December 29, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (37 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, December 29, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (35 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

Across Clues Explained - Friday NYT Crossword December 29, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Has balance issues	4
2A	5. Actress Rae who played President Barbie in "Barbie"	4
3A	9. Soapstone mineral	4
4A	13. Contempt	5
5A	14. "Seriously? I guess I'm the only remaining holdout then"	9
6A	16. Sierra follower	5
7A	17. Tacky item in a kindergarten classroom	9
8A	18. What one might hope for in a tight spot	9
9A	20. Pie accompaniment?	5
10A	21. Approach	3
11A	22. Signal for a change in direction?	3
12A	23. Tour group, in brief	3
13A	25. Descendents of Abraham and Ishmael	5
14A	27. Part of Cruella de Vil's get-up	7
15A	32. ___ Planet (travel guidebook series)	6
16A	34. Theme of Adele's "Someone Like You"	8
17A	35. Many a Coral Sea island	5
18A	36. Something in a gondola's forcola	3
19A	37. Mists	5
20A	38. "For real!"	8
21A	40. Remove surgically	6
22A	41. Word on a common bumper sticker	7
23A	42. Sounds of relief	5
24A	43. Calculation that might include calculus, for short	3
25A	44. Mo. when Paul Revere rode	3
26A	45. Role in "Evita"	3
27A	48. Like the Gwyndodeg and Powyseg dialects	5
28A	52. Term largely replaced by "Zoom"	9
29A	55. "No problem at all"	9
30A	57. View from the Trans-Siberian Railway	5
31A	58. Tex-Mex condiment	9
32A	59. Like some parsley and kale	5
33A	60. Air quality index factor	4
34A	61. Casualty of a 1917 revolution	4
35A	62. Fixes a border, in a way	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. Has balance issues"

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 be obliged to pay or repay
• Words that mean the same thing: owe
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OWES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Actress Rae who played President Barbie in "Barbie""

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Soapstone mineral"

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 fine grained mineral having a soft soapy feel and consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate; used in a variety of products including talcum powder
• Words that mean the same thing: talcum
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TALC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Contempt"

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 lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
• Words that mean the same thing: spurn, contempt, despite
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCORN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. "Seriously? I guess I'm the only remaining holdout then""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NOTYOUTOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Sierra follower"

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 ballroom dance of latin-american origin
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TANGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Tacky item in a kindergarten classroom"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GLUESTICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. What one might hope for in a tight spot"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELBOWROOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Pie accompaniment?"

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: CUTIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Approach"

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

  The answer is: WAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Signal for a change in direction?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that and nothing more
• Words that mean the same thing: only, merely, just
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Tour group, 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: PGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Descendents of Abraham and Ishmael"

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 member of a semitic people originally from the arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks arabic and who inhabits much of the middle east and northern africa
• Words that mean the same thing: Arabian, Arab
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARABS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Part of Cruella de Vil's get-up"

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: FURCOAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. ___ Planet (travel guidebook series)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that lacking companions or companionship
• Words that mean the same thing: lonesome, lone, unfrequented
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LONELY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Theme of Adele's "Someone Like You""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LOSTLOVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Many a Coral Sea island"

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 island consisting of a circular coral reef surrounding a lagoon
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATOLL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Something in a gondola's forcola"

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 an implement used to propel or steer a boat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Mists"

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 atmospheric moisture or dust or smoke that causes reduced visibility
• Words that mean the same thing: daze, fog, haze
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HAZES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. "For real!""

