27445 Wed Jan 01, 2025 NY Times Crossword Clues Hints

Across Clues :

1. Rapscallion, 6. Certain tankful, 9. Kind of game that's a pitcher's dream, 14. Micronesian island that was the setting for a season of "Survivor", 15. Tuna type, 16. Airport near the intersection of I-90 and I-294, 17. Cove, 18. On the ___, 19. Christopher who directed "Oppenheimer", 20. Slangy suffix with "most", 21. "OK ... tell me", 24. N.B.A. 1-pointers: Abbr., 25. Exclamation from Homer, 26. Hero of "The Matrix", 27. "A work of ___ that isn't based on feeling isn't ___ at all": Cézanne, 28. "Look at Me, I'm Sandra ___" ("Grease" song), 29. Dickens's "The Mystery of ___ Drood", 31. Chinese greeting, 33. Tool for a pineapple, 35. 1990s sitcom featuring a bookstore, 38. You can count on them, 39. Rating for junk bonds, 42. Candymaker Wonka, 43. Chauvinist or racist, 44. In the style of, 45. Start of Caesar's boast, 46. Actress Hatcher, 47. Deposit, as an egg, 48. Patrick Stewart and Elton John, for two, 49. Singer on "Give Peace a Chance", 51. "Golden Girls" actress Arthur, 52. Sheds, with "off", 56. Stylish tote for an executive, 60. Worshiping rows, 61. Cousin of a croc, 63. The Emerald Isle, 64. "___ have to do", 65. Like the breeds Shetland and merino, 66. TALK LIKE THIS!, 67. Like a yenta, 68. Props for close-up magicians, 69. Arrogant sort

Down Clues :

1. Worked for the C.I.A., perhaps, 2. Playground retort, 3. Super-trendy, 4. West who said "Men are my life, diamonds are my career", 5. Set down on paper, 6. Cider unit, 7. Starbuck's higher-up?, 8. Ape or monkey, 9. In the dark about something nefarious, 10. "Well, lookee there!", 11. Place to see J.F.K., 12. Hopping mad, 13. Past, present or future, 22. Flowery necklace, 23. Multisport race, in short, 30. In a prim and proper way, 32. Singer with the #1 albums "As I Am" and "Girl on Fire", 33. What you might call a tipsy friend, 34. Last words?, 36. Symbols of wisdom, 37. 12/31, 39. Part of U.C.L.A.: Abbr., 40. Material used to make the object "illustrated" here, in a seasonal song, 41. Coral island, 50. "Yikes!", 51. Puts to sleep, say, 52. Take a turn with the object illustrated by the central black squares in this puzzle (leading to one of the four circled results), 53. Oscar-winning Jared, 54. Symbols of wisdom, 55. Word processing command, 56. Policy nerd, 57. "Très ___", 58. Singer Guthrie, 59. Chocolate money won or lost in this puzzle's game, 62. ___-tac-toe

Break down the NYT Crosswords: January 01, 2025

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

27445 Wed Jan 01, 2025 NY Times Crossword Clues Hints

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Rapscallion. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SCAMP

  Possible Answer : imp, scalawag, rascal, monkey, rapscallion, scamp, scallywag




• The clue is 6. Certain tankful. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GAS

  Possible Answer : brag, petrol, swash, tout, bluster, shoot_a_line, gas_pedal, gas, gun, gasconade, vaunt, flatulency, boast, gaseous_state, flatulence, gasolene, throttle, natural_gas, accelerator_pedal, gasoline, blow, accelerator




• The clue is 9. Kind of game that's a pitcher's dream. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NOHIT




• The clue is 14. Micronesian island that was the setting for a season of "Survivor". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PALAU

  Possible Answer : TT, Republic_of_Palau, Palau_Islands, Palau, Belau, Pelew




• The clue is 15. Tuna type. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AHI




• The clue is 16. Airport near the intersection of I-90 and I-294. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OHARE




• The clue is 17. Cove. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: INLET

  Possible Answer : intake, inlet, recess




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

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

  The answer: LAM

  Possible Answer : scarper, escape, flail, break_away, scat, lam, take_to_the_woods, bunk, fly_the_coop, run, hightail_it, head_for_the_hills, run_away, getaway, thrash, thresh, turn_tail




• The clue is 19. Christopher who directed "Oppenheimer". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NOLAN




• The clue is 20. Slangy suffix with "most". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EST

  Possible Answer : Eastern_Time, EST, Eastern_Standard_Time




• The clue is 21. "OK ... tell me". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ILLBITE




