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Monday, September 29, 2025

NYT Mini Today September 29, 2025: Complete Walkthrough with Progressive Hints

NYT Mini September 29, 2025: Fast Answers, Strategic Hints & Speed-Solving Guide

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: March 29 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | December 19 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | May 01 2023 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for September 29, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Monday, September 29, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 29, 2025
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1     
Row 2     
Row 3     
Row 4     
Row 5     

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 43. A dance or a dip
2 Across 25. 3, 4 or 5, for a golf hole
3 Across 23. Hyphenated brand of fruit-flavored drinks
4 Across 14. Touch-and-go
5 Across 72. Send to a specialist, say
6 Across 52. Photo ___ (media events)
7 Across 68. Fertile soil
8 Across 35. Free souvenirs
9 Across 53. Fertilization targets
10 Across 37. Yoko to whom the 1971 song "Oh Yoko!" is dedicated

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:


1 Across: "43. A dance or a dip"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SALSA


2 Across: "25. 3, 4 or 5, for a golf hole"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal PAR


3 Across: "23. Hyphenated brand of fruit-flavored drinks"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal HIC


4 Across: "14. Touch-and-go"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: D___Y

Answer:

Click to reveal DICEY


5 Across: "72. Send to a specialist, say"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: R___R

Answer:

Click to reveal REFER


6 Across: "52. Photo ___ (media events)"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal OPS


7 Across: "68. Fertile soil"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LOAM


8 Across: "35. Free souvenirs"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SWAG


9 Across: "53. Fertilization targets"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal OVA


10 Across: "37. Yoko to whom the 1971 song "Oh Yoko!" is dedicated"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ONO

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 36. "You go, ___!"
2 Down 50. Laser pointer or rubber mouse
3 Down 11. Composer Stravinsky
4 Down 51. Sweet drink
5 Down 6. "Shucks!," only stronger
6 Down 59. Word after pen, pet or proper
7 Down 61. Bro
8 Down 62. Trade punches
9 Down 42. Castaway's call for help
10 Down 3. Berry that's a "superfood"

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


1 Down: "36. "You go, ___!""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal GIRL


2 Down: "50. Laser pointer or rubber mouse"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: C____Y

Answer:

Click to reveal CATTOY


3 Down: "11. Composer Stravinsky"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal IGOR


4 Down: "51. Sweet drink"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: N____R

Answer:

Click to reveal NECTAR


5 Down: "6. "Shucks!," only stronger"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DAMN


6 Down: "59. Word after pen, pet or proper"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal NAME


7 Down: "61. Bro"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DUDE


8 Down: "62. Trade punches"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SPAR


9 Down: "42. Castaway's call for help"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SOS


10 Down: "3. Berry that's a "superfood""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ACAI

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 1 minute 3 seconds
Difficulty: Medium

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

The puzzle comes out at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before. So you can play Monday's puzzle starting Sunday at 10 PM.

How fast should I be able to solve it?

Most people solve the Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play?

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

What makes a good Mini solver?

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

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

Unlike the big NYT crossword, the Mini stays about the same difficulty every day. Sometimes Saturday might be a tiny bit harder.


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: September 29, 2025 at 03:51 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, September 29 2025 mini crossword

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

June 10, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023

Difficulty Level: Challenging Thursday Puzzle

Total Clues: 62 (31 Across, 31 Down)

