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Showing posts sorted by relevance for query hoity-toity. Sort by date Show all posts

Friday, September 5, 2025

January 04, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, January 04, 2023

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (35 Across, 43 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.7 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Wednesday Puzzle January 04, 2023

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Nonmagical sort, in the Harry Potter universe 6
2A 7. What's found in cafés but not coffee shops? 6
3A 13. Spanish loves 6
4A 14. St. Bernard or mastiff, often 7
5A 15. Hoity-toity types 6
6A 16. Goofus 8
7A 17. Wireless speaker brand 5
8A 18. Place 3
9A 19. Fencing equipment 5
10A 20. Shade akin to fuchsia 7
11A 23. Part of Q.E.D. 4
12A 24. ___ blind 3
13A 27. Dispenser of drafts 3
14A 28. "Black gold" or "Texas tea" 3
15A 30. Out of the office 4
16A 32. Nine-digit ID 3
17A 34. One leaving its pad quickly 6
18A 39. Astronomical objects represented by the circled letters in this puzzle 15
19A 42. One righting writing 6
20A 43. "The lowest form of humor — when you don't think of it first," per Oscar Levant 3
21A 44. "The Song of the ___" (Willa Cather novel) 4
22A 45. First of the Chinese dynasties 3
23A 47. Broadcaster of "The Price Is Right" for more than four decades 3
24A 49. Letters requesting help 3
25A 50. Back talk 4
26A 54. Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, for two 7
27A 57. Offering in church 5
28A 59. Noche's counterpart 3
29A 60. Nevada senator Jacky 5
30A 64. Low-calorie cookie spinoff 8
31A 66. Adverb in a contract 6
32A 67. Eccentrics 7
33A 68. Produce oxidation in 6
34A 69. Author Hemingway 6
35A 70. Tablet tool 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. Nonmagical sort, in the Harry Potter universe"

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: MUGGLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. What's found in cafés but not coffee shops?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that distinctive manner of oral expression
  • Words that mean the same thing: stress, dialect, emphasize
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ACCENT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "13. Spanish loves"

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: AMORES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. St. Bernard or mastiff, often"

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 person who dribbles
  • Words that mean the same thing: slobberer, dribbler, driveller
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DROOLER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Hoity-toity types"

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 regarded as arrogant and annoying
  • Words that mean the same thing: snob, beak, hooter
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SNOOTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Goofus"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: BIGDUMMY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Wireless speaker brand"

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: SONOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Place"

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 option to sell a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date
  • Words that mean the same thing: commit, lay, pose
  • The opposite would be: divest, call option
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PUT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. Fencing equipment"

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 fencing sword similar to a foil but with a heavier blade
  • Words that mean the same thing: epee
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EPEES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Shade akin to fuchsia"

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 primary subtractive color for light; a dark purple-red color; the dye for magenta was discovered in 1859, the year of the battle of magenta
  • Words that mean the same thing: Battle of Magenta
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MAGENTA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Part of Q.E.D."

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: ERAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. ___ blind"

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 take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
  • Words that mean the same thing: pluck, fleece, plume
  • The opposite would be: undercharge
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Dispenser of drafts"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the sound made by a gentle blow
  • Words that mean the same thing: knock, strike, tip
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. "Black gold" or "Texas tea""

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 slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable substance not miscible with water
  • Words that mean the same thing: crude, fossil oil, vegetable oil
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Out of the office"

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 not present; having left
  • Words that mean the same thing: out, off, outside
  • The opposite would be: home
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AWAY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Nine-digit ID"

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: SSN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "34. One leaving its pad quickly"

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 any vehicle self-propelled by a rocket engine
  • Words that mean the same thing: Eruca vesicaria sativa, rocket engine, projectile
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROCKET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. Astronomical objects represented by the circled letters in this puzzle"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: CELESTIALBODIES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "42. One righting writing"

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 responsible for the editorial aspects of publication; the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine)
  • Words that mean the same thing: editor program, editor in chief
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EDITOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "43. "The lowest form of humor — when you don't think of it first," per Oscar Levant"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a humorous play on words
  • Words that mean the same thing: punning, paronomasia, wordplay
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PUN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. "The Song of the ___" (Willa Cather novel)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that north american songbirds having a yellow breast
  • Words that mean the same thing: sport, rollick, frolic
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LARK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "45. First of the Chinese dynasties"

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: XIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "47. Broadcaster of "The Price Is Right" for more than four decades"

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: CBS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "49. Letters requesting help"

