27423 Tue Dec 10, 2024 NYT Brian Callahan and Geoffrey Schorkopf

Break down the NYT Crosswords: December 10, 2024

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

New York Times, Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Asimov who coined the term "robotics". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ISAAC

  Possible Answer : Isaac




• The clue is 6. Gospel that includes the Sermon on the Mount. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MATTHEW

  Possible Answer : Saint_Matthew, St._Matthew_the_Apostle, St._Matthew, Gospel_According_to_Matthew, Levi, Matthew, Saint_Matthew_the_Apostle




• The clue is 13. Hearst mag. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: COSMO




• The clue is 14. Period of accountability since 2017. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: METOOERA




• The clue is 15. Work ___. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ETHIC

  Possible Answer : ethical_code, ethic, value_orientation, value-system, moral_principle




• The clue is 16. Hidden feature in a video game. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EASTEREGG




• The clue is 17. Great Basin people. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: UTE

  Possible Answer : Ute




• The clue is 18. "Old MacDonald" sounds. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OINKS

  Possible Answer : oink, grunt, squeal




• The clue is 20. Gin flavoring. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SLOE

  Possible Answer : Prunus_alleghaniensis, blackthorn, Prunus_spinosa, Allegheny_plum, Alleghany_plum, sloe




• The clue is 21. Do some modeling for a figure drawing class, say. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: POSENUDE




• The clue is 23. Run ___ (go off the rails). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AMOK

  Possible Answer : amok, amuck, possessed, demoniacal, demoniac, murderously, berserk




• The clue is 25. Problem for shoes on a rainy day. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MUD

  Possible Answer : muck, mud, clay, mire, muck_up




• The clue is 26. Orange/tangerine/grapefruit hybrid. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: UGLI

  Possible Answer : tangelo, ugli, ugli_fruit




• The clue is 28. "___ not you, ___ me". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ITS

  Possible Answer : IT, information_technology




• The clue is 31. Dramatic cry in paintball. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IMHIT




• The clue is 34. Piece of asparagus. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SPEAR

  Possible Answer : gig, fishgig, lance, shaft, fizgig, spear_up, spear




• The clue is 35. Third-to-last Greek letter. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CHI

  Possible Answer : khi, ch'i, ki, chi, qi




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

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

  The answer: SWARM

  Possible Answer : horde, swarm, stream, teem, pullulate, cloud, drove, pour




• The clue is 37. Ben Solo's father in "Star Wars". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HAN

  Possible Answer : Han_dynasty, Han




• The clue is 38. Al of "Today". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ROKER




• The clue is 40. Muscle used in pull-ups, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LAT

  Possible Answer : lat, latissimus_dorsi




• The clue is 41. Not chemically reactive. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: INERT

  Possible Answer : torpid, sluggish, neutral, inert, indifferent, soggy




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

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

  The answer: OASES

  Possible Answer : oasis, haven




• The clue is 44. "That hits the spot!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AHH




• The clue is 45. Final. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LAST

  Possible Answer : endure, stopping_point, finish, live_on, net, survive, lastly, final_stage, go, shoemaker's_last, hold_up, end, final, hold_out, death, finale, last-place, finally, close, concluding, terminal, conclusion, in_conclusion, live, utmost, finis, last, lowest, cobbler's_last

  Possible Opposite Answer : first




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

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

  The answer: ARF




• The clue is 47. Big boats. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ARKS

  Possible Answer : ark, Ark_of_the_Covenant, Ark




• The clue is 49. Teeth that are typically the first to grow in. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: INCISORS

  Possible Answer : incisor




• The clue is 54. Kind of bean used in miso. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SOYA

  Possible Answer : soya_bean, soybean_plant, soya, soy, soybean, soja, soja_bean, Glycine_max




• The clue is 56. Church reading. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PSALM

  Possible Answer : Psalm, psalm




• The clue is 57. Church seating. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PEW

  Possible Answer : pew, church_bench




• The clue is 58. "No need to fear me!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IWONTBITE




• The clue is 61. Nimble. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AGILE

  Possible Answer : nimble, agile, spry, quick




• The clue is 63. Important events. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BIGDEALS




• The clue is 64. Mythical lamp dweller. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GENIE

  Possible Answer : jinni, djinny, djinni, djinn, genie, jinnee




• The clue is 65. "Chilean" food fish. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SEABASS




• The clue is 66. Vote into office. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ELECT

  Possible Answer : elite, chosen, elect

Down Clues and Answers:

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

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

  The answer: ICEUP

• The clue is 2. ___ voce (quietly). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SOTTO

• The clue is 3. Bonfire remains. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ASHES

  Possible Answer: ash, ash_tree

• The clue is 4. French friend. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AMI

• The clue is 5. Rich liquid added to curries. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: COCONUTMILK

