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Saturday, September 13, 2025

December 22, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (33 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.3 letters

December 22, 2021 Across Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Answers

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. "Darn it!" 4
2A 5. In base eight 5
3A 10. "Resident Alien" channel 4
4A 14. Sound heard in a long hall 4
5A 15. Tennis champ Osaka 5
6A 16. City with a beef 4
7A 17. Jovial seasonal mood 15
8A 20. ___-Seltzer 4
9A 21. Take a snooze, with "out" 4
10A 22. Cost of not doing business, maybe 15
11A 29. Significant ___ 5
12A 30. Hubbub 3
13A 31. Like many a go-getter 5
14A 32. Warrior in the Greek pantheon 4
15A 33. Regional wildlife 5
16A 35. Lovable goofball, say 4
17A 36. NASA endeavors whose vehicles can be found at the ends of 17-, 22-, 51- and 57-Across 15
18A 39. Sketch show since '75 3
19A 40. Fist bump 3
20A 41. Walkie-talkie band, briefly 3
21A 44. Place to catch up over a hot drink 7
22A 48. When repeated, slangy sound of eating 3
23A 51. Why everyone loves a good train wreck 15
24A 54. Fish also known as a bluegill 5
25A 55. Make a bow 3
26A 56. Title woman in a classic 1973 breakup tune 5
27A 57. Uniquely American cleverness 15
28A 60. ___ homo 4
29A 61. Rest atop 5
30A 62. Cheeseboard choice 4
31A 63. Quizzical Quebec questions? 3
32A 64. "I ___ know" (common excuse) 5
33A 65. Member of the fam 3

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. "Darn it!""

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 long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
  • Words that mean the same thing: rotter, bum, rat
  • 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: RATS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. In base eight"

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 of or pertaining to a number system having 8 as its base
  • 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: OCTAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. "Resident Alien" channel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SYFY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Sound heard in a long hall"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
  • Words that mean the same thing: reverberation, replication, sound reflection
  • 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: ECHO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Tennis champ Osaka"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the mother-in-law of ruth whose story is told in the book of ruth in the old testament
  • Words that mean the same thing: Noemi
  • 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: NAOMI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. City with a beef"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a port city in japan on osaka bay in southern honshu; was damaged by an earthquake in 1995
  • 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: KOBE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Jovial seasonal mood"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: CHRISTMASSPIRIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. ___-Seltzer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ALKA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Take a snooze, with "out""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ZONK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Cost of not doing business, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: LOSTOPPORTUNITY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "29. Significant ___"

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 not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied; - the white queen
  • Words that mean the same thing: former, early
  • The opposite would be: same
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OTHER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "30. Hubbub"

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 rapid active commotion
  • Words that mean the same thing: stir, hustle, flurry
  • 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: ADO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "31. Like many a go-getter"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: TYPEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "32. Warrior in the Greek pantheon"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (greek mythology) greek god of war; son of zeus and hera; identified with roman mars
  • Words that mean the same thing: ar, are
  • 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: ARES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Regional wildlife"

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 all the plant and animal life of a particular region
  • Words that mean the same thing: biology
  • 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: BIOTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Lovable goofball, say"

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 dull stupid fatuous person
  • Words that mean the same thing: jerk
  • 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: DORK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. NASA endeavors whose vehicles can be found at the ends of 17-, 22-, 51- and 57-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: MARTIANMISSIONS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Sketch show since '75"

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: SNL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Fist bump"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: DAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Walkie-talkie band, briefly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that 300 to 3000 megahertz
  • Words that mean the same thing: ultrahigh frequency
  • 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: UHF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Place to catch up over a hot drink"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a restaurant where tea and light meals are available
  • Words that mean the same thing: teashop, tea parlor, tea parlour
  • 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: TEAROOM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "48. When repeated, slangy sound of eating"

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: NOM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "51. Why everyone loves a good train wreck"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: MORBIDCURIOSITY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "54. Fish also known as a bluegill"

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 flesh of various freshwater fishes of north america or of europe
  • Words that mean the same thing: sea bream, freshwater bream
  • 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: BREAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "55. Make a bow"

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 neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
  • Words that mean the same thing: affiliation, connect, attach
  • The opposite would be: untie, disconnect
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "56. Title woman in a classic 1973 breakup tune"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ANGIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "57. Uniquely American cleverness"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: YANKEEINGENUITY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "60. ___ homo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ECCE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "61. Rest atop"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: LIEON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "62. Cheeseboard choice"

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 soft creamy white cheese; milder than camembert
  • 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: BRIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "63. Quizzical Quebec questions?"

