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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query ROOTWORDS. Sort by date Show all posts

Sunday, December 28, 2025

NYT Mini December 28, 2025: Fast Answers, Strategic Hints & Speed-Solving Guide

Sunday NYT Mini Crossword Answers December 28, 2025 - Quick 5×5 Grid Solutions & Tips

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

Popular Puzzles: November 06 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | August 26 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | June 16 2022 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for December 28, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Sunday, December 28, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 28, 2025
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

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

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

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

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

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

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

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 36. Swallow something hook, line and sinker
2 Across 96. In tears
3 Across 87. Wave to, say
4 Across 32. Fab Four drummer
5 Across 70. A Chorus Line
6 Across 73. Personal histories
7 Across 44. A Class Act
8 Across 31. Starting section
9 Across 47. A Strange Loop
10 Across 60. Shapiro of public radio

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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

1 Across: "36. Swallow something hook, line and sinker"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: E_____P

Answer:

Click to reveal EATITUP

2 Across: "96. In tears"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: S_____G

Answer:

Click to reveal SOBBING

3 Across: "87. Wave to, say"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal GREET

4 Across: "32. Fab Four drummer"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal STARR

5 Across: "70. A Chorus Line"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: R_____N

Answer:

Click to reveal REFRAIN

6 Across: "73. Personal histories"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal PASTS

7 Across: "44. A Class Act"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal FIELDTRIP

8 Across: "31. Starting section"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal PARTA

9 Across: "47. A Strange Loop"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 11 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: M_________P

Answer:

Click to reveal MOBIUSSTRIP

10 Across: "60. Shapiro of public radio"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ARI

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 42. Oldsmobile Cutlass model
2 Down 107. Glitzy fabric
3 Down 110. "Gotcha"
4 Down 79. Sources in etymology
5 Down 5. Makeshift tip collector
6 Down 59. Borscht base
7 Down 65. Law, but not order
8 Down 46. Prima ballerina
9 Down 6. Epitome of graceful beauty
10 Down 97. Do a diner job

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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

1 Down: "42. Oldsmobile Cutlass model"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal CIERA

2 Down: "107. Glitzy fabric"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LAME

3 Down: "110. "Gotcha""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ISEE

4 Down: "79. Sources in etymology"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ROOTWORDS

5 Down: "5. Makeshift tip collector"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Another word like this: lid

Answer:

Click to reveal HAT

6 Down: "59. Borscht base"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal BEETS

7 Down: "65. Law, but not order"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: C____R

Answer:

Click to reveal CAREER

8 Down: "46. Prima ballerina"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ETOILE

9 Down: "6. Epitome of graceful beauty"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SWAN

10 Down: "97. Do a diner job"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Another word like this: coach

Answer:

Click to reveal BUS

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

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

Letter Tips That Really Help

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

Time Goals to Aim For

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

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

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

More Puzzle Help

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

Recent Crossword Solutions:

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

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

How fast should I be able to solve it?

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

Do I need to pay to play?

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

What makes a good Mini solver?

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

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

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

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

Last Updated: December 28, 2025 at 04:31 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, December 28 2025 mini crossword

on No comments:

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

27412 Wed Nov 27, 2024 nyt by Jill Singer

Across Clues :

1. Long, 5. Member of an 1800s literary family, 9. Handy expressions?, 14. "Justice League of America," e.g., 16. Possesses a certain je ne sais quoi, 17. Member of an 1800s literary family, 18. Member of an 1800s literary family, 19. Check for errors, perhaps, 20. Key to close a window, 22. Part of I.P.A., 23. A little buggy?, 24. Pump selection: Abbr., 26. @@@, 28. Rose Bowl city, 31. Hospital dept. that sounds like a sentence, 34. Light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak, 37. Symbols of longevity in Chinese iconography, 39. Corn, beans and squash, in Mesoamerican tradition ... or a hint to six answers in this puzzle, 42. Home to horned vipers and deathstalker scorpions, 43. Scorch, 44. Hold (down), 45. Member of a 2000s showbiz family, 48. ___ Quentin, Calif., 49. Meditative discipline, 50. Member of a 2000s showbiz family, 53. Too easy (on), 56. Long time, 59. Singer known as the "Queen of Tejano Music", 61. Member of a 2000s showbiz family, 63. Linguistic "stems", 65. In an online convo, perhaps, 66. Clever person, 67. Universal donor's classification, 68. Flexible Flyer, for one, 69. Good-looking couple?

