2412 Mon Dec 16, 2024 NYT by Ailee Yoshida

Break down the NYT Crosswords: December 16, 2024

Let's go into the puzzle, starting with the across clues and answers, followed by the down clues and answers.

New York Times, Monday, December 16, 2024

Across Clues with Answers:

• The clue is 1. Team that won the most medals at the 2024 Olympics. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: USA

  Possible Answer : United_States, US, Army, United_States_of_America, USA, United_States_Army, America, U.S., U.S.A., US_Army, U._S._Army, the_States




• The clue is 4. Ann ___, Mich.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: ARBOR

  Possible Answer : bower, mandril, spindle, mandrel, arbour, pergola, arbor




• The clue is 9. Some laptops. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: PCS

  Possible Answer : personal_computer, PC, microcomputer




• The clue is 12. Director Ephron. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: NORA




• The clue is 14. Real smooth. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: SUAVE

  Possible Answer : bland, debonaire, politic, debonair, suave, debonnaire, smooth




• The clue is 15. What cilantro tastes like to some people. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SOAP

  Possible Answer : Georgia_home_boy, grievous_bodily_harm, scoop, goop, liquid_ecstasy, lather, max, easy_lay, soap




• The clue is 16. Enemy of the Jedi. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SITH




• The clue is 17. Sound of an unfortunate bird poop landing. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: SPLAT

  Possible Answer : splat




• The clue is 18. Blab. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: TELL

  Possible Answer : William_Tell, order, tell_apart, Tell, narrate, severalise, secernate, say, differentiate, distinguish, assure, severalize, enjoin, secern, tell, evidence, state, separate, recount, recite




• The clue is 19. Tidbit in a nutritious pudding. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: CHIASEED




• The clue is 21. Bulgy belly button. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: OUTIE




• The clue is 22. Hi-___ image. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: RES

  Possible Answer : atomic_number_75, re, Re, RES, Ra, rhenium, ray, reticuloendothelial_system




• The clue is 23. Department handling media inquiries. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: PRESSOFFICE




• The clue is 26. Is distressing to. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: EATSAT




• The clue is 28. End of a college URL. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: EDU




• The clue is 29. Hornswoggle. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: CON

  Possible Answer : confidence_trick, confidence_game, gyp, hornswoggle, con, scam, memorise, bunko_game, sting, learn, gip, hustle, inmate, rook, short-change, defraud, con_game, yardbird, nobble, goldbrick, victimize, bunco, memorize, diddle, mulct, bunko, yard_bird, bunco_game, swindle, convict, flimflam

  Possible Opposite Answer : pro




• The clue is 30. Habeas corpus, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: WRIT

  Possible Answer : writ, judicial_writ




• The clue is 31. Like the direction of this answer. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ACROSS

  Possible Answer : crossways, across, crosswise




• The clue is 34. Timeout at work … as represented visually by this puzzle's circled letters. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: COFFEEBREAK




• The clue is 38. Bits of wisdom. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: PEARLS

  Possible Answer : drop, bone, off-white, pearl, bead, ivory




• The clue is 39. Faller during fall. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: LEAF

  Possible Answer : riff, leaf, flick, foliage, flip, leafage, riffle, thumb, folio




• The clue is 42. "Don't mind ___ do". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: IFI




• The clue is 45. Prefix with -ceratops. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: TRI




• The clue is 46. Packaging for a stack of cookies. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: SLEEVE

  Possible Answer : sleeve, arm




• The clue is 48. Competition whose winner gets a tiara and sash. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (11 letters)

  The answer: MISSAMERICA




• The clue is 52. Gesture of approval. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: NOD

  Possible Answer : nod




• The clue is 53. Carelessly sits (down). Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: PLOPS

  Possible Answer : plump, plop, plunk_down, plunk, plank, flump, plump_down, plonk




• The clue is 54. Refined grace. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: ELEGANCE

  Possible Answer : elegance

  Possible Opposite Answer : inelegance




• The clue is 56. Muppet with his own "world" on "Sesame Street". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ELMO




• The clue is 57. Blingy piece of neckwear. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: CHAIN

  Possible Answer : chain_of_mountains, range, strand, chain, Chain, Ernst_Boris_Chain, concatenation, Sir_Ernst_Boris_Chain, range_of_mountains, mountain_range, string, mountain_chain, chemical_chain