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: EHS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "64. "I ___ know" (common excuse)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: DIDNT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Member of the fam"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a female person who has the same parents as another person
  • Words that mean the same thing: silicon, Si, International System of Units
  • The opposite would be: brother
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SIS

    Great job if you got it right!

December 22, 2021 Down Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Guide

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. College app element 3
2D 2. "___ Tannenbaum" (16th-century folk song that inspired a carol) 3
3D 3. Avid skateboarder, in lingo 8
4D 4. Gardeners' orders, at times 9
5D 5. Straight out of the barrel 5
6D 6. Nanny ___ 3
7D 7. Ode words 3
8D 8. Morning hrs. 3
9D 9. Composer of the piano piece played by Bugs Bunny in "Rhapsody Rabbit" 5
10D 10. Lose the suit, say 9
11D 11. Certain designer dog 8
12D 12. Clarice Starling's employer in "The Silence of the Lambs," in brief 3
13D 13. Nevertheless 3
14D 18. Hershey toffee confection 4
15D 19. Fit of sullenness 4
16D 22. Fertile ground 4
17D 23. "___ vez" ("Again," in Valencia) 4
18D 24. Bother 4
19D 25. "Hamilton" actor Leslie ___ Jr. 4
20D 26. Indian flatbread 4
21D 27. Cousin of a gull 4
22D 28. Gabs 4
23D 33. Like hay on a farm 5
24D 34. "Same here" 5
25D 37. Eventually 6
26D 38. ___ Islands, Polynesian archipelago 6
27D 41. Awkward farewell 5
28D 42. Poet who coined the term "carpe diem" 6
29D 43. Kind of kiss 6
30D 45. Timing of the Mercutio/Tybalt duel in "Romeo and Juliet" 6
31D 46. Unfixable 6
32D 47. Home to the deepest lake and river gorge in the U.S. 6
33D 48. Cold rice topped with wasabi and raw fish 6
34D 49. Likely cause of a cranky toddler's ear-tugging 6
35D 50. "Ridiculous!" 5
36D 52. Soaks up the hot sun 5
37D 53. Ignores 5
38D 58. Days gone by, in bygone days 3
39D 59. Fangorn Forest dweller 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. College app element"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy 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: REC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "___ Tannenbaum" (16th-century folk song that inspired a carol)"

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

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: ACH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Avid skateboarder, in lingo"

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 farm machine for separating seeds or grain from the husks and straw
  • Words that mean the same thing: Alopius vulpinus, mocking thrush, thresher shark
  • 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: THRASHER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Gardeners' orders, at times"

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: SOILTESTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Straight out of the barrel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ONTAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Nanny ___"

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 river in east central england that flows past cambridge to join the ouse river
  • Words that mean the same thing: Cam River, River Cam
  • 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: CAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Ode words"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: TOA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Morning hrs."

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 radioactive transuranic metallic element; discovered by bombarding uranium with helium atoms
  • Words that mean the same thing: Artium Magister, americium, amplitude modulation
  • 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: AMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Composer of the piano piece played by Bugs Bunny in "Rhapsody Rabbit""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that hungarian composer and piano virtuoso (1811-1886)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Franz Liszt
  • 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: LISZT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Lose the suit, say"

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: SKINNYDIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Certain designer dog"

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: YORKIPOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Clarice Starling's employer in "The Silence of the Lambs," in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a federal law enforcement agency that is the principal investigative arm of the department of justice
  • Words that mean the same thing: Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • 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: FBI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Nevertheless"

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 up to the present time
  • Words that mean the same thing: nonetheless, notwithstanding, in time
  • 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: YET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Hershey toffee confection"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SKOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "19. Fit of sullenness"

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 disdainful grimace
  • Words that mean the same thing: sulk, mop, horned pout
  • 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: POUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Fertile ground"