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 internationally recognized distress signal in radio code
  • Words that mean the same thing: sol, soh, so
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "50. Back talk"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an impudent or insolent rejoinder
  • Words that mean the same thing: SAS, back talk, mouth
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SASS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "54. Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, for two"

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 artist who adheres to the principles of cubism
  • Words that mean the same thing: cubist
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CUBISTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "57. Offering in church"

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

    The answer is: TITHE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "59. Noche's counterpart"

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

    The answer is: DIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "60. Nevada senator Jacky"

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: ROSEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "64. Low-calorie cookie spinoff"

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: OREOTHIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "66. Adverb in a contract"

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

    The answer is: HERETO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "67. Eccentrics"

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 someone unpleasantly strange or eccentric
  • Words that mean the same thing: weirdy, weirdo, looney
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WEIRDOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "68. Produce oxidation in"

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 expose to fresh air
  • Words that mean the same thing: activate, oxygenise, oxygenate
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AERATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "69. Author Hemingway"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ERNEST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "70. Tablet tool"

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 sharp pointed device attached to the cartridge of a record player
  • Words that mean the same thing: style
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STYLUS

    Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Wednesday NYT Crossword January 04, 2023

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Service that might be in Latin 4
2D 2. "Yeah, that won't work for me" 4
3D 3. "I'm listening ..." 4
4D 4. Many a wedding cake topper 5
5D 5. Unleashes on 6
6D 6. Intro to sociology? 3
7D 7. "Evita" setting: Abbr. 3
8D 8. Word with tax or cheat 4
9D 9. Type of car whose name comes from the French word for "cut" 5
10D 10. Toon hunting for a "scwewy wabbit" 5
11D 11. Site of a mythical lion slaying 5
12D 12. Romantic rendezvous 5
13D 14. "Me, too!" 5
14D 16. Patty's place 3
15D 18. ___ Challenge (famous taste test) 5
16D 21. Gut-related 7
17D 22. Some short-term rentals 7
18D 24. Hightail it 4
19D 25. Was behind 4
20D 26. Island between Java and Lombok 4
21D 29. W.C. 3
22D 31. As of now 3
23D 33. Bit of shut-eye 3
24D 35. 450, in ancient Rome 3
25D 36. Sorento and Telluride 4
26D 37. Amazon-owned home Wi-Fi brand 4
27D 38. Scolding sounds 4
28D 40. Part of some "Red" or "White" uniforms 3
29D 41. St. ___ (Caribbean isle) 5
30D 46. Some German cars 5
31D 48. Word on the ___ 6
32D 50. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" author 5
33D 51. Broadcaster 5
34D 52. Oktoberfest vessel 5
35D 53. Place to wash up? 5
36D 55. Son of, in Arabic surnames 3
37D 56. "___, not ___!" 5
38D 58. Approx. when planes take off 4
39D 61. Circus barker? 4
40D 62. "Not you, too!?" 4
41D 63. Disappointing R.S.V.P.s 4
42D 65. Over 100, say 3
43D 66. Gives birth to 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. Service that might be in Latin"

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 property of a body that causes it to have weight in a gravitational field
  • Words that mean the same thing: the great unwashed, aggregative, hatful
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MASS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. "Yeah, that won't work for me""

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: UMNO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. "I'm listening ...""

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an awkward stupid person
  • Words that mean the same thing: lubber, clod, lump
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GOON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Many a wedding cake topper"

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 man participant in his own marriage ceremony
  • Words that mean the same thing: ostler, prepare, train
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GROOM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Unleashes on"

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: LETSAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Intro to sociology?"

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 radioactive transuranic element produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons
  • Words that mean the same thing: einsteinium, atomic number 99, E
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ESS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "Evita" setting: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ARG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Word with tax or cheat"

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 set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)
  • Words that mean the same thing: cipher, encrypt, inscribe
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CODE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Type of car whose name comes from the French word for "cut""

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 car with two doors and front seats and a luggage compartment
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: COUPE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Toon hunting for a "scwewy wabbit""

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: ELMER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Site of a mythical lion slaying"

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 valley in southeastern greece where the nemean games were held
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NEMEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Romantic rendezvous"

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 date; usually with a member of the opposite sex
  • Words that mean the same thing: assignation, rendezvous
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TRYST

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. "Me, too!""

