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Wednesday, December 31, 2025

NYT Mini Crossword December 31, 2025 Hints & Answers - Beat the Average 1-Minute Time

Today's 5×5 NYT Mini December 31, 2025 - Instant Answers Plus Learning 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: NYT Mini October 03 2025 Fast Answers | March 16 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers November 07 |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for December 31, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 31, 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 34. Knights of ___, dark order in the third "Star Wars" trilogy
2 Across 62. Grp. that carries badges
3 Across 65. Hanker (for)
4 Across 57. Bloom that's green
5 Across 14. Love of Italy?
6 Across 66. Things people prefer to type on in secrecy, for short
7 Across 64. "That makes sense now!"
8 Across 30. Marketplace of ancient Greece
9 Across 12. Map out
10 Across 41. Article in hip-hop titles

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: "34. Knights of ___, dark order in the third "Star Wars" trilogy"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal REN


2 Across: "62. Grp. that carries badges"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal FBI


3 Across: "65. Hanker (for)"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal YEN


4 Across: "57. Bloom that's green"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ALGAE


5 Across: "14. Love of Italy?"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal AMORE


6 Across: "66. Things people prefer to type on in secrecy, for short"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ATMS


7 Across: "64. "That makes sense now!""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ISEE


8 Across: "30. Marketplace of ancient Greece"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal AGORA


9 Across: "12. Map out"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal PLAN


10 Across: "41. Article in hip-hop titles"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal THA

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 11. Williams in the Baseball Hall of Fame
2 Down 4. Fairy tale character with a hard bed
3 Down 47. Prefix meaning "one-thousandth"
4 Down 37. Most August babies
5 Down 15. Colorful parrot
6 Down 22. Ending for many a 20-Down
7 Down 21. Lead-in to liberalism
8 Down 36. One-named performer known as "Mr. Showmanship"
9 Down 32. Nueve menos uno
10 Down 5. Arab leaders

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


1 Down: "11. Williams in the Baseball Hall of Fame"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal TED


2 Down: "4. Fairy tale character with a hard bed"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal PAPABEAR


3 Down: "47. Prefix meaning "one-thousandth""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal MILLI


4 Down: "37. Most August babies"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LEOS


5 Down: "15. Colorful parrot"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal MACAW


6 Down: "22. Ending for many a 20-Down"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal NET


7 Down: "21. Lead-in to liberalism"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal NEO


8 Down: "36. One-named performer known as "Mr. Showmanship""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: L______E

Answer:

Click to reveal LIBERACE


9 Down: "32. Nueve menos uno"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal OCHO


10 Down: "5. Arab leaders"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal EMIRS

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: December 31, 2025 at 04:22 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, December 31 2025 mini crossword

Saturday, September 20, 2025

December 21, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, December 21, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (33 Across, 43 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

Across Clues Explained - Monday NYT Crossword December 21, 2020

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Prattle 7
2A 8. Public square 5
3A 13. Like records stored for research 8
4A 15. Popeye's profession 6
5A 16. Browser's start-up point 8
6A 17. Buses, as tables 6
7A 18. Freshly 4
8A 19. Nonsense 10
9A 21. Second letter after epsilon 3
10A 23. Tic-tac-toe win 3
11A 24. Prohibit 3
12A 25. Worthless talk 12
13A 31. Fury 3
14A 32. Financial claim 4
15A 33. Hanker (for) 5
16A 37. Neighs : horses :: ___ : sheep 4
17A 39. Landscaper's tool 5
18A 42. Raft for a polar bear 4
19A 43. = 5
20A 45. It's not odd 4
21A 47. R.N.'s touch 3
22A 48. Unintelligible jargon 12
23A 52. "So that's it!" 3
24A 55. Itinerary preposition 3
25A 56. Inexperienced reporter 3
26A 57. Twaddle 10
27A 61. Line down the length of a skirt 4
28A 65. Signing-on info 6
29A 66. Sudden thought that makes you go "Wow!" 8
30A 68. Poisons 6
31A 69. Goes through hurriedly, as during a robbery 8
32A 70. Jacket alternatives to buttons 5
33A 71. "Huh?" ... or a possible response to 1-, 19-, 25-, 48- and 57-Across 7

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. Prattle"

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 foolish gibberish
  • Words that mean the same thing: blether, blither, babble
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BLATHER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "8. Public square"

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 public square with room for pedestrians
  • Words that mean the same thing: piazza, shopping center, center
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PLAZA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "13. Like records stored for research"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that of or relating to or contained in or serving as an archive
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARCHIVAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "15. Popeye's profession"

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 member of a ship's crew
  • Words that mean the same thing: straw hat, Panama hat, sailor boy
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAILOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Browser's start-up point"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a hard clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the opening page of a web site
  • Words that mean the same thing: home page
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HOMEPAGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Buses, as tables"

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 the state of being free of suspicion
  • Words that mean the same thing: make, elucidate, acquit
  • The opposite would be: clutter, overcast
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CLEARS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Freshly"