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 rich soil consisting of a mixture of sand and clay and decaying organic materials
  • 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: LOAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. "___ vez" ("Again," in Valencia)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: OTRA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. Bother"

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 symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
  • Words that mean the same thing: pain sensation, ail, painful sensation
  • The opposite would be: pleasure
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PAIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "25. "Hamilton" actor Leslie ___ Jr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ODOM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Indian flatbread"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ROTI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "27. Cousin of a gull"

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 small slender gull having narrow wings and a forked tail
  • 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: TERN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "28. Gabs"

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 large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
  • Words that mean the same thing: yack, gab, chatter
  • 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: YAKS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Like hay on a farm"

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 make into a bale
  • Words that mean the same thing: bale
  • 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: BALED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. "Same here""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ASDOI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Eventually"

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: INTIME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. ___ Islands, Polynesian archipelago"

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 native or inhabitant of the samoan islands
  • 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: SAMOAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Awkward farewell"

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

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: UMBYE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Poet who coined the term "carpe diem""

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 roman lyric poet said to have influenced english poetry (65-8 bc)
  • 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: HORACE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Kind of kiss"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the romance language spoken in france and in countries colonized by france
  • Words that mean the same thing: Daniel Chester French, French people, Gallic
  • 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: FRENCH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "45. Timing of the Mercutio/Tybalt duel in "Romeo and Juliet""

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: ACTIII

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "46. Unfixable"

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 destroy completely; damage irreparably
  • Words that mean the same thing: undone, smash, ruin
  • 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: RUINED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "47. Home to the deepest lake and river gorge in the U.S."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a state in northwestern united states on the pacific
  • Words that mean the same thing: OR, Beaver State
  • 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: OREGON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "48. Cold rice topped with wasabi and raw fish"

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: NIGIRI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Likely cause of a cranky toddler's ear-tugging"

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 inflammation of the ear
  • 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: OTITIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. "Ridiculous!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: MYEYE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "52. Soaks up the hot sun"

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 cook and make edible by putting in a hot oven
  • Words that mean the same thing: broil, bake
  • 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: BAKES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "53. Ignores"

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 an instance of driving away or warding off
  • Words that mean the same thing: repulse, disregard, repel
  • 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: SNUBS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. Days gone by, in bygone days"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a late time of life
  • Words that mean the same thing: geezerhood, age, years
  • 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: ELD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "59. Fangorn Forest dweller"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 48 66.7%
Short Answer 13 18.1%
History 3 4.2%
Geography 2 2.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment 2 2.8%
Abbreviation 1 1.4%
Food & Drink 1 1.4%
Science/Technology 1 1.4%
Music 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 33
Down Clues 39
Total Clues 72
Average Answer Length 5.3 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

Last Updated: September 12, 2025 at 11:38 PM

Monday, July 14, 2025

NY Times Crossword Answers July 15, 2021 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

NY Times Crossword Complete Solution: July 15, 2021

Our expert breakdown helps you solve the July 15 NYT crossword while expanding your vocabulary. Learn answer strategies and discover word connections.

Across Clues and Answers (37)

Clue #1: 1. "Delish!"

6-letter answer Answer: YUMYUM

Clue #2: 5. "___ Sexy" (1991 dance hit)

5-letter answer Answer: IMTOO

Clue #3: 10. Single at a bar, perhaps

3-letter answer Answer: TIP
Word Help: Synonyms: gratuity, topple, crest

Clue #4: 13. Brown powder

5-letter answer Answer: COCOA
Word Help: Synonyms: hot_chocolate, chocolate, cocoa

Clue #5: 15. Brown powder

5-letter answer Answer: CAROB
Word Help: Synonyms: locust_pod, carob_bean_tree, Ceratonia_siliqua

Clue #6: 16. Costa ___

4-letter answer Answer: RICA

Clue #7: 17. Popular pops

5-letter answer Answer: COKES
Word Help: Synonyms: coke, snow, Coke

Clue #8: 18. Point a finger at

5-letter answer Answer: BLAME
Word Help: Synonyms: goddamned, find_fault, charge
Antonyms: absolve

Clue #9: 19. Fan fave

4-letter answer Answer: IDOL
Word Help: Synonyms: idol, perfection, graven_image

Clue #10: 20. Kennel sound

3-letter answer Answer: ARF

Clue #11: 21. Southern newspaper that William Faulkner once contributed to, with "The"