• The clue is 24. N.B.A. 1-pointers: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: FTS

  Possible Answer : foot, ft




• The clue is 25. Exclamation from Homer. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DOH

  Possible Answer : do, doh, ut




• The clue is 26. Hero of "The Matrix". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NEO

  Possible Answer : neo




• The clue is 27. "A work of ___ that isn't based on feeling isn't ___ at all": Cézanne. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ART

  Possible Answer : graphics, art, artistic_production, artistry, nontextual_matter, artwork, artistic_creation, prowess, fine_art




• The clue is 28. "Look at Me, I'm Sandra ___" ("Grease" song). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DEE




• The clue is 29. Dickens's "The Mystery of ___ Drood". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EDWIN

  Possible Answer : Edwin




• The clue is 31. Chinese greeting. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NIHAO




• The clue is 33. Tool for a pineapple. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CORER

  Possible Answer : corer




• The clue is 35. 1990s sitcom featuring a bookstore. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ELLEN




• The clue is 38. You can count on them. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ABACI

  Possible Answer : abacus




• The clue is 39. Rating for junk bonds. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CCC

  Possible Answer : three_hundred, ccc, 300




• The clue is 42. Candymaker Wonka. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WILLY




• The clue is 43. Chauvinist or racist. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BIGOT

  Possible Answer : bigot




• The clue is 44. In the style of. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ALA

  Possible Answer : ala




• The clue is 45. Start of Caesar's boast. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ICAME




• The clue is 46. Actress Hatcher. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TERI




• The clue is 47. Deposit, as an egg. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LAY

  Possible Answer : repose, position, consist, place, lay, put_down, dwell, lie_down, laic, pose, ballad, set, secular, rest, put, lie_in, lie

  Possible Opposite Answer : arise, stand




• The clue is 48. Patrick Stewart and Elton John, for two. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SIRS

  Possible Answer : Sir, sir




• The clue is 49. Singer on "Give Peace a Chance". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ONO

  Possible Answer : Yoko_Ono, Ono




• The clue is 51. "Golden Girls" actress Arthur. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BEA




• The clue is 52. Sheds, with "off". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SLOUGHS

  Possible Answer : sphacelus, shed, slough, molt, moult, exuviate, gangrene




• The clue is 56. Stylish tote for an executive. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WORKBAG

  Possible Answer : workbag, workbox, workbasket




• The clue is 60. Worshiping rows. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: PEWS

  Possible Answer : pew, church_bench




• The clue is 61. Cousin of a croc. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GATOR

  Possible Answer : alligator, gator




• The clue is 63. The Emerald Isle. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: EIRE

  Possible Answer : Ireland, Irish_Republic, Republic_of_Ireland, Eire




• The clue is 64. "___ have to do". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ITLL




• The clue is 65. Like the breeds Shetland and merino. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OVINE

  Possible Answer : ovine




• The clue is 66. TALK LIKE THIS!. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: YELL

  Possible Answer : shout, vociferation, holler, cry, yell, shout_out, scream, squall, outcry, call, hollo




• The clue is 67. Like a yenta. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NOSY

  Possible Answer : nosy, nosey, prying, snoopy




• The clue is 68. Props for close-up magicians. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: DECKS

  Possible Answer : knock_down, adorn, embellish, bedight, beautify, coldcock, dump, deck, pack_of_cards, deck_of_cards, grace, decorate, floor, bedeck




• The clue is 69. Arrogant sort. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SNOT

  Possible Answer : snot, snob, prig, snoot

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Worked for the C.I.A., perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SPIED

  Possible Answer: sight, spy, stag, descry, snoop, spot, sleuth, espy

• The clue is 2. Playground retort. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CANSO

• The clue is 3. Super-trendy. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: ALLTHERAGE

• The clue is 4. West who said "Men are my life, diamonds are my career". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: MAE

• The clue is 5. Set down on paper. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

  The answer: PUTINWRITING

• The clue is 6. Cider unit. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GALLON

  Possible Answer: congius, gal, Imperial_gallon, gallon

• The clue is 7. Starbuck's higher-up?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: AHAB

  Possible Answer: Ahab

• The clue is 8. Ape or monkey. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SIMIAN

  Possible Answer: simian

• The clue is 9. In the dark about something nefarious. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

  The answer: NONETHEWISER

• The clue is 10. "Well, lookee there!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OHO

• The clue is 11. Place to see J.F.K.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: HALFDOLLAR

• The clue is 12. Hopping mad. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: IRATE

