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Monday, September 8, 2025

July 25, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, July 25, 2022

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (37 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

July 25, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

NYT Monday Crossword Across Clues - July 25, 2022 Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Dip for tortilla chips 5
2A 6. What pasta and potatoes have a lot of 5
3A 11. Rap lead-in to Jon or Wayne 3
4A 14. Like a home crowd on a walk-off hit 5
5A 15. Phone notification 5
6A 16. Singer Yoko 3
7A 17. Eagles, falcons, hawks, etc. 11
8A 19. Bathroom scale units: Abbr. 3
9A 20. Marijuana, in old slang 6
10A 21. ___ Guofeng, successor to Mao 3
11A 22. Splotch of ink 4
12A 23. "Let It Go" singer in "Frozen" 4
13A 24. Major Formula 1 race 9
14A 27. "Cold, hard" stuff 4
15A 29. Betty ___ (classic cartoon character) 4
16A 30. Himalayan land 5
17A 33. Legendary Himalayan creatures 5
18A 36. Bizarre 3
19A 39. "Sorry for being so nosy!" 15
20A 42. Central pile of chips, in poker 3
21A 43. Plain as day 5
22A 44. Follow as a result 5
23A 45. Trampled (on) 4
24A 47. Unit of farmland 4
25A 49. Instructor with a racket 9
26A 52. Boring 4
27A 56. ___ Lee (frozen dessert brand) 4
28A 57. Prefix with liberal or conservative 3
29A 58. Isle ___, national park in Lake Superior 6
30A 60. Most common English word 3
31A 61. Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "The Shipping News" and "Brokeback Mountain" 11
32A 63. Long, long time 3
33A 64. ___ Ventura, former governor of Minnesota 5
34A 65. Nonmainstream, as rock music 5
35A 66. Married 3
36A 67. Spinning dizzily, quaintly 5
37A 68. Most high schoolers, agewise 5

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. Dip for tortilla chips"

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 spicy sauce of tomatoes and onions and chili peppers to accompany mexican foods
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SALSA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. What pasta and potatoes have a lot of"

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: CARBS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Rap lead-in to Jon or Wayne"

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: LIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Like a home crowd on a walk-off hit"

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: AROAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Phone notification"

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 condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action
  • Words that mean the same thing: brisk, alerting, snappy
  • The opposite would be: unalert
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALERT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Singer Yoko"

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 united states musician (born in japan) who married john lennon and collaborated with him on recordings (born in 1933)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Yoko Ono
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ONO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Eagles, falcons, hawks, etc."

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: BIRDSOFPREY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Bathroom scale units: Abbr."

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 16 ounces avoirdupois
  • Words that mean the same thing: lb, pound
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LBS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Marijuana, in old slang"

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 marijuana leaves rolled into a cigarette for smoking
  • Words that mean the same thing: stick, spliff, joint
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REEFER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. ___ Guofeng, successor to Mao"

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 islamic fundamentalist group in pakistan that fought the soviet union in afghanistan in the 1980s; now operates as a terrorist organization primarily in kashmir and seeks kashmir's accession by pakistan
  • Words that mean the same thing: Movement of Holy Warriors, Harkat ul-Ansar, Harkat-ul-Mujahidin
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HUA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Splotch of ink"

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 blemish made by dirt
  • Words that mean the same thing: daub, blob, smirch
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BLOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. "Let It Go" singer in "Frozen""

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: ELSA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "24. Major Formula 1 race"

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: GRANDPRIX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. "Cold, hard" stuff"

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 money in the form of bills or coins
  • Words that mean the same thing: John Cash, cash in, hard currency
  • The opposite would be: credit
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CASH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Betty ___ (classic cartoon character)"

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: BOOP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Himalayan land"

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 autonomous region of the peoples republic of china; located in the himalayas
  • Words that mean the same thing: Thibet, Sitsang, Xizang
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TIBET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Legendary Himalayan creatures"

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 large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the himalayas
  • Words that mean the same thing: yeti, abominable snowman
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YETIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Bizarre"

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 not divisible by two
  • Words that mean the same thing: leftover, queer, funny
  • The opposite would be: even
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ODD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. "Sorry for being so nosy!""

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: IDIDNTMEANTOPRY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Central pile of chips, in poker"

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 metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid
  • Words that mean the same thing: throne, Mary Jane, potty
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: POT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. Plain as day"

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 open and observable; not secret or hidden
  • Words that mean the same thing: open
  • The opposite would be: covert
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OVERT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Follow as a result"

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 issue or terminate (in a specified way, state, etc.); end
  • Words that mean the same thing: result
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ENSUE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Trampled (on)"

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 put down or press the foot, place the foot
  • Words that mean the same thing: step, trample, tread
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TROD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. Unit of farmland"

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 unit of area (4840 square yards) used in english-speaking countries
  • Words that mean the same thing: Akko, Accho, Akka
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ACRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Instructor with a racket"

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: TENNISPRO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. Boring"

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 pompous or pretentious talk or writing
  • Words that mean the same thing: bombast, claptrap, rant
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BLAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "56. ___ Lee (frozen dessert brand)"

