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Saturday, December 28, 2024

27441 Sat Dec 28, 2024 NY Times Crossword Clues Hints

Break down the NYT Crosswords: December 28, 2024

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

Sat Dec 28, 2024 NY Times
Sat Dec 28, 2024 NY Times 


Across Clues with Answers:

  • The clue is 1. Fans flip for it. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SPORTSPAGE


  • The clue is 11. Deflection technique. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

    The answer: WHATABOUTISM


  • The clue is 13. Iconic accessory worn by 1-Down. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (14 letters)

    The answer: DEERSTALKERCAP


  • The clue is 15. Acts human, proverbially. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ERRS

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


  • The clue is 16. Medical container. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: VIAL

    Possible Answer : ampul, ampule, ampoule, phial, vial


  • The clue is 17. Infamous bushranger Kelly. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: NED


  • The clue is 19. Hand-drawn frame. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CEL


  • The clue is 20. Posthumous title. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SAINT

    Possible Answer : paragon, apotheosis, holy_person, canonise, saint, nonpareil, nonesuch, angel, ideal, enshrine, holy_man, canonize, nonsuch


  • The clue is 22. Far from floor-reaching. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MINI

    Possible Answer : mini, miniskirt

    Possible Opposite Answer : midi


  • The clue is 23. One for the books, in brief?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: CFO

    Possible Answer : chief_financial_officer, CFO


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

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

    The answer: STUNG

    Possible Answer : riled, stick, miffed, nettled, burn, annoyed, pissed, stung, pissed_off, bite, roiled, peeved, sting, twinge, steamed, irritated, prick


  • The clue is 25. Feature of English, but not Chinese. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TENSE

    Possible Answer : tense, strain, tense_up

    Possible Opposite Answer : relaxed, unstrain, lax, relax


  • The clue is 26. Narrative thread. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ARC

    Possible Answer : electric_arc, electric_discharge, arch, discharge, bow, spark, arc, curve


  • The clue is 27. Classic red rubber dog toy. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: KONG


  • The clue is 28. Get lost. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: BEATIT


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

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

    The answer: EKEOUT


  • The clue is 31. Call to a crew. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LANDHO


  • The clue is 32. Letter-shaped apparel. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TSHIRT


  • The clue is 33. Unit cost?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RENT

    Possible Answer : tear, let, snag, rend, rive, economic_rent, rip, rent, charter, engage, hire, take, pull, lease, split


  • The clue is 34. Tree creature of fiction. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ENT


  • The clue is 36. Wanting. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SHORT

    Possible Answer : short, curtly, unawares, little, forgetful, poor, brusque, unretentive, short-circuit, unforesightful, abruptly, curt, short-change, shortly, suddenly, brusk, inadequate, scant, light, dead, short_circuit, myopic, shortstop, shortsighted

    Possible Opposite Answer : retentive, tall, long


  • The clue is 37. Singles, say. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SONGS

    Possible Answer : Song_dynasty, vocal, call, birdsong, birdcall, Sung, Song, strain, Sung_dynasty, song


  • The clue is 38. Juilliard offering, in brief. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MFA

    Possible Answer : Master_of_Fine_Arts, MFA


  • The clue is 39. + or –. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: POLE

    Possible Answer : magnetic_pole, Pole, terminal, pole, rod, perch, punt, celestial_pole


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

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

    The answer: BENDS

    Possible Answer : flex, aeroembolism, crouch, plication, bends, curve, bending, crease, crimp, deform, decompression_sickness, bow, gas_embolism, crook, twist, air_embolism, Bend, turn, bend_dexter, flexure, deflect, fold, bend, stoop, caisson_disease, turn_away

    Possible Opposite Answer : unbend, straighten


  • The clue is 41. Birth control option. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: IUD

    Possible Answer : IUD, intrauterine_device


  • The clue is 42. Simple operation. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SUM

    Possible Answer : totality, nitty-gritty, tote_up, substance, summate, add_together, gist, marrow, total, center, tally, meat, union, amount_of_money, essence, tot_up, centre, heart_and_soul, summarize, aggregate, kernel, add_up, inwardness, core, tot, summation, pith, sum_up, sum_total, heart, join, add, nub, sum_of_money, sum, amount, summarise


  • The clue is 43. Jenkins known as "The First Lady of Children's Music". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ELLA


  • The clue is 44. Kind of vaccine. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MRNA

    Possible Answer : template_RNA, mRNA, informational_RNA, messenger_RNA


  • The clue is 45. Sesquipedalia. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (14 letters)

    The answer: TENDOLLARWORDS


  • The clue is 50. Some celebrity memorabilia. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

    The answer: SIGNEDPHOTOS


  • The clue is 51. Current from currents. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: HYDROPOWER


Down Clues and Answers:

  • The clue is 1. Guinness's second-most-portrayed literary character in film, after Dracula. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (14 letters)

    The answer: SHERLOCKHOLMES

  • The clue is 2. Target scores. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PARS

    Possible Answer: equivalence, equality, par, equation

  • The clue is 3. They start with coin tosses, in brief. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: OTS

  • The clue is 4. Singer in the family?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RAT

    Possible Answer: strikebreaker, blackleg, scab, betrayer, bum, shop, informer, dirty_dog, stinkpot, rotter, so-and-so, blabber, stag, skunk, betray, stinker, git, snitch, grass, lowlife, tell_on, give_away, fink, scum_bag, shit, puke, rat, squealer, denounce, crumb

  • The clue is 5. Schedule inits.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TBA

  • The clue is 6. What are you doing?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SOLVING

    Possible Answer: puzzle_out, solve, lick, figure_out, resolution, work, work_out, solving, resolve, clear

  • The clue is 7. First trimester woe, informally. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: PUKING

