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Saturday, October 11, 2025

Saturday's NYT Mini Oct 11 - All 10 Across & 10 Down Clues Decoded

NYT Mini Crossword Answers Today October 11, 2025 - All 20 Clues Solved & Expert Hints

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: September 16 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | November 27 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | November 01 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for October 11, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Saturday, October 11, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date October 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 45. Meet face to face?
2 Across 31. "___ Deo gloria" (Latin doctrine)
3 Across 1. Source of great power?
4 Across 59. What magicians strive to do
5 Across 40. Initial cost of a sort
6 Across 42. Put on ___
7 Across 49. Like some protective sunglasses, in brief
8 Across 52. Beam
9 Across 61. Under lines?
10 Across 58. Music box?

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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


1 Across: "45. Meet face to face?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: H______T

Answer:

Click to reveal HEADBUTT


2 Across: "31. "___ Deo gloria" (Latin doctrine)"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SOLI


3 Across: "1. Source of great power?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 12 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: M__________H

Answer:

Click to reveal MASTERSWITCH


4 Across: "59. What magicians strive to do"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 12 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: B__________D

Answer:

Click to reveal BLOWYOURMIND


5 Across: "40. Initial cost of a sort"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ANTE


6 Across: "42. Put on ___"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A___T

Answer:

Click to reveal ANACT


7 Across: "49. Like some protective sunglasses, in brief"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'V'
  • Word pattern: A____V

Answer:

Click to reveal ANTIUV


8 Across: "52. Beam"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'Y'
  • Another word like this: beam

Answer:

Click to reveal RAY


9 Across: "61. Under lines?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 12 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: S__________M

Answer:

Click to reveal SUBWAYSYSTEM


10 Across: "58. Music box?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'P'
  • Another word like this: A

Answer:

Click to reveal AMP

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 30. "Everyone has ___. What's rare is the courage to follow [it] to the dark places where it leads": Erica Jong
2 Down 6. They see things for what they are
3 Down 9. Shorthand for a stance
4 Down 28. Words on either side of "for"
5 Down 43. Chooses traffic over train, perhaps
6 Down 55. Reaction to something sweet, maybe
7 Down 2. Taxing times
8 Down 36. Spot to order a witbier or hefeweizen
9 Down 27. Johann ___, philosopher who influenced Hegel
10 Down 7. Seafood staple of New England

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


1 Down: "30. "Everyone has ___. What's rare is the courage to follow [it] to the dark places where it leads": Erica Jong"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal TALENT


2 Down: "6. They see things for what they are"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R______S

Answer:

Click to reveal REALISTS


3 Down: "9. Shorthand for a stance"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal IMO


4 Down: "28. Words on either side of "for""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ANEYE


5 Down: "43. Chooses traffic over train, perhaps"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal CABSIT


6 Down: "55. Reaction to something sweet, maybe"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal AWW


7 Down: "2. Taxing times"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A____S

Answer:

Click to reveal APRILS


8 Down: "36. Spot to order a witbier or hefeweizen"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B______S

Answer:

Click to reveal BRAUHAUS


9 Down: "27. Johann ___, philosopher who influenced Hegel"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: F____E

Answer:

Click to reveal FICHTE


10 Down: "7. Seafood staple of New England"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SCROD

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 52 seconds
Difficulty: Medium

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

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

How fast should I be able to solve it?

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

Do I need to pay to play?

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

What makes a good Mini solver?

