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Tuesday, May 20, 2025

NY Times Crossword Answers May 20, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

NY Times Crossword Complete Solution: May 20, 2025

Our expert breakdown helps you solve the May 20 NYT crossword while expanding your vocabulary. Learn answer strategies and discover word connections.

NY Times Crossword Complete Solution: May 20, 2025


Across Clues and Answers (35)

Clue #1: 1. Bit or byte

4-letter answer Answer: UNIT
Word Help: Synonyms: building_block, whole, social_unit

Clue #2: 5. Laundry collectors

4-letter answer Answer: BINS
Word Help: Synonyms: BIN, binful, ABA_transit_number

Clue #3: 9. Good thing to bring to a competition

5-letter answer Answer: AGAME

Clue #4: 14. Comedian Trevor with the memoir "Born a Crime"

4-letter answer Answer: NOAH
Word Help: Synonyms: Noah

Clue #5: 15. Give off

4-letter answer Answer: EMIT
Word Help: Synonyms: give_out, utter, pass_off
Antonyms: absorb

Clue #6: 16. Ring-tailed primate

5-letter answer Answer: LEMUR
Word Help: Synonyms: lemur

Clue #7: 17. Consistent with party policy

9-letter answer Answer: ONMESSAGE

Clue #8: 19. Court colleague of Kagan and Kavanaugh

5-letter answer Answer: ALITO

Clue #9: 20. "Eye on the ball," "Get under it!," "I got it!," etc.

12-letter answer Answer: CATCHPHRASES
Word Help: Synonyms: catch_phrase, catchphrase

Clue #10: 22. Like some ground balls

6-letter answer Answer: ONEHOP

Clue #11: 25. CPR pro

3-letter answer Answer: EMT

Clue #12: 26. Queen of Olympus

4-letter answer Answer: HERA
Word Help: Synonyms: Here, Hera

Clue #13: 27. Pet rescue grp.

5-letter answer Answer: ASPCA

Clue #14: 31. Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan

4-letter answer Answer: OMAR

Clue #15: 35. Mink, ferret, stoat, etc.

11-letter answer Answer: WEASELWORDS

Clue #16: 38. Indiana or Independence, in D.C.

3-letter answer Answer: AVE

Clue #17: 39. Detroit dud of the 1950s

5-letter answer Answer: EDSEL

Clue #18: 40. Wall St. debut

3-letter answer Answer: IPO
Word Help: Synonyms: initial_public_offering, initial_offering, IPO

Clue #19: 41. "You're just too complimentary!"

5-letter answer Answer: AWGEE

Clue #20: 43. 4G ___ (letters on a cellphone screen)

3-letter answer Answer: LTE

Clue #21: 44. "Ta-da," "All done," "There you have it," etc.

11-letter answer Answer: FINISHLINES

Clue #22: 47. Poet Byron, for one

4-letter answer Answer: LORD
Word Help: Synonyms: lord, Creator, Divine
Antonyms: noblewoman, Lady

Clue #23: 49. Like pound cake

5-letter answer Answer: DENSE
Word Help: Synonyms: slow, dim, dense

Clue #24: 50. Bird whose name sounds like a hip-hop dance move

4-letter answer Answer: NENE

Clue #25: 51. Employ

3-letter answer Answer: USE
Word Help: Synonyms: enjoyment, purpose, expend

Clue #26: 53. Crafters' knives

6-letter answer Answer: XACTOS

Clue #27: 55. Yield, Stop, Dead End, etc.

12-letter answer Answer: SIGNLANGUAGE

Clue #28: 61. Tennis champ Naomi

5-letter answer Answer: OSAKA
Word Help: Synonyms: Osaka

Clue #29: 62. Freighter

9-letter answer Answer: CARGOSHIP

Clue #30: 66. On the up and up

5-letter answer Answer: LEGIT

Clue #31: 67. Too

4-letter answer Answer: ALSO
Word Help: Synonyms: besides, as_well, likewise

Clue #32: 68. Vibe

4-letter answer Answer: AURA
Word Help: Synonyms: aureole, air, aura

Clue #33: 69. College V.I.P.s

5-letter answer Answer: DEANS
Word Help: Synonyms: dean, doyen, James_Byron_Dean

Clue #34: 70. Cryptanalyst Turing

4-letter answer Answer: ALAN

Clue #35: 71. What spring may bring

4-letter answer Answer: THAW
Word Help: Synonyms: thaw, melting, unthaw

Across Clues and Answers (35)

Clue #1: 1. Card game shout

3-letter answer Answer: UNO

Clue #2: 2. Oui's opposite

3-letter answer Answer: NON
Word Help: Synonyms: not, non

Clue #3: 3. Response to "Who's going?"