  Possible Opposite Answer : unchain




• The clue is 59. Teddy Grahams shape. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: BEAR

  Possible Answer : endure, suffer, stand, assume, pay, yield, acquit, tolerate, bear, comport, put_up, give_birth, accept, support, deport, abide, birth, stomach, deliver, wear, hold, expect, have_a_bun_in_the_oven, turn_out, behave, brook, take_over, carry, gestate, stick_out, contain, have, conduct, digest

  Possible Opposite Answer : bull




• The clue is 60. Ingredient in bug spray. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: DEET




• The clue is 61. Worth. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: VALUE

  Possible Answer : respect, evaluate, valuate, rate, measure, prize, treasure, esteem, appraise, note_value, prise, value, economic_value, time_value, assess, appreciate

  Possible Opposite Answer : disrespect, disesteem




• The clue is 62. Initials on an "Organic" sticker. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: USDA

  Possible Answer : USDA, Department_of_Agriculture, Agriculture_Department, Agriculture




• The clue is 63. Make a mistake. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ERR

  Possible Answer : slip, stray, drift, err, mistake




• The clue is 64. Phil ___, QB who won two Super Bowls with the Giants. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: SIMMS




• The clue is 65. Sun, in San Juan. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: SOL

  Possible Answer : Sol, soh, so, sol, colloidal_suspension, colloidal_solution

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Remove, as a bottle cap. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: UNSCREW

  Possible Answer: unscrew

  Possible Opposite Answer : screw

• The clue is 2. "That's the word on the street". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: SOIHEAR

• The clue is 3. Good with a paintbrush, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: ARTISTIC

  Possible Answer: aesthetic, artistic, esthetic

• The clue is 4. Declare. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ASSERT

  Possible Answer: verify, asseverate, swan, affirm, put_forward, avow, assert, swear, aver, insist, maintain

• The clue is 5. Calcutta currency. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: RUPEE

  Possible Answer: Pakistani_rupee, Sri_Lanka_rupee, rupee, Mauritian_rupee, Nepalese_rupee, Seychelles_rupee, Indian_rupee

• The clue is 6. Loses one's hair. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: BALDS

  Possible Answer: bald

• The clue is 7. Egg cells. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: OVA

  Possible Answer: egg_cell, ovum

• The clue is 8. No longer working: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: RET

  Possible Answer: ret

• The clue is 9. Like lines / that rhyme / and keep / good time. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: POETIC

  Possible Answer: poetical, poetic

• The clue is 10. Cat with a colorful coat. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: CALICO

  Possible Answer: multicolor, multi-coloured, particolored, particoloured, multi-colour, varicoloured, motley, pied, multi-color, multicoloured, painted, varicolored, multicolored, multi-colored, multicolour, calico, piebald

• The clue is 11. Bad temper. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: SPLEEN

  Possible Answer: irascibility, lien, spleen, quick_temper, short_temper

• The clue is 13. "I've got it!". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: AHA

• The clue is 15. Double ___ Oreos. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: STUF

• The clue is 20. Place to get a cucumber mask. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: SPA

  Possible Answer: watering_place, watering_hole, resort_hotel, spa, health_club, health_spa

• The clue is 21. Coming in handy. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: OFUSE

• The clue is 24. Belgrade natives. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: SERBS

  Possible Answer: Serbian, Serb

• The clue is 25. This stinks!. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ODOR

  Possible Answer: odour, scent, odor, olfactory_perception, olfactory_sensation, olfactory_property, aroma, smell

• The clue is 27. Word on the street?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: STOP

  Possible Answer: halt, break_off, hitch, plosive_speech_sound, give_up, quit, hold_back, cease, layover, closure, diaphragm, occlusive, intercept, stay, block_up, stoppage, plosive_consonant, plosive, period, stop_over, blockage, terminate, break, stop, barricade, point, blockade, full_stop, occlusion, discontinue, stop_consonant, hold_on, full_point, bar, block, finish, check, lay_off, kibosh, turn_back, arrest, block_off, contain, end, catch, stopover

  Possible Opposite Answer : continuant_consonant, start, continue, begin

• The clue is 31. Eagle's nest. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: AERIE

  Possible Answer: aerie, eyry, aery, eyrie

• The clue is 32. Animation frame. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: CEL