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

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

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


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

Last Updated: October 11, 2025 at 03:44 AM

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

Thursday, September 17, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers September 17, 2026 | 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: Challenging

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. Buds 4
2A 5. Concealer for the face 4
3A 9. Pre-K building blocks 4
4A 13. Plant that thrives in a terra-cotta pot 4
5A 14. Stick it to your rival! 4
6A 15. Bring in 4
7A 16. Twill-woven worsted wool garment 4
8A 17. Fix, in a way 4
9A 18. Purple bubble tea flavor 4
10A 19. Annual e-sport fighting competition, in brief 3
11A 20. Short sidekick? 4
12A 21. Chocolatier with the tagline "Life is a ball" 5
13A 22. Dub over? 6
14A 24. Cuatro y dos 4
15A 26. Business magnate Condé 4
16A 28. Promising places? 6
17A 32. Ferry or wherry 4
18A 35. Start of an incantation 4
19A 37. Pastoral sound 3
20A 38. Web design feature that may cycle back to earlier sections ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme 14
21A 42. Inspired stuff 3
22A 43. Pro device 4
23A 44. ___ out a win 4
24A 45. Bond alternatives 6
25A 47. "... ___ no one ever" 4
26A 50. Edge jump in figure skating 4
27A 52. Scenes on Black Friday 6
28A 56. Kaitlin of "Hacks" 5
29A 59. Pawn 4
30A 61. Addendum to the five W's 3
31A 62. Female antelopes 4
32A 63. "'___' is the thing with feathers" (Emily Dickinson poem) 4
33A 64. Woodsy scent 4
34A 65. Top of a mosque, often 4
35A 66. Column in decimal notation 4
36A 67. Central Plains people 4
37A 68. Losing streak 4
38A 69. Column in decimal notation 4
39A 70. Cheeky 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Buds"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a waterproof raincoat made of rubberized fabric
  • Similar words include: mac, mack, macintosh
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MACS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. Concealer for the face"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a covering to disguise or conceal the face
  • Similar words include: dissemble, disguise, masquerade
  • Opposite of: unmask
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MASK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Pre-K building blocks"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
  • Similar words include: first principle, alphabet, first rudiment
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABCS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "13. Plant that thrives in a terra-cotta pot"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that succulent plants having rosettes of leaves usually with fiber like hemp and spikes of showy flowers; found chiefly in africa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "14. Stick it to your rival!"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EPEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "15. Bring in"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that gather, as of natural products
  • Similar words include: draw, glean, harvest
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "16. Twill-woven worsted wool garment"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a knee-length pleated tartan skirt worn by men as part of the traditional dress in the highlands of northern scotland
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KILT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "17. Fix, in a way"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove the ovaries of
  • Similar words include: alter, neuter, castrate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "18. Purple bubble tea flavor"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that edible starchy tuberous root of taro plants
  • Similar words include: Colocasia esculenta, edda, dalo
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "19. Annual e-sport fighting competition, in brief"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "20. Short sidekick?"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "21. Chocolatier with the tagline "Life is a ball""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LINDT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "22. Dub over?"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that assign a new name to
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RENAME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "24. Cuatro y dos"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "26. Business magnate Condé"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states political cartoonist (1840-1902)
  • Similar words include: Thomas Nast
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "28. Promising places?"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the table in christian churches where communion is given
  • Similar words include: Lord's table, altar, communion table
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALTARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "32. Ferry or wherry"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small vessel for travel on water
  • Similar words include: gravy boat, sauceboat, gravy holder
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "35. Start of an incantation"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. Pastoral sound"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sound made by a cow or bull
  • Similar words include: low
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "38. Web design feature that may cycle back to earlier sections ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme"

14 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INFINITESCROLL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "42. Inspired stuff"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
  • Similar words include: melodic line, strain, aura
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "43. Pro device"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IPAD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. ___ out a win"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EKED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Bond alternatives"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a frame that supports a boat while it is under construction
  • Similar words include: breed, livestock, ancestry
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STOCKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. "... ___ no one ever""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that express in words
  • Similar words include: tell, articulate, aforesaid
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SAID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "50. Edge jump in figure skating"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fastener consisting of a metal ring for lining a small hole to permit the attachment of cords or lines
  • Similar words include: loop-the-loop, intertwine, eyelet
  • Opposite of: open circuit, uncoil
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "52. Scenes on Black Friday"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a large number of things or people considered together
  • Similar words include: herd, crowd, bunch
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CROWDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "56. Kaitlin of "Hacks""