  Possible Answer: ireful, irate

• The clue is 13. Past, present or future. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TENSE

  Possible Answer: strain, tense, tense_up

  Possible Opposite Answer : unstrain, lax, relax, relaxed

• The clue is 22. Flowery necklace. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LEI

  Possible Answer: garland, chaplet, wreath, lei, leu, coronal

• The clue is 23. Multisport race, in short. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TRI

• The clue is 30. In a prim and proper way. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: DECOROUSLY

  Possible Answer: decorously

  Possible Opposite Answer : indecorously

• The clue is 32. Singer with the #1 albums "As I Am" and "Girl on Fire". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: ALICIAKEYS

• The clue is 33. What you might call a tipsy friend. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CAB

  Possible Answer: taxicab, cabriolet, cab, taxi, hack

• The clue is 34. Last words?. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OBIT

  Possible Answer: necrology, obituary, obit

• The clue is 36. Symbols of wisdom. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ELMS

  Possible Answer: elm_tree, elm, elmwood

• The clue is 37. 12/31. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: NYE

• The clue is 39. Part of U.C.L.A.: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CAL

• The clue is 40. Material used to make the object "illustrated" here, in a seasonal song. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CLAY

  Possible Answer: mud, Lucius_Clay, cadaver, clay, Lucius_DuBignon_Clay, the_Great_Compromiser, corpse, Clay, remains, Henry_Clay, stiff

• The clue is 41. Coral island. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: CAY

  Possible Answer: key, cay, Florida_key

• The clue is 50. "Yikes!". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OHGOD

• The clue is 51. Puts to sleep, say. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BORES

  Possible Answer: caliber, drill_hole, calibre, bore-hole, tidal_bore, eager, dullard, drill, tire, gauge, bore, eagre, aegir

  Possible Opposite Answer : interest

• The clue is 52. Take a turn with the object illustrated by the central black squares in this puzzle (leading to one of the four circled results). Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SPIN

  Possible Answer: twist, reel, gyrate, tailspin, spin_out, birl, whirl, spin, twirl, twisting, spin_around

• The clue is 53. Oscar-winning Jared. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: LETO

  Possible Answer: Leto, Latona

• The clue is 54. Symbols of wisdom. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: OWLS

  Possible Answer: bird_of_night, hooter, owl, bird_of_Minerva

• The clue is 55. Word processing command. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: SAVE

  Possible Answer: deliver, economise, salve, redeem, keep_open, save_up, write, salvage, relieve, save, spare, lay_aside, bring_through, make_unnecessary, hold_open, economize, preserve, keep, pull_through, carry_through

• The clue is 56. Policy nerd. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: WONK

  Possible Answer: grind, nerd, swot, dweeb, wonk

• The clue is 57. "Très ___". Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: BIEN

• The clue is 58. Singer Guthrie. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: ARLO

• The clue is 59. Chocolate money won or lost in this puzzle's game. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: GELT

  Possible Answer: pelf, shekels, lolly, lucre, dough, boodle, moolah, simoleons, clams, sugar, loot, cabbage, scratch, bread, geld, dinero, gelt, wampum, lettuce, cut, kale

• The clue is 62. ___-tac-toe. Can you find the Answer?

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

  The answer: TIC

  Possible Answer: tic

Today's 5×5 NYT Mini December 11, 2025 - Instant Answers Plus Learning Hints

Mini Crossword NYT December 11, 2025 - Today's Puzzle Solved in Under 1 Minutes

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: October 02 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | October 30 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | November 03 2022 NYT Clues Solutions |

Jump To Section

• Puzzle Information
• Grid Layout
• Across Clues (10 total)
• Down Clues (10 total)
• How to Solve Faster
• Common Questions

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Thursday, December 11, 2025

Puzzle Statistics

Detail	Information
Date	December 11, 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	49. Quote from Homer
2 Across	50. Cable staple since 1972
3 Across	36. "No harm, no foul"
4 Across	13. Spoils
5 Across	35. Columbus's smallest ship
6 Across	34. Warms up for a race, say
7 Across	1. Against
8 Across	40. Sign for cheap admission
9 Across	67. Dreamcast developer
10 Across	61. Fish ... scuba ... Army ...

