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Friday, September 5, 2025

December 08, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, December 08, 2022

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (38 Across, 36 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.1 letters

December 08, 2022 Across Hints: NYT Thursday Crossword Answers

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Hankerings 4
2A 5. About seven or eight weeks before 5-Down 3
3A 8. Rapper Biggie ___ 6
4A 14. State 4
5A 15. What can precede heartbeat or nutshell 3
6A 16. Arrived 6
7A 17. Aucklander, e.g. 4
8A 18. Blue grp. 3
9A 19. Suave and sophisticated 6
10A 20. Literary character with an eponymous chain of seafood restaurants 14
11A 24. Big name in contact lens care 4
12A 25. Most itsy-bitsy 8
13A 27. Talking-tos 7
14A 30. Harbinger 4
15A 31. What a monkey has that an ape doesn't 4
16A 32. Snoozefest 6
17A 34. Roman equivalent of the Greek Helios 3
18A 37. Country that lacks an official language, informally 5
19A 39. One of the women in "Little Women" 3
20A 40. Beginning or end for Alexa? 5
21A 42. Dunderhead 3
22A 43. Nickname for Gotham City's protector 6
23A 46. Expressed 4
24A 47. Ponied up 4
25A 48. Butcher birds 7
26A 50. You might see snow when it's disrupted 8
27A 54. Winter coat 4
28A 55. Grateful Dead founding member Bob 4
29A 56. Like "Blade Runner" and "Fahrenheit 451" 9
30A 59. Cocoon 6
31A 61. "So clever!" 3
32A 62. Each 4
33A 64. One who's far from stone-faced 6
34A 65. Beauty that's only skin deep, for short? 3
35A 66. ___ Millions 4
36A 67. "Nothing to report" 6
37A 68. Absolute dump 3
38A 69. Misnomer for the character Fritz in the original "Frankenstein" (1931) 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. Hankerings"

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 yearning for something or to do something
  • Words that mean the same thing: pine, yearn, hankering
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YENS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. About seven or eight weeks before 5-Down"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the month following april and preceding june
  • Words that mean the same thing: Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus oxycantha, English hawthorn
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Rapper Biggie ___"

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 slender part of the back
  • Words that mean the same thing: small
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SMALLS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. State"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
  • Words that mean the same thing: swan, affirm, verify
  • The opposite would be: disavow
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AVOW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. What can precede heartbeat or nutshell"

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: INA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Arrived"

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: CAMEIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Aucklander, e.g."

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 climbing vine native to china; cultivated in new zealand for its fuzzy edible fruit with green meat
  • Words that mean the same thing: kiwi vine, Actinidia chinensis, New Zealander
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KIWI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Blue grp."

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: DNC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Suave and sophisticated"

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 showing a high degree of refinement and the assurance that comes from wide social experience
  • Words that mean the same thing: refined, polished, svelte
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: URBANE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Literary character with an eponymous chain of seafood restaurants"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: LONGJOHNSILVER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. Big name in contact lens care"

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: RENU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Most itsy-bitsy"

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 (used informally) very small
  • Words that mean the same thing: teensy-weensy, itty-bitty, bitty
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TEENIEST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Talking-tos"

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 an outpouring of gossip
  • Words that mean the same thing: going-over, upbraiding, dressing down
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EARFULS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "30. Harbinger"

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 sign of something about to happen
  • Words that mean the same thing: prognostication, betoken, prodigy
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OMEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. What a monkey has that an ape doesn't"

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 posterior part of the body of a vertebrate especially when elongated and extending beyond the trunk or main part of the body
  • Words that mean the same thing: chase after, derriere, can
  • The opposite would be: head
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TAIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Snoozefest"

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

    The answer is: YAWNER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. Roman equivalent of the Greek Helios"