• The clue is 33. Discount offer. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SALE

  Possible Answer: sales_agreement, cut-rate_sale, sales_event, sale

• The clue is 35. Crumbly Greek cheeses. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: FETAS

• The clue is 36. U-pick locale. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: FARM

  Possible Answer: grow, farm, raise, produce

• The clue is 37. Observant quality. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: KEENNESS

  Possible Answer: avidness, acuteness, keenness, eagerness, avidity, sharpness, acuity

  Possible Opposite Answer : dullness

• The clue is 40. Guacamole ingredient. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: AVOCADO

  Possible Answer: avocado_tree, Persea_Americana, aguacate, avocado_pear, avocado, alligator_pear

• The clue is 41. The "F" of F.B.I.. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (7 letters)

  The answer: FEDERAL

  Possible Answer: Federal, Fed, federal, Union, Union_soldier, Federal_soldier, federal_official

  Possible Opposite Answer : unitary

• The clue is 42. Stand in the way of. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: IMPEDE

  Possible Answer: hinder, occlude, block, close_up, jam, impede, obstruct, obturate

  Possible Opposite Answer : free

• The clue is 43. Lip-plumping injection. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: FILLER

  Possible Answer: makeweight, filler

• The clue is 44. Compound with the same number of atoms in a different arrangement. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ISOMER

  Possible Answer: isomer

• The clue is 46. Behind the ___. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: SCENES

  Possible Answer: conniption, scene, vista, prospect, view, scenery, fit, shot, setting, picture, aspect, tantrum, panorama

• The clue is 47. Fall behind. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: LAG

  Possible Answer: interim, lag, remand, meanwhile, immure, fall_behind, incarcerate, jug, imprison, gaol, put_behind_bars, dawdle, meantime, retardation, fall_back, jail, stave, put_away, slowdown

• The clue is 49. Espy. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SPOT

  Possible Answer: smudge, maculation, spy, tell_apart, spot, situation, descry, blot, recognize, pick_out, blob, smirch, espy, pip, topographic_point, touch, smear, place, billet, dapple, distinguish, fleck, discern, blemish, daub, point, stain, bit, patch, recognise, berth, make_out, speckle, slur, office, post, spotlight, position

• The clue is 50. King's domain. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: REALM

  Possible Answer: land, kingdom, realm, region

• The clue is 51. Pelvic bone. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: ILIUM

  Possible Answer: ilium, Troy, Ilion, Ilium

• The clue is 55. ___ Dhabi. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ABU

• The clue is 57. Drugstore that prints famously long receipts. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: CVS

  Possible Answer: curriculum_vitae, CV, resume

• The clue is 58. Yes, in Japanese. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: HAI

Down Clues NYT October 17, 2025 - Today's Complete Vertical Solutions

NYT Down Crossword October 17, 2025 - Master All 32 Top-to-Bottom Clues

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 32 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: July 08 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | February 03 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | August 30 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

Jump To Section

• Puzzle Information
• All Down Clues (32 total)
• Detailed Hints & Answers
• Down Solving Strategies
• More Crossword Help
• Down Clues FAQ

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down Clues - Friday, October 17, 2025

Down Clues Statistics

Detail	Information
Date	October 17, 2025
Day of Week	Friday
Total Down Clues	32 clues
Direction	Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty	Medium

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 32 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List

Number	Clue
1 Down	1. Historic Émile Zola letter of 1898
2 Down	2. Improved
3 Down	3. Meaty dog treats "in a blanket"
4 Down	4. Less prolix
5 Down	5. Customizable Nintendo avatars
6 Down	6. Mac platform renamed in 2016
7 Down	7. Condition of discretion
8 Down	8. More seductive
9 Down	9. One managing online content
10 Down	10. Drink that comes with free refills
11 Down	11. Word with easy or high
12 Down	12. Matter
13 Down	13. Insufferable sorts
14 Down	18. Court call
15 Down	22. Handles beautifully, in slang
16 Down	24. Bills worth 100 buckaroos
17 Down	26. British singer with the hits "R.I.P." and "Radioactive"
18 Down	28. Showed embarrassment, say
19 Down	30. Event typically occurring in one's late 40s or early 50s
20 Down	32. Hoped-for scenario
21 Down	33. America, for one: Abbr.
22 Down	34. DC figure since 1938
23 Down	36. Brand of rum mentioned in Hemingway novels
24 Down	38. Certain unit of detergent
25 Down	40. Pet gear often eschewed in favor of someone's lap
26 Down	41. "Stop the presses!"
27 Down	42. Capital that's home to the oldest university in the Western U.S. (1842)
28 Down	43. Habituate
29 Down	44. Upper house of the French parliament
30 Down	45. With, in Spanish
31 Down	47. Plant on a pergola
32 Down	50. ___ Lingus

