May 13, 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (35 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, May 13, 2022

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 70 (35 Across, 35 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.5 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Friday Puzzle May 13, 2022

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Billboard magazine feature	5
2A	6. Abbr. in skin care	3
3A	9. Creatures with asymmetrical ears for accuracy in hunting	4
4A	13. Facts-as-fiction work	10
5A	16. Some summer arrivals	4
6A	17. "Join the club!"	10
7A	18. World's best-selling contemporary female artist of all time, per Billboard magazine	4
8A	19. "Who ___?"	4
9A	20. "So ... who wants in on this deal?"	9
10A	22. Snag	3
11A	23. Alongside	4
12A	24. Children in Vienna	6
13A	26. Costume that might start with a cardboard box	5
14A	28. Two cents for a paper, perhaps	4
15A	30. Body with a floor	3
16A	31. Orchestral instrument that doesn't make a sound	5
17A	32. Extension ___	4
18A	33. Pass (out)	4
19A	34. Trinket	9
20A	36. Unpolished	5
21A	37. One might be chosen for its perspective	4
22A	38. Loafers	9
23A	40. Like hair at salons	6
24A	42. Bad side	4
25A	43. Data head?	3
26A	44. Drummed-up measures?	7
27A	47. Seasoned rice dish	5
28A	50. Make a big stink	9
29A	52. Blue book alternative	9
30A	54. Actress Sink of "Stranger Things"	5
31A	55. Say goodbye to many a 34-Across à la Marie Kondo	9
32A	56. Prunes	5
33A	57. Destiny's Child's "___ My Name"	3
34A	58. Was appealing?	4
35A	59. Some time	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Billboard magazine feature"

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 visual display of information
• Words that mean the same thing: graph
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHART

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Abbr. in skin care"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the degree to which a sunscreen protects the skin from the direct rays of the sun
• Words that mean the same thing: sun protection factor
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SPF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "9. Creatures with asymmetrical ears for accuracy in hunting"

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 nocturnal bird of prey with hawk-like beak and claws and large head with front-facing eyes
• Words that mean the same thing: hooter, bird of Minerva, bird of night
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OWLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. Facts-as-fiction work"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ROMANACLEF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Some summer arrivals"

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 (astrology) a person who is born while the sun is in leo
• Words that mean the same thing: Leo the Lion, Leo, Lion
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. "Join the club!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ARENTWEALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. World's best-selling contemporary female artist of all time, per Billboard magazine"

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: DION

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. "Who ___?""

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: ISNT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. "So ... who wants in on this deal?""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ANYTAKERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Snag"

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 return on a shot that seemed impossible to reach and would normally have resulted in a point for the opponent
• Words that mean the same thing: fix, make, vex
• The opposite would be: leave, end
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Alongside"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WITH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Children in Vienna"

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 having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
• Words that mean the same thing: tolerant, genial, kind
• The opposite would be: unkind
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KINDER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Costume that might start with a cardboard box"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mechanism that can move automatically
• Words that mean the same thing: automaton, golem
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROBOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Two cents for a paper, perhaps"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: OPED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Body with a floor"

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 division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
• Words that mean the same thing: ocean
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Orchestral instrument that doesn't make a sound"

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 thin tapered rod used by a conductor to lead an orchestra or choir
• Words that mean the same thing: truncheon, billystick, wand
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BATON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Extension ___"

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 line made of twisted fibers or threads
• Words that mean the same thing: electric cord, corduroy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CORD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "33. Pass (out)"

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 informal term for the nose
• Words that mean the same thing: pop off, swoon, stall
• The opposite would be: be born
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CONK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "34. Trinket"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that (yiddish) an attractive, unconventional woman
• Words that mean the same thing: chachka, tsatske, tchotchkeleh
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TCHOTCHKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "36. Unpolished"

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 dark oil consisting mainly of hydrocarbons
• Words that mean the same thing: unrefined, oil, crude oil
• The opposite would be: refined
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CRUDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "37. One might be chosen for its perspective"

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 a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
• Words that mean the same thing: fundament, sit down, tail end
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "38. Loafers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that person who does no work
• Words that mean the same thing: idler, loafer, do-nothing
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAYABOUTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "40. Like hair at salons"

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 designate by an identifying term
• Words that mean the same thing: style, title
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STYLED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "42. Bad side"

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 argument opposed to a proposal
• Words that mean the same thing: nobble, inmate, convict
• The opposite would be: pro
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CONS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "43. Data head?"