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 colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid
  • Words that mean the same thing: so, soh, colloidal solution
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SOL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. Country that lacks an official language, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: THEUS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. One of the women in "Little Women""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros
  • Words that mean the same thing: one thousand thousand, million, 1000000
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MEG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. Beginning or end for Alexa?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a neutral middle vowel; occurs in unstressed syllables
  • Words that mean the same thing: shwa
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SCHWA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Dunderhead"

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 fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Words that mean the same thing: nookie, derriere, piece of tail
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ASS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Nickname for Gotham City's protector"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: THEBAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "46. Expressed"

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

    The answer is: SAID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. Ponied up"

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 give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
  • Words that mean the same thing: pay up, pay, paying
  • The opposite would be: unpaid, default
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PAID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Butcher birds"

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 any of numerous old world birds having a strong hooked bill that feed on smaller animals
  • Words that mean the same thing: shrike
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SHRIKES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. You might see snow when it's disrupted"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: TVSIGNAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "54. Winter coat"

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 ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
  • Words that mean the same thing: hoarfrost, hoar, rhyme
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RIME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "55. Grateful Dead founding member Bob"

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 low dam built across a stream to raise its level or divert its flow
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WEIR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. Like "Blade Runner" and "Fahrenheit 451""

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 of or pertaining to or resembling a dystopia
  • The opposite would be: utopian
  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DYSTOPIAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "59. Cocoon"

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 enclose in, or as if in, a case
  • Words that mean the same thing: case, incase
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ENCASE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "61. "So clever!""

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 32 Across: "62. Each"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy 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: APOP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "64. One who's far from stone-faced"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: EMOTER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "65. Beauty that's only skin deep, for short?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar
  • Words that mean the same thing: cheapness, intertwine, tackiness
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "66. ___ Millions"

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: MEGA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "67. "Nothing to report""

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: NONEWS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "68. Absolute dump"

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 infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Words that mean the same thing: eye infection, pigsty, hordeolum
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "69. Misnomer for the character Fritz in the original "Frankenstein" (1931)"

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: IGOR

    Great job if you got it right!

December 08, 2022 Thursday NYT - All Down Answers

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Shaggy, horned beast 3
2D 2. Word with twin or grin 4
3D 3. "It's all good" 9
4D 4. Pandemic cause of 2009 8
5D 5. Time in the dog days of summer 7
6D 6. 365 giorni 4
7D 7. An extravagant one might have a swimming pool 5
8D 8. "Uh, what was that?" 7
9D 9. Seafarers 8
10D 10. Film production company founded by Steven Spielberg 6
11D 11. Bail, so to speak 5
12D 12. What an actor studies 5
13D 13. HΓ€gar the Horrible's dog 5
14D 21. Shaggy, horned beast 3
15D 22. It glows orange-red when placed in an electric field 7
16D 27. "___ Kett" (old comic strip that taught teens manners) 4
17D 28. Sounds at a fireworks show 4
18D 29. Expensive shipping option 7
19D 33. It's a trap! 3
20D 34. "Come on, move it!" 9
21D 35. Toddler's boo-boo 4
22D 36. Blokes 4
23D 38. John Deere logo animal 4
24D 41. Hit CBS series that, despite its name, was filmed primarily in California 8
25D 44. Impedes 7
26D 45. Like Louis Armstrong's singing 7
27D 47. One with an "eye patch," hook hand and peg leg, as represented in this puzzle's grid 6
28D 49. Grave letters 3
29D 50. One getting "the talk," say 5
30D 51. Modern payment method 5
31D 52. Order to attack 5
32D 53. Hurdles for aspiring D.A.s 5
33D 57. "Top ___!" 4
34D 58. Scuttled 4
35D 60. Fix a hole, in a way 3
36D 63. Double eagle plus three 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. Shaggy, horned beast"

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 large long-haired wild ox of tibet often domesticated
  • Words that mean the same thing: chatter, gab, cackle
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YAK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Word with twin or grin"

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

    The answer is: EVIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. "It's all good""

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: NOWORRIES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Pandemic cause of 2009"

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: SWINEFLU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Time in the dog days of summer"

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: MIDJULY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. 365 giorni"

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: ANNO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. An extravagant one might have a swimming pool"

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 an expensive vessel propelled by sail or power and used for cruising or racing
  • Words that mean the same thing: racing yacht
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YACHT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. "Uh, what was that?""

