Search Clues

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

Thursday, December 12, 2024

27425 Thu Dec 12, 2024 NYT by Daniel Bodily

Across Clues :

1. Strike one!, 5. Word with slow or strawberry, 8. "___ gusto" ("Nice to meet you," in Spanish), 13. Can, 14. Spanish article, 15. Paella base, 16. Domino pip, e.g., 17. Party crashers, perhaps, 19. Part of a bat that produces the best contact, 21. Small nail, 22. Express publicly, 23. Saint, in Rio, 25. "A Beautiful Mind" director Howard, 27. Balayage providers, 32. ___ Swiatek, four-time French Open winner, 33. Cake part, 35. Fresh, 36. Get serious hang time, as a skateboarder, 40. Times for holiday parties, 41. Boomer in a band, 42. It makes Max profits, 43. Italian dynasty that produced four popes, 46. Bit of kitchenware, 47. "Cleopatra With the ___" (Reni painting), 48. Hosp. staffers, 50. Branch of a sort, 52. Three-digit numbers in parentheses, 57. Low-key place for gnocchi, 58. Toon with a monkey named Boots, 60. Matcha ___ (tea-based beverage), 61. Human thing to do, 62. Waze figs., 63. Easy to understand, 64. Hits up on Instagram, for short, 65. Meeting, informally

Down Clues :

1. A family might have matching ones, for short, 2. "D'oh!", 3. Strutted one's stuff, 4. Maze prompt, 5. Line below a swoosh, 6. Pantry problem, 7. "I Feel Pretty" singer in "West Side Story", 8. Mind repeating that?, 9. "Irresistible" feeling, 10. Language from which we get "Manitoba" and "Saskatchewan", 11. Motorist's warning, 12. The "40" in a malt liquor 40: Abbr., 18. x, y or z, 20. The world at your feet?, 23. Order to an attack dog, 24. Plant used in xeriscaping because of its tolerance to drought, 26. Hogwarts exam after the O.W.L., 28. Nonexpert, 29. "While we're discussing it ...", 30. Novice gamers, informally, 31. Word after one fell?, 34. Extend, as a contract, 37. Show with a "Cyber" spinoff, 38. Suns that shine?, 39. Roger B. ___, justice who infamously authored the Dred Scott decision (1857), 44. Sign of impact, 45. Deets, 49. Begat, 51. Writes in C or R, say, 52. Kazakhstan's ___ Sea, 53. Quoted figure, 54. Pioneering blues guitarist Baker, 55. Unyielding, 56. ___ Tour, pop culture phenomenon of 2023-24, 57. Pampering, for short, 59. Tree with so-called helicopter seeds

Break down the NYT Crosswords: December 12, 2024

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

New York Times, Thursday, December 12, 2024
New York Times, Thursday, December 12, 2024


Across Clues with Answers:
  • The clue is 1. Strike one!. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: POSE

    Possible Answer : bewilder, baffle, beat, airs, affectedness, put, affectation, perplex, sit, set, place, stick, mannerism, dumbfound, puzzle, present, get, gravel, posture, impersonate, position, mystify, flummox, stupefy, model, amaze, personate, vex, pose, lay, nonplus


  • The clue is 5. Word with slow or strawberry. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: JAM

    Possible Answer : jam, chock_up, jamming, wad, ram, obstruct, throng, mess, cram, kettle_of_fish, impede, press, block, pickle, mob, fix, jampack, occlude, obturate, muddle, crush, electronic_jamming, pack, pile, hole, close_up

    Possible Opposite Answer : free


  • The clue is 8. "___ gusto" ("Nice to meet you," in Spanish). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MUCHO


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

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

    The answer: JOHN

    Possible Answer : lavatory, Saint_John_the_Apostle, John_the_Evangelist, Gospel_According_to_John, whoremaster, privy, trick, whoremonger, St._John, lav, Saint_John, John_Lackland, John_the_Divine, toilet, St._John_the_Apostle, bathroom, john, John, can, King_John


  • The clue is 14. Spanish article. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: UNA


  • The clue is 15. Paella base. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ARROZ


  • The clue is 16. Domino pip, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SPOT

    Possible Answer : tell_apart, post, topographic_point, spot, situation, spotlight, recognize, patch, make_out, pick_out, smear, smudge, discern, speckle, place, blob, descry, berth, spy, slur, espy, blot, daub, distinguish, touch, fleck, position, point, dapple, pip, maculation, office, stain, bit, smirch, blemish, recognise, billet


