thing: in concert, unitedly
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOGETHER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. 39-Across successor: Abbr."

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

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. What wearing a shirt at the beach might get you"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: FARMERSTAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Former attorney general Holder"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ERIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. One of three in the foreground of "American Gothic""

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 prong on a fork or pitchfork or antler
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TINE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Upper hand"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: EDGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Home of the first pizza"

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 port and tourist center in southwestern italy; capital of the campania region
  • Words that mean the same thing: Napoli
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NAPLES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Actress Hatcher"

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: TERI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Calendar abbr."

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 the fourth day of the week; the third working day
  • Words that mean the same thing: conjoin, splice, get married
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Anthem contraction"

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: OER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Delegation"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a gathering of persons representative of some larger group
  • Words that mean the same thing: dependent upon, dependent on, dependant on
  • The word looks like this: __________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CONTINGENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Hey, for horses?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the characteristic sounds made by a horse
  • Words that mean the same thing: whicker, nicker, whinny
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NEIGH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Obsessed captain"

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

    The answer is: AHAB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Roll of stamps"

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 structure consisting of something wound in a continuous series of loops
  • Words that mean the same thing: handbuild, helix, spiral
  • The opposite would be: uncoil
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Timbre"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the quality of a person's voice
  • Words that mean the same thing: quality, flavour, note
  • The opposite would be: atonicity
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Filter (through)"

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 move as if through a sieve
  • Words that mean the same thing: sieve, strain
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SIFT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. ___ O's (Post cereal)"

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 chocolate cookie with white cream filling
  • Words that mean the same thing: oreo cookie
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OREO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "35. "Whatever ___ wants, ___ gets" ("Damn Yankees" lyric)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: LOLA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Skill never performed by 15-Across, oddly enough"

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

    The answer is: MUSKETRY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Grab suddenly"

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 a small fragment
  • Words that mean the same thing: pussy, catch, kidnapping
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SNATCH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Word with stand or drop"

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: MIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Actress Thurman"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a benevolent aspect of devi; `splendor'
  • Words that mean the same thing: genus Uma
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: UMA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. 1996 musical set in New York's Alphabet City"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a payment or series of payments made by the lessee to an owner for use of some property, facility, equipment, or service
  • Words that mean the same thing: rive, charter, hire
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. Vote out, say"

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

    The answer is: UNSEAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "49. Amnesia in soap operas, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that language used in a figurative or nonliteral sense
  • Words that mean the same thing: figure, figure of speech, image
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TROPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Diminished"

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 grow smaller
  • Words that mean the same thing: go down, wan, decline
  • The opposite would be: wax
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WANED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. Voice with an Echo"

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: ALEXA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. Singer Lovato"

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: DEMI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "53. Hawks have sharp ones"

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 opinion or judgment
  • Words that mean the same thing: oculus, heart, eye
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EYES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "54. Modern home of ancient Persepolis"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a theocratic islamic republic in the middle east in western asia; iran was the core of the ancient empire that was known as persia until 1935; rich in oil
  • Words that mean the same thing: Persia, Islamic Republic of Iran
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IRAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "56. Birthplace of seven U.S. presidents"

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 midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
  • Words that mean the same thing: OH, Ohio River, Buckeye 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: OHIO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "58. Kind of thermometer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an examination conducted by spoken communication
  • Words that mean the same thing: viva, viva voce, unwritten
  • The opposite would be: anal, aboral
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ORAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "60. Barrel wood"

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 hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
  • Words that mean the same thing: oak tree
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OAK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "61. General on a menu"

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: TSO

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 54 69.2%
Short Answer 12 15.4%
History 5 6.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment 3 3.8%
Abbreviation 2 2.6%
Sports 1 1.3%
Geography 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 37
Down Clues 41
Total Clues 78
Average Answer Length 4.9 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 medium level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 4 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: September 13, 2025 at 10:38 AM

