27449 Mon Jan 06, 2025 NY Times Crossword Clues Hints

Break down the NYT Crosswords: January 06, 2025

Let's go into the puzzle, starting with the across clues and answers, followed by the down clues and answers.

 Mon Jan 06, 2025 NY Times Crossword Clues

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Supersonic speed number. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: MACH

  Possible Answer : Ernst_Mach, Mach




• The clue is 5. Cookies that are sometimes dunked in milk. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: OREOS

  Possible Answer : oreo_cookie, oreo




• The clue is 10. Whole lot. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SCAD

  Possible Answer : scad




• The clue is 14. Cousin of a clarinet. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: OBOE

  Possible Answer : hautboy, oboe, hautbois




• The clue is 15. What "duty-free" means. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: NOTAX




• The clue is 16. Westover with the best-selling memoir "Educated". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: TARA

  Possible Answer : Tara




• The clue is 17. Theatrical description. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (15 letters)

  The answer: CHARACTERSKETCH




• The clue is 20. Position of greatest stress. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: HOTSEAT




• The clue is 21. "Campbell's Soup Cans" painter. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: WARHOL

  Possible Answer : Andy_Warhol, Warhol




• The clue is 22. "___ longa, vita brevis". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ARS

  Possible Answer : ar, atomic_number_18, argon, Land_of_Opportunity, are, Ar, AR, Arkansas




• The clue is 23. Iditarod entries. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: SLEDS

  Possible Answer : sledge, sleigh, sled




• The clue is 26. Follower of double-you, ex, wye. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ZEE

  Possible Answer : zed, Z, zee, ezed, z, izzard




• The clue is 27. Dog crossbreed known for its teddy bear appearance. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

  The answer: GOLDENDOODLE




• The clue is 31. Recovered from a fall. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: GOTUP




• The clue is 34. Modern anxiety source, in brief. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: FOMO




• The clue is 35. Small cove. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: RIA




• The clue is 36. Applications. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: USES

  Possible Answer : apply, use_of_goods_and_services, U.S., United_States_of_America, employment, the_States, purpose, usage, US, employ, U.S.A., enjoyment, habituate, utilisation, practice, utilization, exercise, manipulation, utilise, habit, function, role, USA, use, usance, economic_consumption, United_States, America, expend, consumption, utilize




• The clue is 37. Sandwiches that often contain tuna. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: MELTS

  Possible Answer : melt_down, thawing, meld, mellow_out, melting, dissolve, dethaw, fade, unthaw, mellow, unfreeze, disappear, melt, evaporate, thaw, run




• The clue is 39. Overnight ___ (breakfast option). Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: OATS

  Possible Answer : oat




• The clue is 40. Brewery offering. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ALE

  Possible Answer : ale




• The clue is 41. Crimson Tide univ.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: BAMA




• The clue is 42. Large cove. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: INLET

  Possible Answer : inlet, recess, intake




• The clue is 43. Track exposures to a disease, as an epidemiologist might. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

  The answer: CONTACTTRACE




• The clue is 47. Hosp. V.I.P.s. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: DRS




• The clue is 48. Note on a failed test, maybe. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: SEEME




• The clue is 49. Ball club V.I.P.s. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: GMS

  Possible Answer : gm, gramme, g, gram




• The clue is 52. Valiant. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: HEROIC

  Possible Answer : heroical, heroic, desperate, heroic_meter, larger-than-life, heroic_verse, epic, grand, expansive




• The clue is 55. Amy who voiced Joy in "Inside Out". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: POEHLER




• The clue is 57. Use deductive reasoning ... or a hint to what 17-, 27- and 43-Across all have. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (15 letters)

  The answer: DRAWCONCLUSIONS




• The clue is 60. Proctor's cry at the end of a test. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: TIME

  Possible Answer : fourth_dimension, clock, meter, prison_term, time, clock_time, metre, sentence, clip




• The clue is 61. South Korea's second-largest city. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: BUSAN




• The clue is 62. Actor Esparza. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: RAUL