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: SCUSEME

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Seafarers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a man who serves as a sailor
  • Words that mean the same thing: old salt, sea dog, Jack
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MARINERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Film production company founded by Steven Spielberg"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: AMBLIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Bail, so to speak"

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 period of time during which you are absent from work or duty
  • Words that mean the same thing: bequeath, pull up stakes, pass on
  • The opposite would be: enter, disinherit
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LEAVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. What an actor studies"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a formation of people or things one beside another
  • Words that mean the same thing: crinkle, telephone circuit, bloodline
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LINES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. HΓ€gar the Horrible's dog"

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: SNERT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. Shaggy, horned beast"

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 large african antelope having a head with horns like an ox and a long tufted tail
  • Words that mean the same thing: wildebeest
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GNU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. It glows orange-red when placed in an electric field"

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: NEONGAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "27. "___ Kett" (old comic strip that taught teens manners)"

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: ETTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "28. Sounds at a fireworks show"

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 express admiration and pleasure by uttering `ooh' or `aah'
  • Words that mean the same thing: ooh, aah
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AAHS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "29. Expensive shipping option"

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: SAMEDAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "33. It's a trap!"

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 intricate network suggesting something that was formed by weaving or interweaving
  • Words that mean the same thing: net, network, entanglement
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WEB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "34. "Come on, move it!""

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: SHAKEAPEG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "35. Toddler's boo-boo"

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: OWIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "36. Blokes"

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

    The answer is: LADS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "38. John Deere logo animal"

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 male deer, especially an adult male red deer
  • Words that mean the same thing: shit, denounce, snoop
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STAG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "41. Hit CBS series that, despite its name, was filmed primarily in California"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 letters. It's a expert clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: CSIMIAMI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "44. Impedes"

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 be a hindrance or obstacle to
  • Words that mean the same thing: blockade, stymy, embarrass
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HINDERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "45. Like Louis Armstrong's singing"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that sounding as if pronounced low in the throat
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: THROATY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "47. One with an "eye patch," hook hand and peg leg, as represented in this puzzle's grid"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own
  • Words that mean the same thing: plagiarizer, pirate ship, sea rover
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PIRATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "49. Grave letters"

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 dissolute man in fashionable society
  • Words that mean the same thing: riptide, tear, tide rip
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RIP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "50. One getting "the talk," say"

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: TWEEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "51. Modern payment method"

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: VENMO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "52. Order to attack"

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: SICON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "53. Hurdles for aspiring D.A.s"

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: LSATS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "57. "Top ___!""

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: THAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "58. Scuttled"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a easy 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: NOGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "60. Fix a hole, in a way"

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 fasten by sewing; do needlework
  • Words that mean the same thing: stitch, tailor, run up
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SEW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "63. Double eagle plus three"

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 (golf) the standard number of strokes set for each hole on a golf course, or for the entire course
  • Words that mean the same thing: equivalence, equation, equality
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 52 70.3%
Short Answer 14 18.9%
Geography 3 4.1%
Movies/Film 2 2.7%
History 1 1.4%
Abbreviation 1 1.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 38
Down Clues 36
Total Clues 74
Average Answer Length 5.1 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 14 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

  • Start with short words first - they're usually easier!
  • Look for clues with blanks to fill in - these are like fill-in-the-blank questions at school
  • When letters cross, they must be the same in both words - this helps you check if you're right!
  • Today is Thursday, and these puzzles are usually 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 05, 2025 at 05:17 PM

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 04, 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: Moderate