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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

• August 05 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 30 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 11 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

---

1 Across: "49. Quote from Homer"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

DOH

---

2 Across: "50. Cable staple since 1972"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

HBO

---

3 Across: "36. "No harm, no foul""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

ITSOK

---

4 Across: "13. Spoils"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

LOOT

---

5 Across: "35. Columbus's smallest ship"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 4 letters
• It starts with 'N' and ends with 'A'
• Word pattern: N__A

Answer:

Click to reveal

NINA

---

6 Across: "34. Warms up for a race, say"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 4 letters
• It starts with 'J' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: J__S

Answer:

Click to reveal

JOGS

---

7 Across: "1. Against"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 4 letters
• It starts with 'A' and ends with 'I'
• Word pattern: A__I

Answer:

Click to reveal

ANTI

---

8 Across: "40. Sign for cheap admission"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

SRO

---

9 Across: "67. Dreamcast developer"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 4 letters
• It starts with 'S' and ends with 'A'
• Word pattern: S__A

Answer:

Click to reveal

SEGA

---

10 Across: "61. Fish ... scuba ... Army ..."

Helpful hints:

• This word has 10 letters
• It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: T________S

Answer:

Click to reveal

THINKTANKS

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List

Number	Clue
1 Down	30. Hand sanitizer eliminates the need to do this
2 Down	7. Collect, as rewards
3 Down	33. Abrupt endings, of a sort
4 Down	3. Steps up to, as the line
5 Down	9. In the style of
6 Down	5. Super-trendy
7 Down	32. Art class staple
8 Down	18. Un-solid-ify
9 Down	58. Quizzes
10 Down	10. Something learned the hard way, often

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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

• September 15 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• All NYT Across Clues October 27 2025 37
• February 11 2021 NYT Clues Solutions

---

1 Down: "30. Hand sanitizer eliminates the need to do this"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

RINSE

---

2 Down: "7. Collect, as rewards"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 4 letters
• It starts with 'R' and ends with 'P'
• Word pattern: R__P

Answer:

Click to reveal

REAP

---

3 Down: "33. Abrupt endings, of a sort"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

TKOS

---

4 Down: "3. Steps up to, as the line"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

TOES

---

5 Down: "9. In the style of"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

ALA

---

6 Down: "5. Super-trendy"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

HOT

---

7 Down: "32. Art class staple"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

PAPER

---

8 Down: "18. Un-solid-ify"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal

MELT

---

9 Down: "58. Quizzes"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 4 letters
• It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: A__S

Answer:

Click to reveal

ASKS

---

10 Down: "10. Something learned the hard way, often"

Helpful hints:

• This word has 10 letters
• It starts with 'L' and ends with 'N'
• Word pattern: L________N

Answer:

Click to reveal

LIFELESSON

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 45 seconds
Difficulty:	Medium

More Puzzle Help

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

Recent Crossword Solutions:

• March 02 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• July 10 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 21 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 16 2019 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 12 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• October 02 2021 NYT Clues 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.

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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 11, 2025 at 04:09 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, December 11 2025 mini crossword

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 02, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Today's Puzzle Difficulty
• Across Clues Table (37 clues)
• Across Clues - Detailed Hints
• Down Clues Table (41 clues)
• Down Clues - Detailed Hints
• Expert Solving Strategies
• Today's Puzzle Statistics

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Número to tango	3
2A	4. Sailboat's post	4
3A	8. Holiday Inn competitor	6
4A	14. Scrape (by)	3
5A	15. All over again	4
6A	16. "All ___!" (conductor's call)	6
7A	17. "Grey's Anatomy" network	3
8A	18. Surgical implant	11
9A	20. Line in a song	5
10A	22. Rejections	3
11A	23. Duolingo and DoorDash	4
12A	24. Soother for sore gums	12
13A	28. Smidgen	5
14A	29. "This is more than a want!"	7
15A	33. "Best Comeback Athlete," for one	4
16A	35. Brian of electronica	3
17A	37. Caribbean hot spot	5
18A	38. Eensy	3
19A	39. Salty snack whose varieties are found at the ends of 18-, 24-, 52- and 61-Across	7
20A	42. Relatives	3
21A	43. Astonished	5
22A	45. Khan of Khan Academy	3
23A	46. Loch ___ monster	4
24A	47. Ladies in Lima	7
25A	50. Flowers in a Valentine's Day bouquet	5
26A	52. Core-strengthening exercise	12
27A	56. Greenland native	4
28A	59. Anderson Cooper's channel	3
29A	60. River critter	5
30A	61. Travel blogger's gadget	11
31A	65. Countdown ender	3
32A	66. "This decision is hard!"	6
33A	67. Nobel laureate Wiesel	4
34A	68. Patriotic chant	3
35A	69. Rose quickly, as prices	6
36A	70. Its symbol is Pb	4
37A	71. Vietnamese New Year	3

