2412 Mon Dec 16, 2024 NYT by Ailee Yoshida

Break down the NYT Crosswords: December 16, 2024

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

New York Times, Monday, December 16, 2024

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Team that won the most medals at the 2024 Olympics. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: USA

  Possible Answer : United_States, US, Army, United_States_of_America, USA, United_States_Army, America, U.S., U.S.A., US_Army, U._S._Army, the_States




• The clue is 4. Ann ___, Mich.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ARBOR

  Possible Answer : bower, mandril, spindle, mandrel, arbour, pergola, arbor




• The clue is 9. Some laptops. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PCS

  Possible Answer : personal_computer, PC, microcomputer




• The clue is 12. Director Ephron. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NORA




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

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

  The answer: SUAVE

  Possible Answer : bland, debonaire, politic, debonair, suave, debonnaire, smooth




• The clue is 15. What cilantro tastes like to some people. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SOAP

  Possible Answer : Georgia_home_boy, grievous_bodily_harm, scoop, goop, liquid_ecstasy, lather, max, easy_lay, soap




• The clue is 16. Enemy of the Jedi. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SITH




• The clue is 17. Sound of an unfortunate bird poop landing. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SPLAT

  Possible Answer : splat




• The clue is 18. Blab. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TELL

  Possible Answer : William_Tell, order, tell_apart, Tell, narrate, severalise, secernate, say, differentiate, distinguish, assure, severalize, enjoin, secern, tell, evidence, state, separate, recount, recite




• The clue is 19. Tidbit in a nutritious pudding. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CHIASEED




• The clue is 21. Bulgy belly button. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OUTIE




• The clue is 22. Hi-___ image. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RES

  Possible Answer : atomic_number_75, re, Re, RES, Ra, rhenium, ray, reticuloendothelial_system




• The clue is 23. Department handling media inquiries. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PRESSOFFICE




• The clue is 26. Is distressing to. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EATSAT




• The clue is 28. End of a college URL. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EDU




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

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

  The answer: CON

  Possible Answer : confidence_trick, confidence_game, gyp, hornswoggle, con, scam, memorise, bunko_game, sting, learn, gip, hustle, inmate, rook, short-change, defraud, con_game, yardbird, nobble, goldbrick, victimize, bunco, memorize, diddle, mulct, bunko, yard_bird, bunco_game, swindle, convict, flimflam

  Possible Opposite Answer : pro




• The clue is 30. Habeas corpus, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WRIT

  Possible Answer : writ, judicial_writ




• The clue is 31. Like the direction of this answer. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ACROSS

  Possible Answer : crossways, across, crosswise




• The clue is 34. Timeout at work … as represented visually by this puzzle's circled letters. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: COFFEEBREAK




• The clue is 38. Bits of wisdom. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PEARLS

  Possible Answer : drop, bone, off-white, pearl, bead, ivory




• The clue is 39. Faller during fall. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LEAF

  Possible Answer : riff, leaf, flick, foliage, flip, leafage, riffle, thumb, folio




• The clue is 42. "Don't mind ___ do". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IFI




• The clue is 45. Prefix with -ceratops. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TRI




• The clue is 46. Packaging for a stack of cookies. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SLEEVE

  Possible Answer : sleeve, arm




• The clue is 48. Competition whose winner gets a tiara and sash. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MISSAMERICA




• The clue is 52. Gesture of approval. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NOD

  Possible Answer : nod




• The clue is 53. Carelessly sits (down). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PLOPS

  Possible Answer : plump, plop, plunk_down, plunk, plank, flump, plump_down, plonk




• The clue is 54. Refined grace. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ELEGANCE

  Possible Answer : elegance

  Possible Opposite Answer : inelegance




• The clue is 56. Muppet with his own "world" on "Sesame Street". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ELMO




• The clue is 57. Blingy piece of neckwear. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CHAIN

  Possible Answer : chain_of_mountains, range, strand, chain, Chain, Ernst_Boris_Chain, concatenation, Sir_Ernst_Boris_Chain, range_of_mountains, mountain_range, string, mountain_chain, chemical_chain

  Possible Opposite Answer : unchain




• The clue is 59. Teddy Grahams shape. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BEAR

