No 27381, Sat Oct 26, 2024 NY Times Crossword by Peter A. Collins

Across Clues :

1. Hotel room staple, 6. "Hound Dog" singer Big ___ Thornton, 10. Freshly pressed grapes before fermentation, 14. Way, 15. Reality show winner since 2002, 16. Bridge piece, 17. Spotted, in a way, 18. Meaning of a finger wag, 19. Zip, 20. People to hang out with, 21. Mood, 22. Fish whose egg casings are called "mermaid's purses", 23. Oslo Accords signatory, for short, 24. Fail to tail, 25. Not spent anymore, 26. Two-time Oscar nominee Joan, 28. Go no further, 29. "We'll let ourselves in", 34. Medical breakthrough of 1954 that yielded a Nobel Prize, 35. Masters of bad impersonations?, 36. Pub fixtures, 37. Takes root, 38. Incite, 41. Tony winner Judith, 42. Letters on a Busch Stadium hat, 44. She played Julia in 2009's "Julie & Julia", 45. Cut and polish, maybe, 46. Big bird, 47. Two shakes, 48. Spin out on the ice?, 49. Reasons for some street closures, 50. In ___ (unmoved), 51. Birthstone that begins with the same letter as its month, 52. "ER" actress Laura, 53. Go berserk, 54. Slim winning margin, 55. Quite the party

Sat Oct 26, 2024 NY Times Crossword 

Down Clues :

1. Name on the playbill for the 1936 Salzburg Festival, 2. One of a singing duo?, 3. Solarium, 4. Périodes chaudes de l'année, 5. With 43-Down, fictional coach of AFC Richmond, 6. Skimpy garments, 7. Building block, 8. Brood, 9. Drink mentioned four times in the prologue of "The Canterbury Tales", 10. Deluxe wraps?, 11. Menace in "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania", 12. "À votre ___!", 13. Out on a limb, say, 21. Calling, 22. Something to wallow in, 24. Spade, for one, 25. Naughty list?, 27. Vessel that hasn't crossed the Canadian border since 1993, 28. The so-called "Rocket City" of the South, 29. Emphatic agreement, 30. When doubled, a pop nickname, 31. Gorgeous, 32. Not yet explored, as a tomb, 33. Map abbrs., 38. Where Dr. J played college hoops, for short, 39. Amber, e.g., 40. Van Susteren of TV news, 41. They might be bright, 43. See 5-Down, 45. National, formerly, 46. Asian royal, 48. Chicago's ___ Center, formerly known as the Amoco Building, 49. Small invention

Break down the NYT Crosswords: October 26, 2024

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

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Hotel room staple. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TVSET




• The clue is 6. "Hound Dog" singer Big ___ Thornton. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MAMA

  Possible Answer : mamma, mama, mummy, mammy, mum, momma, Mama, mommy, ma, mom




• The clue is 10. Freshly pressed grapes before fermentation. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MUST

  Possible Answer : moldiness, must, mustiness




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

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

  The answer: ROUTE

  Possible Answer : path, itinerary, route, road




• The clue is 15. Reality show winner since 2002. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IDOL

  Possible Answer : perfection, paragon, graven_image, god, beau_ideal, matinee_idol, idol




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

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

  The answer: IBAR




• The clue is 17. Spotted, in a way. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ACNED

  Possible Answer : acned, pimpled, pimply, pustulate




• The clue is 18. Meaning of a finger wag. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NOPE




• The clue is 19. Zip. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NONE

  Possible Answer : none




• The clue is 20. People to hang out with. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PALS

  Possible Answer : sidekick, pal_up, chum, buddy, pal, brother, crony, chum_up




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

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

  The answer: VIBE

  Possible Answer : vibe, vibration




• The clue is 22. Fish whose egg casings are called "mermaid's purses". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SKATE

  Possible Answer : skate




• The clue is 23. Oslo Accords signatory, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PLO

  Possible Answer : Palestine_Liberation_Organization, PLO




• The clue is 24. Fail to tail. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LOSE

  Possible Answer : lose, drop_off, recede, miss, suffer, fall_back, misplace, mislay, turn_a_loss, fall_behind

  Possible Opposite Answer : win, find, profit, keep, gain




• The clue is 25. Not spent anymore. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RESTED