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Número to tango"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the federal department in the united states that sets and maintains foreign policies
• Similar words include: doh, get along, Doctor of Osteopathy
• Opposite of: unmake

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "4. Sailboat's post"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a vertical spar for supporting sails
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "8. Holiday Inn competitor"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAMADA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Scrape (by)"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: EKE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. All over again"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that again but in a new or different way
• Similar words include: afresh
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANEW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. "All ___!" (conductor's call)"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that on a ship, train, plane or other vehicle
• Similar words include: on base, on board, alongside
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABOARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. "Grey's Anatomy" network"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
• Similar words include: first principle, ABCs, rudiment
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "18. Surgical implant"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TITANIUMROD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Line in a song"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the text of a popular song or musical-comedy number
• Similar words include: lyric poem, words, lyrical
• Opposite of: dramatic

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LYRIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. Rejections"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding curium with carbon ions; 7 isotopes are known
• Similar words include: nobelium, atomic number 102, no
• Opposite of: yes

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "23. Duolingo and DoorDash"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: APPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "24. Soother for sore gums"

12 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TEETHINGRING

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "28. Smidgen"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a just detectable amount
• Similar words include: hint, hound, shadow
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TRACE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "29. "This is more than a want!""

7 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INEEDIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "33. "Best Comeback Athlete," for one"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that catch sight of
• Similar words include: descry, spy, spot
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ESPY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Brian of electronica"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ENO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "37. Caribbean hot spot"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a popular island resort in the netherlands antilles
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ARUBA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "38. Eensy"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Salty snack whose varieties are found at the ends of 18-, 24-, 52- and 61-Across"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that glazed and salted cracker typically in the shape of a loose knot
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PRETZEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "42. Relatives"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a person having kinship with another or others
• Similar words include: kin group, family, kinsperson
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: KIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Astonished"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INAWE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "45. Khan of Khan Academy"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. Loch ___ monster"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a strip of land projecting into a body of water
• Similar words include: cape
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. Ladies in Lima"

7 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a spanish title or form of address for a married woman; similar to the english `mrs' or `madam'
• Similar words include: Senora
• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SENORAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "50. Flowers in a Valentine's Day bouquet"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that any of many shrubs of the genus rosa that bear roses
• Similar words include: rose wine, blush wine, rose
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ROSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "52. Core-strengthening exercise"

12 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RUSSIANTWIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "56. Greenland native"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INUK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "59. Anderson Cooper's channel"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: CNN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "60. River critter"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the fur of an otter
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OTTER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Travel blogger's gadget"

11 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SELFIESTICK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "65. Countdown ender"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
• Similar words include: ace, unrivaled, unity
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ONE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "66. "This decision is hard!""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IMTORN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "67. Nobel laureate Wiesel"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "68. Patriotic chant"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that north american republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in north america plus alaska in northwest north america and the hawaiian islands in the pacific ocean; achieved independence in 1776
• Similar words include: United States Army, U.S.A., United States
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: USA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "69. Rose quickly, as prices"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that rise rapidly
• Similar words include: zoom, surge, soar upwards
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SOARED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "70. Its symbol is Pb"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an advantage held by a competitor in a race
• Similar words include: hint, steer, moderate
• Opposite of: deficit, follow

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: LEAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "71. Vietnamese New Year"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that the new year in vietnam; observed for three days after the first full moon after january 20th
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Passed out cards	5
2D	2. "I'm leaving now!"	5
3D	3. What a schemer schemes	10
4D	4. Green tea variety	6
5D	5. What makes a pan a pain?	3
6D	6. Bump, ___, spike (volleyball trio)	3
7D	7. Part of many Southern accents	5
8D	8. Granola morsel	6
9D	9. ___ Dhabi	3
10D	10. Certain parent overseeing a child's career, in showbiz lingo	7
11D	11. Org. for senior citizens	4
12D	12. Roller coaster element	4
13D	13. Does some math	4
14D	19. Seaweed for sushi	4
15D	21. "Just doing my best"	4
16D	25. Bakery worker	4
17D	26. Hawaiian goose	4
18D	27. Young adult novelist Shusterman	4
19D	30. Fights	10
20D	31. Long-legged wader	4
21D	32. Sunbathes	4
22D	33. Some Ivy Leaguers	4
23D	34. Kind of wave	4
24D	36. Tiebreaker periods, in brief	3
25D	39. Andean nation	4
26D	40. Fashion retailer headquartered in Spain	4
27D	41. North Carolina's ___ University	4
28D	44. Try earnestly to get	7
29D	46. Small salamander	4
30D	48. Climb	6
31D	49. IDs on W-2s	4
32D	51. Enthusiastic, informally	6
33D	53. Spy's gathering	5
34D	54. Perceive	5
35D	55. Reward for Rover	5
36D	56. Egyptian goddess of healing	4
37D	57. Dory's friend, in film	4
38D	58. Chain with in-store salons	4
39D	62. Rage	3
40D	63. Martinique, par exemple	3
41D	64. Org. that requires polygraph tests for all applicants	3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Passed out cards"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
• Similar words include: cope, get by, deal
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DEALT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. "I'm leaving now!""

