May 31, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (37 clues)
• Down Clues (41 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

May 31, 2022 Tuesday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Plenty	5
2A	6. Actor Hemsworth	4
3A	10. Keep bumping into another punk music fan?	4
4A	14. Request to someone dressing your submarine sandwich	5
5A	15. Baby name that had popularity bumps after the releases of "Frozen" and "Frozen II"	4
6A	16. Not supporting	4
7A	17. Figure in many hexes	10
8A	19. Challenge for a plumber	4
9A	20. Poverty and pollution, for two	4
10A	21. Scale amts.	3
11A	22. Discerning	6
12A	24. Napkin holder	3
13A	25. Alternative to Huggies or Luvs	11
14A	27. Prefix with puncture	3
15A	29. One of two akimbo	3
16A	30. Stampede	6
17A	33. Supporting	3
18A	34. Puts on	4
19A	38. Suggestion to defer discussion ... and what might be said of 17-, 25, 46- and 60-Across	15
20A	41. Brand with the flavor Cookie Cobblestone	4
21A	42. Cavernous opening	3
22A	43. Without leaving crumbs behind, say	6
23A	44. See 44-Down	3
24A	45. Place for a royal flush?	3
25A	46. Place for splits and spares	11
26A	53. Org. for King James and Dr. J	3
27A	56. More sore	6
28A	57. With 64-Across, symbol of coldness	3
29A	58. Gait that's not as fast as a canter	4
30A	59. Spot for a guard at the World Cup	4
31A	60. $$$ dispenser	10
32A	63. What many do on the Sabbath	4
33A	64. See 57-Across	4
34A	65. National Zoo attraction	5
35A	66. Pseudo-sophisticated	4
36A	67. Barriers to compromise	4
37A	68. Teen spirit?	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Plenty"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that more than enough in size or scope or capacity
• Words that mean the same thing: sizable, plenteous, copious
• The opposite would be: meager
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMPLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Actor Hemsworth"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LIAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Keep bumping into another punk music fan?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that dance the slam dance
• Words that mean the same thing: thrash, slam, slam dance
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Request to someone dressing your submarine sandwich"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NOOIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Baby name that had popularity bumps after the releases of "Frozen" and "Frozen II""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELSA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Not supporting"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who is opposed (to an action or policy or practice etc.)
• The opposite would be: pro
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Figure in many hexes"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: VOODOODOLL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Challenge for a plumber"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an accidental hole that allows something (fluid or light etc.) to enter or escape
• Words that mean the same thing: passing water, news leak, leak out
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Poverty and pollution, for two"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining
• Words that mean the same thing: complaint, ailment, ill
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ILLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Scale amts."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Discerning"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
• Words that mean the same thing: shrewd, sharp
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASTUTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Napkin holder"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the upper side of the thighs of a seated person
• Words that mean the same thing: lap covering, lave, swoosh
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Alternative to Huggies or Luvs"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CLOTHDIAPER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Prefix with puncture"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ACU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. One of two akimbo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
• Words that mean the same thing: weapon system, weapon, sleeve
• The opposite would be: disarm
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Stampede"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
• Words that mean the same thing: onslaught, attack, onset
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONRUSH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Supporting"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an athlete who plays for pay
• Words that mean the same thing: professional
• The opposite would be: anti, con
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Puts on"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a spanish gentleman or nobleman
• Words that mean the same thing: Don, put on, preceptor
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Suggestion to defer discussion ... and what might be said of 17-, 25, 46- and 60-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LETSPUTAPININIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Brand with the flavor Cookie Cobblestone"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EDYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Cavernous opening"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that informal terms for the mouth
• Words that mean the same thing: trap, gob, yap
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Without leaving crumbs behind, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that in a tidy manner
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIDILY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "44. See 44-Down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that cooking utensil consisting of a wide metal vessel
• Words that mean the same thing: genus Pan, pan out, goat god
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Place for a royal flush?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a toilet in britain
• Words that mean the same thing: W.C., closet, water closet
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "46. Place for splits and spares"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BOWLINGLANE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "53. Org. for King James and Dr. J"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "56. More sore"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ACHIER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "57. With 64-Across, symbol of coldness"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that water frozen in the solid state
• Words that mean the same thing: glass, internal-combustion engine, frosting
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "58. Gait that's not as fast as a canter"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a slow pace of running
• Words that mean the same thing: crib, Trotskyist, pony
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TROT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "59. Spot for a guard at the World Cup"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the front part of the human leg between the knee and the ankle
• Words that mean the same thing: sputter, tibia, shin bone
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "60. $$$ dispenser"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ATMMACHINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "63. What many do on the Sabbath"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that something left after other parts have been taken away
• Words that mean the same thing: relief, stay, balance
• The opposite would be: change, be active
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "64. See 57-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a hexahedron with six equal squares as faces
• Words that mean the same thing: regular hexahedron, block, dice
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "65. National Zoo attraction"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that large black-and-white herbivorous mammal of bamboo forests of china and tibet; in some classifications considered a member of the bear family or of a separate family ailuropodidae
• Words that mean the same thing: giant panda, red panda, Ailurus fulgens
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PANDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "66. Pseudo-sophisticated"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that showily imitative of art or artists
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "67. Barriers to compromise"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others
• Words that mean the same thing: ego, egotism, self-importance
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EGOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "68. Teen spirit?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an acute but unspecific feeling of anxiety; usually reserved for philosophical anxiety about the world or about personal freedom
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANGST