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: ITSAFACT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Remove surgically"

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 surgically remove a part of a structure or an organ
• Words that mean the same thing: eviscerate
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RESECT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. Word on a common bumper sticker"

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

  The answer is: COEXIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "42. Sounds of relief"

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 utterance made by exhaling audibly
• Words that mean the same thing: suspiration, suspire, sigh
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIGHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "43. Calculation that might include calculus, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a measure of a student's academic achievement at a college or university; calculated by dividing the total number of grade points received by the total number attempted
• Words that mean the same thing: grade point 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: GPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "44. Mo. when Paul Revere rode"

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 month following march and preceding may
• Words that mean the same thing: April
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "45. Role in "Evita""

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: CHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "48. Like the Gwyndodeg and Powyseg dialects"

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 native or resident of wales
• Words that mean the same thing: Welshman, Cambrian, Cymric
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WELSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. Term largely replaced by "Zoom""

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: VIDEOCHAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. "No problem at all""

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: IDONTMIND

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. View from the Trans-Siberian Railway"

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 mountain range in western russia extending from the arctic to the caspian sea; forms part of the traditional boundary between europe and asia
• Words that mean the same thing: Ural Mountains
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: URALS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. Tex-Mex condiment"

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: TACOSAUCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. Like some parsley and kale"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (of hair) having curls or waves
• The opposite would be: straight
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CURLY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "60. Air quality index factor"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog
• Words that mean the same thing: smogginess
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SMOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "61. Casualty of a 1917 revolution"

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

  The answer is: TSAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "62. Fixes a border, in a way"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the edge of a piece of cloth; especially the finished edge that has been doubled under and stitched down
• Words that mean the same thing: hem, ahem
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEMS

  Great job if you got it right!

December 29, 2023 Friday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Florida's ___ National Forest	5
2D	2. Just eked it out	10
3D	3. Hence	4
4D	4. Cold war aggressions?	14
5D	5. Pricey bars	6
6D	6. Flying ___	4
7D	7. Help out on the campaign trail	8
8D	8. Consent from a mate	3
9D	9. Attire for many a Degas subject	4
10D	10. "Keep ___!"	4
11D	11. Geometric points	4
12D	12. Cuba libre ingredient	4
13D	13. Mélange	4
14D	15. Trashy television character?	14
15D	19. Raspberry relative	4
16D	24. Theater cat in "Cats"	3
17D	26. Enjoy a spa day, say	5
18D	28. Commit a fashion faux pas	5
19D	29. Acts exceedingly friendly	10
20D	30. French preposition	4
21D	31. LSAT section?	4
22D	32. Like secular concerns	4
23D	33. Miranda who played Éowyn in "The Lord of the Rings"	4
24D	34. It's not long.	3
25D	36. Foil to Mark Antony in "Julius Caesar"	8
26D	39. Member of the family Viperidae	3
27D	40. Ready, in a way	4
28D	42. Lower	6
29D	46. Campus buildings	5
30D	47. Online retailer headquartered in Brooklyn	4
31D	48. Match ___	4
32D	49. Gouda alternative	4
33D	50. Bananas	4
34D	51. Lock lips, to a Liverpudlian	4
35D	53. People who worshiped the fertility goddess Pachamama	4
36D	54. "Red, White & ___" (2005 heavy metal album)	4
37D	56. Dojo surface	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. Florida's ___ National Forest"

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: OCALA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Just eked it out"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: WONBYANOSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Hence"

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 (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 4 Down: "4. Cold war aggressions?"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert 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: SNOWBALLFIGHTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Pricey bars"

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 metal that is cast in the shape of a block for convenient handling
• Words that mean the same thing: ingot, metal bar, block of metal
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INGOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Flying ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any activity that is performed alone without assistance
• Words that mean the same thing: alone, unaccompanied
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOLO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Help out on the campaign trail"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STUMPFOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Consent from a mate"

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: AYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Attire for many a Degas subject"

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 south african prelate and leader of the antiapartheid struggle (born in 1931)
• Words that mean the same thing: ballet skirt, Desmond Tutu
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUTU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. "Keep ___!""