  • The clue is 17. Party crashers, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: STRANGERS

    Possible Answer : unknown, stranger, alien

    Possible Opposite Answer : acquaintance


  • The clue is 19. Part of a bat that produces the best contact. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SWEETSPOT


  • The clue is 21. Small nail. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: BRAD

    Possible Answer : brad


  • The clue is 22. Express publicly. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: AIR

    Possible Answer : melodic_line, transmit, aerate, aura, air_travel, line, tune, gentle_wind, send, melodic_phrase, breeze, strain, beam, aviation, vent, ventilate, atmosphere, publicize, broadcast, bare, air_out, air, publicise, melody, airwave, zephyr


  • The clue is 23. Saint, in Rio. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SAO


  • The clue is 25. "A Beautiful Mind" director Howard. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RON

    Possible Answer : Bokkos, Daffo, Ron


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

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

    The answer: SALONS

    Possible Answer : salon, beauty_shop, beauty_parlor, beauty_parlour, beauty_salon


  • The clue is 32. ___ Swiatek, four-time French Open winner. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: IGA

    Possible Answer : immunoglobulin_A, IgA


  • The clue is 33. Cake part. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TIER

    Possible Answer : tier_up, grade, level, tier


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

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

    The answer: ANEW

    Possible Answer : anew, afresh


  • The clue is 36. Get serious hang time, as a skateboarder. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CATCHAIR


  • The clue is 40. Times for holiday parties. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EVES

    Possible Answer : eventide, evening, Eve, eve, even


  • The clue is 41. Boomer in a band. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TUBA

    Possible Answer : tuba, sousaphone, bass_horn


  • The clue is 42. It makes Max profits. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HBO


  • The clue is 43. Italian dynasty that produced four popes. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MEDICI

    Possible Answer : Medici


  • The clue is 46. Bit of kitchenware. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PAN

    Possible Answer : goat_god, Pan, pan_out, trash, cooking_pan, genus_Pan, pan_off, tear_apart, pan


  • The clue is 47. "Cleopatra With the ___" (Reni painting). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ASP

    Possible Answer : Naja_haje, asp, Egyptian_cobra, Vipera_aspis, asp_viper


  • The clue is 48. Hosp. staffers. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RNS

    Possible Answer : radon, registered_nurse, atomic_number_86, RN, Rn


  • The clue is 50. Branch of a sort. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SECT

    Possible Answer : sect, faction, religious_sect, religious_order


  • The clue is 52. Three-digit numbers in parentheses. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: AREACODES


  • The clue is 57. Low-key place for gnocchi. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TRATTORIA


  • The clue is 58. Toon with a monkey named Boots. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: DORA


  • The clue is 60. Matcha ___ (tea-based beverage). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LATTE

    Possible Answer : latte, caffe_latte


  • The clue is 61. Human thing to do. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ERR

    Possible Answer : err, stray, drift, slip, mistake


  • The clue is 62. Waze figs.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ETAS

    Possible Answer : Basque_Fatherland_and_Liberty, eta, Basque_Homeland_and_Freedom, Euskadi_ta_Askatasuna, ETA


  • The clue is 63. Easy to understand. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CLEAR

    Possible Answer : top, exculpated, exonerated, realise, take_in, clean, earn, illuminate, unclutter, unmortgaged, clearly, crystallise, crystalise, exonerate, sack_up, clean-cut, straighten_out, clear_up, solve, readable, pull_in, brighten, acquit, light, decipherable, net, light_up, absolved, shed_light_on, authorise, make, authorize, realize, open, exculpate, crystallize, all_the_way, percipient, elucidate, gain, bring_in, pass, vindicated, crystalize, clear-cut, enlighten, sort_out, sack, clear, unclouded, discharge, well-defined, cleared, assoil

    Possible Opposite Answer : ill-defined, cloudy, clutter, opaque, convict, bounce, unclear, overcast


  • The clue is 64. Hits up on Instagram, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: DMS

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


  • The clue is 65. Meeting, informally. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SESH


Down Clues and Answers:
  • The clue is 1. A family might have matching ones, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PJS

  • The clue is 2. "D'oh!". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OOPS

  • The clue is 3. Strutted one's stuff. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

    The answer: SHOWBOATED

  • The clue is 4. Maze prompt. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ENTER