Average Word Length: 6.1 letters

NYT Saturday Crossword Across Clues - June 10, 2023 Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Curved bedframe style 6
2A 7. Distresses 6
3A 13. Roast roost 7
4A 15. Central F.B.I. component? 6
5A 16. Mythological figure with an eponymous body part 8
6A 18. Add with force 6
7A 19. Goddess of spring 4
8A 20. Chorus in "E Viva Mexico" 4
9A 22. Gives out 5
10A 23. Use a laser, perhaps 4
11A 24. Find time for 5
12A 26. Not from Scotland 3
13A 27. From overseas? 3
14A 28. Blame-shifting words 11
15A 31. Roman statesman for whom a Midwest city was named 11
16A 32. Finds a time for, in a way 11
17A 33. Rain check events 11
18A 34. Athlete often found on the bench 11
19A 35. "Speaking openly," in texts 3
20A 38. "Mad Men" network 3
21A 39. Van trailer? 5
22A 40. Currency since the Ottoman Empire 4
23A 41. 2:1, e.g. 5
24A 44. "___ eaten without either mirth or music is ill of digestion": Sir Walter Scott 4
25A 45. Smooth out 4
26A 46. Twain protagonist 6
27A 48. Remote indication of approval 8
28A 50. Either brother in an old pop duo 6
29A 51. Triple ___ 7
30A 52. Late departure 6
31A 53. Natural treatment for nausea 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. Curved bedframe style"

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 vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow
  • Words that mean the same thing: sled, sledge
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SLEIGH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. Distresses"

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 fear resulting from the awareness of danger
  • Words that mean the same thing: alarum, warning device, alert
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALARMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "13. Roast roost"

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: HOTSEAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "15. Central F.B.I. component?"

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 an administrative unit of government
  • Words that mean the same thing: chest, government agency, federal 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: BUREAU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Mythological figure with an eponymous body part"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a mythical greek hero of the iliad; a foremost greek warrior at the siege of troy; when he was a baby his mother tried to make him immortal by bathing him in a magical river but the heel by which she held him remained vulnerable--his `achilles' heel'
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ACHILLES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "18. Add with force"

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: CRAMIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "19. Goddess of spring"

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 type genus of the majidae; nearly cosmopolitan in distribution
  • Words that mean the same thing: Maja, genus Maia, genus Maja
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MAIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Chorus in "E Viva Mexico""

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: OLES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "22. Gives out"

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 expel (gases or odors)
  • Words that mean the same thing: breathe, give off, give out
  • The opposite would be: absorb
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EMITS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "23. Use a laser, perhaps"

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 make an etching of
  • Words that mean the same thing: engrave
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ETCH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "24. Find time for"

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: GETTO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Not from Scotland"

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: NAE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. From overseas?"

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 potent estrogen used in medicine and in feed for livestock and poultry
  • Words that mean the same thing: stilbestrol, DE, diethylstilbesterol
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Blame-shifting words"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: HESTARTEDIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Roman statesman for whom a Midwest city was named"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about geography.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that roman statesman regarded as a model of simple virtue; he twice was called to assume dictatorship of rome and each time retired to his farm (519-438 bc)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus
  • The word looks like this: ___________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CINCINNATUS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Finds a time for, in a way"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: CARBONDATES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Rain check events"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: MAKEUPGAMES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Athlete often found on the bench"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: POWERLIFTER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "35. "Speaking openly," in texts"

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: TBH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. "Mad Men" network"

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: AMC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "39. Van trailer?"

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: BUREN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "40. Currency since the Ottoman Empire"

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 basic unit of money on malta; equal to 100 cents
  • Words that mean the same thing: Maltese lira, Italian lira, Turkish lira
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LIRA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "41. 2:1, 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 an ordered reference standard
  • Words that mean the same thing: musical scale, surmount, scale of measurement
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SCALE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. "___ eaten without either mirth or music is ill of digestion": Sir Walter Scott"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
  • Words that mean the same thing: sum, essence, pith
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MEAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. Smooth 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 a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
  • Words that mean the same thing: iron out, Fe, smoothing iron
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: IRON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "46. Twain protagonist"

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 one who is employed to saw wood
  • Words that mean the same thing: sawyer beetle
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAWYER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "48. Remote indication of approval"

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: ESIGNING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "50. Either brother in an old pop duo"

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: EVERLY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "51. Triple ___"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an informal alliance between countries
  • Words that mean the same thing: entente cordiale
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ENTENTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "52. Late departure"

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 night flight from which the passengers emerge with eyes red from lack of sleep
  • Words that mean the same thing: redeye flight
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REDEYE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "53. Natural treatment for nausea"

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 perennial plants having thick branching aromatic rhizomes and leafy reedlike stems
  • Words that mean the same thing: peppiness, gingery, gingerroot
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GINGER

    Great job if you got it right!