3-letter answer Answer: IAM

Clue #4: 4. Action film climax one might "cut to," in a saying

8-letter answer Answer: THECHASE

Clue #5: 5. Closest confidant

7-letter answer Answer: BESTPAL

Clue #6: 6. Apple all-in-one

4-letter answer Answer: IMAC

Clue #7: 7. Walt Whitman's "As the Time Draws ___"

4-letter answer Answer: NIGH
Word Help: Synonyms: most, well-nigh, near
Antonyms: far

Clue #8: 8. Call repeated in an aerobics class

4-letter answer Answer: STEP
Word Help: Synonyms: stair, stone's_throw, dance_step

Clue #9: 9. Wake-up call

5-letter answer Answer: ALARM
Word Help: Synonyms: alarum, warning_device, alert

Clue #10: 10. Dessert served with the query "Cono o coppetta?" in Italy

6-letter answer Answer: GELATO

Clue #11: 11. Somme friends

4-letter answer Answer: AMIS

Clue #12: 12. Silence on Zoom

4-letter answer Answer: MUTE
Word Help: Synonyms: silent, tone_down, damp

Clue #13: 13. Cherubic Greek god

4-letter answer Answer: EROS
Word Help: Synonyms: Eros, physical_attraction, concupiscence

Clue #14: 18. ___ Paulo, Brazil

3-letter answer Answer: SAO

Clue #15: 21. Circle at the top of a stick figure

4-letter answer Answer: HEAD
Word Help: Synonyms: headspring, caput, chief
Antonyms: foot, tail

Clue #16: 22. "Such is life!"

6-letter answer Answer: OHWELL

Clue #17: 23. Must

6-letter answer Answer: NEEDTO

Clue #18: 24. Chalk accompanier

6-letter answer Answer: ERASER
Word Help: Synonyms: eraser

Clue #19: 28. Consumers of hogwash

5-letter answer Answer: SWINE
Word Help: Synonyms: swine

Clue #20: 29. Stop by

5-letter answer Answer: POPIN

Clue #21: 30. Hybridize

5-letter answer Answer: CROSS
Word Help: Synonyms: grumpy, Cross, get_across
Antonyms: uncross

Clue #22: 32. Souvenir for a refrigerator

6-letter answer Answer: MAGNET
Word Help: Synonyms: attracter, attractor, magnet

Clue #23: 33. Moisturizer brand

6-letter answer Answer: AVEENO

Clue #24: 34. ___ Pieces

6-letter answer Answer: REESES

Clue #25: 36. Fey figure of folklore

3-letter answer Answer: ELF
Word Help: Synonyms: imp, ELF, gremlin

Clue #26: 37. Khan who founded Khan Academy

3-letter answer Answer: SAL

Clue #27: 42. Flinches in response to

8-letter answer Answer: WINCESAT

Clue #28: 45. Brainstorm

4-letter answer Answer: IDEA
Word Help: Synonyms: theme, thought, approximation

Clue #29: 46. Utah, geometrically speaking

7-letter answer Answer: HEXAGON
Word Help: Synonyms: hexagon

Clue #30: 48. What "America runs on," in a franchise slogan

6-letter answer Answer: DUNKIN

Clue #31: 52. Bed supports

5-letter answer Answer: SLATS
Word Help: Synonyms: spline, slat

Clue #32: 54. "Give it ___"

3-letter answer Answer: AGO
Word Help: Synonyms: agone, ago

Clue #33: 55. Auctioned off, e.g.

4-letter answer Answer: SOLD
Word Help: Synonyms: sell, betray, trade
Antonyms: buy, unsold

Clue #34: 56. "Oh, OK"

4-letter answer Answer: ISEE

Clue #35: 57. Crazy (about)

4-letter answer Answer: GAGA
Word Help: Synonyms: gaga, dotty, wild

Clue #36: 58. March Madness org.