• The clue is 63. Calf's meat. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: VEAL

  Possible Answer : veau, veal




• The clue is 64. Stretch of work. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: STINT

  Possible Answer : stint, skimp, Erolia_minutilla, scant, least_sandpiper, stretch, scrimp




• The clue is 65. Custom gift site. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ETSY

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Chocolaty coffee drink. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: MOCHA

  Possible Answer: mocha_coffee, mocha

• The clue is 2. Despise. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: ABHOR

  Possible Answer: execrate, abominate, abhor, loathe

• The clue is 3. Nail polish layers. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: COATS

  Possible Answer: pelage, surface, coat, coating, cake

• The clue is 4. His and ___. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: HERS

• The clue is 5. Available if needed. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ONCALL

• The clue is 6. Went bad. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ROTTED

  Possible Answer: rot, waste, molder, rotted, rotten, decompose, moulder, decayed

• The clue is 7. Saison of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ETE

• The clue is 8. Rower's blade. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: OAR

  Possible Answer: oar

• The clue is 9. Annual festival in Austin, Tex.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SXSW

• The clue is 10. Sound system. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: STEREO

  Possible Answer: stereo_system, stereoscopic_photograph, stereophonic, stereophonic_system, two-channel, stereoscopic_picture, stereo, stereophony

• The clue is 11. Paris's Notre-Dame, for one. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

  The answer: CATHEDRAL

  Possible Answer: cathedral, duomo

• The clue is 12. West Coast gas brand. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ARCO

  Possible Answer: arco

• The clue is 13. Roald who wrote "Matilda" and "The BFG". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: DAHL

  Possible Answer: Cajanus_cajan, red_gram, pigeon_pea, dhal, pigeon-pea_plant, catjang_pea, cajan_pea, dahl

• The clue is 18. "The Tortoise and the Hare" author. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: AESOP

  Possible Answer: Aesop

• The clue is 19. Instrument that may be included in a birthday goodie bag. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: KAZOO

  Possible Answer: kazoo

• The clue is 24. Take down, as a bouncy house. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: DEFLATE

  Possible Answer: deflate, puncture

  Possible Opposite Answer : inflate

• The clue is 25. Arrogant sort. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SNOT

  Possible Answer: snot, snob, snoot, prig

• The clue is 27. "Gloomy" fellow. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: GUS

  Possible Answer: GU, Guam

• The clue is 28. Chats with on Insta. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: DMS

  Possible Answer: DM, decimetre, diabetes_mellitus, decimeter, dm

• The clue is 29. Lo-cal. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: LITE

  Possible Answer: light, low-cal, calorie-free, lite

• The clue is 30. Toward the sunrise. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: EAST

  Possible Answer: eastward, eastern_United_States, due_east, East, E, Orient, east

  Possible Opposite Answer : west

• The clue is 31. One layer in a seven-layer dip, informally. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: GUAC

• The clue is 32. Norway's capital. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: OSLO

  Possible Answer: Oslo, capital_of_Norway, Christiania

• The clue is 33. "Riverdale" or "XO, Kitty". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (9 letters)

  The answer: TEENDRAMA

• The clue is 37. ___ and cheese. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: MAC

  Possible Answer: mackintosh, mac, mack, macintosh

• The clue is 38. Ambulance personnel, in brief. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: EMTS

• The clue is 39. Start of a count. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ONE

  Possible Answer: single, one, unitary, one_and_only, peerless, unmatched, unrivalled, nonpareil, unmatchable, unity, i, unrivaled, ace, ane, matchless, 1, I

• The clue is 41. >7 on the pH scale. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: BASIC

  Possible Answer: basic, canonical, canonic, BASIC, introductory, staple

  Possible Opposite Answer : incidental

• The clue is 42. Colorful summer drinks. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: ICEES

  Possible Answer: ice, frost

• The clue is 44. Gardener's tool. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: TROWEL

  Possible Answer: trowel

• The clue is 45. Come up with a new schedule. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: REPLAN

• The clue is 46. Quantity. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: AMOUNT