June 10, 2023 Down Hints: NYT Saturday Crossword Guide

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Red-faced 6
2D 2. Not just track 6
3D 3. Subject of a Senate committee with an interest in gifts 6
4D 4. Hall-of-Fame point guard Thomas 5
5D 5. Come together 3
6D 6. Banned lighting option 11
7D 7. Opening sequence 3
8D 8. Fly, at times 4
9D 9. Composer Khachaturian 4
10D 10. "Please jog our memory …" 8
11D 11. Cocktails with orgeat syrup 7
12D 12. A drop before bedtime? 6
13D 14. Constellation named for the instrument it depicts 11
14D 17. Liberating 11
15D 21. That's an order! 11
16D 25. Dressing up 11
17D 28. Headhunter's correspondent 5
18D 29. Home run, in slang 5
19D 30. Summers in Monaco 4
20D 31. Word with round or pound 4
21D 32. Quoth the raven? 8
22D 33. Certain zen retreat 7
23D 34. Prudent poker player, perhaps 6
24D 35. Draining 6
25D 36. Who wrote "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same" 6
26D 37. Choice at a dry cleaner 6
27D 40. Prized textile in ancient Egypt 5
28D 42. Hermes' invention, in myth 4
29D 43. Tough to grasp 4
30D 47. Deli choice 3
31D 49. Volkswagen Golf model 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. Red-faced"

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 bring shame or dishonor upon
  • Words that mean the same thing: sham, dishonored, dishonor
  • The opposite would be: honor
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SHAMED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Not just track"

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 discover the location of; determine the place of; find by searching or examining
  • Words that mean the same thing: turn up, place, settle
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOCATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Subject of a Senate committee with an interest in gifts"

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 motivation based on ideas of right and wrong
  • Words that mean the same thing: moral philosophy, moral principle, ethical code
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ETHICS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Hall-of-Fame point guard Thomas"

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: ISIAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Come together"

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 colloid in a more solid form than a sol
  • Words that mean the same thing: colloidal gel, mousse, gelatin
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Banned lighting option"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: HALOGENBULB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Opening sequence"

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 elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)
  • Words that mean the same thing: rudiment, ABCs, first rudiment
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ABC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Fly, at times"

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 qualities that attract by seeming to promise some kind of reward
  • Words that mean the same thing: bait, come-on, hook
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LURE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Composer Khachaturian"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the biblical name for ancient syria
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARAM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. "Please jog our memory …""

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: REMINDUS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Cocktails with orgeat syrup"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: MAITAIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. A drop before bedtime?"

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 the time in the evening at which the sun begins to fall below the horizon
  • Words that mean the same thing: sundown
  • The opposite would be: sunrise
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SUNSET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Constellation named for the instrument it depicts"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a small constellation in the southern hemisphere near ara
  • The word looks like this: ___________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TELESCOPIUM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "17. Liberating"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a hard 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: SETTINGFREE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. That's an order!"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 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: STANDATEASE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Dressing up"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a hard clue about general knowledge.

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
  • Words that mean the same thing: grace, embellish, adorn
  • The word looks like this: ___________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ORNAMENTING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "28. Headhunter's correspondent"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a person responsible for hiring workers
  • Words that mean the same thing: boss
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HIRER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "29. Home run, in slang"

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 edible tuber native to south america; a staple food of ireland
  • Words that mean the same thing: spud, Irish potato, murphy
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TATER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. Summers in Monaco"

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: ETES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "31. Word with round or pound"

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 block of solid substance (such as soap or wax)
  • Words that mean the same thing: bar, coat, patty
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CAKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "32. Quoth the raven?"