  Possible Answer : endure, suffer, stand, assume, pay, yield, acquit, tolerate, bear, comport, put_up, give_birth, accept, support, deport, abide, birth, stomach, deliver, wear, hold, expect, have_a_bun_in_the_oven, turn_out, behave, brook, take_over, carry, gestate, stick_out, contain, have, conduct, digest

  Possible Opposite Answer : bull




• The clue is 60. Ingredient in bug spray. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DEET




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

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

  The answer: VALUE

  Possible Answer : respect, evaluate, valuate, rate, measure, prize, treasure, esteem, appraise, note_value, prise, value, economic_value, time_value, assess, appreciate

  Possible Opposite Answer : disrespect, disesteem




• The clue is 62. Initials on an "Organic" sticker. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: USDA

  Possible Answer : USDA, Department_of_Agriculture, Agriculture_Department, Agriculture




• The clue is 63. Make a mistake. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ERR

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




• The clue is 64. Phil ___, QB who won two Super Bowls with the Giants. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SIMMS




• The clue is 65. Sun, in San Juan. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SOL

  Possible Answer : Sol, soh, so, sol, colloidal_suspension, colloidal_solution

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Remove, as a bottle cap. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: UNSCREW

  Possible Answer: unscrew

  Possible Opposite Answer : screw

• The clue is 2. "That's the word on the street". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SOIHEAR

• The clue is 3. Good with a paintbrush, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ARTISTIC

  Possible Answer: aesthetic, artistic, esthetic

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

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

  The answer: ASSERT

  Possible Answer: verify, asseverate, swan, affirm, put_forward, avow, assert, swear, aver, insist, maintain

• The clue is 5. Calcutta currency. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RUPEE

  Possible Answer: Pakistani_rupee, Sri_Lanka_rupee, rupee, Mauritian_rupee, Nepalese_rupee, Seychelles_rupee, Indian_rupee

• The clue is 6. Loses one's hair. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BALDS

  Possible Answer: bald

• The clue is 7. Egg cells. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OVA

  Possible Answer: egg_cell, ovum

• The clue is 8. No longer working: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: RET

  Possible Answer: ret

• The clue is 9. Like lines / that rhyme / and keep / good time. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: POETIC

  Possible Answer: poetical, poetic

• The clue is 10. Cat with a colorful coat. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CALICO

  Possible Answer: multicolor, multi-coloured, particolored, particoloured, multi-colour, varicoloured, motley, pied, multi-color, multicoloured, painted, varicolored, multicolored, multi-colored, multicolour, calico, piebald

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

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

  The answer: SPLEEN

  Possible Answer: irascibility, lien, spleen, quick_temper, short_temper

• The clue is 13. "I've got it!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AHA

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

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

  The answer: STUF

• The clue is 20. Place to get a cucumber mask. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SPA

  Possible Answer: watering_place, watering_hole, resort_hotel, spa, health_club, health_spa

• The clue is 21. Coming in handy. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OFUSE

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

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

  The answer: SERBS

  Possible Answer: Serbian, Serb

• The clue is 25. This stinks!. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ODOR

  Possible Answer: odour, scent, odor, olfactory_perception, olfactory_sensation, olfactory_property, aroma, smell

• The clue is 27. Word on the street?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: STOP

  Possible Answer: halt, break_off, hitch, plosive_speech_sound, give_up, quit, hold_back, cease, layover, closure, diaphragm, occlusive, intercept, stay, block_up, stoppage, plosive_consonant, plosive, period, stop_over, blockage, terminate, break, stop, barricade, point, blockade, full_stop, occlusion, discontinue, stop_consonant, hold_on, full_point, bar, block, finish, check, lay_off, kibosh, turn_back, arrest, block_off, contain, end, catch, stopover

  Possible Opposite Answer : continuant_consonant, start, continue, begin

• The clue is 31. Eagle's nest. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AERIE

  Possible Answer: aerie, eyry, aery, eyrie

• The clue is 32. Animation frame. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CEL

• The clue is 33. Discount offer. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SALE

  Possible Answer: sales_agreement, cut-rate_sale, sales_event, sale

• The clue is 35. Crumbly Greek cheeses. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FETAS