13-letter answer Answer: TIMESPICAYUNE

Clue #12: 24. Prefix with beat or futurism

4-letter answer Answer: AFRO
Word Help: Synonyms: Afro, Afro_hairdo

Clue #13: 26. Toy dog from Tibet

9-letter answer Answer: LHASAAPSO

Clue #14: 27. Sport with Native American origins

8-letter answer Answer: LACROSSE
Word Help: Synonyms: lacrosse

Clue #15: 30. Melodramatist

3-letter answer Answer: HAM
Word Help: Synonyms: jambon, gammon, Ham
Antonyms: underact

Clue #16: 31. Kind of saxophone

4-letter answer Answer: ALTO
Word Help: Synonyms: alto, countertenor, contralto

Clue #17: 32. Rapper for whom Harvard's Hip-Hop Fellowship is named

3-letter answer Answer: NAS
Word Help: Synonyms: Na, sodium, atomic_number_11

Clue #18: 34. Get cozy

6-letter answer Answer: NESTLE
Word Help: Synonyms: nestle, cuddle, nuzzle

Clue #19: 39. Cultivars known for their yellow flesh

17-letter answer Answer: YUKONGOLDPOTATOES

Clue #20: 43. "Excuse me"

6-letter answer Answer: PARDON
Word Help: Synonyms: free_pardon, amnesty, forgiveness

Clue #21: 44. Do some patching, say

3-letter answer Answer: SEW
Word Help: Synonyms: stitch, sew, tailor-make

Clue #22: 45. Book after Joel

4-letter answer Answer: AMOS
Word Help: Synonyms: Book_of_Amos, Amos

Clue #23: 46. Compadre

3-letter answer Answer: PAL
Word Help: Synonyms: pal_up, buddy, chum

Clue #24: 48. Quantity that's tied to one's carbon footprint

9-letter answer Answer: ENERGYUSE

Clue #25: 51. Second way of viewing things, figuratively

9-letter answer Answer: OTHERHAND

Clue #26: 56. Appear

4-letter answer Answer: SEEM
Word Help: Synonyms: seem, look, appear

Clue #27: 57. What a solver might growl after catching on to this puzzle's theme?

12-letter answer Answer: WHYYOULITTLE

Clue #28: 59. Genre for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones

3-letter answer Answer: SKA

Clue #29: 62. Mine find

4-letter answer Answer: LODE
Word Help: Synonyms: lode, load

Clue #30: 63. Mother-of-pearl

5-letter answer Answer: NACRE
Word Help: Synonyms: mother-of-pearl, nacre

Clue #31: 64. Motorola smartphone

5-letter answer Answer: DROID

Clue #32: 66. Flubs it

4-letter answer Answer: ERRS
Word Help: Synonyms: slip, mistake, err

Clue #33: 67. Not using profanity, as a comedian

5-letter answer Answer: CLEAN
Word Help: Synonyms: sporting, fair, neat
Antonyms: dirty, unfairly

Clue #34: 68. "___ is easily deceived, because it is quick to hope": Aristotle

5-letter answer Answer: YOUTH
Word Help: Synonyms: youthfulness, youth, young
Antonyms: aged

Clue #35: 69. Central concept of philosopher Zhuangzi's teachings

3-letter answer Answer: TAO
Word Help: Synonyms: Tao, Taoist

Clue #36: 70. Repeatedly comments (on)

5-letter answer Answer: HARPS
Word Help: Synonyms: harp, dwell, mouth_harp

Clue #37: 71. The first one in The New York Times appeared in 1970

4-letter answer Answer: OPED

Across Clues and Answers (37)

Clue #1: 1. Southwest desert plant

5-letter answer Answer: YUCCA
Word Help: Synonyms: yucca

Clue #2: 2. Dock

4-letter answer Answer: MOOR
Word Help: Synonyms: tie_up, moor, Moor

Clue #3: 3. Metric of grossness

10-letter answer Answer: YUCKFACTOR

Clue #4: 4. Classic comedy figure who sported a bowl cut

3-letter answer Answer: MOE

Clue #5: 5. Certain warhead transport, in brief

4-letter answer Answer: ICBM
Word Help: Synonyms: ICBM, intercontinental_ballistic_missile

Clue #6: 6. Phoenix and Washington, e.g.