  Great job if you got it right!

May 31, 2022 Down Hints: NYT Tuesday Crossword Guide

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Heavy chorus "instrument" in "Il Trovatore"	5
2D	2. $$$	5
3D	3. Gathering where one might make a splash	9
4D	4. Tupperware tops	4
5D	5. Grp. with the 1975 hit "Evil Woman"	3
6D	6. Prompted	5
7D	7. "___ It at the Movies" (collection of Pauline Kael reviews)	5
8D	8. In which "I'm sorry" shows a closed fist, in brief	3
9D	9. Clumsy	9
10D	10. Country in the Mediterranean	5
11D	11. Outdo	5
12D	12. Word before "of mind" or "of emergency"	5
13D	13. Many a consumer of trail mix	5
14D	18. Symbol of wisdom	3
15D	23. Member of a virtual family	3
16D	25. Edge	4
17D	26. Angel's instrument	4
18D	28. "Ornery" sort	4
19D	30. Cry at a World Cup match	3
20D	31. Nickname for Benedict or Edgar	3
21D	32. Group targeted for destruction in "Independence Day"	9
22D	33. Hairy hand	3
23D	34. Classical queen who cursed a Trojan fleet	4
24D	35. One in a deep-fried side dish	9
25D	36. Zippo	3
26D	37. Wreck room?	3
27D	39. Powder-based beverage	4
28D	40. Its tributaries are Blue and White	4
29D	44. With 44-Across, holder for a Thanksgiving dessert	3
30D	46. Principal Iraqi port	5
31D	47. Shade of some turning leaves	5
32D	48. Card game in Austen novels	5
33D	49. Like some unbrushed suits	5
34D	50. Competition favoring flexible contestants	5
35D	51. Zeniths	5
36D	52. Org. that might give a grant to a sculptor	3
37D	54. Barry with 12 Silver Slugger Awards	5
38D	55. Really bothered	5
39D	58. Less ___ perfect	4
40D	61. Yank	3
41D	62. I.R.S. expert	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. Heavy chorus "instrument" in "Il Trovatore""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a heavy block of iron or steel on which hot metals are shaped by hammering
• Words that mean the same thing: incus
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANVIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. $$$"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MOOLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Gathering where one might make a splash"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: POOLPARTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Tupperware tops"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye
• Words that mean the same thing: hat, eyelid, lid
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Grp. with the 1975 hit "Evil Woman""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Prompted"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LEDTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "___ It at the Movies" (collection of Pauline Kael reviews)"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ILOST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. In which "I'm sorry" shows a closed fist, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sign language used in the united states
• Words that mean the same thing: American sign language
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Clumsy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MALADROIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Country in the Mediterranean"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a republic on the island of malta in the mediterranean; achieved independence from the united kingdom in 1964
• Words that mean the same thing: Republic of Malta
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MALTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Outdo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONEUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Word before "of mind" or "of emergency""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
• Words that mean the same thing: state of matter, land, tell
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Many a consumer of trail mix"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a foot traveler; someone who goes on an extended walk (for pleasure)
• Words that mean the same thing: tramper, tramp
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HIKER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Symbol of wisdom"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
• Words that mean the same thing: bird of Minerva, hooter, bird of night
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OWL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "23. Member of a virtual family"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SIM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Edge"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that point formed by two intersecting arcs (as from the intrados of a gothic arch)
• Words that mean the same thing: leaflet
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUSP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Angel's instrument"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a chordophone that has a triangular frame consisting of a sounding board and a pillar and a curved neck; the strings stretched between the neck and the soundbox are plucked with the fingers
• Words that mean the same thing: mouth harp, mouth organ, dwell
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HARP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "28. "Ornery" sort"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a persistently annoying person
• Words that mean the same thing: bloke, pest, oath
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CUSS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Cry at a World Cup match"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Nickname for Benedict or Edgar"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Group targeted for destruction in "Independence Day""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HUMANRACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Hairy hand"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a clawed foot of an animal especially a quadruped
• Words that mean the same thing: manus, mitt, hand
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Classical queen who cursed a Trojan fleet"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (roman mythology) a princess of tyre who was the founder and queen of carthage; virgil tells of her suicide when she was abandoned by aeneas
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. One in a deep-fried side dish"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONIONRING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Zippo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a quantity of no importance
• Words that mean the same thing: cipher, cypher, zilch
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Wreck room?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "39. Powder-based beverage"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a tart spicy quality
• Words that mean the same thing: sea tangle, flavor, bladder fucus
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TANG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "40. Its tributaries are Blue and White"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the world's longest river (4150 miles); flows northward through eastern africa into the mediterranean; the nile river valley in egypt was the site of the world's first great civilization
• Words that mean the same thing: Nile River
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NILE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. With 44-Across, holder for a Thanksgiving dessert"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that dish baked in pastry-lined pan often with a pastry top
• Words that mean the same thing: Proto-Indo European
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Principal Iraqi port"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the second largest city in iraq; an oil port in southern iraq
• Words that mean the same thing: Basia
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BASRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "47. Shade of some turning leaves"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a moderate yellow-orange to orange color
• Words that mean the same thing: ochre
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OCHER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "48. Card game in Austen novels"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a card game for four players who form two partnerships; a pack of 52 cards is dealt and each side scores one point for each trick it takes in excess of six
• Words that mean the same thing: long whist, short whist
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WHIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "49. Like some unbrushed suits"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LINTY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "50. Competition favoring flexible contestants"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of being disregarded or forgotten
• Words that mean the same thing: oblivion
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIMBO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "51. Zeniths"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
• Words that mean the same thing: elevation, summit, tiptop
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACMES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "52. Org. that might give a grant to a sculptor"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "54. Barry with 12 Silver Slugger Awards"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an electrical force linking atoms
• Words that mean the same thing: adhere, bond paper, Bond
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BONDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "55. Really bothered"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ATEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "58. Less ___ perfect"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: THAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "61. Yank"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a sudden abrupt pull
• Words that mean the same thing: labor, labour, towboat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "62. I.R.S. expert"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an accountant who has passed certain examinations and met all other statutory and licensing requirements of a united states state to be certified by that state
• Words that mean the same thing: certified public accountant
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CPA