Down Clues :

1. African city that's home to the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, 2. Poet Leonard, 3. "Crying in ___," best-selling memoir of 2021, 4. Gaelic homeland, 5. Dwellings, 6. "___ on your life!", 7. Pay attention to, 8. Barely gets (by), 9. Fidel's longtime lieutenant, 10. Things found by reading chairs, 11. Home of the highest and lowest points on the earth's surface, 12. Party pooper, 13. Eye malady, 15. Composer Schumann, 21. Final two words of "Over the Rainbow", 25. Patisserie purchase, 27. Southwest ski resort with lifts up to 12,450 feet, 28. Ball pythons, at times, 29. Pulitzer-winning novelist Anthony, 30. Fake, 31. "Understood", 32. Michael who played Allan in "Barbie", 33. Home to Leningrad, for short, 34. Link prefix, 35. "Fancy meeting you here!", 36. Hammer's end, 38. First word in a rhyming pair meaning "small", 40. Maori ceremonial dance, 41. River that provides the largest inflow into the Mediterranean, 46. Fit together, 47. Celebrity gossip show, 48. 14-pound unit, 50. Former presidential candidate who served as Biden's climate envoy, 51. Not mainstream, 52. Ship poles, 53. Short routine, 54. "Goodness gracious!", 55. Do a grillmaster's job, 57. 69-Across, poetically, 58. Père ___ (Santa's French counterpart), 60. Effortless stride, 62. One's self, 64. Flamenco cry

Break down the NYT Crosswords: November 27, 2024

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

New York Times, Wednesday, November 27, 2024
New York Times, Wednesday, November 27, 2024


Across Clues with Answers:

  • The clue is 1. Long. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ACHE

    Possible Answer : ache, smart, hurt, yen, aching, yearn, pine, suffer, languish


  • The clue is 5. Member of an 1800s literary family. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ANNE

    Possible Answer : Anne


  • The clue is 9. Handy expressions?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CLAPS

    Possible Answer : applaud, eruption, clap, bam, bang, acclaim, gonorrhea, gonorrhoea, blast, spat, clack

    Possible Opposite Answer : boo


  • The clue is 14. "Justice League of America," e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: COMICBOOK


  • The clue is 16. Possesses a certain je ne sais quoi. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HASIT


  • The clue is 17. Member of an 1800s literary family. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CHARLOTTE

    Possible Answer : Queen_City, Charlotte, charlotte


  • The clue is 18. Member of an 1800s literary family. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EMILY


  • The clue is 19. Check for errors, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: REREAD

    Possible Answer : reread


  • The clue is 20. Key to close a window. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ESC


  • The clue is 22. Part of I.P.A.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PALE

    Possible Answer : picket, blanch, blench, sick, pallid, pale, wan


  • The clue is 23. A little buggy?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ANT

    Possible Answer : pismire, ant, emmet


  • The clue is 24. Pump selection: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: REG


  • The clue is 26. @@@. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ATS

    Possible Answer : At, at, atomic_number_85, astatine


  • The clue is 28. Rose Bowl city. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

    The answer: PASADENA

    Possible Answer : Pasadena


  • The clue is 31. Hospital dept. that sounds like a sentence. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ICU

    Possible Answer : intensive_care_unit, ICU


  • The clue is 34. Light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HOPE

    Possible Answer : promise, desire, trust, Hope, Leslie_Townes_Hope, Bob_Hope, hope, go_for

    Possible Opposite Answer : despair


  • The clue is 37. Symbols of longevity in Chinese iconography. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TORTOISES

    Possible Answer : tortoise


  • The clue is 39. Corn, beans and squash, in Mesoamerican tradition ... or a hint to six answers in this puzzle. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: THETHREESISTERS


  • The clue is 42. Home to horned vipers and deathstalker scorpions. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: THESAHARA


  • The clue is 43. Scorch. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SEAR

    Possible Answer : parch, blacken, sear, shrivelled, char, shriveled, dried-up, withered, sere, scorch, singe


  • The clue is 44. Hold (down). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PIN

    Possible Answer : rowlock, peg, oarlock, pin, immobilise, stick, personal_identification_number, bowling_pin, PIN, trap, pivot, fall, pin_tumbler, PIN_number, tholepin, flag, thole, immobilize

    Possible Opposite Answer : unpin


  • The clue is 45. Member of a 2000s showbiz family. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

    The answer: KOURTNEY


  • The clue is 48. ___ Quentin, Calif.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SAN


