Search Clues

Showing posts sorted by relevance for query heated. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query heated. Sort by date Show all posts

Saturday, February 21, 2026

NYT Mini Crossword Trivia Week 3 February 21, 2026 - Daily Answers

NYT Mini Answers February 21, 2026 - Trivia Week 3 Special

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: December 23 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | September 20 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | Across Clues NYT December 29 2025 |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for February 21, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Saturday, February 21, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date February 21, 2026
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 Trivia Week {week_num} 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 42. Savory latke topping
2 Across 41. Rachel ___, author of "Heated Rivalry"
3 Across 29. Author of "The Fisherman and His Flute"
4 Across 18. Split in two
5 Across 40. Items of some import?
6 Across 34. Architect's tool
7 Across 53. "Sick!"
8 Across 24. Yom Kippur topic
9 Across 15. Film subgenre exemplified by "The Thing" or "The Fly"
10 Across 59. How low can you go?

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: "42. Savory latke topping"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LOX


2 Across: "41. Rachel ___, author of "Heated Rivalry""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal REID


3 Across: "29. Author of "The Fisherman and His Flute""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal AESOP


4 Across: "18. Split in two"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: F__K

Answer:

Click to reveal FORK


5 Across: "40. Items of some import?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: E_____A

Answer:

Click to reveal EXOTICA


6 Across: "34. Architect's tool"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T_____E

Answer:

Click to reveal TSQUARE


7 Across: "53. "Sick!""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DOPE


8 Across: "24. Yom Kippur topic"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SIN


9 Across: "15. Film subgenre exemplified by "The Thing" or "The Fly""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: B________R

Answer:

Click to reveal BODYHORROR


10 Across: "59. How low can you go?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: R________M

Answer:

Click to reveal ROCKBOTTOM

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 7. They might have all the answers
2 Down 59. Phase for dreamers
3 Down 4. Overseer of the Erie Canal, in brief
4 Down 11. Like a spoilsport
5 Down 28. Followed surreptitiously
6 Down 10. New ___ (official cap maker for M.L.B.)
7 Down 1. Smoking spot
8 Down 48. Chile con carne cuisine
9 Down 47. Defunct image editor
10 Down 26. See 9-Down

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


1 Down: "7. They might have all the answers"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal TRIVIATEAM


2 Down: "59. Phase for dreamers"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal REM


3 Down: "4. Overseer of the Erie Canal, in brief"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal NYS


4 Down: "11. Like a spoilsport"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: N___N

Answer:

Click to reveal NOFUN


5 Down: "28. Followed surreptitiously"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: T_____D

Answer:

Click to reveal TRAILED


6 Down: "10. New ___ (official cap maker for M.L.B.)"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ERA


7 Down: "1. Smoking spot"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal BBQPIT


8 Down: "48. Chile con carne cuisine"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal TEXMEX


9 Down: "47. Defunct image editor"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: I____O

Answer:

Click to reveal IPHOTO


10 Down: "26. See 9-Down"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal OVER

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 1 minute 10 seconds
Difficulty: Medium

Common Questions About Trivia Week 3

When can I play the Trivia Week 3 Mini?

The Trivia Week 3 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 3?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 3 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 Trivia Week 3?

No! The Trivia Week 3 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 3 solver?

Good Trivia Week 3 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 3?

Trivia Week 3 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.


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: February 21, 2026 at 04:52 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, February 21 2026 mini crossword

Sunday, September 28, 2025

January 09, 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: Thursday, January 09, 2020

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 72 (36 Across, 36 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.8 letters

Across Clues Explained - Thursday NYT Crossword January 09, 2020

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. I.T. support desk service 6
2A 7. "Down goes Frazier!" caller 6
3A 13. Heated house for chicks 7
4A 14. Like Looney Tunes, theatrically 7
5A 16. Jane Eyre or Wonder Woman 7
6A 17. Spicy 7
7A 18. More than some 4
8A 19. Characteristic 5
9A 21. Cook and Curry 4
10A 22. Spanish boy's name related to the sixth month of the year 5
11A 24. Baby in a rare birth 7
12A 26. They leave in the spring 5
13A 27. Clarifying phrase 5
14A 28. Harbor sight 7
15A 29. Letter in the last third of the NATO alphabet 5
16A 30. Couches 7
17A 32. Capital of the U.S. for 54 days in 1784 7
18A 34. Plus 3
19A 35. Meditation mantras 3
20A 36. Not interpret correctly 7
21A 40. Indonesian money 7
22A 44. How tied N.F.L. games are resolved, for short 4
23A 45. Common sport fish 5
24A 47. Pants, slangily 4
25A 48. Bit of foppish attire 5
26A 50. Drum kit, by another name 7
27A 52. Not so brave and determined 5
28A 53. Brave and determined 5
29A 54. "You'll never beat my score!" 7
30A 55. Lock 5
31A 56. Shakespeare contemporary 7
32A 58. Comedian Jimmy 7
33A 60. Longtime "Today" forecaster 7
34A 61. Amusing incongruities 7
35A 62. Friendless 6
36A 63. Make like 6