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	46	59.0%
Short Answer	23	29.5%
History	3	3.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%
Music	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%
Geography	1	1.3%
Food & Drink	1	1.3%
Sports	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	41
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.8 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Tuesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 09, 2025 at 05:38 PM

December 09, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Related Puzzles

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• August 04 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 24 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• March 07 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 14 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 09, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (37 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

December 09, 2020 Across Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Pain in the neck	5
2A	6. Four are credited for a grand slam, briefly	4
3A	10. Channel that a telly may be tuned to	3
4A	13. Fuel for a funny car	5
5A	14. Dough	5
6A	15. Contraction in "Jingle Bells"	3
7A	16. Formal turndown	5
8A	17. Remnant of an oceanic volcano	5
9A	18. "The way I see it," to a texter	3
10A	19. Establish a standard that's easy to reach	12
11A	22. Cameo, say	7
12A	25. Vincent van Gogh or Queen Elizabeth I, notably	7
13A	26. O, in the W.W. II Army/Navy alphabet	4
14A	27. Expressions of enlightenment	4
15A	29. "Between Two ___" (Zach Galifianakis show)	5
16A	30. With 41-Across, make every effort to be accommodating	8
17A	32. Ivory, but not ebony	4
18A	33. Gobbled	3
19A	34. One who might have to create an account	7
20A	36. Utah senator Mike	3
21A	39. Green New ___	4
22A	41. See 30-Across	8
23A	43. Many city layouts	5
24A	45. Big name in pasta sauce	4
25A	46. Yours, in Tours	4
26A	47. Song words after "Speaking words of wisdom ..."	7
27A	49. Most serious	7
28A	51. Not meet expectations	12
29A	53. As well	3
30A	54. Big name in cosmetics	5
31A	55. Pitch deliverer, perhaps	5
32A	59. "Gross!"	3
33A	60. Like excited fans in stadiums	5
34A	61. "Crossing my fingers!"	5
35A	62. B&B	3
36A	63. Go-___	4
37A	64. Contest described by 19-, 30-/41- and 51-Across	5