Saturday, September 12, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 12, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Light décor 10
2A 11. Last place? 4
3A 15. Pop-up with an envelope icon 10
4A 16. Round figure 4
5A 17. Winner's circle? 10
6A 18. Take two 4
7A 19. Hyperfixated 6
8A 20. "Thick ___ Brick" (1972 Jethro Tull album) 3
9A 21. Earth's pull, informally 4
10A 22. On the ___ (free) 5
11A 23. Thumbs-down votes in the Duma 5
12A 25. Why wait? 3
13A 26. Personal circumstances, so to speak 5
14A 28. Justice who's the subject of the 2026 biography "Revenge for the Sixties" 5
15A 30. Rolls out the green carpet? 4
16A 34. First full word sung in "The Alphabet Song" 3
17A 35. Proverbial small amount 6
18A 36. "Now we're talking!" 15
19A 39. Capers 6
20A 40. Common ___ 3
21A 41. Rowing machines, in gym lingo 4
22A 42. "Schitt's Creek" matriarch 5
23A 43. Really hurts 5
24A 45. Rout, in computer game lingo 3
25A 46. Word with letter or grant 5
26A 48. Toothbrush handle? 5
27A 53. Smokes 4
28A 55. N.B.A. coach Jordan ___ 3
29A 56. Punnily named production company behind TV's "Insecure" and "A Black Lady Sketch Show" 6
30A 57. Stat 4
31A 58. Common sleep aid 10
32A 60. Acquire by default? 4
33A 61. Math class assignment 10
34A 62. Labor, e.g.: Abbr. 4
35A 63. Appliances that are always blowing out? 10

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Light décor"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protective ornamental shade used to screen a light bulb from direct view
  • Similar words include: lampshade, lamp shade
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LAMPSHADES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "11. Last place?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a place for the burial of a corpse (especially beneath the ground and marked by a tombstone)
  • Similar words include: grave
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TOMB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "15. Pop-up with an envelope icon"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMAILALERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "16. Round figure"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it
  • Similar words include: ovoid, ovate, prolate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "17. Winner's circle?"

10 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VICTORYLAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "18. Take two"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that do over, as of (part of) a house
  • Similar words include: remake, remodel, refashion
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "19. Hyperfixated"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENRAPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. "Thick ___ Brick" (1972 Jethro Tull album)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Earth's pull, informally"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONEG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. On the ___ (free)"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that grant freedom to; free from confinement
  • Similar words include: unaffixed, at large, relax
  • Opposite of: confine, stiffen
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Thumbs-down votes in the Duma"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NYETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Why wait?"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
  • Similar words include: confidential information, wind, bakshish
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Personal circumstances, so to speak"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a particular situation
  • Similar words include: shoe, horseshoe, brake shoe
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Justice who's the subject of the 2026 biography "Revenge for the Sixties""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALITO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Rolls out the green carpet?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots
  • Similar words include: sod, turf, sodomite
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SODS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. First full word sung in "The Alphabet Song""

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. Proverbial small amount"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a very small quantity of something
  • Similar words include: lowlife, rotter, crumb
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRUMBS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. "Now we're talking!""

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THATSMORELIKEIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Capers"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement
  • Similar words include: trick, put-on, caper
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTICS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Common ___"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event
  • Similar words include: epoch, earned run average, geological era
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Rowing machines, in gym lingo"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cgs unit of work or energy; the work done by a force of one dyne acting over a distance of one centimeter
  • Similar words include: erg
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. "Schitt's Creek" matriarch"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOIRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Really hurts"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that injure or wound seriously and leave permanent disfiguration or mutilation
  • Similar words include: maim
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAIMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Rout, in computer game lingo"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PWN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "46. Word with letter or grant"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a solid piece of something (usually having flat rectangular sides)
  • Similar words include: deflect, forget, embarrass
  • Opposite of: unstuff, unblock
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOCK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Toothbrush handle?"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORALB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Smokes"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CIGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. N.B.A. coach Jordan ___"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. Punnily named production company behind TV's "Insecure" and "A Black Lady Sketch Show""

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOORAE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "57. Stat"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that as soon as possible
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "58. Common sleep aid"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHITENOISE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Acquire by default?"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REPO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Math class assignment"