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

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Indian megacity of 16+ million 5
2A 6. Talks too much 5
3A 11. Text initialism that's the name of a 2010 Usher hit 3
4A 14. Like some walls at Harvard and Dartmouth 5
5A 15. "Casablanca" actor's nickname 5
6A 16. Actress Long or Peeples 3
7A 17. Native American rite of passage 11
8A 19. Explosive item for Wile E. Coyote 3
9A 20. "I wish it were so" 6
10A 21. Behavioral quirk 3
11A 22. Clarified butter 4
12A 23. Roof type with removable panels 4
13A 25. Girl encouraged to wake up, in a 1957 #1 Everly Brothers hit 5
14A 27. Heartbeat tests, in brief 4
15A 30. Jewish rite of passage 10
16A 34. L.L.Bean competitor 3
17A 35. "___ of Dogs" (2018 film) 4
18A 36. Occurring at an appropriate moment 6
19A 37. N.F.L. player in a purple uniform 5
20A 39. What might help someone be loud and clear? 3
21A 41. Strong point 5
22A 42. "I'll be right with you" 6
23A 44. Screw up 4
24A 46. Lead-in to X, Y or Z 3
25A 47. Amish rite of passage 10
26A 49. More than giga-, less than peta- 4
27A 50. Really plague 5
28A 51. Each "point" of Taurus's horns, e.g. 4
29A 53. Stand up to 4
30A 55. Profs' aides 3
31A 57. Beethoven work originally titled "Bonaparte," after Napoleon 6
32A 61. Kimono sash 3
33A 62. "Seinfeld" catchphrase ... or, when parsed as three words, how a participant of 17-, 30- or 47-Across might be greeted? 11
34A 64. Dallas baller 3
35A 65. Kind of pipe or patch 5
36A 66. Like an Islay single malt, to Scotch enthusiasts 5
37A 67. Ball one or ball two? 3
38A 68. Great Plains nation 5
39A 69. Pittsburgh-based industrial giant 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Indian megacity of 16+ million"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in north central india
  • Similar words include: Old Delhi
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELHI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. Talks too much"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that divulge confidential information or secrets
  • Similar words include: talk, blab, tittle-tattle
  • Opposite of: keep quiet
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BLABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "11. Text initialism that's the name of a 2010 Usher hit"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Like some walls at Harvard and Dartmouth"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that overgrown with ivy
  • Similar words include: ivy-covered
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IVIED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. "Casablanca" actor's nickname"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an evil spirit
  • Similar words include: bogey, bogy
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOGIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Actress Long or Peeples"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Native American rite of passage"

11 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VISIONQUEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Explosive item for Wile E. Coyote"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that explosive consisting of a yellow crystalline compound that is a flammable toxic derivative of toluene
  • Similar words include: trinitrotoluene
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TNT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. "I wish it were so""

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALASNO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Behavioral quirk"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a local and habitual twitching especially in the face
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Clarified butter"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that clarified butter used in indian cookery
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GHEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Roof type with removable panels"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Girl encouraged to wake up, in a 1957 #1 Everly Brothers hit"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Heartbeat tests, in brief"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph
  • Similar words include: EKG, ECG, cardiogram
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EKGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "30. Jewish rite of passage"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BARMITZVAH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "34. L.L.Bean competitor"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "35. "___ of Dogs" (2018 film)"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small island
  • Similar words include: islet
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISLE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Occurring at an appropriate moment"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that before a time limit expires
  • Similar words include: seasonably, well-timed, apropos
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIMELY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "37. N.F.L. player in a purple uniform"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large black bird with a straight bill and long wedge-shaped tail
  • Similar words include: prey, Corvus corax, pig
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "39. What might help someone be loud and clear?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Strong point"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an asset of special worth or utility
  • Similar words include: speciality, strength, loudly
  • Opposite of: weak point, piano
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FORTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. "I'll be right with you""

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONESEC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. Screw up"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a man who is a stupid incompetent fool
  • Similar words include: blunder, goofball, goose
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GOOF

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "46. Lead-in to X, Y or Z"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that informal term for information
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Amish rite of passage"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUMSPRINGA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. More than giga-, less than peta-"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a three-tone chadic language
  • Similar words include: Yamaltu, Pidlimdi
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TERA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Really plague"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "51. Each "point" of Taurus's horns, e.g."