  Possible Answer: sum, measure, amount, amount_of_money, sum_of_money, total, quantity, number, come, add_up

• The clue is 49. Show bad sportsmanship, in a way. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: GLOAT

  Possible Answer: crow, gloat, triumph, gloating, glee

• The clue is 50. Kids might be given these with crayons. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: MENUS

  Possible Answer: fare, computer_menu, carte, carte_du_jour, bill_of_fare, menu, card

• The clue is 51. "r u kidding?!". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: SRSLY

• The clue is 52. Flat-screen, say. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: HDTV

  Possible Answer: high-definition_television, HDTV

• The clue is 53. Scary-sounding Great Lake. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ERIE

  Possible Answer: Lake_Erie, Erie

• The clue is 54. Corn waste. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: COBS

  Possible Answer: cobnut, Larus_marinus, great_black-backed_gull, black-backed_gull, filbert, hazelnut, cob

• The clue is 56. Bring on, as workers. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: HIRE

  Possible Answer: hire, employ, rent, take, engage, lease, charter

  Possible Opposite Answer : fire

• The clue is 58. Pecan or pistachio. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: NUT

  Possible Answer: ballock, testis, en, addict, fruitcake, ball, nut_case, bollock, testicle, orchis, junkie, nut, screwball, crackpot, Nut, crank, freak, egg, junky

• The clue is 59. CBS procedural that ran for 15 seasons. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: CSI

XWordHint Crossword Answers December 05, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Today's Puzzle Difficulty
• Across Clues Table (32 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (36 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Home to Kotoka International Airport	5
2A	6. Many a wearer of a long robe called a thawb	5
3A	11. Can't-miss purchases?	13
4A	14. Words of caution	15
5A	16. Threshold	3
6A	17. Ties up	7
7A	18. Coastal waterway	3
8A	19. Up	5
9A	21. Subject of the Bouguereau painting "The Abduction of Psyche"	4
10A	22. Colombian city of 2+ million	4
11A	23. Dutch artist Jan van der ___	4
12A	24. Curtail	4
13A	25. Stick in an orchestra	5
14A	26. Spot likely to smear	8
15A	28. They aren't party people	6
16A	29. Cut, as with a box cutter	4
17A	30. "Fun-size"	4
18A	31. Film with the tagline "Someone has taken their love for scary movies one step too far"	6
19A	34. Words of retaliation	8
20A	38. Word with fire or false	5
21A	39. Hotel listing	4
22A	40. One and the other	4
23A	41. Big name in chip production	4
24A	42. Bundle	4
25A	43. Sauce whose name derives from the Italian word for "crush"	5
26A	44. Refuge	3
27A	45. Where much of "Brokeback Mountain" was filmed	7
28A	47. It's perfect	3
29A	48. "Might as well give it a shot ..."	15
30A	51. Age at which you just learned something you should have realized before, facetiously	13
31A	52. Something blocked by censors	5
32A	53. 1944 Pacific battle site	5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Home to Kotoka International Airport"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a republic in west africa on the gulf of guinea
• Similar words include: Republic of Ghana, Gold Coast
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GHANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Many a wearer of a long robe called a thawb"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a native or inhabitant of saudi arabia
• Similar words include: Saudi Arabian, Saudi-Arabian
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAUDI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Can't-miss purchases?"

13 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEASONTICKETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Words of caution"

15 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DONTPOKETHEBEAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "16. Threshold"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (old testament) adam's wife in judeo-christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; god created eve from adam's rib and placed adam and eve in the garden of eden
• Similar words include: eventide, even, evening
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. Ties up"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that spin,wind, or twist together
• Similar words include: enlace, lace, twine
• Opposite of: untwine

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENLACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. Coastal waterway"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Up"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that move upward
• Similar words include: jump, originate, go up
• Opposite of: turn in, fall