  Possible Answer : roost, perch, rest, reside, lie, remain, repose, breathe, rested, take_a_breather, stay, catch_one's_breath, pillow

  Possible Opposite Answer : change, be_active, tired




• The clue is 26. Two-time Oscar nominee Joan. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CUSACK




• The clue is 28. Go no further. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HALT

  Possible Answer : stanch, stay, stoppage, game, hitch, hold, freeze, arrest, check, stem, staunch, crippled, block, lame, gimpy, stop, halting, halt, kibosh

  Possible Opposite Answer : start




• The clue is 29. "We'll let ourselves in". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DONTWAITUPFORUS




• The clue is 34. Medical breakthrough of 1954 that yielded a Nobel Prize. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ORGANTRANSPLANT




• The clue is 35. Masters of bad impersonations?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IDENTITYTHIEVES




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

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

  The answer: LOOS

  Possible Answer : water_closet, Loos, Adolf_Loos, closet, W.C., loo




• The clue is 37. Takes root. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SETSIN




• The clue is 38. Incite. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: URGEON




• The clue is 41. Tony winner Judith. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IVEY




• The clue is 42. Letters on a Busch Stadium hat. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STL




• The clue is 44. She played Julia in 2009's "Julie & Julia". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MERYL




• The clue is 45. Cut and polish, maybe. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EDIT

  Possible Answer : blue-pencil, cut, delete, redact, edit_out, edit




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

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

  The answer: RHEA

  Possible Answer : nandu, Rhea_americana, Pterocnemia_pennata, Rhea, rhea




• The clue is 47. Two shakes. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ASEC




• The clue is 48. Spin out on the ice?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AXEL




• The clue is 49. Reasons for some street closures. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FAIRS

  Possible Answer : bazaar, funfair, fair, carnival




• The clue is 50. In ___ (unmoved). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SITU




• The clue is 51. Birthstone that begins with the same letter as its month. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OPAL

  Possible Answer : opal




• The clue is 52. "ER" actress Laura. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: INNES




• The clue is 53. Go berserk. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SNAP

  Possible Answer : break_down, snarl, press_stud, duck_soup, gingersnap, catch, cracking, photograph, ginger_snap, shot, pushover, crack, child's_play, centering, picnic, elasticity, piece_of_cake, tear, cinch, grab, flick, snap, snapshot, snap_fastener, rupture, click, breeze, snatch, shoot, ginger_nut, snatch_up, bust, walkover, lose_it, snap_bean

  Possible Opposite Answer : inelasticity




• The clue is 54. Slim winning margin. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NOSE

  Possible Answer : horn_in, pry, intrude, scent, wind, nozzle, nose, poke, nuzzle, olfactory_organ




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

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

  The answer: BIGDO

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Name on the playbill for the 1936 Salzburg Festival. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TRAPP

• The clue is 2. One of a singing duo?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: VOCALCORD

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

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

  The answer: SUNLOUNGE

• The clue is 4. Périodes chaudes de l'année. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ETES

• The clue is 5. With 43-Down, fictional coach of AFC Richmond. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TED

  Possible Answer: Teddy_boy, Ted

• The clue is 6. Skimpy garments. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MINISKIRTS

  Possible Answer: miniskirt, mini

• The clue is 7. Building block. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ADOBE

  Possible Answer: adobe, adobe_brick

• The clue is 8. Brood. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MOPE

  Possible Answer: dallier, mope_around, moon_about, lounger, dilly-dallier, dillydallier, mope, moon_around

• The clue is 9. Drink mentioned four times in the prologue of "The Canterbury Tales". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALE

  Possible Answer: ale

• The clue is 10. Deluxe wraps?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MINKSTOLES

• The clue is 11. Menace in "Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: UBOAT

• The clue is 12. "À votre ___!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SANTE

• The clue is 13. Out on a limb, say. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TREED

  Possible Answer: corner, treed, trapped, at_bay, shoetree, tree, cornered

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

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

  The answer: VOCATION

  Possible Answer: occupational_group, career, calling, vocation

• The clue is 22. Something to wallow in. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SELFPITY

• The clue is 24. Spade, for one. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LAWNTOOL

• The clue is 25. Naughty list?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RAPSHEET

• The clue is 27. Vessel that hasn't crossed the Canadian border since 1993. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STANLEYCUP