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 federation of north american industrial unions that merged with the american federation of labor in 1955
• Words that mean the same thing: Congress of Industrial Organizations
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "44. Drummed-up measures?"

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 basic rhythmic unit in a piece of music
• Words that mean the same thing: beat, musical rhythm, calendar method of birth control
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RHYTHMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "47. Seasoned rice dish"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that rice cooked in well-seasoned broth with onions or celery and usually poultry or game or shellfish and sometimes tomatoes
• Words that mean the same thing: pilaff, pilau, pilaw
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PILAF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "50. Make a big stink"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RAISEHELL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "52. Blue book alternative"

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

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: ADULTSITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "54. Actress Sink of "Stranger Things""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SADIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "55. Say goodbye to many a 34-Across à la Marie Kondo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DECLUTTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "56. Prunes"

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 state of arrangement or appearance
• Words that mean the same thing: garnish, trim back, prune
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TRIMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "57. Destiny's Child's "___ My Name""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the chance to speak
• Words that mean the same thing: articulate, enounce, sound 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: SAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "58. Was appealing?"

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 appeal or request earnestly
• Words that mean the same thing: plead
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PLED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "59. Some time"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the time during which someone's life continues
• Words that mean the same thing: twenty-four hours, daytime, 24-hour interval
• The opposite would be: night
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DAYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Friday NYT Crossword May 13, 2022

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Newmark with an eponymous list	5
2D	2. Series of stakes	10
3D	3. "Truer words were never spoken!"	10
4D	4. Word from the Dutch for "talk nonsense"	4
5D	5. "Claws" channel	3
6D	6. Trail	5
7D	7. One way to avoid a lecture	9
8D	8. Experienced	4
9D	9. Bygone	5
10D	10. Makes very uncomfortable, informally	9
11D	11. They may be tied up in a sequel	9
12D	12. W-2 ID	3
13D	14. Are in store	5
14D	15. Didn't come through as promised, in slang	6
15D	21. Not be serious	3
16D	23. Given (to)	4
17D	25. Garden tool	4
18D	27. Summons before congress?	9
19D	29. More sententious	9
20D	31. Group with the 2020 #1 album "Be"	3
21D	32. Country whose official languages are French and Arabic	4
22D	33. Be superinfatuated with someone	9
23D	35. Jazz great Laine	4
24D	36. What a bee may be	7
25D	39. "To All the ___ I've Loved Before" (2018 film)	4
26D	41. Hoist, redundantly	6
27D	44. Given a number, maybe	5
28D	45. Press, e.g.	5
29D	46. Oozing smarm	5
30D	47. Fills with fluff	4
31D	48. One may be floated or rough	4
32D	49. Liu of "Why Women Kill"	4
33D	50. Coronation, e.g.	4
34D	51. –	4
35D	53. Card display?	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. Newmark with an eponymous list"

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: CRAIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Series of stakes"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HORSERACES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. "Truer words were never spoken!""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: AMENTOTHAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Word from the Dutch for "talk nonsense""

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 a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
• Words that mean the same thing: fustian, rave, mouth off
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RANT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. "Claws" channel"

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 explosive consisting of a yellow crystalline compound that is a flammable toxic derivative of toluene
• Words that mean the same thing: trinitrotoluene
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TNT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Trail"

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 distinctive odor that is pleasant
• Words that mean the same thing: odour, odorize, nose
• The opposite would be: deodorize, deodourise
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCENT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. One way to avoid a lecture"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: PLAYHOOKY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Experienced"