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: ATIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Geometric points"

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 scene of any event or action (especially the place of a meeting)
• Words that mean the same thing: venue, locus, locale
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOCI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Cuba libre ingredient"

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 carbon fuel produced by distillation of coal
• Words that mean the same thing: snow, Coca Cola, C
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Mélange"

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

  The answer is: STEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Trashy television character?"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: OSCARTHEGROUCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Raspberry relative"

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 transparent piece of ruby that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem
• Words that mean the same thing: scarlet, red, cerise
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUBY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Theater cat in "Cats""

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 largest and southernmost island in the marianas which is administered as a territory of the united states; it was ceded by spain to the united states in 1898
• Words that mean the same thing: Guam, GU
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Enjoy a spa day, 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 become less tense, rest, or take one's ease
• Words that mean the same thing: unbend, unlax, decompress
• The opposite would be: stiffen, strain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RELAX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. Commit a fashion faux pas"

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 loud resonant repeating noise
• Words that mean the same thing: clangoring, encounter, clang
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Acts exceedingly friendly"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: OOZESCHARM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. French preposition"

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: AVEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. LSAT section?"

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 trying something to find out about it
• Words that mean the same thing: mental testing, run, quiz
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Like secular concerns"

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 characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy
• Words that mean the same thing: secular, lay
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Miranda who played Éowyn in "The Lord of the Rings""

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: OTTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. It's not long."

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 broad flat muscle on either side of the back
• Words that mean the same thing: latissimus dorsi
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Foil to Mark Antony in "Julius Caesar""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OCTAVIUS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Member of the family Viperidae"

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 of southern europe; similar to but smaller than the adder
• Words that mean the same thing: Egyptian cobra, asp viper, Naja haje
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Ready, in a way"

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 fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
• Words that mean the same thing: mature, right, good
• The opposite would be: green
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Lower"

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 experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness; ; - christina rossetti
• Words that mean the same thing: deplorable, sorry, pitiful
• The opposite would be: glad
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SADDER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Campus buildings"

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 interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
• Words that mean the same thing: Granville Stanley Hall, manse, student residence
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HALLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Online retailer headquartered in Brooklyn"

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: ETSY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "48. Match ___"

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 basic human power of intelligent thought and perception
• Words that mean the same thing: mentality, wittiness, brain
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "49. Gouda alternative"

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 mild yellow dutch cheese made in balls encased in a red covering
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Bananas"

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 informal or slang terms for mentally irregular
• Words that mean the same thing: balmy, loopy, batty
• The 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 34 Down: "51. Lock lips, to a Liverpudlian"

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 touch with the lips or press the lips (against someone's mouth or other body part) as an expression of love, greeting, etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: kiss, buss, osculate
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. People who worshiped the fertility goddess Pachamama"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a ruler of the incas (or a member of his family)
• Words that mean the same thing: Incan, Inka
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. "Red, White & ___" (2005 heavy metal album)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CRUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Dojo surface"

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 thick flat pad used as a floor covering
• Words that mean the same thing: felt, entangle, Master of Arts in Teaching
• The opposite would be: disentangle, unsnarl
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	54	75.0%
Short Answer	11	15.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.8%
History	2	2.8%
Literature	1	1.4%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.3 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	14 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Friday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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 28, 2025 at 03:42 PM

September 20, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (39 clues)
• Down Clues (37 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (39 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

