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Monday, September 1, 2025

July 01, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, July 01, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 66 (30 Across, 36 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.5 letters

July 01, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Across Clues Explained - Saturday NYT Crossword July 01, 2023

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. "Well, that much was clear" 11
2A 12. Sequence of steps 12
3A 13. Present-day request? 13
4A 14. Don't match 5
5A 15. Cheat 4
6A 16. Poet Scott-Heron 3
7A 17. God who is destined to slay the serpent Jörmungandr 4
8A 18. "Beowulf" and "Gilgamesh," for two 5
9A 20. Drain 4
10A 21. "You there!" 3
11A 22. "His ___ little mouth was drawn up like a bow" (line from "A Visit From St. Nicholas") 5
12A 23. City planner, at times 5
13A 24. Forest giant 7
14A 26. Right on a map 4
15A 28. Disney villain inspired by the drag queen Divine 6
16A 29. Anxiety 6
17A 33. Mulligan 4
18A 35. Betray nervousness, in a way 7
19A 36. Shift, for one 5
20A 39. "High five!" 5
21A 41. ___ End (setting in "The Lord of the Rings") 3
22A 42. Dutch scientist with an eponymous "cloud" 4
23A 43. Word with boot or spaghetti 5
24A 44. Mark's replacement 4
25A 45. NewLeaf potato, e.g., in brief 3
26A 46. "Anything Goes" writer Porter 4
27A 47. "Skip me" 5
28A 49. Flinches, but only a little 13
29A 52. Study of riddles 12
30A 53. Absence excuser 11

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. "Well, that much was clear""

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: SOIGATHERED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "12. Sequence of steps"

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: DANCEROUTINE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "13. Present-day request?"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: LETTERTOSANTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Don't match"

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 loud resonant repeating noise
  • Words that mean the same thing: friction, clangoring, clangor
  • 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: CLASH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Cheat"

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 cheat somebody out of what is due, especially money
  • Words that mean the same thing: foil, frustrate, baffle
  • 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: BILK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Poet Scott-Heron"

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: GIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. God who is destined to slay the serpent Jörmungandr"

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 (norse mythology) god of thunder and rain and farming; pictured as wielding a hammer emblematic of the thunderbolt; identified with teutonic donar
  • 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: THOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. "Beowulf" and "Gilgamesh," for two"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a long narrative poem telling of a hero's deeds
  • Words that mean the same thing: epic, epos, heroic poem
  • 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: EPICS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Drain"

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 hoop that covers a wheel
  • Words that mean the same thing: pall, run down, fatigue
  • The opposite would be: refresh, interest
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TIRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. "You there!""

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: HEY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. "His ___ little mouth was drawn up like a bow" (line from "A Visit From St. Nicholas")"

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 comical in an odd or whimsical manner
  • 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: DROLL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "23. City planner, at times"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a medium 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: ZONER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "24. Forest giant"

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 the soft reddish wood of either of two species of sequoia trees
  • Words that mean the same thing: sequoia
  • 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: REDWOOD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "26. Right on a map"

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 cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees
  • Words that mean the same thing: E, due east, Orient
  • The opposite would be: west
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EAST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. Disney villain inspired by the drag queen Divine"

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: URSULA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "29. Anxiety"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that physical discomfort (as mild sickness or depression)
  • Words that mean the same thing: disquiet, malaise, uneasiness
  • 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: UNEASE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Mulligan"

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 do over, as of (part of) a house
  • Words that mean the same thing: make over, refashion, remodel
  • 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: REDO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Betray nervousness, in a way"

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 a speech disorder involving hesitations and involuntary repetitions of certain sounds
  • Words that mean the same thing: bumble, stutter, falter
  • 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: STAMMER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "36. Shift, for one"

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 one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice
  • Words that mean the same thing: do, apparel, habilitate
  • The opposite would be: undress
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DRESS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. "High five!""