  • The clue is 49. Meditative discipline. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ZEN

    Possible Answer : superman, loony_toons, battery-acid, Zen, Zen_Buddhism, dose, Lucy_in_the_sky_with_diamonds, acid, window_pane, Elvis, pane, back_breaker, dot


  • The clue is 50. Member of a 2000s showbiz family. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: KIM


  • The clue is 53. Too easy (on). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SOFT

    Possible Answer : flabby, piano, diffused, lenient, easy, flaccid, cushy, easygoing, balmy, mild, soft, sonant, gentle, indulgent, delicate, diffuse, voiced, subdued

    Possible Opposite Answer : hardened, hard, loud, unvoiced, forte


  • The clue is 56. Long time. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EON

    Possible Answer : aeon, eon


  • The clue is 59. Singer known as the "Queen of Tejano Music". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SELENA


  • The clue is 61. Member of a 2000s showbiz family. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: KHLOE


  • The clue is 63. Linguistic "stems". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ROOTWORDS


  • The clue is 65. In an online convo, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: IMING


  • The clue is 66. Clever person. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: BELESPRIT


  • The clue is 67. Universal donor's classification. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TYPEO


  • The clue is 68. Flexible Flyer, for one. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SLED

    Possible Answer : sleigh, sled, sledge


  • The clue is 69. Good-looking couple?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EYES

    Possible Answer : centre, eyes, heart, middle, eyeball, oculus, eye, optic, center


Down Clues and Answers:

  • The clue is 1. African city that's home to the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ACCRA

    Possible Answer: Accra, capital_of_Ghana

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

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

    The answer: COHEN

  • The clue is 3. "Crying in ___," best-selling memoir of 2021. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HMART

  • The clue is 4. Gaelic homeland. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EIRE

    Possible Answer: Republic_of_Ireland, Ireland, Eire, Irish_Republic

  • The clue is 5. Dwellings. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ABODES

    Possible Answer: dwelling_house, habitation, abode, domicile, residence, dwelling, home

  • The clue is 6. "___ on your life!". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: NOT

    Possible Answer: non, not

  • The clue is 7. Pay attention to. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: NOTE

    Possible Answer: greenback, tone, musical_note, short_letter, banker's_bill, billet, notice, observe, mention, Federal_Reserve_note, notation, preeminence, promissory_note, bank_note, annotation, banknote, eminence, line, mark, note, bill, take_note, government_note, bank_bill, take_down, remark, distinction, note_of_hand

    Possible Opposite Answer : ignore

  • The clue is 8. Barely gets (by). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EKES

  • The clue is 9. Fidel's longtime lieutenant. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CHE

  • The clue is 10. Things found by reading chairs. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LAMPS

    Possible Answer: lamp

  • The clue is 11. Home of the highest and lowest points on the earth's surface. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ASIA

    Possible Answer: Asia

  • The clue is 12. Party pooper. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PILL

    Possible Answer: oral_contraceptive, contraceptive_pill, tab, anovulant, pill, birth_control_pill, oral_contraceptive_pill, tablet, lozenge, anovulatory_drug

  • The clue is 13. Eye malady. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: STYE

    Possible Answer: eye_infection, stye, hordeolum, sty

  • The clue is 15. Composer Schumann. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CLARA

  • The clue is 21. Final two words of "Over the Rainbow". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CANTI

  • The clue is 25. Patisserie purchase. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: GATEAU

    Possible Answer: gateau

  • The clue is 27. Southwest ski resort with lifts up to 12,450 feet. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TAOS

    Possible Answer: Taoist, Tao, Taos

  • The clue is 28. Ball pythons, at times. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PETS

    Possible Answer: ducky, PET, dearie, darling, favourite, pet, favorite, deary, positron_emission_tomography

  • The clue is 29. Pulitzer-winning novelist Anthony. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: DOERR

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

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

    The answer: ERSATZ

    Possible Answer: ersatz, substitute

  • The clue is 31. "Understood". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ISEE

  • The clue is 32. Michael who played Allan in "Barbie". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CERA

  • The clue is 33. Home to Leningrad, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: USSR

    Possible Answer: Russia, Soviet_Union, USSR, Union_of_Soviet_Socialist_Republics

  • The clue is 34. Link prefix. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HTTP

    Possible Answer: hypertext_transfer_protocol, HTTP

  • The clue is 35. "Fancy meeting you here!". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OHHI

  • The clue is 36. Hammer's end. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PEEN