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLSON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "59. Pawn"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of several white wines from the rhine river valley in germany (`hock' is british usage)
  • Similar words include: hock-joint, pawn, Rhine wine
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOCK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "61. Addendum to the five W's"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "62. Female antelopes"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the united states; created in 1977
  • Similar words include: answer, cause, practise
  • Opposite of: unmake
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "63. "'___' is the thing with feathers" (Emily Dickinson poem)"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a specific instance of feeling hopeful
  • Similar words include: promise, trust, go for
  • Opposite of: despair
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOPE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "64. Woodsy scent"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a coniferous tree
  • Similar words include: languish, yen, pine tree
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "65. Top of a mosque, often"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a concave shape whose distinguishing characteristic is that the concavity faces downward
  • Similar words include: noodle, domed stadium, covered stadium
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "66. Column in decimal notation"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: ace, single, unity
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "67. Central Plains people"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people inhabiting the valleys of the platte and missouri rivers in nebraska
  • Similar words include: Oto
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OTOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "68. Losing streak"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one of a pair of planks used to make a track for rolling or sliding objects
  • Similar words include: slew, slide, slip
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKID

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "69. Column in decimal notation"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
  • Similar words include: 10, tenner, decade
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TENS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "70. Cheeky"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality
  • Similar words include: irreverent, impertinent, saucy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PERT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 20. Reddit Q&A sesh 3
2D 21. Purple shade 5
3D 23. Prefix with body or bacterial 4
4D 25. Side mirrors on a car, anthropomorphically 4
5D 27. "Toodle-oo!" 4
6D 29. One way to run 4
7D 30. Actors like biting into a juicy one 4
8D 31. On board, say 4
9D 32. Pollster's concern 4
10D 33. "Handling this as we speak" 4
11D 34. Hairstyle that you've picked out? 4
12D 36. Kings and queens, e.g. 4
13D 39. Canon competitor 5
14D 40. ___ facto 4
15D 41. Makeover 4
16D 46. Film production environment for an intimate scene, perhaps 9
17D 48. Digital security credential 9
18D 49. Get to 3
19D 51. Telegram and Simple Dialer, for two 9
20D 53. Cannellini, e.g. 9
21D 54. Organ-related item in a wallet 9
22D 55. Perfect place 9
23D 56. Expert employed by a sportsbook 9
24D 57. "Show me some real effort!" 9
25D 58. It's not a full stop 9
26D 60. Room in the audience up for grabs 9
27D 63. Absolute train wrecks 9
28D 64. Andy Warhol, e.g. 9

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "20. Reddit Q&A sesh"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "21. Purple shade"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various plants of the genus syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers
  • Similar words include: lilac-colored, lavender
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LILAC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "23. Prefix with body or bacterial"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who is opposed (to an action or policy or practice etc.)
  • Opposite of: pro
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "25. Side mirrors on a car, anthropomorphically"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: spike, auricle, pinna
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "27. "Toodle-oo!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TATA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "29. One way to run"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that frenzied as if possessed by a demon
  • Similar words include: murderously, berserk, demoniac
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "30. Actors like biting into a juicy one"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
  • Similar words include: function, persona, character
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "31. On board, say"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent
  • Similar words include: trade, deal, sell
  • Opposite of: unsold, buy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "32. Pollster's concern"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
  • Similar words include: predetermine, diagonal, preconception
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BIAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "33. "Handling this as we speak""

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "34. Hairstyle that you've picked out?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a rounded thickly curled hairdo
  • Similar words include: Afro hairdo
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AFRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "36. Kings and queens, e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
  • Similar words include: go to bed, turn in, love
  • Opposite of: get up, turn out
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "39. Canon competitor"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIKON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "40. ___ facto"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IPSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "41. Makeover"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that do over, as of (part of) a house
  • Similar words include: remake, refashion, make over
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "46. Film production environment for an intimate scene, perhaps"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLOSEDSET

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "48. Digital security credential"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACCESSKEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "49. Get to"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that irritate or vex
  • Similar words include: gall
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IRK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "51. Telegram and Simple Dialer, for two"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PHONEAPPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "53. Cannellini, e.g."