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 fabric made of compressed matted animal fibers
• Words that mean the same thing: feel, matte, find
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FELT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Bygone"

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: OLDEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Makes very uncomfortable, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WEIRDSOUT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. They may be tied up in a sequel"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LOOSEENDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. W-2 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 13 Down: "14. Are in store"

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 look forward to the probable occurrence of
• Words that mean the same thing: wait, look, expect
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWAIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "15. Didn't come through as promised, in slang"

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 form into flakes
• Words that mean the same thing: flake, peel off, flake off
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLAKED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Not be serious"

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 young person of either sex
• Words that mean the same thing: minor, chaff, pull the leg of
• The opposite would be: parent
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: KID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Given (to)"

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 established custom
• Words that mean the same thing: habit
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WONT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Garden tool"

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 dissolute man in fashionable society
• Words that mean the same thing: slant, skim, rakehell
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Summons before congress?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BOOTYCALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. More sententious"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that inclined to or marked by tedious moralization
• Words that mean the same thing: preachy
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PREACHIER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Group with the 2020 #1 album "Be""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Country whose official languages are French and Arabic"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a small piece of paper that is supposed to be removed when a hole is punched in a card or paper tape
• Words that mean the same thing: Chadic, Chadic language, Republic of Chad
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Be superinfatuated with someone"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CRUSHHARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Jazz great Laine"

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: CLEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. What a bee may be"

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 occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants
• Words that mean the same thing: competition, contend, repugn
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CONTEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "39. "To All the ___ I've Loved Before" (2018 film)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a youthful male person
• Words that mean the same thing: son, boy, male child
• The opposite would be: female child, girl
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Hoist, redundantly"

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: LIFTUP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "44. Given a number, maybe"

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 assign a rank or rating to
• Words that mean the same thing: denounce, tell on, grade
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RATED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. Press, e.g."

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 means or instrumentality for storing or communicating information
• Words that mean the same thing: metier, spiritualist, sensitive
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEDIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Oozing smarm"

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 covered with or resembling slime
• Words that mean the same thing: vile, ugly, slimed
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SLIMY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Fills with fluff"

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 number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge
• Words that mean the same thing: lard, launch pad, digs
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PADS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "48. One may be floated or rough"

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 content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
• Words that mean the same thing: approximation, estimate, mind
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "49. Liu of "Why Women Kill""

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 incomplete skeleton of female found in eastern ethiopia in 1974
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LUCY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "50. Coronation, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an established ceremony prescribed by a religion
• Words that mean the same thing: religious rite, ritual
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. –"

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 (comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree
• Words that mean the same thing: to a lesser extent
• The opposite would be: more
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Card display?"

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: STL

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	54	77.1%
Short Answer	8	11.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.9%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%
Food & Drink	1	1.4%
Literature	1	1.4%
Music	1	1.4%
Geography	1	1.4%
Movies/Film	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	35
Total Clues	70
Average Answer Length	5.5 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	10 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

Last Updated: September 10, 2025 at 03:29 AM

December 17, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (39 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