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 mark used to indicate the word above it should be repeated
  • Words that mean the same thing: ditto mark
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DITTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "16. Patty's place"

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 small rounded bread either plain or sweet
  • Words that mean the same thing: roll
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BUN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "18. ___ Challenge (famous taste test)"

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 pepsi cola is a trademarked cola
  • Words that mean the same thing: Pepsi Cola
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PEPSI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "21. Gut-related"

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 relating to or involving the stomach
  • Words that mean the same thing: stomachic, stomachal
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GASTRIC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "22. Some short-term rentals"

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: AIRBNBS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. Hightail it"

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 any competition
  • Words that mean the same thing: hie, wash, bucket along
  • The opposite would be: linger
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RACE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "25. Was behind"

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 be obliged to pay or repay
  • Words that mean the same thing: owe
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OWED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Island between Java and Lombok"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an island in indonesia to the east of java; striking volcanic scenery; culture is known for elaborate dances and rituals and for handicrafts
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BALI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "29. W.C."

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 toilet in britain
  • Words that mean the same thing: W.C., water closet, closet
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. As of now"

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 up to the present time
  • Words that mean the same thing: however, withal, in time
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Bit of shut-eye"

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 period of time spent sleeping
  • Words that mean the same thing: cat sleep, snooze, short sleep
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NAP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. 450, in ancient Rome"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: CDL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Sorento and Telluride"

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: KIAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Amazon-owned home Wi-Fi brand"

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: EERO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "38. Scolding sounds"

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 utter `tsk,' `tut,' or `tut-tut,' as in disapproval
  • Words that mean the same thing: tut-tut, tut, tsk
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TSKS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "40. Part of some "Red" or "White" uniforms"

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: SOX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "41. St. ___ (Caribbean isle)"

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: LUCIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Some German cars"

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: AUDIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "48. Word on the ___"

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 thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STREET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" author"

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 united states writer of a novel about slavery that advanced the abolitionists' cause (1811-1896)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Harriet Beecher Stowe, Harriet Elizabeth Beecher Stowe
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STOWE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Broadcaster"

Quick Info: This answer has 5 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: AIRER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Oktoberfest vessel"

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 mug intended for serving beer
  • Words that mean the same thing: beer mug, Gertrude Stein
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STEIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Place to wash up?"

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 the land along the edge of a body of water
  • Words that mean the same thing: prop up, shore up, set ashore
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SHORE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Son of, in Arabic surnames"

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 container; usually has a lid
  • Words that mean the same thing: binful, ABA transit number, bank identification number
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. "___, not ___!""

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 feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone
  • Words that mean the same thing: drear, blue, disconsolate
  • The opposite would be: unregretful
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SORRY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. Approx. when planes take off"

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 system for screening luggage in airports; an agent passes a swab around or inside luggage and then runs the swab through a machine that can detect trace amounts of explosives
  • Words that mean the same thing: ETD, explosive trace detection
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ETDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "61. Circus barker?"

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 fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters
  • Words that mean the same thing: Navy SEAL, sealing wax, seal of approval
  • The opposite would be: unseal
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SEAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "62. "Not you, too!?""

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: ETTU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "63. Disappointing R.S.V.P.s"

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 radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding curium with carbon ions; 7 isotopes are known
  • Words that mean the same thing: No, nobelium, no
  • The opposite would be: yes
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NOES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "65. Over 100, say"

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 used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
  • Words that mean the same thing: red-hot, live, raging
  • The opposite would be: cold
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 43 Down: "66. Gives birth to"

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 (astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing; the right ascension for an observer at a particular location and time of day
  • Words that mean the same thing: receive, cause, give
  • The opposite would be: lack, refuse
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 54 69.2%
Short Answer 18 23.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment 2 2.6%
Movies/Film 1 1.3%
Literature 1 1.3%
Abbreviation 1 1.3%
History 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 35
Down Clues 43
Total Clues 78
Average Answer Length 4.7 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 15 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 Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 4 letters
  • Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
  • Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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 04:43 AM

Saturday, December 20, 2025

XWordHint Crossword Answers December 20, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