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WHITEBEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "54. Organ-related item in a wallet"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DONORCARD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "55. Perfect place"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWEETSPOT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "56. Expert employed by a sportsbook"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ODDSMAKER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "57. "Show me some real effort!""

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOKALIVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "58. It's not a full stop"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a punctuation mark (`;') used to connect independent clauses; indicates a closer relation than does a period
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEMICOLON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "60. Room in the audience up for grabs"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPENSEATS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "63. Absolute train wrecks"

9 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOTMESSES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "64. Andy Warhol, e.g."

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POPARTIST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

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

39 Across Clues
28 Down Clues
67 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

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Last updated: September 17, 2026 at 08:47 AM

Saturday, September 13, 2025

December 04, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, December 04, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (35 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.6 letters

December 04, 2021 Across Hints: NYT Saturday Crossword Answers

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. [Perfection!] 9
2A 10. Face to scale 5
3A 15. Some exercise wear 9
4A 16. Artist ___ de Toulouse-Lautrec 5
5A 17. What the name "Renée" means 9
6A 18. List of pointers 5
7A 19. Pull (out) 3
8A 20. Overdrawn account? 4
9A 21. Actress MacDowell 5
10A 22. Classical music tradition from Hindustan 4
11A 24. "Dear future me ..." 10
12A 27. Nest egg yield 5
13A 29. He's been called the "Father of Science Fiction" 5
14A 30. Pastoral sound 3
15A 31. Quarters 6
16A 33. Bit of mayo? 3
17A 34. Scuttled 4
18A 35. Taps 7
19A 37. With some side-eye 7
20A 39. Some transcript omissions 3
21A 40. Strips 5
22A 42. Home to the three highest capital cities in the world 5
23A 43. March alternative 5
24A 44. Big inits. in admissions 3
25A 45. Alternatives to toilet paper 6
26A 48. "Can we chat real quick?" 7
27A 52. Nose-crinkling 5
28A 53. They rate very high on the Scoville scale 9
29A 55. "I got you" 9
30A 57. Food truck output 5
31A 58. Fictional Harvard Law student played by Reese Witherspoon 9
32A 59. Favored, with "with" 5
33A 60. Artful 3
34A 61. Like many apartment rentals 5
35A 62. Bash 4

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. [Perfection!]"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: CHEFSKISS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "10. Face to scale"

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 steep high face of rock
  • Words that mean the same thing: drop-off, drop
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CLIFF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "15. Some exercise wear"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: YOGAPANTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "16. Artist ___ de Toulouse-Lautrec"

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: HENRI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "17. What the name "Renée" means"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: BORNAGAIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "18. List of pointers"

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 numerical scale used to compare variables with one another or with some reference number
  • Words that mean the same thing: index finger, indicant, power
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: INDEX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "19. Pull (out)"

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: EKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Overdrawn account?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events
  • Words that mean the same thing: recital, thread, narration
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YARN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Actress MacDowell"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ANDIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Classical music tradition from Hindustan"

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

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: RAGA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. "Dear future me ...""

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: NOTETOSELF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "27. Nest egg yield"

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 young bird especially of domestic fowl
  • Words that mean the same thing: biddy, doll, bird
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CHICK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "29. He's been called the "Father of Science Fiction""

Quick Info: This answer has 5 letters. It's a hard clue about science/technology.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that prolific english writer best known for his science-fiction novels; he also wrote on contemporary social problems and wrote popular accounts of history and science (1866-1946)
  • Words that mean the same thing: well, wellspring, fountainhead
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WELLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Pastoral sound"

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 cry made by sheep
  • Words that mean the same thing: bleat, blat, blate
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BAA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Quarters"

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 any address at which you dwell more than temporarily
  • Words that mean the same thing: abode, dwelling house, residence
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ABODES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "33. Bit of mayo?"