NYT Wednesday Crossword Across Clues - September 20, 2023 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. "Insecure" star Rae	4
2A	5. Deck divided into the Major and Minor Arcana	5
3A	10. It has small orbits	4
4A	14. Footwear to knock around in	4
5A	15. Israel's national tree	5
6A	16. All-night dance party	4
7A	17. 2015 hit for Little Mix	10
8A	19. Tiny pest	4
9A	20. Fan	7
10A	21. Who blows thar?	3
11A	23. Rowing machine, informally	3
12A	24. Own up (to)	3
13A	25. Intentions	4
14A	27. ___ Elise Goldsberry, portrayer of Angelica Schuyler in the original "Hamilton" cast	5
15A	29. M.S.G. athlete	5
16A	31. 1971 hit for the Carpenters	9
17A	34. Useful shot against a volleyer	3
18A	36. Michelle Obama ___ Robinson	3
19A	37. House sitter's responsibility, perhaps	3
20A	38. Slow rock song with an emotional vocal delivery ... whose start can follow each half of 17-, 31-, 44- and 63-Across	11
21A	41. Campaign grp.	3
22A	42. Be litigious	3
23A	43. One of a famous septet	3
24A	44. 1972 hit for Elton John	9
25A	47. Orbitz listings	5
26A	51. Top-tier invitees	5
27A	52. Castle defense	4
28A	54. ___-country (music genre)	3
29A	55. One who cries "Foul!"	3
30A	56. Ingredient in Roman concrete	3
31A	59. Word with clam or trunk	7
32A	61. Children's author Blyton	4
33A	63. 1986 hit for Steve Winwood (and a 2019 hit for Whitney Houston)	10
34A	65. "Handle" of a pumpkin	4
35A	66. "So long!"	5
36A	67. Snake eyes	4
37A	68. Sea dogs	4
38A	69. Implied	5
39A	70. Treats, as leather	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. "Insecure" star Rae"

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: ISSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Deck divided into the Major and Minor Arcana"

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 any of a set of (usually 72) cards that include 22 cards representing virtues and vices and death and fortune etc.; used by fortunetellers
• Words that mean the same thing: tarot card
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAROT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. It has small orbits"

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 (physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element
• Words that mean the same thing: speck, corpuscle, particle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Footwear to knock around 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: MOCS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Israel's national tree"

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 small ovoid fruit of the european olive tree; important food and source of oil
• Words that mean the same thing: European olive tree, Olea europaea
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OLIVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. All-night dance party"

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 dance party that lasts all night and electronically synthesized music is played
• Words that mean the same thing: gush, jabber, mouth off
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. 2015 hit for Little Mix"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: BLACKMAGIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Tiny pest"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any wingless bloodsucking parasitic insect noted for ability to leap
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Fan"

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 a person who backs a politician or a team etc.
• Words that mean the same thing: friend, champion, adorer
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADMIRER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Who blows thar?"

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: SHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Rowing machine, informally"

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 cgs unit of work or energy; the work done by a force of one dyne acting over a distance of one centimeter
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Own up (to)"

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 uncomplimentary terms for a policeman
• Words that mean the same thing: hook, apprehend, arrest
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Intentions"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AIMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. ___ Elise Goldsberry, portrayer of Angelica Schuyler in the original "Hamilton" cast"

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: RENEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. M.S.G. athlete"

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: KNICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. 1971 hit for the Carpenters"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
• Words that mean the same thing: mavin, whiz, wiz
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUPERSTAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. Useful shot against a volleyer"

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 an easy return of a tennis ball in a high arc
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Michelle Obama ___ Robinson"

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 (meaning literally `born') used to indicate the maiden or family name of a married woman
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. House sitter's responsibility, perhaps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
• Words that mean the same thing: best-loved, darling, favored
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Slow rock song with an emotional vocal delivery ... whose start can follow each half of 17-, 31-, 44- and 63-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert 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: POWERBALLAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Campaign grp."

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 committee formed by a special-interest group to raise money for their favorite political candidates
• Words that mean the same thing: political action committee
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Be litigious"

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 french writer whose novels described the sordid side of city life (1804-1857)
• Words that mean the same thing: process, litigate, Eugene Sue
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. One of a famous septet"

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 estrangement from god
• Words that mean the same thing: goof, trespass, blunder
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. 1972 hit for Elton John"

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: ROCKETMAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Orbitz listings"

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 agenda of things to do
• Words that mean the same thing: make out, menu, transportation
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FARES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "51. Top-tier invitees"

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: ALIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Castle defense"

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 ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water
• Words that mean the same thing: fosse
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "54. ___-country (music genre)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
• Words that mean the same thing: altitude, elevation, EL
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. One who cries "Foul!""