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. I.T. support desk service"

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: PCHELP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. "Down goes Frazier!" caller"

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: COSELL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "13. Heated house for chicks"

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 apparatus consisting of a box designed to maintain a constant temperature by the use of a thermostat; used for chicks or premature infants
  • Words that mean the same thing: incubator
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BROODER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Like Looney Tunes, theatrically"

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: ONEREEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Jane Eyre or Wonder Woman"

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 the main good female character in a work of fiction
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HEROINE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Spicy"

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: PICANTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. More than some"

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: ALOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Characteristic"

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

    The answer is: TRAIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. Cook and Curry"

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: TIMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Spanish boy's name related to the sixth month of the year"

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: JUNOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. Baby in a rare birth"

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 the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
  • Words that mean the same thing: threesome, ternary, trinity
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRIPLET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. They leave in the spring"

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 tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
  • Words that mean the same thing: corner, tree, shoetree
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TREES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Clarifying phrase"

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: IDEST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Harbor sight"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a powerful small boat designed to pull or push larger ships
  • Words that mean the same thing: towboat, tug, tower
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TUGBOAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Letter in the last third of the NATO alphabet"

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 ballroom dance of latin-american origin
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TANGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Couches"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a long wooden bench with a back
  • Words that mean the same thing: settle, settee
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SETTEES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Capital of the U.S. for 54 days in 1784"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that capital of the state of new jersey; located in western new jersey on the delaware river
  • Words that mean the same thing: capital of New Jersey
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRENTON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Plus"

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: AND

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. Meditation mantras"

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: OMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "36. Not interpret correctly"

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 read or interpret wrongly
  • Words that mean the same thing: misinterpret
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MISREAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "40. Indonesian money"

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 the basic unit of money in indonesia; equal to 100 sen
  • Words that mean the same thing: rupiah
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RUPIAHS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. How tied N.F.L. games are resolved, for short"

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: INOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Common sport fish"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that flesh of any of several primarily freshwater game and food fishes
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TROUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. Pants, slangily"

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: TROU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Bit of foppish attire"

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 cravat with wide square ends; secured with an ornamental pin
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ASCOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. Drum kit, by another name"

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: TRAPSET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Not so brave and determined"

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 people who are fearful and cautious
  • Words that mean the same thing: cautious, unsure, diffident
  • The opposite would be: confident, brave
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TIMID

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "53. Brave and determined"

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 strong very dark heavy-bodied ale made from pale malt and roasted unmalted barley and (often) caramel malt with hops
  • Words that mean the same thing: stalwart, hardy, sturdy
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STOUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. "You'll never beat my score!""

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: TOPTHAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Lock"

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 hairdo formed by braiding or twisting the hair
  • Words that mean the same thing: braid, plait, twist
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRESS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "56. Shakespeare contemporary"

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 english poet and playwright who introduced blank verse as a form of dramatic expression; was stabbed to death in a tavern brawl (1564-1593)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Philip Marlowe, Christopher Marlowe
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MARLOWE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "58. Comedian Jimmy"

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 united states comedian remembered for his large nose and hoarse voice (1893-1980)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Jimmy Durante
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DURANTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "60. Longtime "Today" forecaster"

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: ALROKER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "61. Amusing incongruities"

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 witty language used to convey insults or scorn; ; ; --jonathan swift
  • Words that mean the same thing: satire, sarcasm, caustic remark
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IRONIES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "62. Friendless"

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 lacking companions or companionship
  • Words that mean the same thing: unfrequented, alone, lonesome
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LONELY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "63. Make like"

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

    The answer is: ENDEAR

    Great job if you got it right!

January 09, 2020 Down Hints: NYT Thursday Crossword Guide

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. When an opera's musical themes may be established 7
2D 2. Bit of headwear that often has jewels 7
3D 3. Cry at night 4
4D 4. Mince words? 4
5D 5. Annual winter/spring observance 4
6D 6. Sets up ahead of time, in jargon 7
7D 7. What some say God is to them 7
8D 8. "Leave this to me" 4
9D 9. Religious group 4
10D 10. Part of the conjugation of the Latin "esse" 4
11D 11. Permissive 7
12D 12. Captive's plea 7
13D 13. Spicy Indian fritters 6
14D 15. Textbook unit 6
15D 20. P.D. alert 3
16D 23. "For one thing ..." 7
17D 24. "Indeed!," colloquially 7
18D 25. Remove forcefully 7
19D 26. Go from one place to another 7
20D 31. Principle 5
21D 33. Lure 5
22D 36. Oppressive atmosphere 6
23D 37. Get with the program? 7
24D 38. Texas city on the Mexican border 7
25D 39. Window dressing 7
26D 40. "Midnight's Children" novelist, 1981 7
27D 41. First country to establish Christianity as its state religion 7
28D 42. Sailor vis-à-vis a sail 7
29D 43. Lathers up 6
30D 46. Go (for) 3
31D 49. French port on the Mediterranean 6
32D 50. Tool with a pointed blade 6
33D 51. Large beverage dispenser 6
34D 52. Capital of Albania 6
35D 57. Drag 4
36D 59. Stepped 4