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RISEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Subject of the Bouguereau painting "The Abduction of Psyche""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (greek mythology) god of love; son of aphrodite; identified with roman cupid
• Similar words include: sexual desire, physical attraction, concupiscence
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EROS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Colombian city of 2+ million"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that city in southwestern colombia in a rich agricultural area
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Dutch artist Jan van der ___"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MEER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Curtail"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed
• Similar words include: root, stalk, stem turn
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STEM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Stick in an orchestra"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a thin tapered rod used by a conductor to lead an orchestra or choir
• Similar words include: nightstick, billy, billystick
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BATON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Spot likely to smear"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATTACKAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "28. They aren't party people"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who avoids the company or assistance of others
• Similar words include: lone wolf, loner, lone hand
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LONERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "29. Cut, as with a box cutter"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a long narrow opening
• Similar words include: incision, puss, twat
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SLIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "30. "Fun-size""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a very short skirt
• Similar words include: miniskirt
• Opposite of: midi

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MINI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "31. Film with the tagline "Someone has taken their love for scary movies one step too far""

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that sharp piercing cry
• Similar words include: screech, screaming, call
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCREAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "34. Words of retaliation"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TAKETHAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Word with fire or false"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that fear resulting from the awareness of danger
• Similar words include: alarm clock, horrify, warning device
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALARM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "39. Hotel listing"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit
• Similar words include: grade, rank, range
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. One and the other"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (used with count nouns) two considered together; the two
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BOTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. Big name in chip production"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
• Similar words include: ballad, pose, put down
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LAYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "42. Bundle"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a collection of objects laid on top of each other
• Similar words include: cumulus, down, deal
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "43. Sauce whose name derives from the Italian word for "crush""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sauce typically served with pasta; contains crushed basil leaves and garlic and pine nuts and parmesan cheese in olive oil
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PESTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "44. Refuge"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (judaism) sacred chest where the ancient hebrews kept the two tablets containing the ten commandments
• Similar words include: Ark of the Covenant
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "45. Where much of "Brokeback Mountain" was filmed"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that one of the three prairie provinces in western canada; rich in oil and natural gas and minerals
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALBERTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "47. It's perfect"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
• Similar words include: x, decade, tenner
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "48. "Might as well give it a shot ...""

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HEREGOESNOTHING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "51. Age at which you just learned something you should have realized before, facetiously"

13 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TODAYYEARSOLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "52. Something blocked by censors"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
• Similar words include: torment, expletive, anathemise
• Opposite of: bless, communicate

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CURSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "53. 1944 Pacific battle site"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a battle in world war ii; the return of united states troops to the philippines began with landings on leyte island in october 1944; the battle marked first use of kamikaze aircraft by the japanese
• Similar words include: Leyte invasion, Leyte Island
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEYTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. What clones share	7
2D	2. It might be on a rack	3
3D	3. Ski town that shares its name with a tree	5
4D	4. "High" time	4
5D	5. Image that's just over a foot, informally	8
6D	6. "Arrested Development," e.g.	6
7D	7. Pines	5
8D	8. Relatives of banjoleles	4
9D	9. Nebraska senator Fischer	3
10D	10. Repeat	7
11D	11. Council, in Russian	6
12D	12. Got misty	6
13D	13. Sea shanty singer	6
14D	14. Skin layer with hair follicles	5
15D	15. Show stoppers, sometimes	5
16D	20. Items on many a back-to-school supply list	7
17D	22. "Is this possible?!?"	7
18D	24. Take a little off the top	4
19D	25. Dog treat	4
20D	27. Silent sort	4
21D	28. Fancy	4
22D	30. Kind of instinct	8
23D	31. Mohamed ___, Egyptian soccer star	5
24D	32. Shade of red	6
25D	33. Big name in fast food	7
26D	34. "Honor Thy Father" writer, 1971	6
27D	35. Argumentative	7
28D	36. Get to	6
29D	37. Minimal coverage provider?	5
30D	39. Hearty steakhouse serving	6
31D	42. Tricks	5
32D	43. Unwitting mark	5
33D	45. Thickening agent found in many vegan recipes	4
34D	46. Raced	4
35D	49. Dot follower in academia	3
36D	50. Spicy	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. What clones share"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GENESET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. It might be on a rack"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
• Similar words include: chapeau, lid
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Ski town that shares its name with a tree"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of several trees of the genus populus having leaves on flattened stalks so that they flutter in the lightest wind
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASPEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. "High" time"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the middle of the day
• Similar words include: twelve noon, noonday, high noon
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Image that's just over a foot, informally"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANKLETAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "Arrested Development," e.g."