• The clue is 28. The so-called "Rocket City" of the South. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HUNTSVILLE

  Possible Answer: Huntsville

• The clue is 29. Emphatic agreement. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DOI

  Possible Answer: Interior, Department_of_the_Interior, DoI, Interior_Department

• The clue is 30. When doubled, a pop nickname. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TAY

  Possible Answer: Tay

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

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

  The answer: RAVISHING

  Possible Answer: enthrall, enrapture, ravishing, delight, dishonour, violate, outrage, ravish, assault, dishonor, transport, enthral, enchant, rape

  Possible Opposite Answer : disenchant

• The clue is 32. Not yet explored, as a tomb. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: UNENTERED

• The clue is 33. Map abbrs.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STS

• The clue is 38. Where Dr. J played college hoops, for short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: UMASS

• The clue is 39. Amber, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RESIN

  Possible Answer: rosin, resin

• The clue is 40. Van Susteren of TV news. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GRETA

• The clue is 41. They might be bright. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IDEAS

  Possible Answer: idea, theme, estimation, estimate, thought, musical_theme, mind, melodic_theme, approximation

• The clue is 43. See 5-Down. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LASSO

  Possible Answer: Roland_de_Lassus, rope, Lasso, lasso, lariat, riata, Orlando_di_Lasso, reata

• The clue is 45. National, formerly. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EXPO

  Possible Answer: exhibition, expo, exposition

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

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

  The answer: RANI

  Possible Answer: ranee, rani

• The clue is 48. Chicago's ___ Center, formerly known as the Amoco Building. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AON

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

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

  The answer: FIB

  Possible Answer: tarradiddle, taradiddle, tale, fib, story

XWordHint Crossword Answers December 24, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Today's Puzzle Difficulty
• Across Clues Table (38 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (37 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

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. Whom you might say "hey" to every day	4
2A	5. Collect	5
3A	10. Indicator of an important email	4
4A	14. One of many in a Swiss Army knife	4
5A	15. "Name your ___"	5
6A	16. Predator in a pod	4
7A	17. Salad topping that's actually from America and is rarely consumed in its namesake land	15
8A	20. Wheelchair access paths	5
9A	21. Spanish "Listen up!"	3
10A	22. "Shucks, you're too kind"	5
11A	23. As a P.S.	4
12A	25. Sharp quality	4
13A	27. "Out of Africa" author actually named Karen Christentze von Blixen-Finecke	11
14A	30. Knee parts, for short	4
15A	32. Wee winter workers	5
16A	33. It keeps the rain away	4
17A	36. Shout at a Real Madrid game	3
18A	37. Kosher barbecue option	7
19A	39. Kenan's partner in comedy	3
20A	40. Where Noah's Ark landed	6
21A	42. Grant	6
22A	44. Observance celebrating a decision actually made on July 2 — the date when John Adams predicted it would be celebrated	15
23A	48. "Scream" queen Campbell	4
24A	49. Jockey's handful	5
25A	50. Humans : Homo :: bees : ___	4
26A	51. Frees (of)	4
27A	53. Includes online, in a way	3
28A	54. Blueprint	4
29A	55. Some high-level H.S. classes	3
30A	56. Aids for minors buying liquor ... or a hint to 17-, 27- and 44-Across	7
31A	59. ___ Faire	3
32A	61. Shrub that sounds regretful	3
33A	62. Telethon contributions	7
34A	63. Ironman race, familiarly	3
35A	64. Kind of oil in some edibles	3
36A	65. "How ___ It End?" (Taylor Swift song)	3
37A	66. Lunch lady's hair holder	3
38A	67. Fancy handbag inits.	3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Whom you might say "hey" to every day"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SIRI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Collect"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that collect or gather
• Similar words include: gather, conglomerate, compile
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AMASS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Indicator of an important email"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
• Similar words include: superstar, asterisk, whiz
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. One of many in a Swiss Army knife"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an implement used in the practice of a vocation
• Similar words include: pecker, dick, tool around
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TOOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "Name your ___""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the property of having material worth (often indicated by the amount of money something would bring if sold)
• Similar words include: Leontyne Price, monetary value, damage
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PRICE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Predator in a pod"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin; common in cold seas
• Similar words include: sea wolf, killer whale, grampus
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ORCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Salad topping that's actually from America and is rarely consumed in its namesake land"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ITALIANDRESSING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "20. Wheelchair access paths"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an inclined surface connecting two levels
• Similar words include: Allium tricoccum, incline, ramp
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAMPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Spanish "Listen up!""

