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Tuesday, September 23, 2025

August 18, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 71 (35 Across, 36 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

August 18, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions

August 18, 2020 Across Hints: NYT Tuesday Crossword Answers

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Piece for Leontyne Price 4
2A 5. Recipe measures: Abbr. 4
3A 9. ___-play 4
4A 13. Something produced by a dogwood tree ... or a dog 4
5A 14. Like a blue moon 4
6A 15. New York State's ___ Canal 4
7A 16. Mine, in Le Mans 4
8A 17. Rights advocate who campaigned for 53-Across 9
9A 19. What 53-Across changed 12
10A 21. A choir might sing in it 6
11A 22. Zeus, to Rhea 3
12A 23. One meas. of economic activity 3
13A 26. Cul-de-___ 3
14A 27. Nickelodeon's "Kenan & ___" 3
15A 29. Call it a day 6
16A 31. Wild 5
17A 33. Compulsively particular, say 4
18A 34. Subject of 53-Across 14
19A 39. Grad 4
20A 40. Front of a pig 5
21A 41. Seven Sisters school in the Hudson Valley 6
22A 44. "If ___ doesn't make us better, then what on earth is it for?": Alice Walker 3
23A 45. Computer key usually hit with the left pinkie 3
24A 48. Tonsillitis-treating doc 3
25A 49. Expected, as a baby 3
26A 51. Balkan land whose capital is Pristina 6
27A 53. Measure fully ratified on 8/18/1920 12
28A 56. 36th state to ratify 53-Across, resulting in its passage 9
29A 58. Narrow estuaries 4
30A 59. Jason's ship, in myth 4
31A 60. Fill-in worker 4
32A 61. Girl of Green Gables 4
33A 62. [OMG!] 4
34A 63. Bullring cries 4
35A 64. "Hey, you!" 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. Piece for Leontyne Price"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an elaborate song for solo voice
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Recipe measures: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium 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: TSPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. ___-play"

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 actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
  • Words that mean the same thing: persona, office, part
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Something produced by a dogwood tree ... or a dog"

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 tough protective covering of the woody stems and roots of trees and other woody plants
  • Words that mean the same thing: barque, skin
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BARK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Like a blue moon"

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

    The answer is: RARE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. New York State's ___ Canal"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
  • Words that mean the same thing: Lake Erie
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ERIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. Mine, in Le Mans"

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: AMOI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "17. Rights advocate who campaigned for 53-Across"

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: ALICEPAUL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. What 53-Across changed"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that law determining the fundamental political principles of a government
  • Words that mean the same thing: U.S. Constitution, composition, organic law
  • The word looks like this: ____________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CONSTITUTION

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. A choir might sing in 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 corresponding exactly
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: UNISON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Zeus, to Rhea"

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 male human offspring
  • Words that mean the same thing: Logos, Word, boy
  • The opposite would be: daughter, girl
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. One meas. of economic activity"

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 measure of an economy adopted by the united states in 1991; the total market values of goods and services produced by workers and capital within a nation's borders during a given period (usually 1 year)
  • Words that mean the same thing: gross domestic product
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GDP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Cul-de-___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an enclosed space
  • Words that mean the same thing: sack, pouch, Sauk
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Nickelodeon's "Kenan & ___""

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: KEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Call it a day"

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 go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position
  • Words that mean the same thing: adjourn, recede, pull back
  • The opposite would be: advance, get up
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RETIRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Wild"

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 wild and menacing
  • Words that mean the same thing: ferine, savage
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FERAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Compulsively particular, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that of or related to the anus
  • Words that mean the same thing: anal retentive
  • The opposite would be: oral
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Subject of 53-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: WOMENSSUFFRAGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. Grad"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a white crystalline double sulfate of aluminum: the ammonium double sulfate of aluminum
  • Words that mean the same thing: alumna, alumnus, ammonium alum
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALUM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. Front of a pig"

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 long projecting or anterior elongation of an animal's head; especially the nose
  • Words that mean the same thing: nozzle, hooter, beak
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SNOUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Seven Sisters school in the Hudson Valley"

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: VASSAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. "If ___ doesn't make us better, then what on earth is it for?": Alice Walker"

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 the products of human creativity; works of art collectively
  • Words that mean the same thing: prowess, artistic production, graphics
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ART

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Computer key usually hit with the left pinkie"

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 bill in a restaurant
  • Words that mean the same thing: pill, yellow journalism, tab key
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TAB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "48. Tonsillitis-treating doc"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Expected, as a baby"