    Possible Answer: move_into, recruit, enroll, accede, figure, go_in, participate, embark, enter, get_into, record, put_down, inscribe, infix, go_into, get_in, enrol, insert, come_in, introduce

    Possible Opposite Answer : exit, drop_out

  • The clue is 5. Line below a swoosh. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: JUSTDOIT

  • The clue is 6. Pantry problem. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ANTS

    Possible Answer: ant, pismire, emmet

  • The clue is 7. "I Feel Pretty" singer in "West Side Story". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MARIA

    Possible Answer: Maria, maria, mare, Calophyllum_longifolium

  • The clue is 8. Mind repeating that?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MANTRA

    Possible Answer: mantra

  • The clue is 9. "Irresistible" feeling. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: URGE

    Possible Answer: root_on, urge, inspire, recommend, exhort, advocate, urge_on, itch, cheer, impulse, pep_up, barrack, press

  • The clue is 10. Language from which we get "Manitoba" and "Saskatchewan". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CREE

    Possible Answer: Cree

  • The clue is 11. Motorist's warning. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HORN

    Possible Answer: French_horn, saddle_horn, tusk, horn, trumpet, automobile_horn, car_horn, trump, hooter, motor_horn, cornet

  • The clue is 12. The "40" in a malt liquor 40: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OZS

  • The clue is 18. x, y or z. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: AXIS

    Possible Answer: Axis, axis, axis_of_rotation, bloc, axis_vertebra

  • The clue is 20. The world at your feet?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EARTH

    Possible Answer: solid_ground, earthly_concern, world, earth, ground, dry_land, globe, Earth, worldly_concern, land, terra_firma

  • The clue is 23. Order to an attack dog. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SICEM

  • The clue is 24. Plant used in xeriscaping because of its tolerance to drought. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: AGAVE

    Possible Answer: American_aloe, century_plant, agave

  • The clue is 26. Hogwarts exam after the O.W.L.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: NEWT

    Possible Answer: triton, newt

  • The clue is 28. Nonexpert. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LAY

    Possible Answer: rest, put_down, set, ballad, secular, place, position, lie, put, pose, lay, lie_in, laic, dwell, lie_down, repose, consist

    Possible Opposite Answer : arise, stand

  • The clue is 29. "While we're discussing it ...". Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

    The answer: ONTHATNOTE

  • The clue is 30. Novice gamers, informally. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: NEWBS

  • The clue is 31. Word after one fell?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SWOOP

    Possible Answer: swoop, swoop_up, pounce, slide

  • The clue is 34. Extend, as a contract. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: REUP

  • The clue is 37. Show with a "Cyber" spinoff. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CSI

  • The clue is 38. Suns that shine?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: NBASTARS

  • The clue is 39. Roger B. ___, justice who infamously authored the Dred Scott decision (1857). Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TANEY

    Possible Answer: Roger_Brooke_Taney, Taney, Roger_Taney

  • The clue is 44. Sign of impact. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CRATER

    Possible Answer: crater, Crater, volcanic_crater

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

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

    The answer: INFO

    Possible Answer: info, information

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

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

    The answer: SIRED

    Possible Answer: engender, sire, generate, get, mother, beget, bring_forth, father

  • The clue is 51. Writes in C or R, say. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CODES

    Possible Answer: take_in, rag, put_one_over, tease, write_in_code, razz, codification, tantalize, put_on, twit, encipher, inscribe, fool, taunt, slang, cipher, computer_code, dupe, befool, bait, ride, cod, tantalise, code, encrypt, put_one_across, gull, cypher, rally

  • The clue is 52. Kazakhstan's ___ Sea. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ARAL

  • The clue is 53. Quoted figure. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RATE

    Possible Answer: rate, range, order, place, value, grade, charge_per_unit, rank, pace

  • The clue is 54. Pioneering blues guitarist Baker. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ETTA

  • The clue is 55. Unyielding. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: FIRM

    Possible Answer: unfaltering, immobile, unfluctuating, solid, unshakable, truehearted, unwavering, house, steadfastly, fast, unbendable, stiff, tauten, steady, unwaveringly, strong, steadfast, loyal, firmly, business_firm, firm

  • The clue is 56. ___ Tour, pop culture phenomenon of 2023-24. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ERAS

    Possible Answer: era, ERA, earned_run_average, epoch, geological_era

  • The clue is 57. Pampering, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TLC