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 (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or american football) who is expected to ensure fair play
• Words that mean the same thing: referee
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. Ingredient in Roman concrete"

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 residue that remains when something is burned
• Words that mean the same thing: ash 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: ASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "59. Word with clam or trunk"

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 a clam that is usually steamed in the shell
• Words that mean the same thing: steamship, Mya arenaria, soft-shell clam
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEAMER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "61. Children's author Blyton"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a town in north central oklahoma
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ENID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "63. 1986 hit for Steve Winwood (and a 2019 hit for Whitney Houston)"

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: HIGHERLOVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "65. "Handle" of a pumpkin"

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 (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed
• Words that mean the same thing: prow, root word, radical
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "66. "So long!""

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 farewell remark
• Words that mean the same thing: sayonara, goodby, adieu
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADIOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "67. Snake eyes"

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 smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Words that mean the same thing: single, one, unity
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "68. Sea dogs"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of various dark heavy viscid substances obtained as a residue
• Words that mean the same thing: sea dog, seafarer, tar
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "69. Implied"

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 mean or intend to express or convey
• Words that mean the same thing: imply, think, mean
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEANT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "70. Treats, as leather"

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 browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
• Words that mean the same thing: burn, sunburn, bronze
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TANS

  Great job if you got it right!

September 20, 2023 Down Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. "It's me again!"	6
2D	2. Convinced about	6
3D	3. Garlicky shrimp dish	6
4D	4. Saclike structures produced by fungi	4
5D	5. Marisa ___, portrayer of Aunt May in the Marvel Universe	5
6D	6. Wake-up calls	6
7D	7. Sailboat apparatus	3
8D	8. Sheep genus	4
9D	9. A.I., e.g.	4
10D	10. Canine warning	3
11D	11. Gifted	8
12D	12. Celebrate Thanksgiving, maybe	7
13D	13. Scant	6
14D	18. Onetime capital of Poland	6
15D	22. "The cautious seldom ___": Confucius	3
16D	26. Ray of light	7
17D	28. Neighbor of Francia	6
18D	30. They have time on their hands	6
19D	32. "Once Upon a Mattress" prop	3
20D	33. Creatures that are often catadromous, meaning they live in fresh water and breed in salt water	4
21D	35. Top	4
22D	38. Something Maggie is always seen with on "The Simpsons"	8
23D	39. Captain Morgan offering	3
24D	40. Ending with shop or weight	6
25D	41. Italian cornmeal dish	7
26D	44. Like AB negative, among all blood types	6
27D	45. Announcement from the cockpit, for short	3
28D	46. Nibble at	6
29D	48. ___ Quimby, Beverly Cleary heroine	6
30D	49. Record amount of Oscars won by a single film	6
31D	50. Breathwork might help relieve it	6
32D	53. "This is ___ of the emergency ..."	5
33D	57. Pillow cover	4
34D	58. Camouflage	4
35D	60. Oodles	4
36D	62. Private Insta conversations	3
37D	64. Model Carangi	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. "It's me again!""

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: IMBACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Convinced about"

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: SOLDON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Garlicky shrimp dish"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about food & drink.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that large shrimp sauteed in oil or butter and garlic
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCAMPI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Saclike structures produced by fungi"

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 saclike structure in which ascospores are formed through sexual reproduction of ascomycetes
• Words that mean the same thing: ascus
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASCI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Marisa ___, portrayer of Aunt May in the Marvel Universe"

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: TOMEI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Wake-up calls"

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 fear resulting from the awareness of danger
• Words that mean the same thing: alarm system, dismay, warning signal
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALARMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Sailboat apparatus"

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 gear (including necessary machinery) for a particular enterprise
• Words that mean the same thing: tractor trailer, turnout, outfit
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Sheep genus"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OVIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. A.I., e.g."