• September 11 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 08 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 24 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• Ny Times Crossword Answers April 20
• July 06 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, December 17, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (39 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Thursday Puzzle December 17, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Needing some kneading, say	4
2A	5. Language in which a nutty person might be told "Yer bum's oot the windae"	5
3A	10. Hunting store purchase	4
4A	14. Hook's henchman	4
5A	15. Stamp holder	5
6A	16. Birthday ___	4
7A	17. Basic idea	4
8A	18. Items that are hard to throw away?	10
9A	20. Remedy	8
10A	22. Troublemaker of 1-Down	4
11A	23. Important piece in échecs	3
12A	24. Money-collecting org.	3
13A	25. Word included to prevent libel, say	7
14A	28. Rough write-up	5
15A	30. Ballet basic	4
16A	31. Losing tic-tac-toe row	3
17A	32. Cry of dismay in 5-Across	3
18A	34. Singer/songwriter Corinne Bailey ___	3
19A	35. Landed	4
20A	36. Work suggested by this puzzle's circled and shaded squares	15
21A	41. Strongly advocate	4
22A	42. -: Abbr.	3
23A	43. One of the Kennedys	3
24A	44. Pudding flavor	3
25A	45. Big name in in-flight internet	4
26A	46. ___ Nadu (Indian state)	5
27A	50. America ___, star of TV's "Ugly Betty"	7
28A	52. Extinct flightless bird	3
29A	54. Lead-in to puncture	3
30A	55. Actress Chaplin	4
31A	56. Like an unused air mattress	8
32A	58. That's gnus to me!	10
33A	61. Shortcoming	4
34A	62. Word before rich or talk	4
35A	63. Rent	5
36A	64. Swiss Alp next to Lake Lucerne	4
37A	65. Just OK	4
38A	66. Small and pointy-eared, perhaps	5
39A	67. What "exaggerated" is sometimes misspelled with	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

Here are helpful hints to solve each clue. Remember, crossword puzzles are like word games - have fun with them!

Clue 1 Across: "1. Needing some kneading, say"

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 causing a dull and steady pain
• Words that mean the same thing: aching
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACHY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Language in which a nutty person might be told "Yer bum's oot the windae""

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 dialect of english used in scotland
• Words that mean the same thing: Scotsman, Scottish, Scot
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Hunting store purchase"

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 projectiles to be fired from a gun
• Words that mean the same thing: ammunition
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Hook's henchman"

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: SMEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Stamp holder"

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 one or more recordings issued together; originally released on 12-inch phonograph records (usually with attractive record covers) and later on cassette audiotape and compact disc
• Words that mean the same thing: record album
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALBUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Birthday ___"

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 specific feeling of desire
• Words that mean the same thing: want, regard, indirect request
• The opposite would be: begrudge
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WISH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Basic idea"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
• Words that mean the same thing: heart and soul, essence, nitty-gritty
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Items that are hard to throw away?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a curved piece of wood; when properly thrown will return to thrower
• Words that mean the same thing: boomerang, throwing stick, backfire
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOOMERANGS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Remedy"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a remedy that stops or controls the effects of a poison
• Words that mean the same thing: counterpoison
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANTIDOTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Troublemaker of 1-Down"

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 (norse mythology) trickster; god of discord and mischief; contrived death of balder and was overcome by thor
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOKI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Important piece in échecs"

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 (corporate finance) the amount, expressed as a percentage, that is earned on a company's total capital calculated by dividing the total capital into earnings before interest, taxes, or dividends are paid
• Words that mean the same thing: return on investment, return on invested capital
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Money-collecting org."

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 bureau of the treasury department responsible for tax collections
• Words that mean the same thing: Internal Revenue Service
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "25. Word included to prevent libel, say"

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 report or maintain
• Words that mean the same thing: supposed, so-called, aver
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALLEGED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Rough write-up"

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 document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another
• Words that mean the same thing: blueprint, gulp, swig
• The opposite would be: discharge
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRAFT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "30. Ballet basic"

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: PLIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "31. Losing tic-tac-toe row"

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: OXO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "32. Cry of dismay in 5-Across"

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: ACH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Singer/songwriter Corinne Bailey ___"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: RAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. Landed"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ALIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "36. Work suggested by this puzzle's circled and shaded squares"

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: BEETHOVENSFIFTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "41. Strongly advocate"

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 instinctive motive
• Words that mean the same thing: itch, inspire, urge on
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: URGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. -: 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: NEG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. One of the Kennedys"

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 tough youth of 1950's and 1960's wearing edwardian style clothes
• Words that mean the same thing: Teddy boy
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. Pudding flavor"