• The clue is 36. U-pick locale. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FARM

  Possible Answer: grow, farm, raise, produce

• The clue is 37. Observant quality. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: KEENNESS

  Possible Answer: avidness, acuteness, keenness, eagerness, avidity, sharpness, acuity

  Possible Opposite Answer : dullness

• The clue is 40. Guacamole ingredient. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AVOCADO

  Possible Answer: avocado_tree, Persea_Americana, aguacate, avocado_pear, avocado, alligator_pear

• The clue is 41. The "F" of F.B.I.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FEDERAL

  Possible Answer: Federal, Fed, federal, Union, Union_soldier, Federal_soldier, federal_official

  Possible Opposite Answer : unitary

• The clue is 42. Stand in the way of. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IMPEDE

  Possible Answer: hinder, occlude, block, close_up, jam, impede, obstruct, obturate

  Possible Opposite Answer : free

• The clue is 43. Lip-plumping injection. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FILLER

  Possible Answer: makeweight, filler

• The clue is 44. Compound with the same number of atoms in a different arrangement. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ISOMER

  Possible Answer: isomer

• The clue is 46. Behind the ___. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SCENES

  Possible Answer: conniption, scene, vista, prospect, view, scenery, fit, shot, setting, picture, aspect, tantrum, panorama

• The clue is 47. Fall behind. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LAG

  Possible Answer: interim, lag, remand, meanwhile, immure, fall_behind, incarcerate, jug, imprison, gaol, put_behind_bars, dawdle, meantime, retardation, fall_back, jail, stave, put_away, slowdown

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

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

  The answer: SPOT

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

• The clue is 50. King's domain. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: REALM

  Possible Answer: land, kingdom, realm, region

• The clue is 51. Pelvic bone. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ILIUM

  Possible Answer: ilium, Troy, Ilion, Ilium

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

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

  The answer: ABU

• The clue is 57. Drugstore that prints famously long receipts. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CVS

  Possible Answer: curriculum_vitae, CV, resume

• The clue is 58. Yes, in Japanese. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: HAI

September 22, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

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

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, September 22, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (35 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.5 letters

Across Clues Explained - Friday NYT Crossword September 22, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Furry animals with black-tipped tails	6
2A	7. It's mind-altering	3
3A	10. Unresolved	4
4A	14. Dessert whose main ingredient is grated	10
5A	16. 2018 film set in Mexico that was nominated for best picture	4
6A	17. Like tough love?	10
7A	18. Word with going or God	4
8A	19. Admission needs, informally	3
9A	20. Dapper pachyderm	5
10A	21. 1945 conference site	5
11A	22. Prominent feature of Man Ray's painting "Observatory Time: The Lovers"	4
12A	23. Australian tennis great Goolagong	6
13A	25. Subjects of some modern bans, informally	5
14A	27. False start?	6
15A	28. Up in the air	5
16A	29. Played pickup, say	9
17A	32. Kind of diet	5
18A	33. ___ favor	3
19A	34. "Star Wars" prequel series	5
20A	35. "OK, I'm done complaining"	9
21A	37. Dish whose name means "stuffed" in Turkish	5
22A	38. Country described in "One can't impose unity out of the blue on a country that has 265 different kinds of cheese"	6
23A	39. Hearts	5
24A	40. Beer whose ads once featured a sinister penguin	6
25A	41. Bear necessities?	4
26A	42. Stand up during a presentation	5
27A	43. Upcycle, say	5
28A	45. Tub top	3
29A	48. Largest in a septet	4
30A	49. Irish novelist celebrated on Bloomsday (June 16)	10
31A	51. Laugh and a half	4
32A	52. Plays it cool	10
33A	53. Lady ___, founder of Cambodia's capital	4
34A	54. "Undoubtedly"	3
35A	55. Playing hooky, perhaps	6

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. Furry animals with black-tipped tails"

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 the ermine in its brown summer coat with black-tipped tail
• Words that mean the same thing: stoat
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STOATS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. It's mind-altering"

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 powerful hallucinogenic drug manufactured from lysergic acid
• Words that mean the same thing: lysergic acid diethylamide
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LSD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Unresolved"