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: CAWCAWED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "33. Certain zen retreat"

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: MOMCAVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. Prudent poker player, perhaps"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a person who passes by casually or by chance
  • Words that mean the same thing: forward passer, genus Passer, passerby
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PASSER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Draining"

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 lose interest or become bored with something or somebody
  • Words that mean the same thing: fag, sap, tire out
  • The opposite would be: interest, refresh
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TIRING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "36. Who wrote "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same""

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 english novelist; youngest of three bronte sisters (1820-1849)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Emily Bronte, Emily Jane Bronte, Currer Bell
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BRONTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "37. Choice at a dry cleaner"

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 worker who hangs 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: HANGER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Prized textile in ancient Egypt"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant
  • Words that mean the same thing: linen paper
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LINEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "42. Hermes' invention, in myth"

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

    The answer is: LYRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "43. Tough to grasp"

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: EELY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Deli choice"

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 seed of the cereal grass
  • Words that mean the same thing: rye whisky, Secale cereale, rye whiskey
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RYE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Volkswagen Golf model"

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: GTI

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 48 77.4%
Short Answer 8 12.9%
Music 2 3.2%
History 2 3.2%
Geography 1 1.6%
Sports 1 1.6%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 31
Down Clues 31
Total Clues 62
Average Answer Length 6.1 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 11 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 Saturday, and these puzzles are usually challenging level
  • Most clues today are about general knowledge
  • The average word today has about 6 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 01, 2025 at 08:39 PM

Saturday, September 13, 2025

December 16, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, December 16, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (32 Across, 42 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

December 16, 2021 Thursday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Corresponds 6
2A 7. Very much 4
3A 11. Hot temper 3
4A 14. Something often held underwater 6
5A 15. Flummox 8
6A 17. Flummox 6
7A 18. Shakespeare, notably 9
8A 19. Call of support 3
9A 20. Grazer with a bushy beard 3
10A 21. Joined forces (with) 5
11A 22. South American arboreal snake 7
12A 26. Laser tag equipment 4
13A 27. Depictions of lands' ups and downs 10
14A 29. Seriously shortchange 3
15A 32. Focal points of a debate 10
16A 34. Offensive line 4
17A 35. Mind 4
18A 36. Brambles with edible purple fruit 10
19A 39. Resting place 3
20A 40. Uncompromising sorts 10
21A 42. Small bouquet 4
22A 43. Setting for Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" 7
23A 45. Casts off 5
24A 47. Weekly 90-min. TV show 3
25A 48. Cowboys' grp. 3
26A 50. Word with room or system 9
27A 52. Flummox ... or a classic word game represented by the central grid of shaded squares, in which 15-, 17- and 55-Across can be found 6
28A 55. Flummox 8
29A 56. Nonchalant 6
30A 57. No. after a no. 3
31A 58. Drink sometimes served in a masu cup 4
32A 59. Hits the roof 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. Corresponds"

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 be in accord; be in agreement
  • Words that mean the same thing: fit, tally, correspond
  • The opposite would be: disagree
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AGREES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "7. Very much"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ALOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. Hot temper"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: IRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Something often held underwater"

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 the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
  • Words that mean the same thing: breathing spell, breather, intimation
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BREATH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Flummox"

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 be a mystery or bewildering to
  • Words that mean the same thing: flummox, get, dumbfound
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BEWILDER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "17. Flummox"

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 cause to be confused emotionally
  • Words that mean the same thing: bewilder, throw, discombobulate
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BEMUSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "18. Shakespeare, notably"

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

    The answer is: SONNETEER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Call of support"

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 affirmative
  • Words that mean the same thing: yeah
  • The opposite would be: nay
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Grazer with a bushy beard"

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

    The answer is: GNU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Joined forces (with)"

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 take sides for or against; ; m siding against the current candidate"
  • Words that mean the same thing: side
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SIDED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "22. South American arboreal snake"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: TREEBOA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Laser tag equipment"

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 weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
  • Words that mean the same thing: artillery, accelerator, ordnance
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GUNS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. Depictions of lands' ups and downs"

Quick Info: This answer has 10 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: RELIEFMAPS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Seriously shortchange"

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: overcharge, pluck, fleece
  • 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 15 Across: "32. Focal points of a debate"