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. "Shucks, you're too kind""

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AWGEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. As a P.S."

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that in addition
• Similar words include: as well, too, likewise
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Sharp quality"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the boundary of a surface
• Similar words include: butt on, bound, butt
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EDGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "27. "Out of Africa" author actually named Karen Christentze von Blixen-Finecke"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISAKDINESEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "30. Knee parts, for short"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "32. Wee winter workers"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an acronym for emissions of light and very low frequency perturbations due to electromagnetic pulse sources; extremely bright extremely short (less than a msec) electrical flashes forming a huge ring (up to 400 km diameter) in the ionosphere
• Similar words include: gremlin, imp, brownie
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELVES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "33. It keeps the rain away"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that waterproofed canvas
• Similar words include: tarpaulin
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TARP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Shout at a Real Madrid game"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Kosher barbecue option"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BEEFRIB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Kenan's partner in comedy"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Where Noah's Ark landed"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the mountain peak that noah's ark landed on as the waters of the great flood receded
• Similar words include: Mt. Ararat, Mount Ararat
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARARAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Grant"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: GIVETO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Observance celebrating a decision actually made on July 2 — the date when John Adams predicted it would be celebrated"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INDEPENDENCEDAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "48. "Scream" queen Campbell"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the upper part of a glacier (beyond the limit of perpetual snow) where the snow turns to ice
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "49. Jockey's handful"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse
• Similar words include: rein, draw rein, rule
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REINS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. Humans : Homo :: bees : ___"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that type genus of the apidae: honeybees
• Similar words include: genus Apis
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "51. Frees (of)"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that relieve from
• Similar words include: rid, free, disembarrass
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RIDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "53. Includes online, in a way"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a metric unit of volume equal to one thousandth of a liter
• Similar words include: millilitre, ml, milliliter
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Blueprint"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
• Similar words include: design, architectural plan, program
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PLAN

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29A: "55. Some high-level H.S. classes"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APS

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30A: "56. Aids for minors buying liquor ... or a hint to 17-, 27- and 44-Across"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: FAKEIDS

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31A: "59. ___ Faire"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REN

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32A: "61. Shrub that sounds regretful"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that european strong-scented perennial herb with grey-green bitter-tasting leaves; an irritant similar to poison ivy
• Similar words include: ruefulness, sorrow, herb of grace
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RUE

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33A: "62. Telethon contributions"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a deposit of personal property as security for a debt
• Similar words include: drink, toast, salute
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PLEDGES

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34A: "63. Ironman race, familiarly"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRI

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35A: "64. Kind of oil in some edibles"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CBD

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36A: "65. "How ___ It End?" (Taylor Swift song)"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that carry out or perform an action
• Similar words include: make, practice, act
• Opposite of: unmake

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DID

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37A: "66. Lunch lady's hair holder"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
• Similar words include: last, net income, internet
• Opposite of: gross

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NET

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38A: "67. Fancy handbag inits."

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: YSL

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Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Recipe directive	4
2D	2. Speck	4
3D	3. Travel without an itinerary, say	4
4D	4. "Count me out"	7
5D	5. Org. for therapists	3
6D	6. Silly character on the "Sesame Street" segment "Elmo's World"	8
7D	7. "S.N.L." alum Bryant	4
8D	8. Free copy of a film sent to awards show voters	8
9D	9. Perceive	3
10D	10. "That's very kind of you"	7
11D	11. Class where you learn how to get a tan?	4
12D	12. Pimples	4
13D	13. Fury	4
14D	18. Cuba, por ejemplo	4
15D	19. Looks weighed down	4
16D	24. Pesky biter, informally	7
17D	26. Patterns	7
18D	27. Unwise	10
19D	28. Procedure with frozen eggs, for short	3
20D	29. No-clothes college gathering	10
21D	30. "Really, we're still doing this?!"	5
22D	31. Convenient spot for a pint	9
23D	34. Orthodontists' offerings	9
24D	35. Tricksy schemes	5
25D	37. Cooked rice, in Korean cuisine	3
26D	38. Ballpoint brand	3
27D	41. Clarinetist's need	4
28D	43. Wiener schnitzel meat	4
29D	45. Snogged	6
30D	46. Cut into small cubes	5
31D	47. Coast Guard rank	6
32D	52. Cops near Alcatraz, for short	4
33D	54. "Hey! Over here!"	4
34D	55. Rainbow's shape	3
35D	57. ___ Stroker, Tony Award-winning actress in "Oklahoma!"	3
36D	58. Low mark	3
37D	60. Zilch	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Recipe directive"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a prominent or sensational but short-lived news event
• Similar words include: call forth, bring up, flurry
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STIR

