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December 26, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, December 26, 2019

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 79 (39 Across, 40 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.2 letters

December 26, 2019 NYT Clues Solutions

December 26, 2019 Thursday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Bind 3
2A 4. It's not much work 3
3A 7. Short 3
4A 10. Average name 3
5A 13. Talk show medium 7
6A 15. Quite an accomplishment 4
7A 17. Señora Perón 3
8A 18. Secret headquarters for Bruce Wayne 7
9A 19. Not be oneself? 8
10A 21. "I've heard everything I need to hear" 17
11A 23. Relative of a haddock 3
12A 25. Moon of Saturn named for a Titaness 4
13A 26. Instant 3
14A 27. Black-and-white predators 5
15A 29. Martin ___, "London Fields" novelist 4
16A 32. Comic strip title character who is Beetle Bailey's sister 4
17A 35. Winter D.C. setting 3
18A 36. Quite an accomplishment 4
19A 38. Do some underground exploring 7
20A 40. Find an ideal compromise 21
21A 43. Transitional zone between two biomes 7
22A 44. Early Cuzco resident 4
23A 45. Pull 3
24A 46. End notes 4
25A 47. Highland tongue 4
26A 49. Aunt ___ of "Oklahoma!" 5
27A 51. Estadio exclamation 3
28A 53. Pie hole 4
29A 55. Places where people may have the knives out for you, in brief 3
30A 56. Classic tune often played by ice cream trucks 16
31A 61. Adjust 8
32A 62. Sport that is the key to interpreting the answers to 21-, 40- and 56-Across 7
33A 66. Consist of 3
34A 67. Get to 4
35A 68. Temporarily inactive 7
36A 69. "That really hurt!" 3
37A 70. Waitress at Mel's Diner 3
38A 71. Magic 8 Ball response 3
39A 72. Prefix with -phyte 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. Bind"

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 preserve of crushed fruit
  • Words that mean the same thing: wad, mess, muddle
  • The opposite would be: free
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: JAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. It's not much work"

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 cgs unit of work or energy; the work done by a force of one dyne acting over a distance of one centimeter
  • 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: ERG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "7. Short"

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 quick throw
  • Words that mean the same thing: diffident, unsure, timid
  • The opposite would be: confident
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SHY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "10. Average name"

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

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "13. Talk show medium"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: AMRADIO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "15. Quite an accomplishment"

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 sudden and decisive change of government illegally or by force
  • Words that mean the same thing: coup d'etat, takeover, putsch
  • 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: COUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Señora Perón"

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: EVA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Secret headquarters for Bruce Wayne"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: BATCAVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Not be oneself?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that perform on a stage or theater
  • Words that mean the same thing: act, playact, play
  • 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: ROLEPLAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. "I've heard everything I need to hear""

Quick Info: This answer has 17 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: SPAREMETHEDETAILS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Relative of a haddock"

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 the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
  • Words that mean the same thing: befool, ride, collect
  • 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: COD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Moon of Saturn named for a Titaness"

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 fertility goddess in ancient greek mythology; wife of cronus and mother of zeus; identified with roman ops and cybele of ancient asia minor
  • Words that mean the same thing: nandu, Rhea americana, Pterocnemia pennata
  • 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: RHEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Instant"

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 1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the systeme international d'unites
  • Words that mean the same thing: s, second, Securities and Exchange Commission
  • 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: SEC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Black-and-white predators"

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 predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin; common in cold seas
  • Words that mean the same thing: killer, orca, grampus
  • 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: ORCAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Martin ___, "London Fields" novelist"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium 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: AMIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Comic strip title character who is Beetle Bailey's sister"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: LOIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Winter D.C. setting"

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 standard time in the 5th time zone west of greenwich, reckoned at the 75th meridian; used in the eastern united states
  • Words that mean the same thing: Eastern Time, Eastern Standard 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: EST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Quite an accomplishment"