• The clue is 6. Likely aftermath of a toddler's playtime. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MESS

  Possible Answer: mickle, raft, kettle_of_fish, spate, good_deal, muddle, pickle, sight, wad, great_deal, jam, lot, tidy_sum, stack, mess_hall, fix, heap, mass, batch, pot, deal, mess, messiness, hole, muckle, peck, plenty, muss, slew, flock, passel, mountain, mint, hatful, pile, mussiness, mess_up, quite_a_little

• The clue is 7. Lawyer: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ATT

• The clue is 8. Something squeezed when trying on a pair of shoes. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TOE

  Possible Answer: toenail, toe

• The clue is 9. Trunk of the body. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TORSO

  Possible Answer: body, torso, trunk

• The clue is 10. Taekwondo moves done with an outstretched leg. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HEELKICKS

• The clue is 11. Thus. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ERGO

  Possible Answer: ergo

• The clue is 12. Worker's compensation. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WAGE

  Possible Answer: earnings, wage, pay, remuneration, engage, salary

• The clue is 14. Some movie set workers … or what you do when filling in the shaded squares?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (13 letters)

  The answer: MAKEUPARTISTS

• The clue is 16. Finish. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: END

  Possible Answer: conclusion, remainder, finish, close, remnant, stop, closing, destruction, terminal, last, terminate, final_stage, cease, end, goal, oddment, ending, death

  Possible Opposite Answer : beginning, begin

• The clue is 19. T-shaped contraceptive, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IUD

  Possible Answer: intrauterine_device, IUD

• The clue is 22. Doha dignitary. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EMIR

  Possible Answer: ameer, amir, emir, emeer

• The clue is 23. In the manner of. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALA

  Possible Answer: ala

• The clue is 24. Reflection. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: MIRRORIMAGE

• The clue is 27. Chap. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GENT

  Possible Answer: lad, fella, blighter, gent, bloke, Gand, chap, fellow, cuss, Gent, Ghent, feller

• The clue is 29. Rapper Megan ___ Stallion. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: THEE

• The clue is 30. Elton John and Mick Jagger, for two. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SIRS

  Possible Answer: sir, Sir

• The clue is 31. Tenerife, por ejemplo. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ISLA

• The clue is 32. [You're gorgeous, dahling!]. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MWAH

• The clue is 33. Fitness discipline for thousands of years. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HATHAYOGA

• The clue is 34. "___ Gotta Have It" (Spike Lee film). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SHES

• The clue is 39. Doofuses. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OAFS

  Possible Answer: lump, stumblebum, gawk, lout, lummox, clod, lubber, oaf, goon

• The clue is 42. "Illmatic" rapper. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NAS

  Possible Answer: sodium, Na, atomic_number_11

• The clue is 46. Knee part commonly repaired by a sports doc. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ACL

• The clue is 48. Genre for SZA or H.E.R.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RANDB

• The clue is 50. "No can do, lassie". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NAE

• The clue is 51. Give a take. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OPINE

  Possible Answer: guess, sound_off, imagine, reckon, opine, speak_up, suppose, think, speak_out, animadvert

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

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

  The answer: RELIC

  Possible Answer: token, keepsake, relic, souvenir

• The clue is 53. With 59-Down, staple beverage of the South. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SWEET

  Possible Answer: odoriferous, sugariness, dessert, sweetly, cherubic, Sweet, angelic, sweetened, unfermented, odorous, afters, sugared, sweet, fresh, seraphic, mellifluous, mellisonant, scented, sweet-scented, honeyed, perfumed, sweet-smelling, sweet-flavored, confection, dulcet, gratifying, sweetness, angelical, Henry_Sweet

  Possible Opposite Answer : sour, dry, salty

• The clue is 54. Bro and sis. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SIBS

  Possible Answer: sibling, cognate, sib, blood_relation, blood_relative

• The clue is 55. Boo-boo. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OWIE

• The clue is 56. Czech lager, informally. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PILS

• The clue is 59. See 53-Down. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TEA

  Possible Answer: Camellia_sinensis, tea, afternoon_tea, tea_leaf, teatime

• The clue is 60. Some undergrad degs.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BAS

  Possible Answer: Ba, AB, Artium_Baccalaurens, Bachelor_of_Arts, barium, BA, atomic_number_56

• The clue is 62. Vibe (with). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GEL

  Possible Answer: gelatin, gel, colloidal_gel, mousse

December 16, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (31 clues)
• Down Clues (34 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023

Difficulty Level: Challenging Thursday Puzzle

Total Clues: 65 (31 Across, 34 Down)