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 again but in a new or different way
  • Words that mean the same thing: afresh
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANEW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Nonsense"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: MUMBOJUMBO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Second letter after epsilon"

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 Fatherland and Liberty, Euskadi ta Askatasuna, Basque Homeland and Freedom
  • The 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 10 Across: "23. Tic-tac-toe win"

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: OOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. Prohibit"

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 decree that prohibits something
  • Words that mean the same thing: shun, proscription, banish
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Worthless talk"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: JIBBERJABBER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "31. Fury"

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 strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
  • Words that mean the same thing: wrath, anger, choler
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "32. Financial claim"

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 right to take another's property if an obligation is not discharged
  • Words that mean the same thing: spleen
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LIEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. Hanker (for)"

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 desire strongly or persistently
  • Words that mean the same thing: ache, hanker, languish
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YEARN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "37. Neighs : horses :: ___ : sheep"

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 south african term for `boss'
  • Words that mean the same thing: blate, blat, bleat
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BAAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "39. Landscaper's tool"

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 person who puts finishing edges on a garment
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EDGER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "42. Raft for a polar bear"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a flat mass of ice (smaller than an ice field) floating at sea
  • Words that mean the same thing: ice floe
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: FLOE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "43. ="

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a person who is of equal standing with another in a group
  • Words that mean the same thing: rival, equalise, touch
  • The opposite would be: inadequate, unequal
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EQUAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "45. It's not odd"

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 latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
  • Words that mean the same thing: eve, fifty-fifty, level
  • The opposite would be: uneven, odd
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EVEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "47. R.N.'s touch"

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 considerate and solicitous care
  • Words that mean the same thing: tender loving care
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TLC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "48. Unintelligible jargon"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that incomprehensible or pompous jargon of specialists
  • The word looks like this: ____________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GOBBLEDYGOOK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "52. "So that's it!""

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: AHA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "55. Itinerary preposition"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: VIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "56. Inexperienced reporter"

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 an awkward and inexperienced youth
  • Words that mean the same thing: lad, laddie, greenhorn
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CUB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "57. Twaddle"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that trivial nonsense
  • Words that mean the same thing: fiddle-faddle, piffle
  • The word looks like this: __________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BALDERDASH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "61. Line down the length of a skirt"

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 joint consisting of a line formed by joining two pieces
  • Words that mean the same thing: line, crease, bed
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SEAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "65. Signing-on info"

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: USERID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "66. Sudden thought that makes you go "Wow!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a divine manifestation
  • Words that mean the same thing: Epiphany of Our Lord, January 6, Three Kings' Day
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EPIPHANY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "68. Poisons"

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 a poisonous substance produced during the metabolism and growth of certain microorganisms and some higher plant and animal species
  • Words that mean the same thing: toxin
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOXINS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "69. Goes through hurriedly, as during a robbery"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that steal goods; take as spoils
  • Words that mean the same thing: comb, despoil, reave
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RANSACKS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "70. Jacket alternatives to buttons"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the act of catching an object with the hands
  • Words that mean the same thing: snatch up, snapshot, tear
  • The opposite would be: inelasticity
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SNAPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "71. "Huh?" ... or a possible response to 1-, 19-, 25-, 48- and 57-Across"

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: SAYWHAT

    Great job if you got it right!

December 21, 2020 Monday NYT - All Down Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. ___ Men, group with the 2000 hit "Who Let the Dogs Out" 4
2D 2. Scientology founder ___ Hubbard 4
3D 3. Highest point 4
4D 4. Where spiders get their information? 6
5D 5. Way cool 3
6D 6. Actress Saint of "North by Northwest" 8
7D 7. Alternative to Prego 4
8D 8. 1957 title role for Frank Sinatra 7
9D 9. In ___ of (replacing) 4
10D 10. March goes out like this, as the expression goes 5
11D 11. "___ the Greek" 5
12D 12. Pyromaniac's crime 5
13D 14. Old NASA moon-landing vehicle 3
14D 15. Great Dane of cartoons, informally 5
15D 20. Short hairstyle 3
16D 22. ___ Aviv, Israel 3
17D 25. Match up (with) 4
18D 26. Baghdad's land 4
19D 27. Boyfriend 4
20D 28. Bartlet of "The West Wing" or Clampett of "The Beverly Hillbillies" 3
21D 29. Figure made by lying in the snow and waving one's arms 5
22D 30. Sports official, informally 3
23D 34. Voice below soprano 4
24D 35. Chocolate/caramel candy 4
25D 36. Narrow part of a bottle 4
26D 38. Droop 3
27D 40. Christmas ___ (December 24) 3
28D 41. Mao Zedong was its leader 8
29D 44. 1960s hippie gatherings 7
30D 46. Big Apple sch. 3
31D 49. Hawks and doves 5
32D 50. Rebuke to a dog 3
33D 51. "Pygmalion" playwright, for short 6
34D 52. Borders 5
35D 53. Wears, as clothes 5
36D 54. Amazon's virtual assistant 5
37D 58. Icicles and burning candles both do this 4
38D 59. ___ Lingus 3
39D 60. Mineral springs 4
40D 62. Individually 4
41D 63. Singer/lyricist Paul 4
42D 64. Classic computer game set on an island 4
43D 67. "Gangnam Style" singer 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. ___ Men, group with the 2000 hit "Who Let the Dogs Out""