4-letter answer Answer: NCAA

Clue #37: 59. Chutzpah

4-letter answer Answer: GALL
Word Help: Synonyms: impudence, resentment, cheekiness

Clue #38: 60. ___ Major

4-letter answer Answer: URSA

Clue #39: 63. "What'd you say?"

3-letter answer Answer: HUH

Clue #40: 64. Public radio host Glass

3-letter answer Answer: IRA
Word Help: Synonyms: ire, IRA, Provisional_IRA

Clue #41: 65. Where to find a kitten's "toe beans"

3-letter answer Answer: PAW
Word Help: Synonyms: mitt, hand, paw

Expert Solving Strategies

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

Related Search Terms

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

Saturday, September 13, 2025

December 09, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, December 09, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (37 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

Across Clues Explained - Thursday NYT Crossword December 09, 2021

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Brave ___ lion 3
2A 4. Still on the line, perhaps 4
3A 8. Hallucinogen from a cactus 6
4A 14. Part of a range: Abbr. 3
5A 15. Word that becomes its own opposite when "n" is added to the front 4
6A 16. Temporarily out 6
7A 17. Blackjack ___, source of dense wood 3
8A 18. Film adaptation with ... a choir arriving at the airport? (2016) 11
9A 20. Brand of light-colored cookie 5
10A 22. Nonfiction film, in brief 3
11A 23. Minute, informally 4
12A 24. ... a room in an environmentally friendly hotel? (2018) 12
13A 28. Leave in a huff, with "out" 5
14A 29. Carb- follower 3
15A 30. Govt. org. that had the same leader for its first 48 years (1924-72) 3
16A 33. Follower of John 4
17A 35. Japanese carrier 3
18A 37. Alphabetically first of the 100 most popular boys' names in the U.S. 5
19A 39. ... a triceratops trying to find a spot for its car? (1993) 15
20A 43. Let up 5
21A 44. You might need this to go on 3
22A 45. "Mm-hmm ..." 4
23A 46. Kind of battle 3
24A 47. Ginger ___ 3
25A 50. Rob with four Super Bowl rings, familiarly 5
26A 52. ... a quick trip to purchase cutlery? (2019) 12
27A 56. The duck, in "Peter and the Wolf" 4
28A 59. Pizzeria order 3
29A 60. Skin-care application 5
30A 61. ... a movement to make invoices illegal? (2003) 11
31A 65. Prefix with system 3
32A 66. In a daze 6
33A 67. Biblical progenitor of the Edomites 4
34A 68. ___-core (punk offshoot) 3
35A 69. "Absolutely, will do" 6
36A 70. Feeling sad 4
37A 71. Govt.-issued ID 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. Brave ___ lion"

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: ASA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. Still on the line, perhaps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a slight wetness
  • Words that mean the same thing: dampen, dampish, mute
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DAMP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Hallucinogen from a cactus"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a small spineless globe-shaped cactus; source of mescal buttons
  • Words that mean the same thing: mezcal, Lophophora williamsii, mescal
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PEYOTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Part of a range: 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: MTN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Word that becomes its own opposite when "n" is added to the front"

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 at any time
  • Words that mean the same thing: ever so, e'er, always
  • The opposite would be: never
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EVER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Temporarily out"

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 give temporarily; let have for a limited time
  • Words that mean the same thing: lend, loan
  • The opposite would be: borrow
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOANED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Blackjack ___, source of dense wood"

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 hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
  • Words that mean the same thing: oak tree
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OAK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Film adaptation with ... a choir arriving at the airport? (2016)"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about movies/film.

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: LALALANDING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Brand of light-colored cookie"

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: NILLA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Nonfiction film, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a licensed medical practitioner
  • Words that mean the same thing: Commerce Department, Dr., doctor
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DOC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Minute, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ITTY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. ... a room in an environmentally friendly hotel? (2018)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: GREENBOOKING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Leave in a huff, with "out""

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 a violent weather condition with winds 64-72 knots (11 on the beaufort scale) and precipitation and thunder and lightning
  • Words that mean the same thing: rage, force, surprise
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STORM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Carb- follower"

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: IDE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Govt. org. that had the same leader for its first 48 years (1924-72)"

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 federal law enforcement agency that is the principal investigative arm of the department of justice
  • Words that mean the same thing: Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FBI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Follower of John"

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 new testament book describing the development of the early church from christ's ascension to paul's sojourn at rome
  • Words that mean the same thing: number, playact, act
  • The opposite would be: refrain
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ACTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Japanese carrier"

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 mother of the ancient irish gods; sometimes identified with danu
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Alphabetically first of the 100 most popular boys' names in the U.S."