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 clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
• Words that mean the same thing: unfold, give, undecided
• The opposite would be: covert, unreceptive
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Dessert whose main ingredient is grated"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CARROTCAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. 2018 film set in Mexico that was nominated for best picture"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of a people with dark skin and hair who speak romany and who traditionally live by seasonal work and fortunetelling; they are believed to have originated in northern india but now are living on all continents (but mostly in europe, north africa, and north america)
• Words that mean the same thing: Gypsy, fixed storage, capital of Italy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Like tough love?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OXYMORONIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Word with going or God"

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 moral excellence or admirableness
• Words that mean the same thing: safe, serious, honest
• The opposite would be: bad, evil
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GOOD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Admission needs, informally"

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: TIX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Dapper pachyderm"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an imaginary elephant that appears in a series of french books for children
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BABAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. 1945 conference site"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a resort city in crimea in the southern ukraine on the black sea; site of the allied conference between roosevelt, stalin, and churchill in february 1945
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YALTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. Prominent feature of Man Ray's painting "Observatory Time: The Lovers""

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 either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
• Words that mean the same thing: lip, back talk, brim
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. Australian tennis great Goolagong"

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: EVONNE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Subjects of some modern bans, informally"

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: ECIGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. False start?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person who makes deceitful pretenses
• Words that mean the same thing: fraud, shammer, role player
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PSEUDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. Up in the air"

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 at or on or to the masthead or upper rigging of a ship
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALOFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "29. Played pickup, 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: SHOTHOOPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Kind of diet"

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: PALEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. ___ favor"

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: POR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. "Star Wars" prequel series"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: ANDOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "35. "OK, I'm done complaining""

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: ENDOFRANT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "37. Dish whose name means "stuffed" in Turkish"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DOLMA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "38. Country described in "One can't impose unity out of the blue on a country that has 265 different kinds of cheese""

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 republic in western europe; the largest country wholly in europe
• Words that mean the same thing: French Republic, Anatole France, Jacques Anatole Francois Thibault
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FRANCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "39. Hearts"

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 a small group of indispensable persons or things
• Words that mean the same thing: nub, marrow, essence
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CORES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "40. Beer whose ads once featured a sinister penguin"

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: BUDICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "41. Bear necessities?"

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 habitation of wild animals
• Words that mean the same thing: hideaway, den, hideout
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DENS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "42. Stand up during a presentation"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an upright tripod for displaying something (usually an artist's canvas)
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EASEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "43. Upcycle, say"

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 use again after processing
• Words that mean the same thing: recycle, reprocess
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REUSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "45. Tub top"

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

  The answer is: LID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "48. Largest in a septet"

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 the largest continent with 60% of the earth's population; it is joined to europe on the west to form eurasia; it is the site of some of the world's earliest civilizations
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "49. Irish novelist celebrated on Bloomsday (June 16)"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert clue about literature.

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: JAMESJOYCE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "51. Laugh and a half"

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 public act of violence by an unruly mob
• Words that mean the same thing: carouse, public violence, bacchanalia
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "52. Plays it cool"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ACTSNORMAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "53. Lady ___, founder of Cambodia's capital"

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

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: PENH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "54. "Undoubtedly""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an affirmative
• The opposite would be: no
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "55. Playing hooky, perhaps"

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 go away or leave
• Words that mean the same thing: lacking, absentminded, abstracted
• The opposite would be: present
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ABSENT

  Great job if you got it right!