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Pain in the neck"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a painful muscle spasm especially in the neck or back (`rick' and `wrick' are british)
• Words that mean the same thing: kink, Francis Henry Compton Crick, wrick
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRICK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Four are credited for a grand slam, briefly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a run that is the result of the batter's performance
• Words that mean the same thing: run batted in, rbi
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RBIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Channel that a telly may be tuned to"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BBC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Fuel for a funny car"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NITRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. Dough"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MOOLA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Contraction in "Jingle Bells""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "16. Formal turndown"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NOSIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "17. Remnant of an oceanic volcano"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ATOLL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "18. "The way I see it," to a texter"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the united nations agency concerned with international maritime activities
• Words that mean the same thing: International Maritime Organization
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "19. Establish a standard that's easy to reach"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SETTHEBARLOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Cameo, say"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BITPART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Vincent van Gogh or Queen Elizabeth I, notably"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone who has red hair
• Words that mean the same thing: carrottop, redheaded woodpecker, red-header
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REDHEAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. O, in the W.W. II Army/Navy alphabet"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
• Words that mean the same thing: hautboy, hautbois
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OBOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Expressions of enlightenment"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AHAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. "Between Two ___" (Zach Galifianakis show)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any of numerous flowerless and seedless vascular plants having true roots from a rhizome and fronds that uncurl upward; reproduce by spores
• Words that mean the same thing: fern
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FERNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. With 41-Across, make every effort to be accommodating"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BENDOVER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Ivory, but not ebony"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a cleansing agent made from the salts of vegetable or animal fats
• Words that mean the same thing: lather, max, goop
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. Gobbled"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
• Words that mean the same thing: consume, exhaust, eat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. One who might have to create an account"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NEWUSER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "36. Utah senator Mike"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in america (born in 1957)
• Words that mean the same thing: Shelton Jackson Lee, Richard Henry Lee, lee side
• The opposite would be: windward
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "39. Green New ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a particular instance of buying or selling
• Words that mean the same thing: make do, take, contend
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "41. See 30-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that directed or facing toward the back or rear
• Words that mean the same thing: slow-witted, back, rearwards
• The opposite would be: ahead, forward
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BACKWARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. Many city layouts"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a pattern of regularly spaced horizontal and vertical lines
• Words that mean the same thing: grid, power grid, gridiron
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRIDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "45. Big name in pasta sauce"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RAGU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "46. Yours, in Tours"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ATOI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "47. Song words after "Speaking words of wisdom ...""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about music.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LETITBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "49. Most serious"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises
• Words that mean the same thing: life-threatening, severe, sedate
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRAVEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "51. Not meet expectations"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that perform less well or with less success than expected
• Words that mean the same thing: underperform
• The word looks like this: ____________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNDERACHIEVE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "53. As well"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
• Words that mean the same thing: to a fault, also, besides
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "54. Big name in cosmetics"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ESTEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. Pitch deliverer, perhaps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone whose business is advertising
• Words that mean the same thing: advertizer, advertiser
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ADMAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. "Gross!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EWW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "60. Like excited fans in stadiums"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AROAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "61. "Crossing my fingers!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IHOPE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "62. B&B"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
• Words that mean the same thing: hostelry, auberge, lodge
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "63. Go-___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: KART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "64. Contest described by 19-, 30-/41- and 51-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state of being disregarded or forgotten
• Words that mean the same thing: oblivion
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIMBO

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Wednesday Crossword Down Clues - December 09, 2020 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. "This is ___"	3
2D	2. Kia subcompact	3
3D	3. "___ complicated"	3
4D	4. Got nice and toasty?	7
5D	5. Home of the boy band BTS	5
6D	6. "Divergent" author Veronica	4
7D	7. Rude people in stadiums	6
8D	8. "Who'da thunk it?!"	5
9D	9. Utensil farthest left in a five-piece place setting	9
10D	10. Standard contract text	11
11D	11. Kvetch about	6
12D	12. Groups in stadiums	6
13D	14. Source of the line "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth"	7
14D	20. Bookstore section	6
15D	21. Perlman of "Cheers"	4
16D	22. Variety of tea	4
17D	23. Sarcastic comeback	4
18D	24. Stopped being so loud	11
19D	28. Its capital is Oranjestad	5
20D	31. Hot	9
21D	32. Fix in place	6
22D	35. More in need of a lift?	7
23D	37. One taking a bow for getting couples together?	4
24D	38. Prepare for publishing	4
25D	40. Actress Falco	4
26D	42. Gave a friendly greeting, in a way	7
27D	43. Squatting muscles	6
28D	44. Fame	6
29D	45. Leader of an Episcopal parish	6
30D	48. Mideast port that was home to Sinbad the sailor	5
31D	50. To no ___	5
32D	52. What incubators provide	4
33D	56. Old-fashioned tattoo	3
34D	57. Police dept. alert	3
35D	58. Start of many an art movement	3

Now Let's Solve the Down Clues!