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: BAHA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Scientology founder ___ Hubbard"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: LRON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Highest point"

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 highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
  • Words that mean the same thing: summit, height, pinnacle
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ACME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Where spiders get their information?"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 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: THEWEB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Way cool"

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 either side of the body below the waist and above the thigh
  • Words that mean the same thing: coxa, rose hip, rosehip
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Actress Saint of "North by Northwest""

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert 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: EVAMARIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Alternative to Prego"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: RAGU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. 1957 title role for Frank Sinatra"

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: PALJOEY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. In ___ of (replacing)"

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 post or function properly or customarily occupied or served by another
  • Words that mean the same thing: position, place, stead
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LIEU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. March goes out like this, as the expression goes"

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: ALAMB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "___ the Greek""

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: ZORBA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Pyromaniac's crime"

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 malicious burning to destroy property
  • Words that mean the same thing: fire-raising, incendiarism
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARSON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Old NASA moon-landing vehicle"

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 spacecraft that carries astronauts from the command module to the surface of the moon and back
  • Words that mean the same thing: lunar module, lunar excursion module
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LEM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Great Dane of cartoons, informally"

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: SCOOB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. Short hairstyle"

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 former monetary unit in great britain
  • Words that mean the same thing: bobtail, curtsy, bobfloat
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BOB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "22. ___ Aviv, Israel"

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: TEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Match up (with)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect
  • Words that mean the same thing: agree, fit, barb
  • The opposite would be: disagree
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: JIBE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Baghdad's land"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a republic in the middle east in western asia; the ancient civilization of mesopotamia was in the area now known as iraq
  • Words that mean the same thing: Irak, Republic of Iraq, Al-Iraq
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IRAQ

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. Boyfriend"

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 a man who is the lover of a girl or young woman
  • Words that mean the same thing: clotheshorse, sheik, fop
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BEAU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Bartlet of "The West Wing" or Clampett of "The Beverly Hillbillies""

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: JED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. Figure made by lying in the snow and waving one's arms"

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 spiritual being attendant upon god
  • Words that mean the same thing: backer, saint, holy man
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ANGEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "30. Sports official, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (sports) the chief official (as in boxing or american football) who is expected to ensure fair play
  • Words that mean the same thing: referee
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Voice below soprano"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a singer whose voice lies in the alto clef
  • Words that mean the same thing: contralto, countertenor
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Chocolate/caramel candy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ROLO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Narrow part of a bottle"

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

    The answer is: NECK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. Droop"

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 shape that sags
  • Words that mean the same thing: droop, swag, flag
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Christmas ___ (December 24)"

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 (old testament) adam's wife in judeo-christian mythology: the first woman and mother of the human race; god created eve from adam's rib and placed adam and eve in the garden of eden
  • Words that mean the same thing: evening, even, eventide
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Mao Zedong was its leader"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: REDCHINA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "44. 1960s hippie gatherings"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: LOVEINS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Big Apple sch."

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: NYU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Hawks and doves"

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 warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
  • Words that mean the same thing: skirt, hiss, fowl
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BIRDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Rebuke to a dog"

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 that which is below standard or expectations as of ethics or decency
  • Words that mean the same thing: big, speculative, badly
  • The opposite would be: good, unregretful
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. "Pygmalion" playwright, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: GBSHAW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Borders"

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 lie adjacent to another or share a boundary
  • Words that mean the same thing: edge, butt, adjoin
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ABUTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Wears, as clothes"

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: HASON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "54. Amazon's virtual assistant"

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: ALEXA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "58. Icicles and burning candles both do this"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that flowing in drops; the formation and falling of drops of liquid
  • Words that mean the same thing: dripping, trickle, drip mold
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DRIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "59. ___ Lingus"

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: AER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "60. Mineral springs"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a health resort near a spring or at the seaside
  • Words that mean the same thing: health club, resort hotel, watering place
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "62. Individually"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (used of count nouns) every one considered individually
  • Words that mean the same thing: for each one, to each one, apiece
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EACH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "63. Singer/lyricist Paul"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ANKA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "64. Classic computer game set on an island"

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

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: MYST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 43 Down: "67. "Gangnam Style" singer"

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

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 50 65.8%
Short Answer 17 22.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment 4 5.3%
History 2 2.6%
Sports 2 2.6%
Abbreviation 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 33
Down Clues 43
Total Clues 76
Average Answer Length 4.9 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 12 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 Monday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 4 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

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

Last Updated: September 20, 2025 at 02:38 PM