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 notable achievement
  • Words that mean the same thing: exploit, effort
  • 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: FEAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "38. Do some underground exploring"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that explore natural caves
  • Words that mean the same thing: cave
  • 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: SPELUNK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. Find an ideal compromise"

Quick Info: This answer has 21 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: STRIKETHERIGHTBALANCE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. Transitional zone between two biomes"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: ECOTONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Early Cuzco resident"

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 ruler of the incas (or a member of his family)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Inka, Incan
  • 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: INCA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Pull"

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 sudden abrupt pull
  • Words that mean the same thing: tower, jerk, labor
  • 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: TUG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. End notes"

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 closing section of a musical composition
  • Words that mean the same thing: finale
  • 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: CODA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Highland tongue"

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 several related languages of the celts in ireland and scotland
  • Words that mean the same thing: Gaelic, Goidelic
  • 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: ERSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "49. Aunt ___ of "Oklahoma!""

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: ELLER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "51. Estadio exclamation"

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: OLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "53. Pie hole"

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 device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned
  • Words that mean the same thing: pin down, lying in wait, sand trap
  • 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: TRAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Places where people may have the knives out for you, in brief"

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 state in northwestern united states on the pacific
  • Words that mean the same thing: surgery, operating room, operating theatre
  • 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!

Clue 30 Across: "56. Classic tune often played by ice cream trucks"

Quick Info: This answer has 16 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: TURKEYINTHESTRAW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. Adjust"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: REJIGGER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "62. Sport that is the key to interpreting the answers to 21-, 40- and 56-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a game in which balls are rolled at an object or group of objects with the aim of knocking them over or moving them
  • Words that mean the same thing: bowl
  • 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: BOWLING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "66. Consist of"

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 unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
  • Words that mean the same thing: make up, embody, cost
  • The opposite would be: differ
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "67. Get to"

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 cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
  • Words that mean the same thing: get to, rag, nettle
  • 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: RILE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "68. Temporarily inactive"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a medium clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that inactive but capable of becoming active
  • Words that mean the same thing: dormant
  • 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: ABEYANT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "69. "That really hurt!""

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: YOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "70. Waitress at Mel's Diner"

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: FLO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "71. Magic 8 Ball response"

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 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 39 Across: "72. Prefix with -phyte"

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 (used as a combining form) recent or new
  • 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: NEO

    Great job if you got it right!

December 26, 2019 Thursday NYT - All Down Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Snarky remark 3
2D 2. Residents' org. 3
3D 3. Muscleman with a mohawk 3
4D 4. Eponymous Dutch town 4
5D 5. Subject of several Georges Seurat paintings 10
6D 6. Doth proceed 5
7D 7. Horror movie staple 6
8D 8. Part of a parka 4
9D 9. Winter season 4
10D 10. Place for cold cuts 11
11D 11. Like skating rinks, typically 4
12D 12. Manners 4
13D 14. Rock group from Sydney 5
14D 16. Vets' charges 4
15D 20. Dish seasoned with saffron 6
16D 22. Uncultivated tract 5
17D 23. Bulk-purchase retailer 6
18D 24. One who closely adheres to the Torah 11
19D 28. Picked locks? 4
20D 30. Some library catalog info, for short 4
21D 31. Magellan, e.g. 10
22D 33. Runs up, as expenses 6
23D 34. Surfboard stabilizer 4
24D 35. Higher-up 4
25D 37. Golden ___ 4
26D 39. Carrier that offers only kosher meals 4
27D 41. Bibliographer's phrase of inclusion 6
28D 42. Levels 5
29D 48. Something no single speaker provides 6
30D 50. Menial 5
31D 52. Certain B.S. holder: Abbr. 4
32D 54. Cornered 5
33D 56. Letter in the NATO alphabet 4
34D 57. Prefix with -phyte 4
35D 58. "What a long week!" 4
36D 59. "___ is other people": Sartre 4
37D 60. Commands respect from 4
38D 63. Swimming gold medalist Thorpe 3
39D 64. Columbus-to-Cleveland dir. 3
40D 65. Old Pontiac with a V8 engine 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. Snarky remark"

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 sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow)
  • Words that mean the same thing: poke, prod, jabbing
  • 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: JAB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Residents' org."