Down clues go from top to bottom. Use the letters from your across answers to help!

Clue 1 Down: "1. "This is ___""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CNN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Kia subcompact"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the former capital and 2nd largest city of brazil; chief brazilian port; famous as a tourist attraction
• Words that mean the same thing: Rio de Janeiro
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. "___ complicated""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the branch of engineering that deals with the use of computers and telecommunications to retrieve and store and transmit information
• Words that mean the same thing: IT, information technology
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Got nice and toasty?"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that make wrinkles or creases on a smooth surface; make a pressed, folded or wrinkled line in
• Words that mean the same thing: toast, scrunch up, crease
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRISPED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Home of the boy band BTS"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an asian peninsula (off manchuria) separating the yellow sea and the sea of japan; the korean name is dae-han-min-gook or han-gook
• Words that mean the same thing: Han-Gook, Korean Peninsula, Dae-Han-Min-Gook
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KOREA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. "Divergent" author Veronica"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states writer whose novels portray middle-class jewish life (born in 1933)
• Words that mean the same thing: Philip Milton Roth, Philip Roth
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Rude people in stadiums"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BOOERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. "Who'da thunk it?!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ILLBE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Utensil farthest left in a five-piece place setting"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SALADFORK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Standard contract text"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that standard formulations uniformly found in certain types of legal documents or news stories
• The word looks like this: ___________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOILERPLATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Kvetch about"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that regret strongly
• Words that mean the same thing: lament, bewail, deplore
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEMOAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Groups in stadiums"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a large number of things or people considered together
• Words that mean the same thing: push, crowd, bunch
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CROWDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Source of the line "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (new testament) disciple of jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first gospel
• Words that mean the same thing: Saint Matthew, St. Matthew the Apostle, St. Matthew
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MATTHEW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "20. Bookstore section"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the act of going from one place to another
• Words that mean the same thing: jaunt, traveling, locomote
• The opposite would be: stay in place
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRAVEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Perlman of "Cheers""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that fertility goddess in ancient greek mythology; wife of cronus and mother of zeus; identified with roman ops and cybele of ancient asia minor
• Words that mean the same thing: nandu, Rhea americana, Pterocnemia pennata
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RHEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Variety of tea"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BOBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. Sarcastic comeback"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IBET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. Stopped being so loud"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TONEDITDOWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Its capital is Oranjestad"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a popular island resort in the netherlands antilles
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARUBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Hot"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONASTREAK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Fix in place"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that get by special effort
• Words that mean the same thing: batten down, safe, inviolable
• The opposite would be: insecure, unfasten
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SECURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. More in need of a lift?"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SAGGIER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "37. One taking a bow for getting couples together?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (greek mythology) god of love; son of aphrodite; identified with roman cupid
• Words that mean the same thing: concupiscence, sexual desire, physical attraction
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EROS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "38. Prepare for publishing"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
• Words that mean the same thing: redact, edit out, cut
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Actress Falco"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EDIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "42. Gave a friendly greeting, in a way"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WAVEDHI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Squatting muscles"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that any one of three large skeletal muscles that form the buttock and move the thigh
• Words that mean the same thing: gluteal muscle, gluteus, glute
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GLUTEI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Fame"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed
• Words that mean the same thing: celebrity, fame
• The opposite would be: infamy
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RENOWN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. Leader of an Episcopal parish"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person authorized to conduct religious worship
• Words that mean the same thing: minister, curate, minister of religion
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RECTOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. Mideast port that was home to Sinbad the sailor"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the second largest city in iraq; an oil port in southern iraq
• Words that mean the same thing: Basia
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BASRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. To no ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a means of serving
• Words that mean the same thing: help, service
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AVAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. What incubators provide"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a form of energy that is transferred by a difference in temperature
• Words that mean the same thing: wake, rut, ignite
• The opposite would be: cool, coldness
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "56. Old-fashioned tattoo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that informal terms for a mother
• Words that mean the same thing: ma, mommy, mammy
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "57. Police dept. alert"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: APB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "58. Start of many an art movement"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: NEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	50	69.4%
Short Answer	13	18.1%
Geography	3	4.2%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	4.2%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	37
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	72
Average Answer Length	5.3 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	12 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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Disclaimer: Crossword clues are property of The New York Times. This educational content is designed to help puzzle enthusiasts improve their solving skills.

Last Updated: September 20, 2025 at 07:37 PM