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Down Clues

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

• February 14 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 30 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 11 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 02 2020 NYT Clues Solutions

Complete Down Solutions:

---

1 Down: "1. Historic Émile Zola letter of 1898"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'J' and ends with 'E'
• Word pattern: J_____E
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

JACCUSE

---

2 Down: "2. Improved"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'E' and ends with 'D'
• Word pattern: E______D
• Similar words: raise, heighten
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: increase
• This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ENHANCED

---

3 Down: "3. Meaty dog treats "in a blanket""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: S_______S
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

SNAUSAGES

---

4 Down: "4. Less prolix"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'T' and ends with 'R'
• Word pattern: T____R
• Similar words: curt, laconic
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: brief and to the point; effectively cut short
• This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

TERSER

---

5 Down: "5. Customizable Nintendo avatars"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'M' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: M__S
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

MIIS

---

6 Down: "6. Mac platform renamed in 2016"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'O' and ends with 'X'
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

OSX

---

7 Down: "7. Condition of discretion"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
• Word pattern: S_____Y
• Similar words: secretiveness, privateness
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: the trait of keeping things secret
• This is Down clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

SECRECY

---

8 Down: "8. More seductive"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'S' and ends with 'R'
• Word pattern: S____R
• Similar words: aphrodisiacal, sexy
• Opposite of: anaphrodisiac
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: marked by or tending to arouse sexual desire or interest
• This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

SEXIER

---

9 Down: "9. One managing online content"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'W' and ends with 'R'
• Word pattern: W_______R
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

WEBEDITOR

---

10 Down: "10. Drink that comes with free refills"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'I' and ends with 'R'
• Word pattern: I______R
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ICEWATER

---

11 Down: "11. Word with easy or high"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'C' and ends with 'R'
• Word pattern: C___R
• Similar words: chairperson, lead
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: a seat for one person
• This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

CHAIR

---

12 Down: "12. Matter"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
• Word pattern: C___T
• Similar words: matter, reckoning
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: the total number counted
• This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

COUNT

---

13 Down: "13. Insufferable sorts"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: A___S
• Similar words: butt, piece of ass
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
• This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

ASSES

---

14 Down: "18. Court call"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'L' and ends with 'T'
• Similar words: Lashkar-e-Toiba, net ball
• Opposite of: prevent
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

LET

---

15 Down: "22. Handles beautifully, in slang"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: C_____S
• Similar words: jam, squash
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: leather that has had its grain pattern accentuated
• This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

CRUSHES

---

16 Down: "24. Bills worth 100 buckaroos"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
• Word pattern: B__S
• Similar words: ben
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: a mountain or tall hill
• This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

BENS

---

17 Down: "26. British singer with the hits "R.I.P." and "Radioactive""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'R' and ends with 'A'
• Word pattern: R_____A
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

RITAORA

---

18 Down: "28. Showed embarrassment, say"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'T' and ends with 'D'
• Word pattern: T_______D
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

TURNEDRED

---

19 Down: "30. Event typically occurring in one's late 40s or early 50s"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 9 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'M' and ends with 'E'
• Word pattern: M_______E
• Similar words: climacteric, change of life
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

MENOPAUSE

---

20 Down: "32. Hoped-for scenario"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'B' and ends with 'E'
• Word pattern: B______E
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

BESTCASE

---

21 Down: "33. America, for one: Abbr."

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
• Word pattern: C__T
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

CAPT

---

22 Down: "34. DC figure since 1938"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
• Word pattern: S______N
• Similar words: dot, pane
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: a person with great powers and abilities
• This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

SUPERMAN

---

23 Down: "36. Brand of rum mentioned in Hemingway novels"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'B' and ends with 'I'
• Word pattern: B_____I
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

BACARDI

---

24 Down: "38. Certain unit of detergent"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'T' and ends with 'D'
• Word pattern: T_____D
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