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 intelligence agency of the united states in the department of defense; is responsible for providing intelligence in support of military planning and operations and weapons acquisition
  • Words that mean the same thing: Defense Intelligence Agency
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. Scuttled"

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 fall or descend to a lower place or level
  • Words that mean the same thing: bury, settle, dip
  • The opposite would be: float
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SANK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "35. Taps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a regulator for controlling the flow of a liquid from a reservoir
  • Words that mean the same thing: spigot, faucet
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FAUCETS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. With some side-eye"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (used especially of glances) directed to one side with or as if with doubt or suspicion or envy; - elizabeth bowen
  • Words that mean the same thing: squint-eyed, sidelong, askant
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ASKANCE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "39. Some transcript omissions"

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 trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
  • Words that mean the same thing: erbium, Er, ER
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Strips"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that decrease gradually or bit by bit
  • Words that mean the same thing: skin, par, peel
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PARES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. Home to the three highest capital cities in the world"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a mountain range in south america running 5000 miles along the pacific coast
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANDES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. March alternative"

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: SITIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. Big inits. in admissions"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ETS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. Alternatives to toilet paper"

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 basin for washing genitals and anal area
  • Words that mean the same thing: bidet
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BIDETS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. "Can we chat real quick?""

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: GOTASEC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Nose-crinkling"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that strong and sharp
  • Words that mean the same thing: pungent, acerbic, bitter
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ACRID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "53. They rate very high on the Scoville scale"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: HABANEROS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. "I got you""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SAYNOMORE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. Food truck output"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that any property detected by the olfactory system
  • Words that mean the same thing: perfume, scent, fragrance
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AROMA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. Fictional Harvard Law student played by Reese Witherspoon"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ELLEWOODS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. Favored, with "with""

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 take sides for or against; ; m siding against the current candidate"
  • Words that mean the same thing: side
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SIDED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "60. Artful"

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 marked by skill in deception
  • Words that mean the same thing: tricksy, wily, guileful
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SLY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "61. Like many apartment rentals"

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: NOFEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "62. Bash"

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 an elaborate party (often outdoors)
  • Words that mean the same thing: feast, celebrate, festival
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FETE

    Great job if you got it right!

December 04, 2021 Saturday NYT - All Down Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Connection point not seen much anymore 9
2D 2. Establishment where indoor smoking is permitted 9
3D 3. Beyond the pale 9
4D 4. Deadly household appliance, according to Korean urban legend 3
5D 5. Sterilize, in a way 4
6D 6. First female dean of Harvard Law 5
7D 7. Straight 6
8D 8. Wasn't generous 7
9D 9. Digits on a paper card, for short 3
10D 10. Trousers named for an Asian country 6
11D 11. Gives, as credence 5
12D 12. They don't have a major-label contract 9
13D 13. Like many jobs in the gig economy 9
14D 14. Make whole 3
15D 21. Book with scales 5
16D 23. Rock group whose name came from letters found on a sewing machine 4
17D 25. ___ Sports Bureau (official 32-Down keepers) 5
18D 26. Mountebanks 5
19D 28. Stay quiet 10
20D 32. See 25-Down 5
21D 34. Minimalist style 9
22D 36. Polite form of address, abroad 3
23D 38. Blades used in "Kill Bill" 7
24D 41. Masked warning? 7
25D 43. Notre Dame setting 5
26D 44. Follower of an "I'm late" text, in brief 3
27D 45. They might be loaded with singles 5
28D 46. Poker declaration 5
29D 47. Deadpan 5
30D 49. Like Falstaff 5
31D 50. Take the edge off? 5
32D 51. One might fly close to the sun 5
33D 53. Printmaker? 4
34D 54. "No Ordinary Love" singer 4
35D 56. Pastoral sound 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. Connection point not seen much anymore"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a cafe whose customers sit at computer terminals and log on to the internet while they eat and drink
  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CYBERCAFE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Establishment where indoor smoking is permitted"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: HOOKAHBAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Beyond the pale"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
  • Words that mean the same thing: rank, gross, flagrant
  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EGREGIOUS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Deadly household appliance, according to Korean urban legend"