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2D: "2. Speck"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
• Similar words include: smidgen, smidgin, scintilla
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IOTA

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3D: "3. Travel without an itinerary, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
• Similar words include: drift, stray, rove
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROAM

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4D: "4. "Count me out""

7 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ILLPASS

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5D: "5. Org. for therapists"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APA

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6D: "6. Silly character on the "Sesame Street" segment "Elmo's World""

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MRNOODLE

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7D: "7. "S.N.L." alum Bryant"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AIDY

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8D: "8. Free copy of a film sent to awards show voters"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a guard at an airport who checks passengers or their luggage at a security checkpoint
• Pattern: ________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SCREENER

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9D: "9. Perceive"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
• Similar words include: go out, ensure, escort
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SEE

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10D: "10. "That's very kind of you""

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOSWEET

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11D: "11. Class where you learn how to get a tan?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the mathematics of triangles and trigonometric functions
• Similar words include: trim, trigonometry, clean-cut
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRIG

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12D: "12. Pimples"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ACNE

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13D: "13. Fury"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a feeling of intense anger
• Similar words include: fad, madness, craze
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAGE

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14D: "18. Cuba, por ejemplo"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISLA

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15D: "19. Looks weighed down"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a shape that sags
• Similar words include: flag, sag, swag
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAGS

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16D: "24. Pesky biter, informally"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SKEETER

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17D: "26. Patterns"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
• Similar words include: design, innovation, pattern
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DESIGNS

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18D: "27. Unwise"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ILLADVISED

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19D: "28. Procedure with frozen eggs, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IVF

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20D: "29. No-clothes college gathering"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NAKEDPARTY

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21D: "30. "Really, we're still doing this?!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Similar words include: once more, once again, over again
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AGAIN

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22D: "31. Convenient spot for a pint"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CORNERPUB

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23D: "34. Orthodontists' offerings"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a fee charged in advance to retain the services of someone
• Similar words include: retainer, servant, consideration
• Pattern: _________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RETAINERS

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24D: "35. Tricksy schemes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PLOYS

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25D: "37. Cooked rice, in Korean cuisine"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a small loaf or roll of soft bread
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BAP

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26D: "38. Ballpoint brand"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: BIC

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27D: "41. Clarinetist's need"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera arundo and phragmites
• Similar words include: Walter Reed, beating-reed instrument, John Reed
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: REED

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28D: "43. Wiener schnitzel meat"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that meat from a calf
• Similar words include: veau
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: VEAL

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29D: "45. Snogged"

6 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that kiss, embrace, or fondle with sexual passion
• Similar words include: make out, neck
• Opposite of: neckless

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NECKED

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30D: "46. Cut into small cubes"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that cut into cubes
• Similar words include: dice, cube
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DICED

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31D: "47. Coast Guard rank"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person who holds a commissioned rank in the united states navy or the united states coast guard; below lieutenant junior grade
• Similar words include: national flag
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENSIGN

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32D: "52. Cops near Alcatraz, for short"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SFPD

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33D: "54. "Hey! Over here!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PSST

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34D: "55. Rainbow's shape"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field
• Similar words include: curve, bow, arch
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARC

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35D: "57. ___ Stroker, Tony Award-winning actress in "Oklahoma!""

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
• Similar words include: Cassius Marcellus Clay, Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ALI

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36D: "58. Low mark"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEE

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37D: "60. Zilch"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a quantity of no importance
• Similar words include: cipher, null, goose egg
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NIL

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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

38 Across Clues

37 Down Clues

75 Total Clues

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Last updated: December 24, 2025 at 04:10 AM