Average Word Length: 6.2 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Saturday Puzzle December 16, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Place with dressing options	8
2A	9. Name found forward and backward in "Miranda rights"	3
3A	12. Ones making a racket?	9
4A	14. Heart	4
5A	15. Motion pictures?	10
6A	17. Film unlikely to have a costume designer	5
7A	18. Young woman, quaintly	7
8A	19. "You can't be serious"	8
9A	21. New LinkedIn members, perhaps	5
10A	22. Clear evidence	9
11A	23. Tiny type size	5
12A	24. One side in a noted family feud	8
13A	25. What to call a king	4
14A	26. First band to surpass one billion streams on Spotify (2014)	8
15A	27. ___ sauce	3
16A	28. Events offering a whole lot to choose from?	8
17A	29. Alternative to cooking oil	3
18A	32. *****, say	8
19A	33. Moved	4
20A	34. Surfing hazards	8
21A	35. Singer Bobby with a brave-sounding last name	5
22A	36. Crushes that have lost their sparkle?	9
23A	38. Companies	5
24A	39. One subject to a religious ban from the 1521 Edict of Worms	8
25A	40. Savoury pies	7
26A	42. Buenos ___	5
27A	43. "Be prepared"	10
28A	45. World Wildlife Fund and others, in brief	4
29A	46. Winter accessory	9
30A	47. "I ___!"	3
31A	48. "That's super"	8

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. Place with dressing options"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SALADBAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "9. Name found forward and backward in "Miranda rights""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a militant organization of irish nationalists who used terrorism and guerilla warfare in an effort to drive british forces from northern ireland and achieve a united independent ireland
• Words that mean the same thing: anger, ire, Irish Republican Army
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "12. Ones making a racket?"

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: CRIMERING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Heart"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small conspicuous constellation in the southern hemisphere in the milky way near centaurus
• Words that mean the same thing: crux of the matter, Crux Australis, Southern Cross
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRUX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Motion pictures?"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: OPTICALART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Film unlikely to have a costume designer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that creative activity (writing or pictures or films etc.) of no literary or artistic value other than to stimulate sexual desire
• Words that mean the same thing: erotica, porn, pornography
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PORNO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Young woman, quaintly"

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: WEELASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. "You can't be serious""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OHCOMEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. New LinkedIn members, 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 one-hundredth of a right angle
• Words that mean the same thing: graduate, grade, alum
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GRADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Clear evidence"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SURESIGNS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Tiny type size"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an impure form of quartz consisting of banded chalcedony; used as a gemstone and for making mortars and pestles
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. One side in a noted family feud"

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: CAPULETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. What to call a king"

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 title of address formerly used for a man of rank and authority
• Words that mean the same thing: generate, father, forefather
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SIRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. First band to surpass one billion streams on Spotify (2014)"

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: COLDPLAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "27. ___ sauce"

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 source of oil; used for forage and soil improvement and as food
• Words that mean the same thing: soya bean, soy sauce, soya
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "28. Events offering a whole lot to choose from?"

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: CARSALES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "29. Alternative to cooking oil"

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: PAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "32. *****, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TOPRATED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "33. Moved"

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 change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
• Words that mean the same thing: expire, hold up, give way
• The opposite would be: stay in place, malfunction
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "34. Surfing hazards"

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 a stretch of turbulent water in a river or the sea caused by one current flowing into or across another current
• Words that mean the same thing: countercurrent, rip current, rip
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIPTIDES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "35. Singer Bobby with a brave-sounding last name"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DARIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "36. Crushes that have lost their sparkle?"

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: FLATSODAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "38. Companies"

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 members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments
• Words that mean the same thing: firm, business firm, tauten
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FIRMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "39. One subject to a religious ban from the 1521 Edict of Worms"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that follower of lutheranism
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LUTHERAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "40. Savoury pies"

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 small meat pie or turnover
• Words that mean the same thing: pasty
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PASTIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "42. Buenos ___"

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 river in northern england that flows southeast through west yorkshire
• Words that mean the same thing: send, publicize, Aire 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: AIRES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "43. "Be prepared""

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: SCOUTMOTTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "45. World Wildlife Fund and others, in brief"

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 an organization that is not part of the local or state or federal government
• Words that mean the same thing: NGO, nongovernmental 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: NGOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "46. Winter accessory"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EARWARMER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "47. "I ___!""