NYT Friday Crossword Down Clues - September 22, 2023 Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Macbeth, for one	4
2D	2. Cry made while waving, perhaps	4
3D	3. Animal in the Qatar Airways logo	4
4D	4. Throwing ability	3
5D	5. Systemically indispensable	12
6D	6. Causes of some tan lines	6
7D	7. "Honeymoon" singer ___ Del Rey	4
8D	8. Where business is going downhill fast?	9
9D	9. Mo. when Kwanzaa starts	3
10D	10. Givers of priceless gifts	11
11D	11. Water aerobics aid	10
12D	12. Act badly, in a way	5
13D	13. Squat	4
14D	15. Corny junk?	4
15D	21. "All I asked for was that simple thing!"	12
16D	22. Urgent, hyperbolically	11
17D	24. Appraise for accuracy or suitability	3
18D	25. Flair	4
19D	26. Hypothesized type of nuclear reaction	10
20D	27. Object pantomimed by extending one's thumb and pinkie	5
21D	28. Caricature	3
22D	29. Contest featuring Apollo	9
23D	30. Some small dogs, familiarly	4
24D	31. Spanish title: Abbr.	3
25D	36. Org. whose logo is a red elephant	3
26D	39. SkyCourier maker	6
27D	40. Count in jazz	5
28D	41. Club collection	4
29D	42. Tombstone name	4
30D	44. CPR experts	4
31D	45. Eponymous town in SE Connecticut	4
32D	46. Expression of confidence	4
33D	47. Shoulder muscle, informally	4
34D	49. Gatsby's first name	3
35D	50. Medical theaters, for short	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. Macbeth, for one"

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 native or inhabitant of scotland
• Words that mean the same thing: Scotchman, Scotsman
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Cry made while waving, perhaps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a car driven by a person whose job is to take passengers where they want to go in exchange for money
• Words that mean the same thing: hack, cab, taxicab
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAXI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Animal in the Qatar Airways logo"

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 large african antelope with long straight nearly upright horns
• Words that mean the same thing: pasang
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORYX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Throwing ability"

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

  The answer is: ARM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Systemically indispensable"

Quick Info: This answer has 12 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: TOOBIGTOFAIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Causes of some tan lines"

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 an elongated leather strip (or a strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position
• Words that mean the same thing: strap, slash, flog
• The opposite would be: unstrap
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STRAPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "Honeymoon" singer ___ Del Rey"

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: LANA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Where business is going downhill fast?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SKIRESORT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Mo. when Kwanzaa starts"

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 the last (12th) month of the year
• Words that mean the same thing: declination, celestial latitude, December
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Givers of priceless gifts"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ORGANDONORS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Water aerobics aid"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: POOLNOODLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Act badly, in a way"

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 give expression or emotion to, in a stage or movie role
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Squat"

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 quantity of no importance
• Words that mean the same thing: null, zilch, zero
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NADA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Corny junk?"

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 nut of any of several trees of the genus corylus
• Words that mean the same thing: Larus marinus, cob, filbert
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. "All I asked for was that simple thing!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: YOUHADONEJOB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Urgent, hyperbolically"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: LIFEORDEATH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Appraise for accuracy or suitability"

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 doctor who practices veterinary medicine
• Words that mean the same thing: veterinary surgeon, veterinary, veterinarian
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Flair"

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 feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
• Words that mean the same thing: flair, style, ardor
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Hypothesized type of nuclear reaction"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: COLDFUSION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. Object pantomimed by extending one's thumb and pinkie"

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 electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds
• Words that mean the same thing: call, telephone, headphone
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PHONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. Caricature"

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 any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all
• Words that mean the same thing: emulator, copycat, aper
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. Contest featuring Apollo"

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: SPACERACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "30. Some small dogs, familiarly"

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 disparaging term for a british person
• Words that mean the same thing: pommy, pom
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "31. Spanish title: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Org. whose logo is a red elephant"

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: RNC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. SkyCourier maker"

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: CESSNA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Count in jazz"

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: BASIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Club collection"

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 that which is deserved or owed
• Words that mean the same thing: due
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DUES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Tombstone name"

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: EARP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "44. CPR experts"

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: EMTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "45. Eponymous town in SE Connecticut"

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: LYME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "46. Expression of confidence"

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: ICAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "47. Shoulder muscle, informally"

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: DELT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "49. Gatsby's first name"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that united states diplomat and jurist who negotiated peace treaties with britain and served as the first chief justice of the united states supreme court (1745-1829)
• Words that mean the same thing: John Jay
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: JAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. Medical theaters, for short"

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

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

  The answer is: ORS

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	49	70.0%
Short Answer	10	14.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	4	5.7%
Geography	2	2.9%
Abbreviation	2	2.9%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%
Food & Drink	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.5 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	12 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

• Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
• Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
• When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
• Today is Friday, 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: August 30, 2025 at 04:42 PM