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior
  • Similar words include: headliner, asterisk, whizz
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "53. Stand up to"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that resist or confront with resistance
  • Similar words include: withstand, hold, refuse
  • Opposite of: lend oneself
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEFY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "55. Profs' aides"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a hard grey lustrous metallic element that is highly resistant to corrosion; occurs in niobite and fergusonite and tantalite
  • Similar words include: tantalum, Ta, atomic number 73
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "57. Beethoven work originally titled "Bonaparte," after Napoleon"

6 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EROICA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "61. Kimono sash"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (west indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery
  • Similar words include: obeah
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "62. "Seinfeld" catchphrase ... or, when parsed as three words, how a participant of 17-, 30- or 47-Across might be greeted?"

11 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HELLONEWMAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Dallas baller"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Kind of pipe or patch"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that eurasian rose with prickly stems and fragrant leaves and bright pink flowers followed by scarlet hips
  • Similar words include: tree heath, sweetbriar, Rosa eglanteria
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRIAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Like an Islay single malt, to Scotch enthusiasts"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or pertaining to or of the nature of peat
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEATY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. Ball one or ball two?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the organ of sight
  • Similar words include: center, heart, centre
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EYE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38A: "68. Great Plains nation"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of the siouan people formerly living in missouri in the valleys of the missouri and osage rivers; oil was found on osage lands early in the 20th century
  • Similar words include: Osage River
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSAGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39A: "69. Pittsburgh-based industrial giant"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Melodramatic sort 4
2D 2. Like Cinderella's stepmother 4
3D 3. Rapper in K-pop's Blackpink 4
4D 4. Jobs in "Heat" and "Ocean's Eleven" 6
5D 5. Lead-in to know or care 5
6D 6. Potato chip flavor, informally 3
7D 7. Ruffian 4
8D 8. Workplace concern for seniors 6
9D 9. British cookie 7
10D 10. 10 squats at the gym, perhaps 3
11D 11. Facing an imminent prospect (of) 10
12D 12. "None for you!" 4
13D 13. Right out of the ___ 4
14D 18. Rookies, to gamers 5
15D 22. Doohickey 5
16D 24. Sources of lines for a reading, maybe 4
17D 26. Like some upper lips and drinks 5
18D 27. Unforced ___ (athlete's concern) 5
19D 28. Reeves of "Hardball" 5
20D 29. "Up top!" 10
21D 31. Ruler's length? 5
22D 32. Cuff or hem, say 5
23D 33. Any of Scar's underlings in "The Lion King" 5
24D 35. Unfit for the job 5
25D 38. Bar exam component 5
26D 40. Gear parts 4
27D 43. Completely collapses 7
28D 45. Like some Quaker products 5
29D 48. Where you are when in Roma 6
30D 49. Cement spreader 6
31D 52. Snack similar to a gordita 5
32D 53. Noggin 4
33D 54. Site for online bids 4
34D 56. Foundry waste 4
35D 58. Part of a line at an Apple Store 4
36D 59. Adversary of Julius Caesar 4
37D 60. Actress Taylor-Joy of "The Gorge" 4
38D 62. "The Penguin" airer 3
39D 63. Foundry material 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Melodramatic sort"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a distinguished female operatic singer; a female operatic star
  • Similar words include: prima donna
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DIVA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Like Cinderella's stepmother"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that morally objectionable behavior
  • Similar words include: immorality, wickedness, vicious
  • Opposite of: goodness, good
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EVIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Rapper in K-pop's Blackpink"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Jobs in "Heat" and "Ocean's Eleven""