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 that which is deserved or owed
  • Words that mean the same thing: referable, ascribable, imputable
  • The opposite would be: undue
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DUE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "51. Balkan land whose capital is Pristina"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a serbian province in southern serbia and montenegro populated predominantly by albanians
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KOSOVO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "53. Measure fully ratified on 8/18/1920"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: AMENDMENTXIX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "56. 36th state to ratify 53-Across, resulting in its passage"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a state in east central united states
  • Words that mean the same thing: Volunteer State, Tennessee River, TN
  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TENNESSEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "58. Narrow estuaries"

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: RIAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "59. Jason's ship, in myth"

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 formerly a large constellation in the southern hemisphere between canis major and the southern cross; now divided into carina and pyxis and puppis and vela
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "60. Fill-in worker"

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 worker (especially in an office) hired on a temporary basis
  • Words that mean the same thing: temporary, temporary worker
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TEMP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "61. Girl of Green Gables"

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 queen of england and scotland and ireland; daughter if james ii and the last of the stuart monarchs; in 1707 she was the last english ruler to exercise the royal veto over parliament (1665-1714)
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANNE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "62. [OMG!]"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open
  • Words that mean the same thing: pant, puff, heave
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GASP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "63. Bullring cries"

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: OLES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "64. "Hey, you!""

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: PSST

    Great job if you got it right!

August 18, 2020 Down Hints: NYT Tuesday Crossword Guide

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Simple adding device 6
2D 2. ___ Quimby of children's literature 6
3D 3. Alanis Morissette song about unfortunate situations 6
4D 4. "Sealed With ___" 5
5D 5. Some gym personnel 8
6D 6. One reason dogs lick us is for this, it's believed 4
7D 7. Toyota hybrid 5
8D 8. Division of the economy 6
9D 9. Defaulter's loss, informally 4
10D 10. Citrus drink often sold in a pear-shaped bottle 8
11D 11. Lucy who played Watson on "Elementary" 3
12D 12. Slithery fish 3
13D 18. German article 4
14D 20. Coin in an arcade 5
15D 24. "We're all born naked and the rest is ___": RuPaul 4
16D 25. Brazilian soccer great 4
17D 28. Scottish miss 4
18D 30. Sour 4
19D 31. Some partners in lesbian couples 4
20D 32. Moon goddess 4
21D 34. Surfer's need 4
22D 35. Heroine in Pearl Buck's "The Good Earth" 4
23D 36. Ford Motor muscle cars 8
24D 37. Without the possibility of being taken back 8
25D 38. Foldable bed 5
26D 42. Ending with chick 4
27D 43. Totals 6
28D 45. What juice cleanses are supposed to get rid of 6
29D 46. Feathered creatures 6
30D 47. Complete DVD collection, maybe 6
31D 50. Ford Motor flop of the 1950s 5
32D 52. Bra part 5
33D 54. Pre-Q quartet 4
34D 55. Grumpy Cat or Doge, e.g. 4
35D 56. Kids' game with a lot of running 3
36D 57. Period in history 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. Simple adding device"

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 tablet placed horizontally on top of the capital of a column as an aid in supporting the architrave
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ABACUS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. ___ Quimby of children's literature"

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

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: common sage, Salvia officinalis
  • The 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 3 Down: "3. Alanis Morissette song about unfortunate situations"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that humorously sarcastic or mocking
  • Words that mean the same thing: dry, ironical, wry
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IRONIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. "Sealed With ___""

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: AKISS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Some gym personnel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that one who trains other persons or animals
  • Words that mean the same thing: flight simulator, trainer
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRAINERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. One reason dogs lick us is for this, it's believed"

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 compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)
  • Words that mean the same thing: common salt, salinity, saltiness
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SALT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Toyota hybrid"

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: PRIUS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Division of the economy"

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 plane figure bounded by two radii and the included arc of a circle
  • Words that mean the same thing: sphere
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SECTOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Defaulter's loss, informally"

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: REPO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Citrus drink often sold in a pear-shaped bottle"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert 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: ORANGINA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Lucy who played Watson on "Elementary""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: LIU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Slithery 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!