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 young person of either sex
• Words that mean the same thing: chaff, tiddler, minor
• The opposite would be: parent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "48. "That's super""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: REALNEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Saturday Crossword Down Clues - December 16, 2023 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Trash hauler	4
2D	2. Musical effect that comes from the Italian for "to play on a harp"	8
3D	3. Bookish	8
4D	4. "Did it start already?"	7
5D	5. Time piece?	6
6D	6. Audacious self-assurance	5
7D	7. Isn't 100%	4
8D	8. Tiny messenger	3
9D	9. Factory seconds, for short	6
10D	10. Sentence with a lot of commas, perhaps	5
11D	11. They're impulsive	5
12D	13. Situations involving multiple romantic partners	10
13D	14. Courteous behavior, formally	6
14D	16. Portmanteau for poly relationships	8
15D	17. Pretend to be	6
16D	20. Follower of one or single in biology	6
17D	22. Its moves include Enchufla and Sombrero steps	10
18D	23. Bottom	3
19D	24. Events with matadores	8
20D	26. Hades vis-à-vis Persephone	6
21D	28. Thickets	6
22D	29. "If I could have the honor ..."	8
23D	30. Fragrant brew used in traditional medicine	8
24D	31. Geographical abbr.	3
25D	32. Church gifts	6
26D	33. Opposite of peaceful	7
27D	34. Custom car built with old parts and a shabby aesthetic	6
28D	35. Bleak	6
29D	36. Cut used for London broil, traditionally	5
30D	37. Classic video game character portrayed by John Leguizamo (1993)	5
31D	38. Ruling in Islamic law	5
32D	40. Complete	4
33D	41. Figure (out)	4
34D	44. Crew implement	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. Trash hauler"

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 any of various flat-bottomed boats with sloping ends
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Musical effect that comes from the Italian for "to play on a harp""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a chord whose notes are played in rapid succession rather than simultaneously
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARPEGGIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Bookish"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a medium clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that of or relating to or characteristic of literature
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LITERARY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. "Did it start already?""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMILATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Time piece?"

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 period of 10 years
• Words that mean the same thing: 10, tenner, X
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DECADE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Audacious self-assurance"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an alloy of copper and zinc
• Words that mean the same thing: governing body, establishment, nerve
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Isn't 100%"

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 aromatic bulb used as seasoning
• Words that mean the same thing: pain, ail, trouble
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AILS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Tiny messenger"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Factory seconds, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IRREGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Sentence with a lot of commas, perhaps"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: RUNON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. They're impulsive"

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 long nerve fiber that conducts away from the cell body of the neuron
• Words that mean the same thing: axon, axone
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AXONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "13. Situations involving multiple romantic partners"

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: GROUPDATES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Courteous behavior, formally"

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 state or atmosphere of harmony or mutual civility and respect
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COMITY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "16. Portmanteau for poly relationships"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: THRUPLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "17. Pretend to be"

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: POSEAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "20. Follower of one or single in biology"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CELLED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "22. Its moves include Enchufla and Sombrero steps"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: SALSADANCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "23. Bottom"

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

  The answer is: ASS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "24. Events with matadores"

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 a spanish or portuguese or latin american spectacle; a matador baits and (usually) kills a bull in an arena before many spectators
• Words that mean the same thing: bullfight, corrida
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CORRIDAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Hades vis-à-vis Persephone"

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 person who captures and holds people or animals
• Words that mean the same thing: capturer
• The opposite would be: liberator
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAPTOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. Thickets"

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 dense growth of bushes
• Words that mean the same thing: copse, coppice, brushwood
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COPSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. "If I could have the honor ...""

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: PERMITME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "30. Fragrant brew used in traditional medicine"

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: ANISETEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "31. Geographical abbr."

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

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: MTN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "32. Church gifts"

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 levy of one tenth of something
• Words that mean the same thing: tithe
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TITHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "33. Opposite of peaceful"

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: WARTORN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "34. Custom car built with old parts and a shabby aesthetic"

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: RATROD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "35. Bleak"

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 causing dejection
• Words that mean the same thing: gloomy, drear, dingy
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DISMAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "36. Cut used for London broil, traditionally"

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 side of military or naval formation
• Words that mean the same thing: wing
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLANK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "37. Classic video game character portrayed by John Leguizamo (1993)"

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

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: LUIGI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "38. Ruling in Islamic law"

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 ruling on a point of islamic law that is given by a recognized authority
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FATWA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "40. Complete"

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 free of extraneous elements of any kind
• Words that mean the same thing: perfect, staring, saturated
• The opposite would be: unsaturated, impure
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PURE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "41. Figure (out)"

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 category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
• Words that mean the same thing: sort out, assort, classify
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SORT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "44. Crew implement"

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 implement used to propel or steer a boat
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	49	75.4%
Short Answer	6	9.2%
Celebrity/Entertainment	3	4.6%
History	1	1.5%
Movies/Film	1	1.5%
Music	1	1.5%
Literature	1	1.5%
Science/Technology	1	1.5%
Abbreviation	1	1.5%
Sports	1	1.5%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	31
Down Clues	34
Total Clues	65
Average Answer Length	6.2 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 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 Saturday, and these puzzles are usually challenging level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 6 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: August 28, 2025 at 09:38 PM