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: SARA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "57. Prefix with liberal or conservative"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (used as a combining form) recent or new
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NEO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "58. Isle ___, national park in Lake Superior"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ROYALE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "60. Most common English word"

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: THE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "The Shipping News" and "Brokeback Mountain""

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: ANNIEPROULX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "63. Long, long time"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the longest division of geological time
  • Words that mean the same thing: aeon
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "64. ___ Ventura, former governor of Minnesota"

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: JESSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "65. Nonmainstream, as rock music"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a pop group not affiliated with a major record company
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: INDIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "66. Married"

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 fourth day of the week; the third working day
  • Words that mean the same thing: hook up with, espouse, wedded
  • The 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 36 Across: "67. Spinning dizzily, quaintly"

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: AREEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "68. Most high schoolers, agewise"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the time of life between the ages of 12 and 20
  • Words that mean the same thing: teenager, adolescent, teen
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TEENS

    Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Monday NYT Crossword July 25, 2022

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Buffalo hockey player 5
2D 2. Disney mermaid's name 5
3D 3. Like early PC graphics 5
4D 4. Looking like this: ☹️ 8
5D 5. Backside, as the Brits call it 4
6D 6. Half-___ (coffee order) 3
7D 7. First Greek letter 5
8D 8. Show again, as a show 5
9D 9. Place to store a loaf 8
10D 10. Pig's digs 3
11D 11. They're for suckers 9
12D 12. Locale for new emails 5
13D 13. In need of directions 4
14D 18. Assns. 4
15D 22. Dude 3
16D 25. What Prancer and Dancer do that Rudolph and Vixen don't? 5
17D 26. Wall hanging in a kid's room 6
18D 28. When the sun is highest in the sky 6
19D 30. Detective's lead 3
20D 31. Words at the altar 3
21D 32. Final, unhappy outcome 9
22D 34. Eternally, to a poet 3
23D 35. Early Mongol invader of Europe 5
24D 37. 1990s R&B group ___ Hill 3
25D 38. Work on, as a summer camp T-shirt 3
26D 40. Compartmentalized evening meal 8
27D 41. Individually 8
28D 46. Genetic messenger 3
29D 48. Big business: Abbr. 4
30D 49. California border lake 5
31D 50. Touch, taste or smell 5
32D 51. Difficult thing to maintain under pressure 5
33D 53. Summa cum ___ ("with highest praise") 5
34D 54. Daring poker bet 5
35D 55. Puts a spell on 5
36D 56. Hearty bowlful 4
37D 59. "Pics ___ didn't happen!" 4
38D 61. 1977 Steely Dan album with a palindromic title 3
39D 62. Slippery fish 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. Buffalo hockey player"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a fencing sword with a v-shaped blade and a slightly curved handle
  • Words that mean the same thing: saber, cavalry sword
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SABRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Disney mermaid's name"

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: ARIEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Like early PC graphics"

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 knowledge gained through tradition or anecdote
  • Words that mean the same thing: lore, traditional knowledge
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LORES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Looking like this: ☹️"

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: SADFACED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Backside, as the Brits call it"

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 fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Words that mean the same thing: tush, hindquarters, buns
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Half-___ (coffee order)"

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: CAF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. First Greek letter"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the 1st letter of the greek alphabet
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALPHA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Show again, as a show"

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 program that is broadcast again
  • Words that mean the same thing: rebroadcast
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RERUN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Place to store a loaf"

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: BREADBIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Pig's digs"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Words that mean the same thing: pigsty, hordeolum, eye infection
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. They're for suckers"

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 ice cream or water ice on a small wooden stick
  • Words that mean the same thing: all-day sucker, sucker, lollipop
  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOLLIPOPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Locale for new emails"

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: INBOX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. In need of directions"

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 people who are destined to die soon
  • Words that mean the same thing: suffer, lose, misplace
  • The opposite would be: gain, saved
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Assns."

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: ORGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Dude"

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: BRO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. What Prancer and Dancer do that Rudolph and Vixen don't?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that correspondence in the sounds of two or more lines (especially final sounds)
  • Words that mean the same thing: rime, verse
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RHYME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Wall hanging in a kid's room"

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 sign posted in a public place as an advertisement
  • Words that mean the same thing: post horse, notice, bill sticker
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: POSTER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. When the sun is highest in the sky"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ATNOON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Detective's lead"

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 extreme end of something; especially something pointed
  • Words that mean the same thing: steer, top, lead
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Words at the altar"

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 artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IDO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Final, unhappy outcome"

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: BITTEREND

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. Eternally, to a poet"

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: EER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Early Mongol invader of Europe"

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 the mongolian people of central asia who invaded russia in the 13th century
  • Words that mean the same thing: Mongol Tatar, Tartar
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TATAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. 1990s R&B group ___ Hill"

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: DRU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Work on, as a summer camp T-shirt"

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 usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair
  • Words that mean the same thing: dyestuff
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DYE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. Compartmentalized evening meal"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about food & drink.