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PROBLEMSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. Labor, e.g.: Abbr."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEPT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. Appliances that are always blowing out?"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HANDDRYERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Carpenter's tool 5
2D 2. ___ acid 5
3D 3. Kind of photography lens for a close-up 5
4D 4. Wraps in the Mideast 5
5D 5. Certain geometry calculations 6
6D 6. Playwright Moss ___ 4
7D 7. Gymnast Raisman 3
8D 8. What a joke may get eventually 15
9D 9. Takes marks off in a classroom? 6
10D 10. Mid-March V.I.P., informally 5
11D 11. "Surf" food in Japan, or "turf" animal in Spain 4
12D 12. Kitchen counter 9
13D 13. Became a household name, say 9
14D 14. Examples of media on Medium 9
15D 23. Many a listing in an etiquette book 4
16D 24. Wrap in South Asia 4
17D 27. Actors unsuited for subtle roles 4
18D 29. Country singer Combs 4
19D 30. Rewards program tracker 9
20D 31. "It's finally clear" 9
21D 32. Phone connector? 9
22D 33. Arouse 4
23D 35. Simoleon 4
24D 37. Labor pain? 4
25D 38. Journalist Larson who wrote "The Splendid and the Vile" 4
26D 43. Godzilla adversary 6
27D 44. Longhorn's rival 6
28D 47. Acidic 5
29D 49. Capacious 5
30D 50. Surface 5
31D 51. Pointer for a public speaker 5
32D 52. Sources of the juice that "bleeds" in a faux meat patty 5
33D 54. Tough thing to be in 4
34D 56. Stayed together 4
35D 59. Placeholder abbr. 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Carpenter's tool"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
  • Similar words include: stratum, plane, tied
  • Opposite of: raise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEVEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. ___ acid"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the radical -nh2
  • Similar words include: amino group, aminic
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMINO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Kind of photography lens for a close-up"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a single computer instruction that results in a series of instructions in machine language
  • Similar words include: macro instruction
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Wraps in the Mideast"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that usually small round bread that can open into a pocket for filling
  • Similar words include: pita, pocket bread
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PITAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Certain geometry calculations"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an elevated geological formation
  • Similar words include: squelch, squish, splosh
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOPES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Playwright Moss ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states playwright who collaborated with george s. kaufman (1904-1961)
  • Similar words include: stag, Lorenz Hart, Moss Hart
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HART

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7D: "7. Gymnast Raisman"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALY

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8D: "8. What a joke may get eventually"

15 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELAYEDREACTION

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9D: "9. Takes marks off in a classroom?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from memory or existence
  • Similar words include: delete, rub out, wipe out
  • Opposite of: record
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERASES

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10D: "10. Mid-March V.I.P., informally"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STPAT

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11D: "11. "Surf" food in Japan, or "turf" animal in Spain"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORO

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12D: "12. Kitchen counter"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OVENTIMER

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13D: "13. Became a household name, say"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MADEITBIG

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14D: "14. Examples of media on Medium"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLOGPOSTS

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15D: "23. Many a listing in an etiquette book"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NONO

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16D: "24. Wrap in South Asia"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a dress worn primarily by hindu women; consists of several yards of light material that is draped around the body
  • Similar words include: saree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SARI

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17D: "27. Actors unsuited for subtle roles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that meat cut from the thigh of a hog (usually smoked)
  • Similar words include: ham actor, ham, overplay
  • Opposite of: underact
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAMS

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18D: "29. Country singer Combs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (new testament) the apostle closely associated with st. paul and traditionally assumed to be the author of the third gospel
  • Similar words include: Saint Luke, Gospel of Luke, Gospel According to Luke
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LUKE

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19D: "30. Rewards program tracker"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAMPCARD

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20D: "31. "It's finally clear""

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OHNOWISEE

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21D: "32. Phone connector?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DATINGAPP

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22D: "33. Arouse"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prominent or sensational but short-lived news event
  • Similar words include: shake, put forward, ado
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STIR

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23D: "35. Simoleon"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that burrowing marine mollusk living on sand or mud; the shell closes with viselike firmness
  • Similar words include: dollar bill, buck, dollar
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLAM

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24D: "37. Labor pain?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike
  • Similar words include: rat, strikebreaker, fink
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SCAB

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25D: "38. Journalist Larson who wrote "The Splendid and the Vile""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIK

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26D: "43. Godzilla adversary"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOTHRA

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27D: "44. Longhorn's rival"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a native or resident of oklahoma
  • Similar words include: Oklahoman, preferably, rather
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOONER

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28D: "47. Acidic"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOWPH

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29D: "49. Capacious"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an associate who shares a room with you
  • Similar words include: roomie, spacious, roommate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOMY

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30D: "50. Surface"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that come into existence; take on form or shape
  • Similar words include: lift, originate, rise up
  • Opposite of: sit down, go to bed
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARISE

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31D: "51. Pointer for a public speaker"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; an optical device that produces an intense monochromatic beam of coherent light
  • Similar words include: optical maser
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LASER

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32D: "52. Sources of the juice that "bleeds" in a faux meat patty"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that biennial eurasian plant usually having a swollen edible root; widely cultivated as a food crop
  • Similar words include: Beta vulgaris, common beet, beetroot
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEETS

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33D: "54. Tough thing to be in"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a point located with respect to surface features of some region
  • Similar words include: stain, smirch, make out
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOT

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34D: "56. Stayed together"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g.,
  • Similar words include: book, bind, concur
  • Opposite of: disagree, let go of
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HELD

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35D: "59. Placeholder abbr."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TBD

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 12, 2026 at 08:01 AM