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a humorous drama based on situations that might arise in day-to-day life
• Similar words include: situation comedy
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SITCOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Pines"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
• Similar words include: hurt, suffer, yearn
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACHES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Relatives of banjoleles"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a small guitar having four strings
• Similar words include: ukulele, uke
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: UKES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Nebraska senator Fischer"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a young woman making her debut into society
• Similar words include: debutante
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Repeat"

7 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that to say, state, or perform again
• Similar words include: reiterate, restate, repeat
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ITERATE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Council, in Russian"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an elected governmental council in a communist country (especially one that is a member of the union of soviet socialist republics)
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOVIET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Got misty"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that separate or cause to separate abruptly
• Similar words include: tear, bust, displume
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEARED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Sea shanty singer"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any member of a ship's crew
• Similar words include: leghorn, crewman, boater
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAILOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. Skin layer with hair follicles"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the deep vascular inner layer of the skin
• Similar words include: corium, dermis
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DERMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. Show stoppers, sometimes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
• Similar words include: rain, pelting, rain down
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "20. Items on many a back-to-school supply list"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an implement used to erase something
• Similar words include: eraser
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ERASERS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "22. "Is this possible?!?""

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CANITBE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "24. Take a little off the top"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a thin layer covering the surface of a liquid
• Similar words include: cream off, run down, skim off
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SKIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "25. Dog treat"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates
• Similar words include: swot, get up, drum
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Silent sort"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that burrowing marine mollusk living on sand or mud; the shell closes with viselike firmness
• Similar words include: one dollar bill, buck, dollar
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Fancy"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a similar kind; ,
• Similar words include: corresponding, comparable, same
• Opposite of: dislike, unalike

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Kind of instinct"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that characteristic of a mother; - dorothy sayers
• Similar words include: enatic, parental, paternal
• Opposite of: filial, paternal

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MATERNAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. Mohamed ___, Egyptian soccer star"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the second pillar of islam is prayer; a prescribed liturgy performed five times a day (preferably in a mosque) and oriented toward mecca
• Similar words include: salaah, salat, salaat
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SALAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "32. Shade of red"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a dark purplish-red color
• Similar words include: red Bordeaux
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CLARET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "33. Big name in fast food"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAYKROC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "34. "Honor Thy Father" writer, 1971"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TALESE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "35. Argumentative"

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that troops belonging to the enemy's military forces
• Similar words include: uncongenial, unfriendly
• Opposite of: amicable, friendly

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOSTILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "36. Get to"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.
• Similar words include: serve, see, go to
• Opposite of: miss

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ATTEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "37. Minimal coverage provider?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that leather strip that forms the flexible part of a whip
• Similar words include: G-string, lash, flip-flop
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: THONG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "39. Hearty steakhouse serving"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RIBEYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "42. Tricks"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an opening remark intended to secure an advantage for the speaker
• Similar words include: stratagem, ploy, gambit
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PLOYS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "43. Unwitting mark"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
• Similar words include: fall guy, soft touch, mug
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PATSY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "45. Thickening agent found in many vegan recipes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent
• Similar words include: nutrient agar, agar-agar
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AGAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "46. Raced"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column
• Similar words include: torus, tear, bust
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TORE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "49. Dot follower in academia"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EDU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "50. Spicy"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
• Similar words include: live, raging, blistering
• Opposite of: cold

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: HOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

32 Across Clues

36 Down Clues

68 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

• Complete NYT Crossword Archive
• Advanced Solving Techniques
• Common Crossword Words

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: December 05, 2025 at 04:03 AM