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 diagram or picture illustrating textual material
• Words that mean the same thing: common fig tree, Al-Jama'a al-Islamiyyah al-Muqatilah bi-Libya, Ficus carica
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. Big name in in-flight internet"

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: GOGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "46. ___ Nadu (Indian state)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of the mixed dravidian and caucasian people of southern india and sri lanka
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAMIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "50. America ___, star of TV's "Ugly Betty""

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

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. Extinct flightless bird"

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

  The answer is: MOA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. Lead-in to puncture"

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: ACU

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Actress Chaplin"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OONA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "56. Like an unused air mattress"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that collapse by releasing contained air or gas
• Words that mean the same thing: chopfallen, chapfallen, crestfallen
• The opposite would be: inflate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEFLATED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "58. That's gnus to me!"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: WILDEBEEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "61. Shortcoming"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an imperfection in an object or machine
• Words that mean the same thing: fault, blemish, defect
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FLAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "62. Word before rich or 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 the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
• Words that mean the same thing: baseless, loose, unused
• The opposite would be: busy, run
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "63. Rent"

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 property that is leased or rented out or let
• Words that mean the same thing: rent, let, letting
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LEASE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "64. Swiss Alp next to Lake Lucerne"

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: RIGI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "65. Just OK"

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: SOSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "66. Small and pointy-eared, perhaps"

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 suggestive of an elf in strangeness and otherworldliness; ; - john mason brown
• Words that mean the same thing: elflike, elfish, fey
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELFIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "67. What "exaggerated" is sometimes misspelled with"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ONEG

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Thursday Puzzle December 17, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Mythical realm accessible only by the rainbow bridge Bifrost	6
2D	2. Key to this puzzle's theme?	6
3D	3. Greek goddess of the hearth	6
4D	4. Sight on Disney World's Expedition Everest ride	4
5D	5. Flavor: Sp.	5
6D	6. Sticks together	5
7D	7. Instrument featured in 36-Across	4
8D	8. Rum ___ Tugger ("Cats" cat)	3
9D	9. Most foul	9
10D	10. Up	5
11D	11. Puttering around?	8
12D	12. Flavor enhancer	3
13D	13. Exclamations of surprise	3
14D	19. Credit line?	4
15D	21. Leave behind	5
16D	25. ___ Freed, early radio personality who coined the term "rock 'n' roll"	4
17D	26. It takes people out	4
18D	27. Biblical verb	4
19D	29. What the opening motif of 36-Across is said to represent	4
20D	30. Response to "Grazie!"	5
21D	33. Epithet for a judge	9
22D	35. Lover of Radames, in opera	4
23D	36. Muscly	4
24D	37. Tribe that fought the Iroquois	4
25D	38. Servings with sweet-and-sour sauce	8
26D	39. Summer Triangle star	4
27D	40. ___ position	5
28D	45. Something editable using CRISPR technology	4
29D	47. Oscar winner Marlee	6
30D	48. Cooling-off period?	6
31D	49. First name of this puzzle's dedicatee, born December 1770	6
32D	51. Copland ballet with a hoedown	5
33D	52. Longtime star of F.C. Barcelona	5
34D	53. A lot	5
35D	56. What 49-Down became in later life	4
36D	57. Prefix with Cuban	4
37D	58. Ill. neighbor	3
38D	59. Formal "yes"	3
39D	60. Reef predator	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. Mythical realm accessible only by the rainbow bridge Bifrost"

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 (norse mythology) the heavenly dwelling of the norse gods (the aesir) and slain war heroes
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASGARD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Key to this puzzle's theme?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: CMINOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Greek goddess of the hearth"

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 (greek mythology) the goddess of the hearth and its fire in ancient mythology; identified with roman vesta
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HESTIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Sight on Disney World's Expedition Everest ride"

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 a large hairy humanoid creature said to live in the himalayas
• Words that mean the same thing: abominable snowman
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: YETI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Flavor: Sp."