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 school teaching mechanical and industrial arts and the applied sciences
• Words that mean the same thing: technical school
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TECH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Canine warning"

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Gifted"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that endowed with talent or talents
• Words that mean the same thing: gifted
• The opposite would be: untalented
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TALENTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Celebrate Thanksgiving, maybe"

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 overeat or eat immodestly; make a pig of oneself
• Words that mean the same thing: gormandise, scarf out, satiate
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OVEREAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Scant"

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 deficient in amount or quality or extent
• Words that mean the same thing: scrimpy, stingy, meagerly
• The opposite would be: ample
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEAGER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Onetime capital of Poland"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an industrial city in southern poland on the vistula
• Words that mean the same thing: Cracow, Krakau
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KRAKOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. "The cautious seldom ___": Confucius"

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 to make a mistake or be incorrect
• Words that mean the same thing: stray, mistake, slip
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "26. Ray of light"

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 a ray of sunlight
• Words that mean the same thing: sunray
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SUNBEAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "28. Neighbor of Francia"

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 parliamentary monarchy in southwestern europe on the iberian peninsula; a former colonial power
• Words that mean the same thing: Spain, Kingdom of Spain
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ESPANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "30. They have time on their hands"

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 european weed naturalized in southwestern united states and mexico having reddish decumbent stems with small fernlike leaves and small deep reddish-lavender flowers followed by slender fruits that stick straight up; often grown for forage
• Words that mean the same thing: alfilaria, alfileria, redstem storksbill
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLOCKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "32. "Once Upon a Mattress" prop"

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 seed of a pea plant used for food
• Words that mean the same thing: pea plant
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "33. Creatures that are often catadromous, meaning they live in fresh water and breed in salt water"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
• Words that mean the same thing: eel
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EELS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "35. Top"

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 supreme effort one can make
• Words that mean the same thing: skilful, beneficial, practiced
• The opposite would be: worst, evil
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "38. Something Maggie is always seen with on "The Simpsons""

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 tries to bring peace
• Words that mean the same thing: baby's dummy, make-peace, teething ring
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PACIFIER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "39. Captain Morgan offering"

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 liquor distilled from fermented molasses
• Words that mean the same thing: singular, rummy, curious
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "40. Ending with shop or weight"

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 an athlete who lifts barbells
• Words that mean the same thing: shoplifter, booster, weightlifter
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIFTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "41. Italian cornmeal dish"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a thick mush made of cornmeal boiled in stock or water
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POLENTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "44. Like AB negative, among all blood types"

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 not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
• Words that mean the same thing: rarified, rare, uncommon
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAREST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "45. Announcement from the cockpit, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
• Words that mean the same thing: Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Homeland and Freedom
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. Nibble at"

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: NOSHON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. ___ Quimby, Beverly Cleary heroine"

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 shrubby plant with aromatic greyish-green leaves used as a cooking herb
• Words that mean the same thing: Salvia officinalis, common sage
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAMONA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Record amount of Oscars won by a single film"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of ten and one
• Words that mean the same thing: xi, football team, XI
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELEVEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. Breathwork might help relieve it"

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 the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)
• Words that mean the same thing: tension, emphasise, tenseness
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STRESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. "This is ___ of the emergency ...""

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: ATEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "57. Pillow cover"

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 something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
• Words that mean the same thing: feign, imposter, pretended
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "58. Camouflage"

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 dressed skin of an animal (especially a large animal)
• Words that mean the same thing: fell, shroud, skin
• The opposite would be: show
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "60. Oodles"

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: ALOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "62. Private Insta conversations"

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 diabetes caused by a relative or absolute deficiency of insulin and characterized by polyuria
• Words that mean the same thing: decimetre, DM, dm
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "64. Model Carangi"

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 terrorist organization of islamic extremists whose violent activities began in 1992; aims to overthrow the secular algerian regime and replace it with an islamic state
• Words that mean the same thing: Armed Islamic Group
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	49	64.5%
Short Answer	17	22.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	3.9%
Geography	2	2.6%
Food & Drink	2	2.6%
History	1	1.3%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	39
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	4.9 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	11 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: August 30, 2025 at 05:37 PM