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: MAINISSUES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Offensive line"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect
  • Words that mean the same thing: jibe, gibe, shot
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BARB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Mind"

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

    The answer is: OBEY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "36. Brambles with edible purple fruit"

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 any of several trailing blackberry brambles especially of north america
  • Words that mean the same thing: running blackberry, dewberry, dewberry bush
  • The word looks like this: __________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DEWBERRIES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "39. Resting 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 a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
  • Words that mean the same thing: layer, go to sleep, get laid
  • The opposite would be: get up, turn out
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "40. Uncompromising sorts"

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 a conservative who is uncompromising
  • Words that mean the same thing: hardliner
  • The word looks like this: __________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HARDLINERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Small bouquet"

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 arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present
  • Words that mean the same thing: nosegay, bouquet, corsage
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: POSY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. Setting for Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night""

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 uncertain region on the east shore of the adriatic where an ancient indo-european people once lived
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ILLYRIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Casts off"

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 outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage
  • Words that mean the same thing: disgorge, moult, pour forth
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SHEDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. Weekly 90-min. TV show"

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: SNL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Cowboys' grp."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: NFC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. Word with room or system"

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 direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.
  • Words that mean the same thing: go, control, mesh
  • The opposite would be: disengage, malfunction
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OPERATING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "52. Flummox ... or a classic word game represented by the central grid of shaded squares, in which 15-, 17- and 55-Across can be found"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that startle with amazement or fear
  • Words that mean the same thing: flabbergast, bowl over
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BOGGLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "55. Flummox"

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 be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly
  • Words that mean the same thing: bedevil, confound, fuddle
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BEFUDDLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "56. Nonchalant"

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 marked by blithe unconcern
  • Words that mean the same thing: nonchalant, fooling, daily
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CASUAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "57. No. after a no."

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: EXT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. Drink sometimes served in a masu cup"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a reason for wanting something done
  • Words that mean the same thing: rice beer, saki, interest
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAKE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. Hits the roof"

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 start abruptly
  • Words that mean the same thing: push through, flare, irrupt
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ERUPTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Thursday Puzzle December 16, 2021

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. "Sesame Street" Muppet with magical powers 4
2D 2. Hug or kiss, maybe 5
3D 3. Took a second? 9
4D 4. Three-vowel French word that sounds like a fourth vowel 3
5D 5. French connections 3
6D 6. ___-wolf 3
7D 7. "___ Ben Adhem" (Leigh Hunt poem) 4
8D 8. "Dancing With the Stars" judge Goodman 3
9D 9. Comes clean 6
10D 10. Certain marketing gimmicks 6
11D 11. Pensée 4
12D 12. Liberal arts college in Portland, Ore. 4
13D 13. Transgress 3
14D 16. Former Fords 4
15D 18. In a real mess 7
16D 20. Runs out of water 7
17D 23. Start of a count-off 4
18D 24. Name that drops "-jah" 3
19D 25. Dumbbell curls build them, for short 3
20D 26. Monthly utility statement 7
21D 28. Sound from a crib 7
22D 29. Giving a boost 9
23D 30. Unrefined material 3
24D 31. Dangerous pellets 3
25D 32. Rabble 3
26D 33. Figure on a fiver 3
27D 34. Winter exclamation 4
28D 37. Photo lab request: Abbr. 3
29D 38. Singer Lana del ___ 3
30D 40. Surfer wannabes 6
31D 41. Subordinate in the prosecutor's office: Abbr. 6
32D 42. Its flag has vertical stripes of red-white-red 4
33D 44. Key just above G 5
34D 45. Glasses, informally 4
35D 46. Weight 4
36D 47. Old dagger 4
37D 49. Collectible cartoon frames 4
38D 50. Award turned down by Alan Rickman: Abbr. 3
39D 51. Variety 3
40D 52. Pre-A.D. 3
41D 53. Piece of equipment for certain summer Olympians 3
42D 54. Atlanta sch. 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. "Sesame Street" Muppet with magical powers"