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: AMA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Muscleman with a mohawk"

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: MRT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Eponymous Dutch town"

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 mild yellow dutch cheese made in balls encased in a red covering
  • 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: EDAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Subject of several Georges Seurat paintings"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 letters. It's a expert 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: RIVERSEINE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Doth proceed"

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: GOETH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Horror movie staple"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that sharp piercing cry
  • Words that mean the same thing: yell, wow, belly laugh
  • 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: SCREAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Part of a parka"

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 an aggressive and violent young criminal
  • Words that mean the same thing: goon, lens hood, strong-armer
  • 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: HOOD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Winter season"

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 period extending from dec. 24 to jan. 6
  • Words that mean the same thing: Noel, Yuletide, Christmastide
  • 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: YULE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Place for cold cuts"

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: DELICOUNTER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Like skating rinks, typically"

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 closed plane curve resulting from the intersection of a circular cone and a plane cutting completely through it
  • Words that mean the same thing: egg-shaped, elliptic, elliptical
  • 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: OVAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Manners"

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 structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
  • Words that mean the same thing: way of life, mode, agency
  • 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: WAYS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Rock group from Sydney"

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: AC/DC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "16. Vets' charges"

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 domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
  • Words that mean the same thing: ducky, PET, dearie
  • 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: PETS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Dish seasoned with saffron"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that saffron-flavored dish made of rice with shellfish and chicken
  • 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: PAELLA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. Uncultivated tract"

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 low evergreen shrub of the family ericaceae; has small bell-shaped pink or purple flowers
  • Words that mean the same thing: heathland
  • 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: HEATH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. Bulk-purchase retailer"

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: COSTCO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. One who closely adheres to the Torah"

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: ORTHODOXJEW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Picked locks?"

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 rounded thickly curled hairdo
  • Words that mean the same thing: Afro hairdo
  • 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: AFRO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Some library catalog info, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a hard 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: ISBN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Magellan, e.g."

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: SPACEPROBE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Runs up, as expenses"

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 make oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to
  • Words that mean the same thing: find, get, incur
  • 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: INCURS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Surfboard stabilizer"

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 brace that extends from the rear of the keel to support the rudderpost
  • 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: SKEG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Higher-up"

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 the chief executive department of the united states government
  • Words that mean the same thing: White House
  • 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: EXEC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Golden ___"

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: AGER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Carrier that offers only kosher meals"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ELAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Bibliographer's phrase of inclusion"

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: ETALII

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Levels"

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 relative position or degree of value in a graded group
  • Words that mean the same thing: tier up, tier, grade
  • 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: TIERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Something no single speaker provides"

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 reproducer in which two microphones feed two or more loudspeakers to give a three-dimensional effect to the sound
  • Words that mean the same thing: stereoscopic photograph, stereophony, stereoscopic picture
  • 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: STEREO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "50. Menial"

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 low or inferior in station or quality
  • Words that mean the same thing: petty, junior-grade, modest
  • 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: LOWLY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "52. Certain B.S. holder: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium 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: ENGR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "54. Cornered"

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: ATBAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "56. Letter in the NATO alphabet"

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: XRAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "57. Prefix with -phyte"

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: XERO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "58. "What a long week!""