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of stealing
  • Similar words include: rip-off, armed robbery, stickup
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HEISTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Lead-in to know or care"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Potato chip flavor, informally"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Ruffian"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an awkward stupid person
  • Similar words include: lummox, lump, lubber
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Workplace concern for seniors"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that discrimination against middle-aged and elderly people
  • Similar words include: agism
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AGEISM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. British cookie"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that small round bread leavened with baking-powder or soda
  • Similar words include: cooky, cookie
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BISCUIT

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10D: "10. 10 squats at the gym, perhaps"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a group of things of the same kind that belong together and are so used
  • Similar words include: go down, localize, pose
  • Opposite of: rise
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SET

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11D: "11. Facing an imminent prospect (of)"

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ONTHEVERGE

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12D: "12. "None for you!""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that excavation in the earth from which ores and minerals are extracted
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MINE

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13D: "13. Right out of the ___"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a movable barrier in a fence or wall
  • Similar words include: logic gate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GATE

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14D: "18. Rookies, to gamers"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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15D: "22. Doohickey"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something unspecified whose name is either forgotten or not known
  • Similar words include: whatchamacallum, gadget, gismo
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIZMO

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16D: "24. Sources of lines for a reading, maybe"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers
  • Similar words include: medal, thenar, decoration
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PALM

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17D: "26. Like some upper lips and drinks"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an ordinary man
  • Similar words include: strong, cockeyed, slopped
  • Opposite of: impotent
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STIFF

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18D: "27. Unforced ___ (athlete's concern)"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
  • Similar words include: mistake, erroneous belief, misplay
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERROR

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19D: "28. Reeves of "Hardball""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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20D: "29. "Up top!""

10 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIVEMEFIVE

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21D: "31. Ruler's length?"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period during which something or somebody is dominant or powerful
  • Similar words include: sovereignty, rule, predominate
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REIGN

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22D: "32. Cuff or hem, say"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
  • Similar words include: neuter, vary, spay
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALTER

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23D: "33. Any of Scar's underlings in "The Lion King""

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that doglike nocturnal mammal of africa and southern asia that feeds chiefly on carrion
  • Similar words include: hyaena
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HYENA

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24D: "35. Unfit for the job"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not elegant or graceful in expression
  • Similar words include: cumbersome, ill-chosen, tactless
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: INEPT

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25D: "38. Bar exam component"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an analytic or interpretive literary composition
  • Similar words include: examine, assay, attempt
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ESSAY

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26D: "40. Gear parts"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a subordinate who performs an important but routine function
  • Similar words include: cog, sprocket
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COGS

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27D: "43. Completely collapses"

7 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bowl-shaped geological formation at the top of a volcano
  • Similar words include: crater, volcanic crater, Crater
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRATERS

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28D: "45. Like some Quaker products"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that of or related to or derived from oats
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OATEN

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29D: "48. Where you are when in Roma"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in southern europe on the italian peninsula; was the core of the roman republic and the roman empire between the 4th century bc and the 5th century ad
  • Similar words include: Italy, Italian Republic
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ITALIA

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30D: "49. Cement spreader"

6 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small hand tool with a handle and flat metal blade; used for scooping or spreading plaster or similar materials
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TROWEL

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31D: "52. Snack similar to a gordita"

5 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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32D: "53. Noggin"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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33D: "54. Site for online bids"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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34D: "56. Foundry waste"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the scum formed by oxidation at the surface of molten metals
  • Similar words include: scoria, dross
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLAG

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35D: "58. Part of a line at an Apple Store"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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36D: "59. Adversary of Julius Caesar"

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

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37D: "60. Actress Taylor-Joy of "The Gorge""

4 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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38D: "62. "The Penguin" airer"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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39D: "63. Foundry material"

3 letters πŸ’­ Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORE

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

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

Decode the Clues

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

Use Cross-References

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

Build Vocabulary

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

Today's Puzzle Stats

39 Across Clues
39 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: February 04, 2026 at 04:54 AM