    Possible Answer: peen

  • The clue is 38. First word in a rhyming pair meaning "small". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ITSY

  • The clue is 40. Maori ceremonial dance. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HAKA

  • The clue is 41. River that provides the largest inflow into the Mediterranean. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RHONE

    Possible Answer: Rhone, Rhone_River

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

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

    The answer: NESTED

    Possible Answer: nuzzle, snuggle, cuddle, draw_close, nestle, nest

  • The clue is 47. Celebrity gossip show. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ENEWS

  • The clue is 48. 14-pound unit. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: STONE

    Possible Answer: Harlan_Stone, pit, lapidate, Harlan_Fisk_Stone, stone, gemstone, Harlan_F._Stone, gem, Oliver_Stone, Isidor_Feinstein_Stone, Harlan_Fiske_Stone, I._F._Stone, Stone, Edward_Durell_Stone, endocarp, rock, Lucy_Stone

  • The clue is 50. Former presidential candidate who served as Biden's climate envoy. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: KERRY

  • The clue is 51. Not mainstream. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: INDIE

    Possible Answer: indie

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

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

    The answer: MASTS

    Possible Answer: mast

  • The clue is 53. Short routine. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SKIT

    Possible Answer: skit

  • The clue is 54. "Goodness gracious!". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OHMY

  • The clue is 55. Do a grillmaster's job. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: FLIP

    Possible Answer: flip_out, interchange, flick, somersaulting, summerset, riffle, toss, tack, thumb, alternate, flip, switch, twitch, flip-flop, flip_over, pitch, pass, insolent, somersault, throw, turn_over, sky, summersault, snotty-nosed, leaf, riff, somerset, impudent

  • The clue is 57. 69-Across, poetically. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ORBS

    Possible Answer: eyeball, orb, orbit, ball, globe, revolve

  • The clue is 58. Père ___ (Santa's French counterpart). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: NOEL

    Possible Answer: Christmastime, Yuletide, Noel, Christmastide, Christmas, Yule

  • The clue is 60. Effortless stride. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LOPE

    Possible Answer: canter, trot, lope, jog

  • The clue is 62. One's self. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EGO

    Possible Answer: self, ego, egotism, self-importance

  • The clue is 64. Flamenco cry. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OLE

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Sunday, December 28, 2025

Sunday NYT Down Solutions December 28, 2025 - Every Vertical Clue Decoded with Hints

Sunday's NYT Down Dec 28 - Full Vertical Grid Solutions

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 71 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: January 22 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | April 08 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | July 06 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 28, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Sunday, December 28, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 28, 2025
Day of Week Sunday
Total Down Clues 71 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Tricky

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 71 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Playground area, often
2 Down 2. Fearsome felines
3 Down 3. Plus
4 Down 4. "One of These Nights" band
5 Down 5. Makeshift tip collector
6 Down 6. Epitome of graceful beauty
7 Down 7. Arnaz of "I Love Lucy"
8 Down 8. Certain stock holder
9 Down 9. Came about
10 Down 10. Kylo ___ of "Star Wars"
11 Down 11. Gig of a lifetime
12 Down 12. Advanced
13 Down 13. Guitar, slangily
14 Down 14. Front-of-the-line credential
15 Down 15. Cousin of a mink
16 Down 16. Cheep trills?
17 Down 17. Dodger's comeuppance
18 Down 18. Indoor recess locale
19 Down 24. Super-excited, in slang
20 Down 26. One "T" of TNT
21 Down 30. Least hale
22 Down 33. Foxx of 1970s TV
23 Down 35. Judge pro ___
24 Down 36. Piano pupil's practice piece
25 Down 37. Short boxers, e.g.
26 Down 39. How some medicines are taken
27 Down 40. Apt name for a distance runner?
28 Down 42. Oldsmobile Cutlass model
29 Down 44. Like 45-Down's flaw
30 Down 45. Mythical figure undone by hubris
31 Down 46. Prima ballerina
32 Down 48. Uses an alternate account to play against easier opponents, in gamer-speak
33 Down 49. Police weapon
34 Down 52. Transition points
35 Down 56. Blue Ribbon brand
36 Down 57. Ice cream parlor offerings
37 Down 59. Borscht base
38 Down 61. Classic theater name
39 Down 63. Struggles with sibilant sounds
40 Down 65. Law, but not order
41 Down 66. Hints
42 Down 68. Word with record or union
43 Down 69. World capital near the Andean foothills
44 Down 70. Give a twist
45 Down 71. Downright mean
46 Down 73. Bit of wisdom
47 Down 74. Founder of the Mughal Empire
48 Down 77. String-plucking sound
49 Down 79. Sources in etymology
50 Down 80. Prone
51 Down 81. Some summers, in brief
52 Down 82. Black-and-white desserts
53 Down 83. Université with a Pierre and Marie Curie campus
54 Down 85. Shell filling stations
55 Down 87. Basic programming command
56 Down 89. Chicken pieces
57 Down 90. Part of AT&T: Abbr.
58 Down 92. Ballet or bourrée, in Bourgogne
59 Down 97. Do a diner job
60 Down 98. Gathering of moles
61 Down 100. Setting for Cole Porter's "Anything Goes"
62 Down 102. Continued interminably
63 Down 103. Discus throw at the Olympics, e.g.
64 Down 105. Buzzing nuisance
65 Down 107. Glitzy fabric
66 Down 108. Like some cheese
67 Down 110. "Gotcha"
68 Down 111. Blue-necked bird
69 Down 112. "___ Believer"
70 Down 114. Flock formation
71 Down 115. Blue-winged bird