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: TGIF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "59. "___ is other people": Sartre"

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 place of pain and turmoil
  • Words that mean the same thing: Scheol, hellhole, sin
  • The opposite would be: Heaven
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HELL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "60. Commands respect from"

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 an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
  • Words that mean the same thing: reverence, veneration, awe
  • 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: AWES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "63. Swimming gold medalist Thorpe"

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: IAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "64. Columbus-to-Cleveland dir."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the compass point that is midway between north and northeast
  • Words that mean the same thing: nor'-nor'-east, north northeast
  • 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: NNE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "65. Old Pontiac with a V8 engine"

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: GTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 49 62.0%
Short Answer 21 26.6%
History 2 2.5%
Food & Drink 2 2.5%
Abbreviation 2 2.5%
Literature 1 1.3%
Sports 1 1.3%
Movies/Film 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 39
Down Clues 40
Total Clues 79
Average Answer Length 5.2 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 21 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 Thursday, 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!

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

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 28, 2025 at 04:24 AM

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Friday, December 12, 2025

NYT Down Clues Answers December 12, 2025 - All 37 Vertical Solutions & Expert Hints

Friday NYT Down Solutions December 12, 2025 - Every Vertical Clue Decoded with Hints

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 37 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: NYT Across Today November 03 2025 | March 21 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | November 10 2022 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for December 12, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Friday, December 12, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 12, 2025
Day of Week Friday
Total Down Clues 37 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Easy

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 37 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Stone
2 Down 2. Vaudeville highlight
3 Down 3. Pulitzer-winning journalist Applebaum
4 Down 4. You might pull one out for a guest
5 Down 5. With 38-Across, one way to sit
6 Down 6. Feel gross
7 Down 7. "Gross"
8 Down 8. Playwright who wrote "You see things; and you say 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say 'Why not?'"
9 Down 9. "Tell Mama" singer James
10 Down 10. Rocky road ingredient?
11 Down 11. Distinction for a classic underground work
12 Down 12. Bind
13 Down 13. Sticks a fork in
14 Down 15. Part of NOW
15 Down 21. "Fiddlesticks!"
16 Down 23. Disney princess in New Orleans
17 Down 24. Workshop debris
18 Down 26. Possible need for entry
19 Down 27. Each
20 Down 28. Colleague who might be solutions-oriented?
21 Down 29. Tropical plants said to bring good fortune
22 Down 32. "That's the truth"
23 Down 33. Kid's parent
24 Down 34. Hagfish lookalikes
25 Down 36. Company whose logo has a hidden arrow between its fourth and fifth letters
26 Down 39. Performance that isn't prerecorded
27 Down 40. Word from the Greek for "folded paper"
28 Down 43. Butcher shop buys
29 Down 44. Pleasing to the palate
30 Down 45. "Buss It" rapper ___ Banks
31 Down 48. Way
32 Down 49. Arm of the Dept. of Labor
33 Down 51. Part of a cabinet
34 Down 52. French 101 verb
35 Down 55. Whitehouse in D.C., e.g.: Abbr.
36 Down 56. Physics unit equivalent to roughly 624 gigaelectronvolts
37 Down 57. Thoroughly evaluate

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues

Need help? Here are comprehensive hints and answers for each Down clue. Also check these helpful guides:

Complete Down Solutions:

1 Down: "1. Stone"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: pock, Inferno
  • Opposite of: Heaven
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a sizeable hole (usually in the ground)
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PIT

2 Down: "2. Vaudeville highlight"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S__T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a short theatrical episode
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SKIT

3 Down: "3. Pulitzer-winning journalist Applebaum"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ANNE

4 Down: "4. You might pull one out for a guest"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S_____D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOFABED

5 Down: "5. With 38-Across, one way to sit"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C________S
  • Similar words: mark, cross
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a marking that consists of lines that cross each other
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CRISSCROSS

6 Down: "6. Feel gross"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • Similar words: garlic, trouble
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: aromatic bulb used as seasoning
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AIL

7 Down: "7. "Gross""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'H'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UGH

8 Down: "8. Playwright who wrote "You see things; and you say 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say 'Why not?'""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'W'
  • Word pattern: S__W
  • Similar words: Josh Billings, G. B. Shaw
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SHAW