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: TVDINNER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Individually"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: ONEBYONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. Genetic messenger"

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 (biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from dna to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes in the cell
  • Words that mean the same thing: ribonucleic acid
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RNA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Big business: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a business firm whose articles of incorporation have been approved in some state
  • Words that mean the same thing: corporation
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CORP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. California border lake"

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: TAHOE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. Touch, taste or smell"

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 general conscious awareness
  • Words that mean the same thing: feel, sentiency, mother wit
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SENSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. Difficult thing to maintain under pressure"

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 cgs unit of dynamic viscosity equal to one dyne-second per square centimeter; the viscosity of a fluid in which a force of one dyne per square centimeter maintains a velocity of 1 centimeter per second
  • Words that mean the same thing: balance, brace, assuredness
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: POISE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Summa cum ___ ("with highest praise")"

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: LAUDE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. Daring poker bet"

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: ALLIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. Puts a spell 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 an evil spell
  • Words that mean the same thing: curse, glamour, bewitch
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HEXES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "56. Hearty bowlful"

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 agitation resulting from active worry
  • Words that mean the same thing: fret, swither, grizzle
  • The 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 37 Down: "59. "Pics ___ didn't happen!""

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: ORIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "61. 1977 Steely Dan album with a palindromic title"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium 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: AJA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "62. Slippery fish"

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

    The answer is: EEL

    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%
Abbreviation 2 2.6%
Music 2 2.6%
History 1 1.3%
Sports 1 1.3%
Food & Drink 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 37
Down Clues 39
Total Clues 76
Average Answer Length 5.0 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 Monday, 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 08, 2025 at 01:31 PM

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Sunday, December 21, 2025

Sunday's NYT Mini Dec 21 - All 10 Across & 10 Down Clues Decoded

Sunday NYT Mini Crossword Answers December 21, 2025 - Quick 5×5 Grid Solutions & Tips

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: October 29 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | All NYT Down Clues September 26 2025 35 | October 27 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for December 21, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Sunday, December 21, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 21, 2025
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1     
Row 2     
Row 3     
Row 4     
Row 5     

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 30. Rap's Run-___
2 Across 27. Wrangler alternative
3 Across 46. Fraudulently make seem like
4 Across 89. Sci-fi miniaturizer
5 Across 118. Few and far between
6 Across 58. A bit off, say
7 Across 20. Game piece made of four squares
8 Across 123. "What's done is done!"
9 Across 82. Wrap seller
10 Across 64. Dark side

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:

1 Across: "30. Rap's Run-___"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DMC

2 Across: "27. Wrangler alternative"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Another word like this: leeward

Answer:

Click to reveal LEE

3 Across: "46. Fraudulently make seem like"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P_______S

Answer:

Click to reveal PALMOFFAS

4 Across: "89. Sci-fi miniaturizer"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: S_______Y

Answer:

Click to reveal SHRINKRAY

5 Across: "118. Few and far between"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal RARE

6 Across: "58. A bit off, say"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ONSALE

7 Across: "20. Game piece made of four squares"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: T_______O

Answer:

Click to reveal TETROMINO

8 Across: "123. "What's done is done!""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G_______T

Answer:

Click to reveal GETOVERIT

9 Across: "82. Wrap seller"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: D__I

Answer:

Click to reveal DELI

10 Across: "64. Dark side"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal YIN

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Make furious
2 Down 50. Woman's nickname that sounds like two letters
3 Down 73. Just getting started with
4 Down 13. Iced-tea-and-lemonade refreshments
5 Down 86. Calmed deceptively
6 Down 41. Shoe company with an iconic checkerboard design
7 Down 39. 2015 chart-topping hit for the Weeknd
8 Down 103. "Ta-ta!"
9 Down 104. Tricky pool shot
10 Down 106. Someone enjoying a walk in the park

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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

1 Down: "1. Make furious"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal STEAM

2 Down: "50. Woman's nickname that sounds like two letters"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal EVIE

3 Down: "73. Just getting started with"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: N___T

Answer:

Click to reveal NEWAT

4 Down: "13. Iced-tea-and-lemonade refreshments"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 13 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A___________S

Answer:

Click to reveal ARNOLDPALMERS

5 Down: "86. Calmed deceptively"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LULLED

6 Down: "41. Shoe company with an iconic checkerboard design"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: V__S

Answer:

Click to reveal VANS

7 Down: "39. 2015 chart-topping hit for the Weeknd"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 14 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: C____________E

Answer:

Click to reveal CANTFEELMYFACE

8 Down: "103. "Ta-ta!""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SEEYA

9 Down: "104. Tricky pool shot"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal MASSE

10 Down: "106. Someone enjoying a walk in the park"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal HIKER

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 1 minute 10 seconds
Difficulty: Normal

More Puzzle Help

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

Recent Crossword Solutions:

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

The puzzle comes out at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before. So you can play Monday's puzzle starting Sunday at 10 PM.

How fast should I be able to solve it?

Most people solve the Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play?

No! The NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Mini solver?

Good Mini solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

Unlike the big NYT crossword, the Mini stays about the same difficulty every day. Sometimes Saturday might be a tiny bit harder.

About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 21, 2025 at 04:22 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, December 21 2025 mini crossword

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