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. Playground area, often"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: P__K
  • Similar words: car park, commons
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PARK

2 Down: "2. Fearsome felines"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L___S
  • Similar words: Leo the Lion, Leo
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LIONS

3 Down: "3. Plus"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A___T
  • Similar words: plus
  • Opposite of: liability
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a useful or valuable quality
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASSET

4 Down: "4. "One of These Nights" band"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T_______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THEEAGLES

5 Down: "5. Makeshift tip collector"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: chapeau, lid
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HAT

6 Down: "6. Epitome of graceful beauty"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: S__N
  • Similar words: ramble, roll
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SWAN

7 Down: "7. Arnaz of "I Love Lucy""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DESI

8 Down: "8. Certain stock holder"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: C_______N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CATTLEPEN

9 Down: "9. Came about"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A___E
  • Similar words: develop, bob up
  • Opposite of: go to bed
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: come into existence; take on form or shape
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AROSE

10 Down: "10. Kylo ___ of "Star Wars""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REN

11 Down: "11. Gig of a lifetime"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: D______B
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DREAMJOB

12 Down: "12. Advanced"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: L__T
  • Similar words: loan, add
  • Opposite of: borrow
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a period of 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LENT

13 Down: "13. Guitar, slangily"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: ax
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AXE

14 Down: "14. Front-of-the-line credential"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: V_____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VIPPASS

15 Down: "15. Cousin of a mink"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the ermine in its brown summer coat with black-tipped tail
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STOAT

16 Down: "16. Cheep trills?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T______S
  • Similar words: chitter, chirrup
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a series of chirps
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TWITTERS

17 Down: "17. Dodger's comeuppance"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: I______T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IRSAUDIT

18 Down: "18. Indoor recess locale"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'M'
  • Similar words: gymnasium
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: athletic facility equipped for sports or physical training
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GYM

19 Down: "24. Super-excited, in slang"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: T___T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TURNT

20 Down: "26. One "T" of TNT"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'I'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TRI

21 Down: "30. Least hale"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: F______T
  • Similar words: weakly, rickety
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FEEBLEST

22 Down: "33. Foxx of 1970s TV"

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
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REDD

23 Down: "35. Judge pro ___"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'M'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TEM

24 Down: "36. Piano pupil's practice piece"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ETUDE

25 Down: "37. Short boxers, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P__S
  • Similar words: whelp, puppy
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: young of any of various canines such as a dog or wolf
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PUPS

26 Down: "39. How some medicines are taken"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: O____Y
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ORALLY

27 Down: "40. Apt name for a distance runner?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M___S
  • Similar words: mil, Admiralty mile
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a unit of length equal to 1
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MILES

28 Down: "42. Oldsmobile Cutlass model"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: C___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CIERA

29 Down: "44. Like 45-Down's flaw"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: F___L
  • Similar words: disastrous, calamitous
  • Opposite of: nonfatal
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: bringing death
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FATAL

30 Down: "45. Mythical figure undone by hubris"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 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 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ICARUS

31 Down: "46. Prima ballerina"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ETOILE

32 Down: "48. Uses an alternate account to play against easier opponents, in gamer-speak"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S____S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SMURFS

33 Down: "49. Police weapon"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: T___R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TASER

34 Down: "52. Transition points"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C___S
  • Similar words: leaflet, cusp
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CUSPS