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: UPTOP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. ___ End (setting in "The Lord of the Rings")"

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 flexible container with a single opening
  • Words that mean the same thing: old bag, bagful, travelling bag
  • 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: BAG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Dutch scientist with an eponymous "cloud""

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 dutch astronomer who proved that the galaxy is rotating and proposed the existence of the oort cloud (1900-1992)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Jan Hendrix Oort
  • 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: OORT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. Word with boot or spaghetti"

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 elongated leather strip (or a strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position
  • Words that mean the same thing: whip, welt, slash
  • 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: STRAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. Mark's replacement"

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 basic monetary unit of most members of the european union (introduced in 1999); in 2002 twelve european nations (germany, france, belgium, luxembourg, the netherlands, italy, spain, portugal, ireland, greece, austria, finland) adopted the euro as their basic unit of money and abandoned their traditional currencies
  • 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: EURO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. NewLeaf potato, e.g., in brief"

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: GMO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "46. "Anything Goes" writer Porter"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a hardy cabbage with coarse curly leaves that do not form a head
  • Words that mean the same thing: Brassica oleracea acephala, colewort, borecole
  • 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: COLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "47. "Skip me""

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: IPASS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "49. Flinches, but only a little"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: BATSANEYELASH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "52. Study of riddles"

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: ENIGMATOLOGY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "53. Absence excuser"

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: DOCTORSNOTE

    Great job if you got it right!

July 01, 2023 Saturday NYT - All Down Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. They're offered seven times a year 4
2D 2. Classic Beat Generation roman à clef 9
3D 3. Rocks 3
4D 4. Popular pet originally from Mongolia 6
5D 5. A, for one 7
6D 6. Saw and punch 5
7D 7. Outer ear? 4
8D 8. GPS guess 3
9D 9. Celebrate, as a new year 6
10D 10. Total 6
11D 11. One holding all the cards 6
12D 12. First word in a 13-Across 4
13D 13. London-based insurance company 6
14D 14. Say "Yay!," say 5
15D 17. Via, on signs 4
16D 19. Peeved, for short 3
17D 20. Ancestral emblem 5
18D 22. Dispenses, with "out" 5
19D 23. Sassy, letter-shaped gesture accompanying a retort 5
20D 25. German food that's better than it sounds? 5
21D 27. "George," in aviation slang 9
22D 30. Certain surprise party? 6
23D 31. Department store that once sold mail-order houses 5
24D 32. So 4
25D 34. Holes in the wall? 7
26D 35. Subway stop: Abbr. 3
27D 36. Certain creature comfort? 6
28D 37. Ray on one's TV 6
29D 38. Like some N.S.F.W. content 6
30D 40. Hunt 6
31D 43. Bat signal 5
32D 44. What one star may represent 4
33D 46. Fatigues, familiarly 4
34D 48. Royal attendant 4
35D 50. Pepper, for one: Abbr. 3
36D 51. Chess ranking system named for a Hungarian physicist 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. They're offered seven times a year"

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 seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
  • Words that mean the same thing: Saturday, Sat, Sabbatum
  • 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: SATS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Classic Beat Generation roman à clef"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: ONTHEROAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Rocks"

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 water frozen in the solid state
  • Words that mean the same thing: ice-skating rink, internal-combustion engine, water ice
  • 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: ICE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Popular pet originally from Mongolia"

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 small old world burrowing desert rodent with long soft pale fur and hind legs adapted for leaping
  • Words that mean the same thing: gerbille
  • 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: GERBIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. A, for one"

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 nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
  • Words that mean the same thing: clause
  • 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: ARTICLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Saw and punch"

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 implement used in the practice of a vocation
  • Words that mean the same thing: instrument, prick, puppet
  • 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: TOOLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Outer ear?"

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 material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
  • Words that mean the same thing: stubble, straw, chaff
  • 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: HUSK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. GPS guess"

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 terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
  • Words that mean the same thing: Basque Homeland and Freedom, Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Fatherland and Liberty
  • 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: ETA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Celebrate, as a new year"

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: RINGIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Total"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that uncastrated adult male horse
  • Words that mean the same thing: stallion, integral, intact
  • 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: ENTIRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. One holding all the cards"

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 someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold
  • Words that mean the same thing: trader, monger, principal
  • 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: DEALER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. First word in a 13-Across"

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 beloved person; used as terms of endearment
  • Words that mean the same thing: pricey, high-priced, beloved
  • 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: DEAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. London-based insurance company"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that united states comic actor in silent films; he used physical danger as a source of comedy (1893-1971)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Harold Lloyd, Lloyd, Harold Clayton Lloyd
  • 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: LLOYDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Say "Yay!," 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 a cry or shout of approval
  • Words that mean the same thing: urge, sunshine, chirk up
  • The opposite would be: dishearten, uncheerfulness
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CHEER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "17. Via, on signs"