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 device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces
  • Words that mean the same thing: sports fan, rooter, buff
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Sterilize, in a way"

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 remove the ovaries of
  • Words that mean the same thing: neuter, alter, castrate
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. First female dean of Harvard Law"

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: KAGAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Straight"

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: INAROW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Wasn't generous"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that subsist on a meager allowance
  • Words that mean the same thing: stint, skimp, scrimp
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STINTED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Digits on a paper card, for short"

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: SSN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Trousers named for an Asian country"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that trousers made with chino cloth
  • Words that mean the same thing: chino
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CHINOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Gives, as credence"

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 bestow a quality on
  • Words that mean the same thing: lend, contribute, bring
  • 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: LENDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. They don't have a major-label contract"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: INDIEBAND

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Like many jobs in the gig economy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a writer or artist who sells services to different employers without a long-term contract with any of them
  • Words that mean the same thing: self-employed person, independent, free lance
  • The opposite would be: salaried
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FREELANCE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "14. Make whole"

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 informal terms for a difficult situation
  • Words that mean the same thing: locating, repair, ready
  • The opposite would be: break, unfasten
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FIX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Book with scales"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (greek mythology) a titan who was forced by zeus to bear the sky on his shoulders
  • Words that mean the same thing: telamon, map collection, atlas vertebra
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ATLAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Rock group whose name came from letters found on a sewing machine"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ACDC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. ___ Sports Bureau (official 32-Down keepers)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that english essayist (1775-1834)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Lamb, Elia, Charles Lamb
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ELIAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Mountebanks"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that something that is a counterfeit; not what it seems to be
  • Words that mean the same thing: fudge, pretender, faker
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FAKES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Stay quiet"

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: KEEPITDOWN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. See 25-Down"

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: STATS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "34. Minimalist style"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SANSSERIF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "36. Polite form of address, abroad"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: SRI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "38. Blades used in "Kill Bill""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: KATANAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "41. Masked warning?"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard 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: ENGARDE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "43. Notre Dame setting"

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 french river that flows through the heart of paris and then northward into the english channel
  • Words that mean the same thing: Seine River
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SEINE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "44. Follower of an "I'm late" text, 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 terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
  • Words that mean the same thing: Basque Homeland and Freedom, Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Fatherland and Liberty
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ETA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "45. They might be loaded with singles"

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 installation from which a military force initiates operations
  • Words that mean the same thing: root word, foot, foundation
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BASES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. Poker declaration"

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: ICALL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Deadpan"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that in a dry laconic manner; he said dryly
  • Words that mean the same thing: drily, laconically
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DRYLY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Like Falstaff"

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 excessively fat
  • Words that mean the same thing: weighty, rotund, corpulent
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OBESE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. Take the edge off?"

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 become ground down or deteriorate
  • Words that mean the same thing: gnaw, wear away, gnaw at
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ERODE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. One might fly close to the sun"

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 (astronomy) a relatively small extraterrestrial body consisting of a frozen mass that travels around the sun in a highly elliptical orbit
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COMET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Printmaker?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the foot of an ungulate mammal
  • Words that mean the same thing: hoof it, foot, leg 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: HOOF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "54. "No Ordinary Love" singer"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that french soldier and writer whose descriptions of sexual perversion gave rise to the term `sadism' (1740-1814)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Comte Donatien Alphonse Francois de Sade, de Sade, Marquis de Sade
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SADE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. Pastoral sound"

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 sound made by a cow or bull
  • Words that mean the same thing: low
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 48 68.6%
Short Answer 11 15.7%
Celebrity/Entertainment 2 2.9%
Geography 2 2.9%
Music 1 1.4%
Science/Technology 1 1.4%
Food & Drink 1 1.4%
Abbreviation 1 1.4%
Literature 1 1.4%
Sports 1 1.4%
History 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 35
Down Clues 35
Total Clues 70
Average Answer Length 5.6 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 10 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

  • Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
  • Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
  • When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
  • Today is Saturday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 5 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: September 13, 2025 at 09:18 AM