35 Down: "56. Blue Ribbon brand"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 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 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PABST

36 Down: "57. Ice cream parlor offerings"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M___S
  • Similar words: malted, malt
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a milkshake made with malt powder
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MALTS

37 Down: "59. Borscht base"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B___S
  • Similar words: Beta vulgaris, beet
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BEETS

38 Down: "61. Classic theater name"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P____E
  • Similar words: castle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a large and stately mansion
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PALACE

39 Down: "63. Struggles with sibilant sounds"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L___S
  • Similar words: LISP, lisp
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LISPS

40 Down: "65. Law, but not order"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: C____R
  • Similar words: life history, vocation
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the particular occupation for which you are trained
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CAREER

41 Down: "66. Hints"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T____S
  • Similar words: speck, jot
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a slight but appreciable amount
  • This is Down clue number 41

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TINGES

42 Down: "68. Word with record or union"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: L___L
  • Similar words: judge, tag
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a brief description given for purposes of identification
  • This is Down clue number 42

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LABEL

43 Down: "69. World capital near the Andean foothills"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: S______O
  • Similar words: Gran Santiago
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: city in the northern Dominican Republic
  • This is Down clue number 43

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SANTIAGO

44 Down: "70. Give a twist"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R____E
  • Similar words: go around, turn out
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: turn on or around an axis or a center
  • This is Down clue number 44

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROTATE

45 Down: "71. Downright mean"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: N___Y
  • Similar words: filthy, cruddy
  • Opposite of: nice
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 45

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NASTY

46 Down: "73. Bit of wisdom"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: P___L
  • Similar words: ivory, bone
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 46

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PEARL

47 Down: "74. Founder of the Mughal Empire"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: B___R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 47

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BABUR

48 Down: "77. String-plucking sound"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: T___G
  • Similar words: nasal twang
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a sharp vibrating sound (as of a plucked string)
  • This is Down clue number 48

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TWANG

49 Down: "79. Sources in etymology"

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
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 49

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROOTWORDS

50 Down: "80. Prone"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P_______E
  • Similar words: bow down, flat
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: get into a prostrate position
  • This is Down clue number 50

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PROSTRATE

51 Down: "81. Some summers, in brief"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C__S
  • Similar words: CPA
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 51

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CPAS

52 Down: "82. Black-and-white desserts"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: O______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 52

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OREOPIES

53 Down: "83. Université with a Pierre and Marie Curie campus"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S______E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a university in Paris; intellectual center of France
  • This is Down clue number 53

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SORBONNE

54 Down: "85. Shell filling stations"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 54

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TACOBARS

55 Down: "87. Basic programming command"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: G__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 55

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GOTO

56 Down: "89. Chicken pieces"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T_____S
  • Similar words: stamp, attendant
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: something that can be used as an official medium of payment
  • This is Down clue number 56

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TENDERS

57 Down: "90. Part of AT&T: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'L'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 57

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TEL

58 Down: "92. Ballet or bourrée, in Bourgogne"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: D___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 58

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DANSE

59 Down: "97. Do a diner job"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Similar words: motorbus, omnibus
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 59

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BUS

60 Down: "98. Gathering of moles"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: I___L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 60

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer INTEL

61 Down: "100. Setting for Cole Porter's "Anything Goes""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: O___N
  • Similar words: sea
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 61

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OCEAN

62 Down: "102. Continued interminably"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: R___N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 62

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RANON

63 Down: "103. Discus throw at the Olympics, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: E___T
  • Similar words: effect, result
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: something that happens at a given place and time
  • This is Down clue number 63

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EVENT

64 Down: "105. Buzzing nuisance"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G__T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 64

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GNAT

65 Down: "107. Glitzy fabric"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: L__E
  • Similar words: crippled, cripple
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: someone who doesn't understand what is going on
  • This is Down clue number 65

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LAME

66 Down: "108. Like some cheese"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: A__D
  • Similar words: elderly, older
  • Opposite of: young
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: people who are old collectively
  • This is Down clue number 66

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AGED

67 Down: "110. "Gotcha""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: I__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 67

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ISEE

68 Down: "111. Blue-necked bird"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'U'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 68

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EMU

69 Down: "112. "___ Believer""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'A'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 69

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IMA

70 Down: "114. Flock formation"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'E'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 70

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VEE

71 Down: "115. Blue-winged bird"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'Y'
  • Similar words: John Jay
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 71

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JAY

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 71 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 28, 2025 at 05:18 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 28 2025 down clues

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