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: SABOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Sticks together"

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 lump of material formed from the content of a liquid
• Words that mean the same thing: clabber, clot, curdle
• The opposite would be: homogenize
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Instrument featured in 36-Across"

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 slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
• Words that mean the same thing: hautbois, hautboy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OBOE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Rum ___ Tugger ("Cats" cat)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an enlarged and muscular saclike organ of the alimentary canal; the principal organ of digestion
• Words that mean the same thing: breadbasket, tummy, stomach
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Most foul"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that offensively malodorous
• Words that mean the same thing: foul, stinking, fetid
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SMELLIEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Up"

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 stop sleeping
• Words that mean the same thing: arouse, waken, alive
• The opposite would be: fall asleep, asleep
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AWAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Puttering around?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MINIGOLF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Flavor enhancer"

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 white crystalline compound used as a food additive to enhance flavor; often used in chinese cooking
• Words that mean the same thing: monosodium glutamate
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MSG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Exclamations of surprise"

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 midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
• Words that mean the same thing: OH, Ohio, Buckeye State
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Credit line?"

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 actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
• Words that mean the same thing: character, purpose, use
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Leave behind"

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 long narrow excavation in the earth
• Words that mean the same thing: dump, chuck, trench
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DITCH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. ___ Freed, early radio personality who coined the term "rock 'n' roll""

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: ALAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "26. It takes people out"

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 opening that permits escape or release
• Words that mean the same thing: perish, give-up the ghost, pop off
• The opposite would be: be born, enter
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Biblical verb"

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: DOTH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. What the opening motif of 36-Across is said to represent"

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 an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
• Words that mean the same thing: designate, doom, lot
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. Response to "Grazie!""

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: PREGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. Epithet for a judge"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
• Words that mean the same thing: honourable, honest, good
• The opposite would be: dishonest, dishonorable
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HONORABLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. Lover of Radames, in opera"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: AIDA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "36. Muscly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an ardent follower and admirer
• Words that mean the same thing: lover, fan, buffer
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BUFF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "37. Tribe that fought the Iroquois"

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 member of an iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of lake erie in northern ohio and northwest pennsylvania and western new york
• Words that mean the same thing: Lake Erie
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Servings with sweet-and-sour sauce"

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: EGGROLLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Summer Triangle star"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that prolific spanish playwright (1562-1635)
• Words that mean the same thing: Lope Felix de Vega Carpio, Lope de Vega
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VEGA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. ___ position"

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 of or relating to a fetus
• Words that mean the same thing: foetal
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FETAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "45. Something editable using CRISPR technology"

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 (genetics) a segment of dna that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding dna as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity
• Words that mean the same thing: cistron, factor
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GENE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Oscar winner Marlee"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MATLIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. Cooling-off period?"

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: ICEAGE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. First name of this puzzle's dedicatee, born December 1770"

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: LUDWIG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. Copland ballet with a hoedown"

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

  The answer is: RODEO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. Longtime star of F.C. Barcelona"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: MESSI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "53. A lot"

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 many times at short intervals
• Words that mean the same thing: oftentimes, a great deal, frequently
• The opposite would be: rarely, infrequently
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OFTEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "56. What 49-Down became in later life"

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 people who have severe hearing impairments
• Words that mean the same thing: indifferent, deafen
• The opposite would be: hearing
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DEAF

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "57. Prefix with Cuban"

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 rounded thickly curled hairdo
• Words that mean the same thing: Afro hairdo
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AFRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "58. Ill. neighbor"

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 midwestern state in north central united states
• Words that mean the same thing: WI, Wisconsin, Badger State
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "59. Formal "yes""

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 artificial language that is a revision and simplification of esperanto
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "60. Reef predator"

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 fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	54	69.2%
Short Answer	14	17.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	5	6.4%
History	2	2.6%
Abbreviation	1	1.3%
Geography	1	1.3%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	39
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	78
Average Answer Length	4.8 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 Thursday, 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!

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

Last Updated: September 20, 2025 at 04:22 PM