TIDEPOD

---

25 Down: "40. Pet gear often eschewed in favor of someone's lap"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'C' and ends with 'D'
• Word pattern: C____D
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

CATBED

---

26 Down: "41. "Stop the presses!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'H' and ends with 'T'
• Word pattern: H____T
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

HOLDIT

---

27 Down: "42. Capital that's home to the oldest university in the Western U.S. (1842)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'S' and ends with 'M'
• Word pattern: S___M
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

SALEM

---

28 Down: "43. Habituate"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
• Word pattern: I___E
• Similar words: indurate, harden
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: cause to accept or become hardened to; habituate
• This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

INURE

---

29 Down: "44. Upper house of the French parliament"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
• Word pattern: S___T
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

SENAT

---

30 Down: "45. With, in Spanish"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'C' and ends with 'N'
• Similar words: rook, learn
• Opposite of: pro
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: an argument opposed to a proposal
• This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

CON

---

31 Down: "47. Plant on a pergola"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'V' and ends with 'E'
• Word pattern: V__E
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• Definition: a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing
• This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

VINE

---

32 Down: "50. ___ Lingus"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

• This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
• It starts with 'A' and ends with 'R'
• This is an abbreviation or acronym
• This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer

AER

Expert Strategies for Solving Down Clues

Master the vertical clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Down Clues?

• Down clues often reveal key letters for intersecting words
• Vertical patterns can unlock difficult sections
• Many prefixes and suffixes run vertically
• Down answers often help solve Across clues

Down Clue Patterns to Recognize

1. Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Down entries
2. Prefixes and suffixes: Common word parts often run vertically
3. Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
4. Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Down
5. Pop culture references: Names and titles often appear vertically

Time-Saving Down Techniques

Technique	How It Helps
Scan all Down first	Get a mental map of the vertical flow
Fill short Down words	3-4 letter words are often prefixes or connectors
Use crossing letters	Across letters help confirm Down answers
Look for themes	Related Down answers often share a theme

More Crossword Resources

Recent Crossword Solutions:

• NYT Mini Today October 12 2025 Complete
• July 08 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 07 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 30 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 14 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• January 02 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• February 03 2022 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 10 2022 NYT Clues Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions About Down Clues

What are Down clues in crossword puzzles?

Down clues are the vertical entries in a crossword puzzle that read from top to bottom. They're numbered and correspond to specific columns in the grid.

Should I solve Down or Across clues first?

Many solvers alternate between Down and Across clues to build momentum. Down clues can help unlock difficult sections by providing key intersecting letters. The best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Down clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 32 Down clues.

Are Down clues easier than Across clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Down clues often contain helpful prefixes, suffixes, and word parts that can be easier to guess.

How do Down clues interact with Across clues?

Down and Across clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.

---

About This Page: We provide comprehensive Down clues solutions and hints for the NYT Crossword to help you improve your solving skills. This site is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: October 17, 2025 at 05:13 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, October 17 2025 down clues

NYT Monday, August 12, 2024 | Crossword Clues Solution Blog

The Crossword hints blog is an one of the most popular crossword clue puzzles with answers solver. Here are the clues and answers for today nyt puzzle.

NYT Monday, August 12, 2024 - Crossword Clues Solution 

Break down the NYT Crosswords: August 12, 2024

Let's go into the puzzle, starting with the across clues and answers, followed by the down clues and answers.

Across Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Major purchase when furnishing a dining room. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: TABLE

  Possible Answer : postpone, defer, put_over, remit, set_back, tabular_array, tabularise, tabulate, tabularize, put_off, mesa, shelve, board, table, hold_over, prorogue




• The clue is 6. Reprimanding sounds. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: TSKS

  Possible Answer : tut, tsk, tut-tut




• The clue is 10. ___ de gallo (salsa variety). Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: PICO




• The clue is 14. White wetland wader. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: EGRET

  Possible Answer : egret




• The clue is 15. Company name aptly found in "The bookcase came together like a charm!". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: IKEA




• The clue is 16. Broadway's "Dear ___ Hansen". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: EVAN




• The clue is 17. *One leaving money under a pillow. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: TOOTHFAIRY




• The clue is 19. Southern cornbread. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: PONE

  Possible Answer : cornpone, pone




• The clue is 20. Noisy bedmate. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: SNORER