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: THRU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "19. Peeved, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)
  • Words that mean the same thing: fuel pod, seedcase, cod
  • 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: POD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "20. Ancestral emblem"

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 clan or tribe identified by their kinship to a common totemic object
  • 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: TOTEM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "22. Dispenses, with "out""

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 share of money or food or clothing that has been charitably given
  • Words that mean the same thing: pogy, dole, pogey
  • 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: DOLES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "23. Sassy, letter-shaped gesture accompanying a retort"

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: ZSNAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "25. German food that's better than it sounds?"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a expert 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: WURST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "27. "George," in aviation slang"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a cognitive state in which you act without self-awareness
  • Words that mean the same thing: automatic pilot, robot pilot
  • 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: AUTOPILOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. Certain surprise party?"

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 act of concealing yourself and lying in wait to attack by surprise
  • Words that mean the same thing: scupper, still-hunt, lurk
  • 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: AMBUSH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "31. Department store that once sold mail-order houses"

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 make very hot and dry
  • Words that mean the same thing: sear, singe, blacken
  • 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: SEARS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "32. So"

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 (used as a sentence connector) therefore or consequently
  • 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: ERGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "34. Holes in the wall?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a place of business for retailing goods
  • Words that mean the same thing: way out, release, electrical outlet
  • 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: OUTLETS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "35. Subway stop: 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: STA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "36. Certain creature comfort?"

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: DOGBED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "37. Ray on one's TV"

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: ROMANO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "38. Like some N.S.F.W. content"

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 erotic person
  • Words that mean the same thing: titillating
  • 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: EROTIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "40. Hunt"

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: PREYON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "43. Bat signal"

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 measuring instrument that sends out an acoustic pulse in water and measures distances in terms of the time for the echo of the pulse to return
  • Words that mean the same thing: asdic, echo sounder
  • 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: SONAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "44. What one star may represent"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
  • Words that mean the same thing: tardily, easygoing, well-fixed
  • The opposite would be: difficult, quickly
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EASY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "46. Fatigues, 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 fabric dyed with splotches of green and brown and black and tan; intended to make the wearer of a garment made of this fabric hard to distinguish from the background
  • Words that mean the same thing: camouflage
  • 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: CAMO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "48. Royal attendant"

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 one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
  • Words that mean the same thing: pageboy, Thomas Nelson Page, paginate
  • 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: PAGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "50. Pepper, for one: Abbr."

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: SGT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "51. Chess ranking system named for a Hungarian physicist"

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: ELO

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 50 75.8%
Short Answer 7 10.6%
Abbreviation 3 4.5%
Sports 1 1.5%
Geography 1 1.5%
Literature 1 1.5%
History 1 1.5%
Food & Drink 1 1.5%
Celebrity/Entertainment 1 1.5%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 30
Down Clues 36
Total Clues 66
Average Answer Length 5.5 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 13 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 Saturday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 5 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: September 01, 2025 at 11:17 AM

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Monday, December 22, 2025

Monday's NYT Mini Dec 22 - All 10 Across & 10 Down Clues Decoded

NYT Mini Crossword December 22, 2025 Hints & Answers - Beat the Average 1-Minute Time

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: December 08 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | February 08 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers September_28 |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for December 22, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Monday, December 22, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 22, 2025
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1     
Row 2     
Row 3     
Row 4     
Row 5     

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 59. Cheat ... or a punny hint to the four sets of circled letters
2 Across 64. Hearing-related
3 Across 15. Older but ___
4 Across 42. Rode the bench
5 Across 14. One of a battery's poles
6 Across 24. Rapper ___ Uzi Vert
7 Across 66. Kind of lamp that's energy-efficient
8 Across 20. "Garfield" dog
9 Across 55. Pink ___ (rock band)
10 Across 17. Saxophone, trumpet, piano and bass, perhaps

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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

1 Across: "59. Cheat ... or a punny hint to the four sets of circled letters"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 11 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S_________E

Answer:

Click to reveal SHORTCHANGE

2 Across: "64. Hearing-related"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: A___L

Answer:

Click to reveal AURAL

3 Across: "15. Older but ___"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: W___R

Answer:

Click to reveal WISER

4 Across: "42. Rode the bench"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Another word like this: ride

Answer:

Click to reveal SAT

5 Across: "14. One of a battery's poles"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A___E

Answer:

Click to reveal ANODE

6 Across: "24. Rapper ___ Uzi Vert"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'L'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal LIL

7 Across: "66. Kind of lamp that's energy-efficient"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'D'
  • Another word like this: guide

Answer:

Click to reveal LED

8 Across: "20. "Garfield" dog"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O__E

Answer:

Click to reveal ODIE

9 Across: "55. Pink ___ (rock band)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: F___D

Answer:

Click to reveal FLOYD

10 Across: "17. Saxophone, trumpet, piano and bass, perhaps"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 11 letters
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: J_________T

Answer:

Click to reveal JAZZQUARTET

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 61. Surgery sites, in brief
2 Down 7. Wispy clouds
3 Down 27. Em, to Dorothy
4 Down 62. Beanie or bowler
5 Down 12. Reaction to pollen, e.g.
6 Down 48. Is over by
7 Down 60. Shade of color
8 Down 38. "No sweat!"
9 Down 45. Nine-sided figure
10 Down 8. Approx.

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:

1 Down: "61. Surgery sites, in brief"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Another word like this: surgery

Answer:

Click to reveal ORS

2 Down: "7. Wispy clouds"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: C___I

Answer:

Click to reveal CIRRI

3 Down: "27. Em, to Dorothy"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A__T

Answer:

Click to reveal AUNT

4 Down: "62. Beanie or bowler"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Another word like this: chapeau

Answer:

Click to reveal HAT

5 Down: "12. Reaction to pollen, e.g."

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: A_____Y

Answer:

Click to reveal ALLERGY

6 Down: "48. Is over by"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: E____T

Answer:

Click to reveal ENDSAT

7 Down: "60. Shade of color"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'E'
  • Another word like this: imbue

Answer:

Click to reveal HUE

8 Down: "38. "No sweat!""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: E__Y

Answer:

Click to reveal EASY

9 Down: "45. Nine-sided figure"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: N_____N

Answer:

Click to reveal NONAGON

10 Down: "8. Approx."

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal EST

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 1 minute 3 seconds
Difficulty: Normal

More Puzzle Help

If you like the NYT Mini, you might enjoy these other puzzles too:

Recent Crossword Solutions:

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

The puzzle comes out at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before. So you can play Monday's puzzle starting Sunday at 10 PM.

How fast should I be able to solve it?

Most people solve the Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play?

No! The NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Mini solver?

Good Mini solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

Unlike the big NYT crossword, the Mini stays about the same difficulty every day. Sometimes Saturday might be a tiny bit harder.

About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 22, 2025 at 04:27 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, December 22 2025 mini crossword

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Thursday, November 13, 2025

Thursday's NYT Down Nov 13 - Full Vertical Grid Solutions

Down Clues NYT November 13, 2025 - Today's Complete Vertical Solutions

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 38 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: May 09 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | December 03 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | June 26 2023 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for November 13, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Thursday, November 13, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date November 13, 2025
Day of Week Thursday
Total Down Clues 38 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Medium

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 38 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. Maps or Notes, e.g.
2 Down 2. They're known for their bark
3 Down 3. Flavor of Frangelico liqueur
4 Down 4. Whiffs, say
5 Down 5. Spa sound
6 Down 6. Cheat, informally
7 Down 7. Mooches
8 Down 8. He smashed his tablets in anger
9 Down 9. Speech fillers
10 Down 10. Nobel Prize category, for short
11 Down 11. Actor J.B. of "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
12 Down 12. Cut (off)
13 Down 13. Map miniatures
14 Down 19. Things caddies carry
15 Down 21. Freaks out
16 Down 24. Sign of a packed house
17 Down 25. Brightest star in Cygnus
18 Down 27. Eerie forest sound
19 Down 30. Kyoto cash
20 Down 32. Root on
21 Down 35. Some unpleasant things to step on with bare feet
22 Down 37. Many a rescue dog
23 Down 38. Shock
24 Down 39. So cute
25 Down 40. Caves
26 Down 42. What something a magician holds might disappear into
27 Down 44. One with secrets
28 Down 45. Undeserved reputation, informally
29 Down 46. Make hard to read, in a way
30 Down 47. Packs
31 Down 48. Common serving of lobster
32 Down 49. What this puzzle's sets of shaded squares resemble
33 Down 52. Optimist
34 Down 55. Word aptly filling the blanks of this verb: SE_ _ _A_E
35 Down 57. Bit of praise, humorously
36 Down 60. English letter that looks like the Greek rho
37 Down 61. Cry, cry, cry
38 Down 63. Start to fall, say