    Possible Answer: TLC, tender_loving_care

  • The clue is 59. Tree with so-called helicopter seeds. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ASH

    Possible Answer: ash, ash_tree

Thursday, September 17, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 17, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Challenging

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Buds 4
2A 5. Concealer for the face 4
3A 9. Pre-K building blocks 4
4A 13. Plant that thrives in a terra-cotta pot 4
5A 14. Stick it to your rival! 4
6A 15. Bring in 4
7A 16. Twill-woven worsted wool garment 4
8A 17. Fix, in a way 4
9A 18. Purple bubble tea flavor 4
10A 19. Annual e-sport fighting competition, in brief 3
11A 20. Short sidekick? 4
12A 21. Chocolatier with the tagline "Life is a ball" 5
13A 22. Dub over? 6
14A 24. Cuatro y dos 4
15A 26. Business magnate CondΓ© 4
16A 28. Promising places? 6
17A 32. Ferry or wherry 4
18A 35. Start of an incantation 4
19A 37. Pastoral sound 3
20A 38. Web design feature that may cycle back to earlier sections ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme 14
21A 42. Inspired stuff 3
22A 43. Pro device 4
23A 44. ___ out a win 4
24A 45. Bond alternatives 6
25A 47. "... ___ no one ever" 4
26A 50. Edge jump in figure skating 4
27A 52. Scenes on Black Friday 6
28A 56. Kaitlin of "Hacks" 5
29A 59. Pawn 4
30A 61. Addendum to the five W's 3
31A 62. Female antelopes 4
32A 63. "'___' is the thing with feathers" (Emily Dickinson poem) 4
33A 64. Woodsy scent 4
34A 65. Top of a mosque, often 4
35A 66. Column in decimal notation 4
36A 67. Central Plains people 4
37A 68. Losing streak 4
38A 69. Column in decimal notation 4
39A 70. Cheeky 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Buds"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric
  • Similar words include: mac, mack, macintosh
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Concealer for the face"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a covering to disguise or conceal the face
  • Similar words include: dissemble, disguise, masquerade
  • Opposite of: unmask
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MASK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Pre-K building blocks"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
  • Similar words include: first principle, alphabet, first rudiment
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Plant that thrives in a terra-cotta pot"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Stick it to your rival!"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Bring in"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gather, as of natural products
  • Similar words include: draw, glean, harvest
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Twill-woven worsted wool garment"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a knee-length pleated tartan skirt worn by men as part of the traditional dress in the highlands of northern scotland
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KILT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "17. Fix, in a way"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the ovaries of
  • Similar words include: alter, neuter, castrate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "18. Purple bubble tea flavor"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible starchy tuberous root of taro plants
  • Similar words include: Colocasia esculenta, edda, dalo
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "19. Annual e-sport fighting competition, in brief"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "20. Short sidekick?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "21. Chocolatier with the tagline "Life is a ball""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINDT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "22. Dub over?"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assign a new name to
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RENAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "24. Cuatro y dos"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "26. Business magnate CondΓ©"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states political cartoonist (1840-1902)
  • Similar words include: Thomas Nast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "28. Promising places?"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the table in christian churches where communion is given
  • Similar words include: Lord's table, altar, communion table
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALTARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Ferry or wherry"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small vessel for travel on water
  • Similar words include: gravy boat, sauceboat, gravy holder
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Start of an incantation"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Pastoral sound"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a cow or bull
  • Similar words include: low
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Web design feature that may cycle back to earlier sections ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INFINITESCROLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Inspired stuff"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
  • Similar words include: melodic line, strain, aura
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Pro device"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IPAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. ___ out a win"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Bond alternatives"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a frame that supports a boat while it is under construction
  • Similar words include: breed, livestock, ancestry
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOCKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. "... ___ no one ever""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express in words
  • Similar words include: tell, articulate, aforesaid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Edge jump in figure skating"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines
  • Similar words include: loop-the-loop, intertwine, eyelet
  • Opposite of: open circuit, uncoil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Scenes on Black Friday"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large number of things or people considered together
  • Similar words include: herd, crowd, bunch
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CROWDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. Kaitlin of "Hacks""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLSON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Pawn"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several white wines from the rhine river valley in germany (`hock' is british usage)
  • Similar words include: hock-joint, pawn, Rhine wine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOCK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Addendum to the five W's"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. Female antelopes"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the united states; created in 1977
  • Similar words include: answer, cause, practise
  • Opposite of: unmake
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. "'___' is the thing with feathers" (Emily Dickinson poem)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a specific instance of feeling hopeful
  • Similar words include: promise, trust, go for
  • Opposite of: despair
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Woodsy scent"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a coniferous tree
  • Similar words include: languish, yen, pine tree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Top of a mosque, often"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a concave shape whose distinguishing characteristic is that the concavity faces downward
  • Similar words include: noodle, domed stadium, covered stadium
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Column in decimal notation"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: ace, single, unity
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Central Plains people"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people inhabiting the valleys of the platte and missouri rivers in nebraska
  • Similar words include: Oto
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Losing streak"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of a pair of planks used to make a track for rolling or sliding objects
  • Similar words include: slew, slide, slip
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Column in decimal notation"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
  • Similar words include: 10, tenner, decade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Cheeky"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality
  • Similar words include: irreverent, impertinent, saucy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 20. Reddit Q&A sesh 3
2D 21. Purple shade 5
3D 23. Prefix with body or bacterial 4
4D 25. Side mirrors on a car, anthropomorphically 4
5D 27. "Toodle-oo!" 4
6D 29. One way to run 4
7D 30. Actors like biting into a juicy one 4
8D 31. On board, say 4
9D 32. Pollster's concern 4
10D 33. "Handling this as we speak" 4
11D 34. Hairstyle that you've picked out? 4
12D 36. Kings and queens, e.g. 4
13D 39. Canon competitor 5
14D 40. ___ facto 4
15D 41. Makeover 4
16D 46. Film production environment for an intimate scene, perhaps 9
17D 48. Digital security credential 9
18D 49. Get to 3
19D 51. Telegram and Simple Dialer, for two 9
20D 53. Cannellini, e.g. 9
21D 54. Organ-related item in a wallet 9
22D 55. Perfect place 9
23D 56. Expert employed by a sportsbook 9
24D 57. "Show me some real effort!" 9
25D 58. It's not a full stop 9
26D 60. Room in the audience up for grabs 9
27D 63. Absolute train wrecks 9
28D 64. Andy Warhol, e.g. 9