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

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Tricky

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. Sampras rival during the 1990s 6
2A 7. Get on board 6
3A 13. Let off steam, perhaps 6
4A 14. Perry Como or Bing Crosby 7
5A 15. Frustrated and making poor decisions, informally 6
6A 16. #1 on Wired magazine's list of the 10 most influential video games of the 2010s 8
7A 17. "Aren't we all hoity-toity?!" 11
8A 19. Generate clippings, say 3
9A 20. First name in hog riding 4
10A 21. Established fact 5
11A 22. Let go of 4
12A 23. Body layer 5
13A 25. Events at which to release one's inner geek 9
14A 27. Makers of frightening but (thankfully) rare marine attacks 5
15A 29. Source of half the world's sugar during the late 1800s 5
16A 30. Higher power? 5
17A 31. They're stoked 5
18A 32. Word with blue or open 5
19A 33. Speak, as thou might 5
20A 34. Kind of beard that follows the jawline 9
21A 36. Dunderheaded 5
22A 40. "You ___?" 4
23A 41. Punted 5
24A 43. Foe of the Iroquois during the Beaver Wars 4
25A 44. Org. that's gone to the dogs? 3
26A 45. [womp, womp] 11
27A 47. Major magazine pieces 8
28A 49. Delicatessen offering 6
29A 50. Loser of the 2025 World Series 7
30A 51. Where to follow local customs, it's said 6
31A 52. Underhanded 6
32A 53. Beach shade 6

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Sampras rival during the 1990s"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "7. Get on board"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that go on board
  • Similar words include: enter, ship, venture
  • Opposite of: disembark
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMBARK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "13. Let off steam, perhaps"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that give expression or utterance to
  • Similar words include: air out, air, ventilate
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: VENTED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Perry Como or Bing Crosby"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a singer of popular ballads
  • Similar words include: balladeer
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CROONER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Frustrated and making poor decisions, informally"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. #1 on Wired magazine's list of the 10 most influential video games of the 2010s"

8 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FORTNITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. "Aren't we all hoity-toity?!""

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Generate clippings, say"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a loft in a barn where hay is stored
  • Similar words include: cut down, haymow, pout
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOW

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. First name in hog riding"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. Established fact"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an assumption that is taken for granted
  • Similar words include: open, leave, sacrifice
  • Opposite of: starve, take
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIVEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Let go of"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the event of something burning (often destructive)
  • Similar words include: enkindle, flaming, send away
  • Opposite of: hire
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIRE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Body layer"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the deep vascular inner layer of the skin
  • Similar words include: dermis, corium
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DERMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Events at which to release one's inner geek"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "27. Makers of frightening but (thankfully) rare marine attacks"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that predatory black-and-white toothed whale with large dorsal fin; common in cold seas
  • Similar words include: killer, orca, Orcinus orca
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORCAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "29. Source of half the world's sugar during the late 1800s"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that biennial eurasian plant usually having a swollen edible root; widely cultivated as a food crop
  • Similar words include: beetroot, beet, Beta vulgaris
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BEETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "30. Higher power?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that relating to or derived from the sun or utilizing the energies of the sun
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SOLAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "31. They're stoked"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the carboniferous period
  • Similar words include: coal, char, ember
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "32. Word with blue or open"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
  • Similar words include: pitch, ski, sky
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "33. Speak, as thou might"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "34. Kind of beard that follows the jawline"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "36. Dunderheaded"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the location of something surrounded by other things
  • Similar words include: dense, compact, thickheaded
  • Opposite of: thinly, thin
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: THICK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "40. "You ___?""

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that sound loudly and sonorously
  • Similar words include: telephone, knell, phone
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RANG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "41. Punted"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that propel with a pole
  • Similar words include: punt, pole
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POLED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "43. Foe of the Iroquois during the Beaver Wars"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
  • Similar words include: Lake Erie
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "44. Org. that's gone to the dogs?"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "45. [womp, womp]"

11 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "47. Major magazine pieces"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a prominent attribute or aspect of something
  • Similar words include: lineament, have, characteristic
  • Opposite of: lack
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEATURES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "49. Delicatessen offering"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testment) a son of jacob and forefather of one of the tribes of israel
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REUBEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "50. Loser of the 2025 World Series"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the provincial capital and largest city in ontario (and the largest city in canada)
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORONTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "51. Where to follow local customs, it's said"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "52. Underhanded"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by deception
  • Similar words include: surreptitious, sneak, stealthy
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SNEAKY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "53. Beach shade"