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. Maps or Notes, e.g."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'P'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer APP

2 Down: "2. They're known for their bark"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SEALIONS

3 Down: "3. Flavor of Frangelico liqueur"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: H______T
  • Similar words: cob, hazelnut tree
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HAZELNUT

4 Down: "4. Whiffs, say"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M____S
  • Similar words: escape, misfire
  • Opposite of: have
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a young woman
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MISSES

5 Down: "5. Spa sound"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'H'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AHH

6 Down: "6. Cheat, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: R__K
  • Similar words: gip, nobble
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ROOK

7 Down: "7. Mooches"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S_____S
  • Similar words: grub, parazoan
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPONGES

8 Down: "8. He smashed his tablets in anger"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: M___S
  • Similar words: Grandma Moses
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MOSES

9 Down: "9. Speech fillers"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'S'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer UHS

10 Down: "10. Nobel Prize category, for short"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: E__N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ECON

11 Down: "11. Actor J.B. of "Curb Your Enthusiasm""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: S____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SMOOVE

12 Down: "12. Cut (off)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: L____D
  • Similar words: clip, discerp
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: cut off from a whole
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LOPPED

13 Down: "13. Map miniatures"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: I____S
  • Similar words: gusset, inset
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a small picture inserted within the bounds or a larger one
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer INSETS

14 Down: "19. Things caddies carry"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T__S
  • Similar words: tea, tea leaf
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TEAS

15 Down: "21. Freaks out"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: G_____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GOESAPE

16 Down: "24. Sign of a packed house"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'O'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SRO

17 Down: "25. Brightest star in Cygnus"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: D___B
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the brightest star in Cygnus
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DENEB

18 Down: "27. Eerie forest sound"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: H__T
  • Similar words: razzing, red cent
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a loud raucous cry (as of an owl)
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOOT

19 Down: "30. Kyoto cash"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: ache, languish
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a yearning for something or to do something
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YEN

20 Down: "32. Root on"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: P_____R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PULLFOR

21 Down: "35. Some unpleasant things to step on with bare feet"

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: Lego set, Lego
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer LEGOS

22 Down: "37. Many a rescue dog"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: M__T
  • Similar words: mongrel, cur
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an inferior dog or one of mixed breed
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer MUTT

23 Down: "38. Shock"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'R'
  • Similar words: bump around, shake up
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer JAR

24 Down: "39. So cute"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A______E
  • Similar words: lovely, endearing
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: lovable especially in a childlike or naive way
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ADORABLE

25 Down: "40. Caves"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: G______S
  • Similar words: grotto, grot
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a small cave (usually with attractive features)
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer GROTTOES

26 Down: "42. What something a magician holds might disappear into"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer THINAIR

27 Down: "44. One with secrets"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Similar words: sleuth, snoop
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SPY

28 Down: "45. Undeserved reputation, informally"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: B____P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BADRAP

29 Down: "46. Make hard to read, in a way"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E____E
  • Opposite of: decode
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: convert information into code
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ENCODE

30 Down: "47. Packs"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S____S
  • Similar words: pig out, block
  • Opposite of: unstuff
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer STUFFS

31 Down: "48. Common serving of lobster"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: T__L
  • Similar words: fundament, hind end
  • Opposite of: head
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TAIL

32 Down: "49. What this puzzle's sets of shaded squares resemble"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: W____S
  • Similar words: wheel, rack
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer WHEELS

33 Down: "52. Optimist"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: H___R
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a person who hopes
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer HOPER

34 Down: "55. Word aptly filling the blanks of this verb: SE_ _ _A_E"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: P__T
  • Similar words: constituent, function
  • Opposite of: wholly
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PART

35 Down: "57. Bit of praise, humorously"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: K__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KUDO

36 Down: "60. English letter that looks like the Greek rho"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Similar words: pass water, wee-wee
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: liquid excretory product
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PEE

37 Down: "61. Cry, cry, cry"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'B'
  • Similar words: asshole, mother fucker
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a dyspneic condition
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOB

38 Down: "63. Start to fall, say"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'P'
  • Similar words: steer, topple
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIP

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 38 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: November 13, 2025 at 05:14 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, November 13 2025 down clues

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