  Possible Answer : snorer




• The clue is 21. Sean who played Rudy in "Rudy". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: ASTIN




• The clue is 22. *Hobbes, vis-à-vis Calvin. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (15 letters)

  The answer: IMAGINARYFRIEND




• The clue is 26. Submission to a record label in the 1990s. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: DEMOCD




• The clue is 27. "Humble" home. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: ABODE

  Possible Answer : suffer, stomach, brook, abide, support, habitation, stand, bide, bear, domicile, tolerate, endure, stay, stick_out, dwelling, home, put_up, abode, dwelling_house, residence, digest




• The clue is 28. Narcissist's flaw. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: EGO

  Possible Answer : self-importance, ego, self, egotism




• The clue is 29. Toe woe. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: BUNION

  Possible Answer : bunion




• The clue is 32. "Seriously?!" … or what one might ask of the answers to starred clues in this puzzle?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (13 letters)

  The answer: AREYOUFORREAL




• The clue is 38. One on maternity leave. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: NEWMOM




• The clue is 39. California's Monterey ___ Aquarium. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: BAY

  Possible Answer : embayment, bay_tree, Laurus_nobilis, bay_laurel, alcove, quest, bay, true_laurel




• The clue is 41. Indian yogurt drink. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: LASSI




• The clue is 43. Frozen ocean water. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: SEAICE




• The clue is 46. *Cryptid in the Scottish Highlands. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (15 letters)

  The answer: LOCHNESSMONSTER




• The clue is 50. Prefix with -naut. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: ASTRO




• The clue is 51. Period of one's prime. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: HEYDAY

  Possible Answer : heyday, blossom, efflorescence, flush, peak, prime, flower, bloom




• The clue is 52. Arnaz who loved Lucy. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: DESI




• The clue is 53. *"Ho, ho, ho!" hollerer. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (10 letters)

  The answer: SANTACLAUS




• The clue is 57. British boarding school. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ETON




• The clue is 58. "Keep it down!". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: HUSH

  Possible Answer : still, pipe_down, silence, quiesce, hush_up, quiet, shut_up, quieten, hush, stillness, quiet_down

  Possible Opposite Answer : louden




• The clue is 59. Rwandan minority. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: TUTSI

  Possible Answer : Tutsi, Watutsi, Watusi




• The clue is 60. 0%. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: NONE

  Possible Answer : none




• The clue is 61. Dollar bills. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ONES

  Possible Answer : 1, single, ace, I, one, unity




• The clue is 62. Finger-painting smudge. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: SMEAR

  Possible Answer : smear, slander, daub, smirch, defame, slur, smutch, blot, besmirch, asperse, cytologic_smear, spot, vilification, calumniate, malignment, smudge, denigrate, sully, cytosmear, blur, stain

Down Clues and Answers:

• The clue is 1. Vietnamese New Year. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: TET

  Possible Answer: Tet

• The clue is 2. "A long time ___ …". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: AGO

  Possible Answer: agone, ago

• The clue is 3. Sis's sibling. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: BRO

• The clue is 4. "What are you waiting for?!". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: LETSGO

• The clue is 5. Pertaining to a cultural group. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ETHNIC

  Possible Answer: heathenish, ethnic, pagan, heathen, ethnical, cultural

• The clue is 6. Princess's headwear. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: TIARA

  Possible Answer: tiara

• The clue is 7. Person who might need a lift?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: SKIER

  Possible Answer: skier

• The clue is 8. Actress Washington of "Scandal". Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: KERRY

• The clue is 9. Speak aloud. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: SAY

  Possible Answer: enounce, order, state, enjoin, read, articulate, enunciate, suppose, pronounce, say, allege, sound_out, tell, aver

• The clue is 10. Discontinued competitor of Coke Zero. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: PEPSIONE

• The clue is 11. Words on an Election Day sticker. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: IVOTED

• The clue is 12. Bluey or Snoopy. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: CANINE

  Possible Answer: canid, eye_tooth, cuspid, canine_tooth, eyetooth, dogtooth, canine, laniary

• The clue is 13. Upright, as hair. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: ONEND

• The clue is 18. A fan (of). Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: FOND

  Possible Answer: adoring, affectionate, fond, doting, partial, warm, tender, lovesome

• The clue is 21. ___ Day, occasion for planting trees. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: ARBOR