9-letter answer Answer: MALELEADS

Clue #7: 7. Low culture, disparagingly

5-letter answer Answer: TRASH
Word Help: Synonyms: Methedrine, folderol, meth

Clue #8: 8. Brass band sound

6-letter answer Answer: OOMPAH

Clue #9: 9. Showily deferential

8-letter answer Answer: OBEISANT

Clue #10: 10. Neaten

6-letter answer Answer: TIDYUP

Clue #11: 11. Clickable things

5-letter answer Answer: ICONS
Word Help: Synonyms: image, icon, picture

Clue #12: 12. Prefix with -lithic

5-letter answer Answer: PALEO

Clue #13: 14. Lone Star State athlete

5-letter answer Answer: ASTRO

Clue #14: 16. Certifier of music sales, for short

4-letter answer Answer: RIAA

Clue #15: 22. Apple devices run on it

3-letter answer Answer: IOS
Word Help: Synonyms: Io

Clue #16: 23. "Along ___ spider ..."

5-letter answer Answer: CAMEA

Clue #17: 25. Palm part

5-letter answer Answer: FROND
Word Help: Synonyms: frond

Clue #18: 27. Easy two-pointer

5-letter answer Answer: LAYUP
Word Help: Synonyms: layup, lay-up

Clue #19: 28. ___-Seltzer

4-letter answer Answer: ALKA

Clue #20: 29. Not Ready for Prime Time Players show, for short

3-letter answer Answer: SNL

Clue #21: 33. Where a zipper gets caught?

9-letter answer Answer: SPEEDTRAP

Clue #22: 35. Put on

5-letter answer Answer: STAGE
Word Help: Synonyms: stagecoach, represent, degree

Clue #23: 36. Popular hot-and-sour Thai dish

10-letter answer Answer: TOMYUMSOUP

Clue #24: 37. Some summer babies

4-letter answer Answer: LEOS
Word Help: Synonyms: Lion, Leo_the_Lion, Leo

Clue #25: 38. To be: Lat.

4-letter answer Answer: ESSE

Clue #26: 40. Headgear for many an extreme athlete

5-letter answer Answer: GOPRO

Clue #27: 41. Using intuition

8-letter answer Answer: ONAHUNCH

Clue #28: 42. Have

3-letter answer Answer: OWN
Word Help: Synonyms: possess, ain, have

Clue #29: 47. Syllables said with fingers in one's ears

6-letter answer Answer: LALALA

Clue #30: 49. Night sch. class

3-letter answer Answer: ESL

Clue #31: 50. Thin, as a voice

5-letter answer Answer: REEDY
Word Help: Synonyms: reedy, reedlike, wheezy

Clue #32: 51. Small screech, for example

5-letter answer Answer: OWLET
Word Help: Synonyms: owlet

Clue #33: 52. Actress Birch

5-letter answer Answer: THORA

Clue #34: 53. Green power option, informally

5-letter answer Answer: HYDRO

Clue #35: 54. A scallop has up to 200 of these

4-letter answer Answer: EYES
Word Help: Synonyms: eyes, eyeball, centre

Clue #36: 55. Not so cold

5-letter answer Answer: NICER
Word Help: Synonyms: overnice, skillful, prissy
Antonyms: nasty

Clue #37: 58. Second place at a math competition?

4-letter answer Answer: TENS
Word Help: Synonyms: 10, decade, ten-spot

Clue #38: 60. Symbol of highness

4-letter answer Answer: KITE
Word Help: Synonyms: kite

Clue #39: 61. Focus problem, for short

4-letter answer Answer: ADHD
Word Help: Synonyms: attention_deficit_disorder, MBD, ADHD

Clue #40: 65. Joey of children's fiction

3-letter answer Answer: ROO

Expert Solving Strategies

  • Look for fill-in-the-blank clues first (they're often easiest)
  • Watch for question marks indicating wordplay
  • Check vowel patterns in partially solved words

Related Search Terms

NYT Crossword Help, Daily Puzzle Solutions, Crossword Answer Finder, July Crossword Answers