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. When an opera's musical themes may be established"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
  • Words that mean the same thing: overture, preliminary
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PRELUDE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Bit of headwear that often has jewels"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a small crown; usually indicates a high rank but below that of sovereign
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CORONET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Cry at night"

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 loud raucous cry (as of an owl)
  • Words that mean the same thing: boo, razz, red cent
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HOOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Mince words?"

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 prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or adapting
  • Words that mean the same thing: redact, blue-pencil, edit out
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EDIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Annual winter/spring observance"

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 period of 40 weekdays from ash wednesday to holy saturday
  • Words that mean the same thing: loan, lend, bestow
  • The opposite would be: borrow
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Sets up ahead of time, in jargon"

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: PRERIGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. What some say God is to them"

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 a relief pilot on an airplane
  • Words that mean the same thing: co-pilot
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COPILOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. "Leave this to me""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ONIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Religious group"

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 subdivision of a larger religious group
  • Words that mean the same thing: religious sect, religious order, faction
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SECT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Part of the conjugation of the Latin "esse""

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: ERAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Permissive"

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 tolerant or lenient
  • Words that mean the same thing: soft, indulgent
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LENIENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Captive's plea"

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: LETMEGO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Spicy Indian fritters"

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: BHAJIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Textbook unit"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about literature.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a unit of instruction
  • Words that mean the same thing: deterrent example, example, moral
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LESSON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "20. P.D. alert"

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: APB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. "For one thing ...""

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: TOSTART

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. "Indeed!," colloquially"

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: TRUEDAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Remove forcefully"

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: TEAROUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Go from one place to another"

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 a surveying instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, consisting of a small telescope mounted on a tripod
  • Words that mean the same thing: transportation, pass over, pass across
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRANSIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Principle"

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 religious doctrine that is proclaimed as true without proof
  • Words that mean the same thing: dogma
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TENET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. Lure"

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 dispose or incline or entice to
  • Words that mean the same thing: allure, entice, charm
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TEMPT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "36. Oppressive atmosphere"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an unwholesome atmosphere
  • Words that mean the same thing: miasm
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MIASMA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "37. Get with the program?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that set up for use
  • Words that mean the same thing: instal, establish, put in
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: INSTALL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "38. Texas city on the Mexican border"

Quick Info: This answer has 7 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: SOCORRO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. Window dressing"

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 hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
  • Words that mean the same thing: pall, drape, mantle
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DRAPERY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "40. "Midnight's Children" novelist, 1981"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that british writer of novels who was born in india; one of his novels is regarded as blasphemous by muslims and a fatwa was issued condemning him to death (born in 1947)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Salman Rushdie, Ahmed Salman Rushdie
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RUSHDIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "41. First country to establish Christianity as its state religion"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a landlocked republic in southwestern asia; formerly an asian soviet; modern armenia is but a fragment of ancient armenia which was one of the world's oldest civilizations; throughout 2500 years the armenian people have been invaded and oppressed by their neighbors
  • Words that mean the same thing: Hayastan, Republic of Armenia
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARMENIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Sailor vis-à-vis a sail"

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

    The answer is: HOISTER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Lathers up"

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 froth produced by soaps or detergents
  • Words that mean the same thing: soapsuds, spume, froth
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SUDSES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Go (for)"

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 select as an alternative over another
  • Words that mean the same thing: prefer, choose
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OPT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. French port on the Mediterranean"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a port city and naval base in southeastern france on the mediterranean coast
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOULON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Tool with a pointed blade"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a small hand tool with a handle and flat metal blade; used for scooping or spreading plaster or similar materials
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TROWEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Large beverage dispenser"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium clue about history.

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: TEAURN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Capital of Albania"

Quick Info: This answer has 6 letters. It's a medium 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: TIRANE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "57. Drag"

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 puff of a marijuana or hashish cigarette
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "59. Stepped"

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 put down or press the foot, place the foot
  • Words that mean the same thing: step, trample, tread
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TROD

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 58 80.6%
Geography 4 5.6%
Short Answer 4 5.6%
Sports 2 2.8%
History 2 2.8%
Literature 2 2.8%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 36
Down Clues 36
Total Clues 72
Average Answer Length 5.8 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 7 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!

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 27, 2025 at 07:38 PM