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OKBYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. What a schemer schemes"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SECRETPLAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Green tea variety"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MATCHA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. What makes a pan a pain?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that black tropical american cuckoo
• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ANI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Bump, ___, spike (volleyball trio)"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
• Similar words include: exercise set, located, lot
• Opposite of: rise

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Part of many Southern accents"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a sharp vibrating sound (as of a plucked string)
• Similar words include: nasal twang
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TWANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Granola morsel"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that dried grape
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: RAISIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. ___ Dhabi"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ABU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Certain parent overseeing a child's career, in showbiz lingo"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: MOMAGER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Org. for senior citizens"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an association of people to promote the welfare of senior citizens
• Similar words include: Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: AARP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Roller coaster element"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a shape that is spherical and small
• Similar words include: discharge, send packing, cast off
• Opposite of: sharpen, recuperate

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DROP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Does some math"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
• Similar words include: tote up, add up, lend
• Opposite of: take away, subtract

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ADDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "19. Seaweed for sushi"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NORI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "21. "Just doing my best""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ITRY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "25. Bakery worker"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that being nine more than ninety
• Similar words include: ic, 99, ninety-nine
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ICER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "26. Hawaiian goose"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NENE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "27. Young adult novelist Shusterman"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "30. Fights"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: __________

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: DUKESITOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "31. Long-legged wader"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that wading birds of warm regions having long slender down-curved bills
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: IBIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "32. Sunbathes"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
• Similar words include: bronze, suntan, sunburn
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Some Ivy Leaguers"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "34. Kind of wave"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that ratio of the length of the side opposite the given angle to the length of the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle
• Similar words include: sin
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "36. Tiebreaker periods, in brief"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: OTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "39. Andean nation"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a republic in western south america; achieved independence from spain in 1821; was the heart of the inca empire from the 12th to 16th centuries
• Similar words include: Republic of Peru
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: PERU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "40. Fashion retailer headquartered in Spain"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ZARA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "41. North Carolina's ___ University"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ELON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "44. Try earnestly to get"

7 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: WORKFOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "46. Small salamander"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that small usually bright-colored semiaquatic salamanders of north america and europe and northern asia
• Similar words include: triton
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEWT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "48. Climb"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that go back in order of genealogical succession
• Similar words include: come up, go up, uprise
• Opposite of: descend, set

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ASCEND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "49. IDs on W-2s"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SSNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "51. Enthusiastic, informally"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that stir up or tend; of a fire
• Similar words include: stoke
• Pattern: ______

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: STOKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. Spy's gathering"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: INTEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Perceive"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a general conscious awareness
• Similar words include: common sense, gumption, smell out
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: SENSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "55. Reward for Rover"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that something considered choice to eat
• Similar words include: deal, plow, dainty
• Pattern: _____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: TREAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "56. Egyptian goddess of healing"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that egyptian goddess of fertility; daughter of geb; sister and wife of osiris
• Similar words include: ISI, Inter-Services Intelligence, Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence
• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ISIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "57. Dory's friend, in film"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: NEMO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "58. Chain with in-store salons"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ____

Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)

Answer: ULTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "62. Rage"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
• Similar words include: choler, wrath, anger
• Pattern: ___

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Answer: IRE

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40D: "63. Martinique, par exemple"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

• Pattern: ___

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Answer: ILE

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41D: "64. Org. that requires polygraph tests for all applicants"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

• Think of something that an independent agency of the united states government responsible for collecting and coordinating intelligence and counterintelligence activities abroad in the national interest; headed by the director of central intelligence under the supervision of the president and national security council
• Similar words include: Central Intelligence Agency
• Pattern: ___

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Answer: CIA

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues

41 Down Clues

78 Total Clues

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Last updated: September 02, 2025 at 03:55 AM