6 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
  • Similar words include: tan, sunburn, burn
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUNTAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Sworn 6
2D 2. City, lake or canton de Suisse 6
3D 3. Tip on quite a few bucks? 6
4D 4. Extremely rare, facetiously 11
5D 5. Act bearishly 4
6D 6. What might come with some baggage? 5
7D 7. Dogsbody 9
8D 8. Io or luna 4
9D 9. When repeated, a small treat 3
10D 10. Shamans, typically 8
11D 11. Claps back 7
12D 12. Mardi Gras parading societies 6
13D 14. Tech job 5
14D 16. Bills first introduced in 1861 5
15D 18. Currency of Serbia 5
16D 22. Exercise almost to a point of pain 11
17D 24. Van Gogh retreat in southern France 5
18D 26. Significant spread 5
19D 28. Post-show celebration 9
20D 30. Some spa treatments 8
21D 31. Escapade 5
22D 32. Agree to, in a way 7
23D 33. Bath ___ 5
24D 34. Fashions 6
25D 35. Clown locale 5
26D 37. Futuristic sci-fi classic with tales set in 2021 and 2029 6
27D 38. Field of the annual César Awards 6
28D 39. One of the Wayans brothers 6
29D 42. Day at the movies 5
30D 45. Like some costs 4
31D 46. Many a drop-down 4
32D 48. ___ T 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Sworn"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
  • Similar words include: avow, aver, assert
  • Opposite of: disavow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AVOWED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. City, lake or canton de Suisse"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a city in southwestern switzerland at the western end of lake geneva; it is the headquarters of various international organizations
  • Similar words include: Genf, Geneva
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GENEVE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Tip on quite a few bucks?"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that deciduous horn of a member of the deer family
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTLER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Extremely rare, facetiously"

11 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Act bearishly"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the activity of persuading someone to buy
  • Similar words include: deal, trade, betray
  • Opposite of: buy
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SELL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. What might come with some baggage?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Dogsbody"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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8D: "8. Io or luna"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that typically crepuscular or nocturnal insect having a stout body and feathery or hairlike antennae
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MOTH

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9D: "9. When repeated, a small treat"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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10D: "10. Shamans, typically"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that one who accepts the doctrine of animism
  • Similar words include: animist
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANIMISTS

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11D: "11. Claps back"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)
  • Similar words include: rejoin, rejoinder, riposte
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RETORTS

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12D: "12. Mardi Gras parading societies"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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13D: "14. Tech job"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who designs and writes and tests computer programs
  • Similar words include: computer programmer, software engineer, programmer
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CODER

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14D: "16. Bills first introduced in 1861"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a game resembling handball; played on a court with a front wall and two side walls
  • Similar words include: V, basketball team, quint
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FIVES

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15D: "18. Currency of Serbia"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that 100 dinars equal 1 rial in iran
  • Similar words include: Tunisian dinar, Algerian dinar, Kuwaiti dinar
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DINAR

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16D: "22. Exercise almost to a point of pain"

11 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

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

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17D: "24. Van Gogh retreat in southern France"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that money given by a buyer to a seller to bind a contract
  • Similar words include: earnest money
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARLES

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18D: "26. Significant spread"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a ceremonial dinner party for many people
  • Similar words include: banquet, junket, spread
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FEAST

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19D: "28. Post-show celebration"

9 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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20D: "30. Some spa treatments"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that care for the skin
  • Similar words include: skin care
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKINCARE

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21D: "31. Escapade"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of numerous plants of the genus capparis
  • Similar words include: gambol, prank, joke
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CAPER

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22D: "32. Agree to, in a way"

7 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHAKEON

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23D: "33. Bath ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a compound formed by replacing hydrogen in an acid by a metal (or a radical that acts like a metal)
  • Similar words include: SALT, common salt, table salt
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SALTS

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24D: "34. Fashions"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the skilled practice of a practical occupation
  • Similar words include: foxiness, craftiness, wiliness
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRAFTS

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25D: "35. Clown locale"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an exhibition of cowboy skills
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RODEO

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26D: "37. Futuristic sci-fi classic with tales set in 2021 and 2029"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

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

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27D: "38. Field of the annual César Awards"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a medium that disseminates moving pictures
  • Similar words include: movie theatre, movie house, picture palace
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CINEMA

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28D: "39. One of the Wayans brothers"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

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

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29D: "42. Day at the movies"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (greek mythology) wife of nereus and mother of the nereids
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DORIS

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30D: "45. Like some costs"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that fall or descend to a lower place or level
  • Similar words include: pass, sink, go down
  • Opposite of: float
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUNK

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31D: "46. Many a drop-down"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a list of dishes available at a restaurant
  • Similar words include: carte, carte du jour, bill of fare
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MENU

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32D: "48. ___ T"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

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

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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

32 Across Clues
32 Down Clues
64 Total Clues

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Last updated: December 20, 2025 at 04:00 AM