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 united states professional baseball player who hit more home runs than babe ruth (born in 1934)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Hank Aaron, Henry Louis Aaron
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AARON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. ... a triceratops trying to find a spot for its car? (1993)"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: JURASSICPARKING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "43. Let up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that make less active or intense
  • Words that mean the same thing: die away, slack, let up
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ABATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. You might need this to go on"

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 actor's line that immediately precedes and serves as a reminder for some action or speech
  • Words that mean the same thing: clue, pool stick, pool cue
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CUE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. "Mm-hmm ...""

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: ISEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. Kind of battle"

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 reproach for some lapse or misdeed
  • Words that mean the same thing: whang, belt, blame
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. Ginger ___"

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 general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "50. Rob with four Super Bowl rings, familiarly"

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: GRONK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "52. ... a quick trip to purchase cutlery? (2019)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: KNIVESOUTING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "56. The duck, in "Peter and the Wolf""

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 slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
  • Words that mean the same thing: hautbois, hautboy
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OBOE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "59. Pizzeria order"

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 dish baked in pastry-lined pan often with a pastry top
  • Words that mean the same thing: Proto-Indo European
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "60. Skin-care application"

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 solution containing chemicals that can change the color of a photographic print
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TONER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "61. ... a movement to make invoices illegal? (2003)"

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: KILLBILLING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "65. Prefix with system"

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: ECO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "66. In a daze"

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 mix up or confuse
  • Words that mean the same thing: muddled, muzzy, befuddled
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ADDLED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "67. Biblical progenitor of the Edomites"

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 (old testament) the eldest son of isaac who would have inherited the covenant that god made with abraham and that abraham passed on to isaac; he traded his birthright to his twin brother jacob for a mess of pottage
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ESAU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "68. ___-core (punk offshoot)"

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: SKA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "69. "Absolutely, will do""

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: YESYES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "70. Feeling sad"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that soft fine feathers
  • Words that mean the same thing: belt down, land, pile
  • The opposite would be: upwards, upwardly
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DOWN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "71. Govt.-issued ID"

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: SSN

    Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Thursday NYT Crossword December 09, 2021

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. ___ friends 5
2D 2. One on the case? 5
3D 3. High-heel shoe attachment 10
4D 4. Presidential middle name 6
5D 5. Pop singer ___ Max 3
6D 6. Brooks with Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards 3
7D 7. Home to the largest Goya collection in the world 5
8D 8. Tranquil 6
9D 9. Geology interval 3
10D 10. "Catch my drift?" 5
11D 11. Getting the job done 4
12D 12. You might have a stake in this 4
13D 13. Experimental, say 4
14D 19. Disney+ series set after "Avengers: Endgame" 4
15D 21. Unleashes on 6
16D 25. Things with hooks 4
17D 26. Hyatt alternative 4
18D 27. "Warm" 4
19D 30. Quality of a playful kitten 10
20D 31. Something to chew on 4
21D 32. Playwright William 4
22D 33. Cracked a bit 4
23D 34. Home of the 62-Down hummingbird, the world's smallest bird 4
24D 36. Louisville is in it, in brief 3
25D 38. Like 6
26D 40. John, abroad 4
27D 41. Dogs in Tibetan monasteries, once 4
28D 42. Sleekly designed, informally 4
29D 48. Cell membrane makeup 6
30D 49. Iniquitous 4
31D 51. Surpass in strength 6
32D 52. Clarkson with the 2004 hit "Since U Been Gone" 5
33D 53. Set certain underwater traps 5
34D 54. Makes out 5
35D 55. [What a joke!] 5
36D 56. Sign off on 4
37D 57. Hold tight 4
38D 58. One's parents, slangily, with "the" 4
39D 62. See 34-Down 3
40D 63. Cousin of equi- 3
41D 64. "Yer wrong" 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. ___ friends"

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: AMONG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. One on the case?"