Clue 13 Down: "18. German article"

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: EINE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "20. Coin in an arcade"

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 individual instance of a type of symbol
  • Words that mean the same thing: nominal, souvenir, keepsake
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOKEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "24. "We're all born naked and the rest is ___": RuPaul"

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 phenomenon of resistance to motion through a fluid
  • Words that mean the same thing: trail, puff, pull
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DRAG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Brazilian soccer great"

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: PELE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "28. Scottish miss"

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 girl or young woman who is unmarried
  • Words that mean the same thing: jeune fille, young girl, lassie
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LASS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "30. Sour"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a woman who engages in sexual intercourse for money
  • Words that mean the same thing: lemonlike, fancy woman, woman of the street
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TART

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "31. Some partners in lesbian couples"

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: FEMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. Moon goddess"

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 (roman mythology) the goddess of the moon; counterpart of greek selene
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LUNA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. Surfer's need"

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 one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
  • Words that mean the same thing: flourish, flap, moving ridge
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WAVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. Heroine in Pearl Buck's "The Good Earth""

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: OLAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Ford Motor muscle cars"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that small hardy range horse of the western plains descended from horses brought by the spanish
  • Words that mean the same thing: mustang
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MUSTANGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Without the possibility of being taken back"

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: FORKEEPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Foldable bed"

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 mattress consisting of a pad of cotton batting that is used for sleeping on the floor or on a raised frame
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FUTON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "42. Ending with chick"

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: ADEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Totals"

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: RUNSTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. What juice cleanses are supposed to get rid of"

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 poisonous substance produced during the metabolism and growth of certain microorganisms and some higher plant and animal species
  • Words that mean the same thing: toxin
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOXINS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Feathered creatures"

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: AVIANS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Complete DVD collection, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: BOXSET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. Ford Motor flop of the 1950s"

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: EDSEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. Bra part"

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 elongated leather strip (or a strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position
  • Words that mean the same thing: lather, trounce, whip
  • The opposite would be: unstrap
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STRAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. Pre-Q quartet"

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: MNOP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "55. Grumpy Cat or Doge, 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 cultural unit (an idea or value or pattern of behavior) that is passed from one person to another by non-genetic means (as by imitation)
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MEME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. Kids' game with a lot of running"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a label written or printed on paper, cardboard, or plastic that is attached to something to indicate its owner, nature, price, etc.
  • Words that mean the same thing: trail, track, give chase
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TAG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "57. Period in history"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ERA

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 52 73.2%
Short Answer 9 12.7%
Geography 3 4.2%
Food & Drink 2 2.8%
History 2 2.8%
Music 1 1.4%
Science/Technology 1 1.4%
Sports 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 35
Down Clues 36
Total Clues 71
Average Answer Length 5.0 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 Tuesday, 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!

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

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 23, 2025 at 05:20 AM

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Wednesday, December 24, 2025

NYT Down Clues Answers December 24, 2025 - All 37 Vertical Solutions & Expert Hints

Today's Down Crossword NYT December 24, 2025 - Every Vertical Solution Explained

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 37 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: October 28 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | July 07 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | March 15 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 24, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 24, 2025
Day of Week Wednesday
Total Down Clues 37 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Tricky

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 37 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Recipe directive
2 Down 2. Speck
3 Down 3. Travel without an itinerary, say
4 Down 4. "Count me out"
5 Down 5. Org. for therapists
6 Down 6. Silly character on the "Sesame Street" segment "Elmo's World"
7 Down 7. "S.N.L." alum Bryant
8 Down 8. Free copy of a film sent to awards show voters
9 Down 9. Perceive
10 Down 10. "That's very kind of you"
11 Down 11. Class where you learn how to get a tan?
12 Down 12. Pimples
13 Down 13. Fury
14 Down 18. Cuba, por ejemplo
15 Down 19. Looks weighed down
16 Down 24. Pesky biter, informally
17 Down 26. Patterns
18 Down 27. Unwise
19 Down 28. Procedure with frozen eggs, for short
20 Down 29. No-clothes college gathering
21 Down 30. "Really, we're still doing this?!"
22 Down 31. Convenient spot for a pint
23 Down 34. Orthodontists' offerings
24 Down 35. Tricksy schemes
25 Down 37. Cooked rice, in Korean cuisine
26 Down 38. Ballpoint brand
27 Down 41. Clarinetist's need
28 Down 43. Wiener schnitzel meat
29 Down 45. Snogged
30 Down 46. Cut into small cubes
31 Down 47. Coast Guard rank
32 Down 52. Cops near Alcatraz, for short
33 Down 54. "Hey! Over here!"
34 Down 55. Rainbow's shape
35 Down 57. ___ Stroker, Tony Award-winning actress in "Oklahoma!"
36 Down 58. Low mark
37 Down 60. Zilch

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues

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

Complete Down Solutions:

1 Down: "1. Recipe directive"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S__R
  • Similar words: excite, bring up
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a prominent or sensational but short-lived news event
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STIR