  Possible Answer: bower, arbor, mandril, arbour, mandrel, pergola, spindle

• The clue is 22. Ending with sulf- or fluor-. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: IDE

• The clue is 23. Lead-in to Man or mansion. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: MEGA

• The clue is 24. Love, in Spanish. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: AMOR

  Possible Answer: Amor, Cupid

• The clue is 25. One might have farm animals, fried food and a Ferris wheel. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: FAIR

  Possible Answer: fairly, bonny, sightly, fairish, mediocre, just, middling, funfair, evenhandedly, reasonable, bonnie, honest, comely, bazaar, clean, fair, average, carnival

  Possible Opposite Answer : foul, unfairly, unfair

• The clue is 29. Backside. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: BUM

  Possible Answer: tush, rat, bottom, arse, stern, fuck_off, keister, crumb, stinkpot, git, butt, behind, grub, lowlife, stinker, arse_around, rotter, crummy, bum, rear, skunk, idler, bum_about, dirty_dog, posterior, do-nothing, loafer, puke, hobo, backside, scum_bag, loll, lounge_about, lounge_around, loaf, buttocks, rump, fundament, cheap, layabout, buns, hind_end, tail_end, nates, cadge, ass, sponge, seat, cheesy, tail, tinny, tramp, prat, fanny, bum_around, waste_one's_time, loll_around, frig_around, derriere, punk, so-and-so, chintzy, tooshie, hindquarters, rear_end, arse_about, sleazy, can, mooch

• The clue is 30. Sci-fi ship. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: UFO

  Possible Answer: flying_saucer, unidentified_flying_object, UFO

• The clue is 31. When repeated, sound effect for Cookie Monster. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: NOM

• The clue is 33. Induct into a Hall of Fame, perhaps. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (8 letters)

  The answer: ENSHRINE

  Possible Answer: enshrine, saint, shrine

• The clue is 34. Like the questions asked in 20 Questions. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: YESNO

• The clue is 35. Baby's boo-boo. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: OWIE

• The clue is 36. Ever so slightly. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: ABIT

• The clue is 37. Tie, as shoes. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: LACE

  Possible Answer: enlace, lace, lacing, braid, spike, plait, entwine, intertwine, interlace, fortify, lace_up, twine

  Possible Opposite Answer : untwine

• The clue is 40. "___ out!" (ump's shout). Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: YER

• The clue is 41. Finish behind. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: LOSETO

• The clue is 42. Follows, as a hunch. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ACTSON

• The clue is 43. Vending machine drink. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (4 letters)

  The answer: SODA

  Possible Answer: pop, soda_water, soda_ash, washing_soda, soda_pop, tonic, sal_soda, sodium_carbonate, soda

• The clue is 44. Puts into law. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ENACTS

  Possible Answer: reenact, enact, ordain, act_out

• The clue is 45. Arkham ___, institution for many Batman foes. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (6 letters)

  The answer: ASYLUM

  Possible Answer: mental_home, asylum, mental_hospital, refuge, sanctuary, mental_institution, institution, insane_asylum, psychiatric_hospital

• The clue is 46. Filled with cargo. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: LADEN

  Possible Answer: ladened, loaded, oppressed, load, load_up, lade, ladle, laden

• The clue is 47. Olympic snowboarder White. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: SHAUN

• The clue is 48. Have a feeling. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: SENSE

  Possible Answer: smell, sensory_faculty, sense, good_sense, sentience, smell_out, common_sense, sensation, mother_wit, gumption, signified, horse_sense, feel, sentiency

• The clue is 49. The answers to the starred clues in this puzzle … or are they?. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (5 letters)

  The answer: MYTHS

  Possible Answer: myth

• The clue is 53. "Billions" airer, for short. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: SHO

• The clue is 54. Chowed down. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: ATE

  Possible Answer: eat_up, feed, run_through, rust, exhaust, wipe_out, deplete, eat_on, consume, use_up, corrode, eat, Ate

• The clue is 55. Summer Olympics powerhouse. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: USA

  Possible Answer: the_States, U.S., USA, U.S.A., America, United_States, United_States_of_America, US_Army, U._S._Army, Army, United_States_Army, US

• The clue is 56. Knight's title. Can you find the Answer?

  Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (3 letters)

  The answer: SIR

  Possible Answer: Sir, sir