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 support consisting of a place to rest the foot while ascending or descending a stairway
  • Words that mean the same thing: step
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STAIR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. High-heel shoe attachment"

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: ANKLESTRAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Presidential middle name"

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: DELANO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Pop singer ___ Max"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: AVA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Brooks with Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: MEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Home to the largest Goya collection in the world"

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: PRADO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Tranquil"

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 (of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
  • Words that mean the same thing: even-tempered, good-tempered, equable
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PLACID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Geology interval"

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 longest division of geological time
  • Words that mean the same thing: aeon
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. "Catch my drift?""

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: YADIG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Getting the job done"

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: ONIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. You might have a stake in this"

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 portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
  • Words that mean the same thing: camp out, encamp, collapsible shelter
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Experimental, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that being in a tense state
  • Words that mean the same thing: uptight, highly strung, jumpy
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EDGY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Disney+ series set after "Avengers: Endgame""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (norse mythology) trickster; god of discord and mischief; contrived death of balder and was overcome by thor
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOKI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Unleashes on"

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: LETSAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Things with hooks"

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 undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
  • Words that mean the same thing: bra, bandeau, brassiere
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BRAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. Hyatt alternative"

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: OMNI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. "Warm""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that move towards
  • Words that mean the same thing: draw close, skinny, nearly
  • The opposite would be: far
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NEAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Quality of a playful kitten"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that lively high-spirited playfulness
  • Words that mean the same thing: sportiveness, frolicsomeness
  • The word looks like this: __________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FRISKINESS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Something to chew on"

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 rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates
  • Words that mean the same thing: osseous tissue, os, pearl
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Playwright William"

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 english prelate noted for his pessimistic sermons and articles (1860-1954)
  • Words that mean the same thing: William Inge, Gloomy Dean, William Ralph Inge
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: INGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Cracked a bit"

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

    The answer is: AJAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Home of the 62-Down hummingbird, the world's smallest bird"

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 communist state in the caribbean on the island of cuba
  • Words that mean the same thing: Republic of Cuba
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CUBA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. Louisville is in it, 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 command that is the primary provider of air combat weapon systems to the united states air force; operates fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, battle-management, and rescue aircraft
  • Words that mean the same thing: Air Combat Command
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ACC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Like"

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: AKINTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. John, abroad"

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: SEAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. Dogs in Tibetan monasteries, once"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that small compact smooth-coated breed of asiatic origin having a tightly curled tail and broad flat wrinkled muzzle
  • Words that mean the same thing: pug, pug-dog
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PUGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Sleekly designed, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: AERO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "48. Cell membrane makeup"

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 an oily organic compound insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents; essential structural component of living cells (along with proteins and carbohydrates)
  • Words that mean the same thing: lipide, lipid, lipoid
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LIPIDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Iniquitous"

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 morally objectionable behavior
  • Words that mean the same thing: wickedness, malefic, malign
  • The opposite would be: good, goodness
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EVIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "51. Surpass in strength"

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: OUTGUN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "52. Clarkson with the 2004 hit "Since U Been Gone""

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 united states circus clown (1898-1979)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Grace Patricia Kelly, Emmett Kelly, Grace Kelly
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KELLY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Set certain underwater traps"

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: EELED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. Makes 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 the part of an organism (human or animal) that connects the head to the rest of the body
  • Words that mean the same thing: cervix, neck, neck opening
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NECKS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "55. [What a joke!]"

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 utterance expressing pain or disapproval
  • Words that mean the same thing: moan
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GROAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "56. Sign off on"

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 endorsement
  • Words that mean the same thing: sanction, all right, okey
  • The opposite would be: disapprove
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OKAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "57. Hold tight"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • Words that mean the same thing: abide, stay
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BIDE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. One's parents, slangily, with "the""

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 past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
  • Words that mean the same thing: old
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OLDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "62. See 34-Down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that any of numerous hairy-bodied insects including social and solitary species
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "63. Cousin of equi-"

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: ISO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "64. "Yer wrong""

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: NAW

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 53 67.9%
Short Answer 17 21.8%
History 3 3.8%
Movies/Film 2 2.6%
Abbreviation 1 1.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment 1 1.3%
Sports 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 37
Down Clues 41
Total Clues 78
Average Answer Length 4.8 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

  • Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
  • Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
  • When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
  • Today is Thursday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 4 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 13, 2025 at 07:16 AM