2 Down: "2. Speck"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: I__A
  • Similar words: whit, scintilla
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IOTA

3 Down: "3. Travel without an itinerary, say"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: R__M
  • Similar words: stray, cast
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: move about aimlessly or without any destination
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROAM

4 Down: "4. "Count me out""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I_____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ILLPASS

5 Down: "5. Org. for therapists"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer APA

6 Down: "6. Silly character on the "Sesame Street" segment "Elmo's World""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: M______E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MRNOODLE

7 Down: "7. "S.N.L." alum Bryant"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: A__Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AIDY

8 Down: "8. Free copy of a film sent to awards show voters"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S______R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SCREENER

9 Down: "9. Perceive"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: figure, see to it
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEE

10 Down: "10. "That's very kind of you""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S_____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOSWEET

11 Down: "11. Class where you learn how to get a tan?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: T__G
  • Similar words: clean-cut, trim
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the mathematics of triangles and trigonometric functions
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TRIG

12 Down: "12. Pimples"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACNE

13 Down: "13. Fury"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R__E
  • Similar words: passion, fad
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a feeling of intense anger
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RAGE

14 Down: "18. Cuba, por ejemplo"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: I__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ISLA

15 Down: "19. Looks weighed down"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S__S
  • Similar words: sag, sag down
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a shape that sags
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SAGS

16 Down: "24. Pesky biter, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: S_____R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKEETER

17 Down: "26. Patterns"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: D_____S
  • Similar words: conception, figure
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DESIGNS

18 Down: "27. Unwise"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: I________D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ILLADVISED

19 Down: "28. Procedure with frozen eggs, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'F'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IVF

20 Down: "29. No-clothes college gathering"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: N________Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NAKEDPARTY

21 Down: "30. "Really, we're still doing this?!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: A___N
  • Similar words: once again, over again
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: anew
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AGAIN

22 Down: "31. Convenient spot for a pint"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: C_______B
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CORNERPUB

23 Down: "34. Orthodontists' offerings"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R_______S
  • Similar words: consideration, servant
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RETAINERS

24 Down: "35. Tricksy schemes"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P___S
  • Similar words: ploy, stratagem
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PLOYS

25 Down: "37. Cooked rice, in Korean cuisine"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'P'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a small loaf or roll of soft bread
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BAP

26 Down: "38. Ballpoint brand"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'C'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BIC

27 Down: "41. Clarinetist's need"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: R__D
  • Similar words: John Reed, Walter Reed
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REED

28 Down: "43. Wiener schnitzel meat"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: V__L
  • Similar words: veau
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: meat from a calf
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VEAL

29 Down: "45. Snogged"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: N____D
  • Similar words: neck, make out
  • Opposite of: neckless
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: kiss
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NECKED

30 Down: "46. Cut into small cubes"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: D___D
  • Similar words: cube, dice
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: cut into cubes
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DICED

31 Down: "47. Coast Guard rank"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: E____N
  • Similar words: national flag
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENSIGN

32 Down: "52. Cops near Alcatraz, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S__D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SFPD

33 Down: "54. "Hey! Over here!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: P__T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PSST

34 Down: "55. Rainbow's shape"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'C'
  • Similar words: arch, electric arc
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ARC

35 Down: "57. ___ Stroker, Tony Award-winning actress in "Oklahoma!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'I'
  • Similar words: Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALI

36 Down: "58. Low mark"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DEE

37 Down: "60. Zilch"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'L'
  • Similar words: cipher, zero
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a quantity of no importance
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NIL

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

  • Down clues often reveal key letters for intersecting words
  • Vertical patterns can unlock difficult sections
  • Many prefixes and suffixes run vertically
  • Down answers often help solve Across clues

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

  1. Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Down entries
  2. Prefixes and suffixes: Common word parts often run vertically
  3. Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
  4. Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Down
  5. Pop culture references: Names and titles often appear vertically

Time-Saving Down Techniques

Technique How It Helps
Scan all Down first Get a mental map of the vertical flow
Fill short Down words 3-4 letter words are often prefixes or connectors
Use crossing letters Across letters help confirm Down answers
Look for themes Related Down answers often share a theme

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 37 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Down clues often contain helpful prefixes, suffixes, and word parts that can be easier to guess.

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

Down and Across clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.

About This Page: We provide comprehensive Down clues solutions and hints for the NYT Crossword to help you improve your solving skills. This site is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 24, 2025 at 05:18 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 24 2025 down clues

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