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "20. Reddit Q&A sesh"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "21. Purple shade"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various plants of the genus syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers
  • Similar words include: lilac-colored, lavender
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LILAC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "23. Prefix with body or bacterial"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is opposed (to an action or policy or practice etc.)
  • Opposite of: pro
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "25. Side mirrors on a car, anthropomorphically"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: spike, auricle, pinna
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "27. "Toodle-oo!""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "29. One way to run"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that frenzied as if possessed by a demon
  • Similar words include: murderously, berserk, demoniac
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "30. Actors like biting into a juicy one"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
  • Similar words include: function, persona, character
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "31. On board, say"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent
  • Similar words include: trade, deal, sell
  • Opposite of: unsold, buy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "32. Pollster's concern"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
  • Similar words include: predetermine, diagonal, preconception
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "33. "Handling this as we speak""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "34. Hairstyle that you've picked out?"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rounded thickly curled hairdo
  • Similar words include: Afro hairdo
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "36. Kings and queens, e.g."

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
  • Similar words include: go to bed, turn in, love
  • Opposite of: get up, turn out
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "39. Canon competitor"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIKON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "40. ___ facto"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IPSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "41. Makeover"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that do over, as of (part of) a house
  • Similar words include: remake, refashion, make over
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "46. Film production environment for an intimate scene, perhaps"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOSEDSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "48. Digital security credential"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACCESSKEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "49. Get to"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that irritate or vex
  • Similar words include: gall
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "51. Telegram and Simple Dialer, for two"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHONEAPPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "53. Cannellini, e.g."

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHITEBEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "54. Organ-related item in a wallet"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DONORCARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "55. Perfect place"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWEETSPOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "56. Expert employed by a sportsbook"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODDSMAKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "57. "Show me some real effort!""

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOKALIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "58. It's not a full stop"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a punctuation mark (`;') used to connect independent clauses; indicates a closer relation than does a period
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEMICOLON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "60. Room in the audience up for grabs"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPENSEATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "63. Absolute train wrecks"

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOTMESSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "64. Andy Warhol, e.g."

9 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POPARTIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
28 Down Clues
67 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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

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

Last updated: September 17, 2026 at 08:47 AM