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: ABBY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Hug or kiss, 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 express greetings upon meeting someone
  • Words that mean the same thing: recognize, recognise
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GREET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Took a second?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that marry, not for the first time
  • Words that mean the same thing: remarry
  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REMARRIED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Three-vowel French word that sounds like a fourth vowel"

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: EAU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. French connections"

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: ETS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. ___-wolf"

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: SHE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. "___ Ben Adhem" (Leigh Hunt poem)"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: ABOU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. "Dancing With the Stars" judge Goodman"

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: LEN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Comes clean"

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: OWNSUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Certain marketing gimmicks"

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: TIEINS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Pensée"

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: IDEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Liberal arts college in Portland, Ore."

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that tall woody perennial grasses with hollow slender stems especially of the genera arundo and phragmites
  • Words that mean the same thing: reed instrument, vibrating reed, John Reed
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Transgress"

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 to make a mistake or be incorrect
  • Words that mean the same thing: stray, mistake, slip
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ERR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "16. Former Fords"

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: LTDS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "18. In a real mess"

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 cause to be in a state of complete confusion
  • Words that mean the same thing: snafu
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SNAFUED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "20. Runs out of water"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: GOESDRY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "23. Start of a count-off"

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: EENY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "24. Name that drops "-jah""

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: ELI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "25. Dumbbell curls build them, for short"

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 a heavy brittle diamagnetic trivalent metallic element (resembles arsenic and antimony chemically); usually recovered as a by-product from ores of other metals
  • Words that mean the same thing: bismuth, atomic number 83, Bi
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BIS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "26. Monthly utility statement"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: GASBILL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "28. Sound from a crib"

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 cry weakly or softly
  • Words that mean the same thing: mewl, wail, pule
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MEWLING

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "29. Giving a boost"

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: RAISINGUP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "30. Unrefined material"

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 mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ORE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "31. Dangerous pellets"

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 computer that is running software that allows users to leave messages and access information of general interest
  • Words that mean the same thing: bulletin board, BB, electronic bulletin board
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BBS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "32. Rabble"

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 disorderly crowd of people
  • Words that mean the same thing: rout, throng, family
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MOB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "33. Figure on a fiver"

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: ABE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "34. Winter exclamation"

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: BRRR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "37. Photo lab request: Abbr."

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 an inflammatory complication of leprosy that results in painful skin lesions on the arms and legs and face
  • Words that mean the same thing: erythema nodosum leprosum
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ENL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "38. Singer Lana del ___"

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: REY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "40. Surfer wannabes"

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: HODADS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "41. Subordinate in the prosecutor's office: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ASSTDA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "42. Its flag has vertical stripes of red-white-red"

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 republic in western south america; achieved independence from spain in 1821; was the heart of the inca empire from the 12th to 16th centuries
  • Words that mean the same thing: Republic of Peru
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PERU

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "44. Key just above G"

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: AFLAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "45. Glasses, informally"

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: SPEX

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "46. Weight"

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 the property of being large in mass
  • Words that mean the same thing: heft up, heftiness, heave up
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HEFT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "47. Old dagger"

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: SNEE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "49. Collectible cartoon frames"

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: CELS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "50. Award turned down by Alan Rickman: Abbr."

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: OBE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "51. Variety"

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 kind of person
  • Words that mean the same thing: like
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ILK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "52. Pre-A.D."

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 of the period before the common era; preferred by some writers who are not christians
  • Words that mean the same thing: B.C.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: BCE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "53. Piece of equipment for certain summer Olympians"

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 implement used to propel or steer a boat
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OAR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "54. Atlanta sch."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: GSU

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 41 55.4%
Short Answer 21 28.4%
Celebrity/Entertainment 3 4.1%
Abbreviation 3 4.1%
History 2 2.7%
Sports 1 1.4%
Food & Drink 1 1.4%
Literature 1 1.4%
Geography 1 1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 32
Down Clues 42
Total Clues 74
Average Answer Length 4.9 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 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!

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 13, 2025 at 04:23 AM