9 Down: "9. "Tell Mama" singer James"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: E__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ETTA

10 Down: "10. Rocky road ingredient?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A_____T
  • Similar words: mineral pitch
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ASPHALT

11 Down: "11. Distinction for a classic underground work"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C________S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CULTSTATUS

12 Down: "12. Bind"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: T___P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIEUP

13 Down: "13. Sticks a fork in"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S___S
  • Similar words: shot, thrust
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a sudden sharp feeling
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STABS

14 Down: "15. Part of NOW"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: W___N
  • Similar words: adult female, char
  • Opposite of: man
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WOMEN

15 Down: "21. "Fiddlesticks!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S___T
  • Similar words: scud, pullulate
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a new branch
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SHOOT

16 Down: "23. Disney princess in New Orleans"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: T___A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIANA

17 Down: "24. Workshop debris"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S_____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: fine particles of wood made by sawing wood
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SAWDUST

18 Down: "26. Possible need for entry"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: V__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VISA

19 Down: "27. Each"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: A__P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer APOP

20 Down: "28. Colleague who might be solutions-oriented?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: L________R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LABPARTNER

21 Down: "29. Tropical plants said to bring good fortune"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M________S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MONEYTREES

22 Down: "32. "That's the truth""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: F___S
  • Similar words: fact
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FACTS

23 Down: "33. Kid's parent"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: G__T
  • Similar words: laughingstock, caprine animal
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GOAT

24 Down: "34. Hagfish lookalikes"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E__S
  • Similar words: eel
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EELS

25 Down: "36. Company whose logo has a hidden arrow between its fourth and fifth letters"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'X'
  • Word pattern: F___X
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FEDEX

26 Down: "39. Performance that isn't prerecorded"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: L_____T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LIVESET

27 Down: "40. Word from the Greek for "folded paper""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: D_____A
  • Similar words: sheepskin
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DIPLOMA

28 Down: "43. Butcher shop buys"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L___S
  • Similar words: pubes, lumbus
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LOINS

29 Down: "44. Pleasing to the palate"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S___D
  • Similar words: flavourous, flavorful
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: full of flavor
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SAPID

30 Down: "45. "Buss It" rapper ___ Banks"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: E___A
  • Similar words: true heath
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any plant of the genus Erica
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ERICA

31 Down: "48. Way"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: P__H
  • Similar words: track, course
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a course of conduct
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PATH

32 Down: "49. Arm of the Dept. of Labor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: O__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer OSHA

33 Down: "51. Part of a cabinet"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: K__B
  • Similar words: thickening, pommel
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a circular rounded projection or protuberance
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KNOB

34 Down: "52. French 101 verb"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ETRE

35 Down: "55. Whitehouse in D.C., e.g.: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEN

36 Down: "56. Physics unit equivalent to roughly 624 gigaelectronvolts"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'G'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ERG

37 Down: "57. Thoroughly evaluate"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: veterinarian, veterinary
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a doctor who practices veterinary medicine
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VET

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

  • Down clues often reveal key letters for intersecting words
  • Vertical patterns can unlock difficult sections
  • Many prefixes and suffixes run vertically
  • Down answers often help solve Across clues

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

  1. Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Down entries
  2. Prefixes and suffixes: Common word parts often run vertically
  3. Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
  4. Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Down
  5. Pop culture references: Names and titles often appear vertically

Time-Saving Down Techniques

Technique How It Helps
Scan all Down first Get a mental map of the vertical flow
Fill short Down words 3-4 letter words are often prefixes or connectors
Use crossing letters Across letters help confirm Down answers
Look for themes Related Down answers often share a theme

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 37 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Down clues often contain helpful prefixes, suffixes, and word parts that can be easier to guess.

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

Down and Across clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.

About This Page: We provide comprehensive Down clues solutions and hints for the NYT Crossword to help you improve your solving skills. This site is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 12, 2025 at 05:16 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, December 12 2025 down clues

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