    Possible Answer: disgorgement, chuck, upchuck, throw_up, cast, vomiting, purge, spew, be_sick, retch, spue, emesis, puking, vomit, barf, cat, vomit_up, regurgitation, regorge, honk, puke, sick, disgorge, regurgitate

    Possible Opposite Answer : keep_down

  • The clue is 8. Bothered. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ATEAT

  • The clue is 9. Part of some superhero names. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: GIRL

    Possible Answer: female_child, little_girl, miss, fille, lady_friend, young_woman, girl, girlfriend, daughter, young_lady, missy

    Possible Opposite Answer : boy, male_child, son

  • The clue is 10. What's left of F1. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: ESC

  • The clue is 11. "Sorry, that's the last one". Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

    The answer: WEREFRESHOUT

  • The clue is 12. One asked "to change his ways," per a 1988 hit. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (14 letters)

    The answer: MANINTHEMIRROR

  • The clue is 13. Label that first signed the Rolling Stones. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: DECCA

  • The clue is 14. Sources of retirement income. Can you find the Answer?

    Here is a hint. It is a word with exactly (12 letters)

    The answer: PENSIONFUNDS

  • The clue is 18. Paleolithic, for example. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: DIET

    Possible Answer: dieting, diet

  • The clue is 20. Strong draft. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: STOUT

    Possible Answer: sturdy, stalwart, hardy, stout, portly

  • The clue is 21. Hilda or Zelda, to Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: AUNT

    Possible Answer: auntie, aunty, aunt

    Possible Opposite Answer : uncle

  • The clue is 22. Beverage that begins with a bee?. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MEAD

    Possible Answer: Mead, George_Herbert_Mead, Margaret_Mead, mead

  • The clue is 24. Hybrid sportswear. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SKORT

  • The clue is 25. Gear that's a homophone of 25-Across. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TENTS

    Possible Answer: camp_out, tent, bivouac, encamp, camp, collapsible_shelter

  • The clue is 28. Fringe : British English :: ___ : American English. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: BANGS

    Possible Answer: have_it_away, spang, eruption, slam, clap, roll_in_the_hay, be_intimate, boot, sleep_together, lie_with, have_a_go_at_it, love, thrill, knock, bed, smasher, get_laid, do_it, flush, hump, have_it_off, know, charge, smash, have_intercourse, make_out, strike, jazz, rush, make_love, bang, kick, bam, hit, bonk, belt, eff, blast, screw, fuck, get_it_on, bash, have_sex, sleep_with, fringe

  • The clue is 30. Snakes were famously driven from it, in legend. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EIRE

    Possible Answer: Republic_of_Ireland, Irish_Republic, Ireland, Eire

  • The clue is 31. Impart. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: LEND

    Possible Answer: bestow, contribute, impart, bring, loan, add, lend

    Possible Opposite Answer : borrow

  • The clue is 32. There are nine in a shot glass: Abbr.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TSPS

  • The clue is 33. World's highest-paid athlete in 2024. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RONALDO

  • The clue is 35. Cues for applause. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: TADAS

  • The clue is 37. One side of a deal. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: SELLER

    Possible Answer: vendor, seller, trafficker, vender, marketer

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

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

    The answer: BLOND

    Possible Answer: blonde, blond, light-haired

    Possible Opposite Answer : brunet

  • The clue is 43. High-strung. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: EDGY

    Possible Answer: overstrung, uptight, jumpy, edgy, nervy, highly_strung, restive, high-strung, jittery

  • The clue is 44. Bit of dust. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: MOTE

    Possible Answer: atom, mote, speck, corpuscle, molecule, particle

  • The clue is 46. Major inits. in biomedical research. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: NIH

    Possible Answer: NIH, National_Institutes_of_Health

  • The clue is 47. Clock, e.g.. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: APP

  • The clue is 48. Corinthian character. Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: RHO

    Possible Answer: rho

  • The clue is 49. "Neat!". Can you find the Answer?

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

    The answer: WOW

    Possible Answer: belly_laugh, scream, howler, riot, sidesplitter, thigh-slapper, wow

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Tuesday, September 1, 2026

NYT Mini Trivia Week 1 September 01, 2026 - Hints & Answers

NYT Mini Puzzle Trivia Week 1 September 01, 2026 - Solved

Here's today's NYT Mini — 20 clues in total, and we've got hints plus answers for every one of them.

Popular Puzzles: August 21 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | October 24 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | September 10 2019 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for September 01, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Tuesday, September 01, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 01, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week 1 NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

Today's layout is the usual 5x5: five columns, five rows.

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 One Fast

  1. Skim every clue once before you write anything — your brain keeps chewing on the ones you don't solve right away.
  2. Knock out the short answers (3 letters or under) first.
  3. Lean on the crossing letters once a couple of words are in.
  4. A question mark in a clue usually means there's a pun coming.
  5. THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT — these little words show up constantly, keep them in your back pocket.

Quick Facts

  • Squares in the grid: 25
  • How long it takes: usually under a minute once you're warmed up
  • Best moment for it: any short break
  • Overall difficulty: easy-going by design

Across Clues - 10 Total

These run left to right across the grid.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 6. Informed
2 Across 33. Shakespearean father of three
3 Across 16. Burden to bear
4 Across 60. Secluded valley
5 Across 36. Out of patience, with "up"
6 Across 49. Dabble in
7 Across 26. https://www.hot-dog.org?
8 Across 44. Plants that have been around on Earth for 375+ million years
9 Across 25. Noted magnate on the Titanic
10 Across 45. O'Hare posting, for short

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Stuck on one? Hints and answers for each clue are below. A few other guides worth a look:

1 Across: "6. Informed"

Hints:

  • Close enough in meaning: narrate.
  • It's a 4-letter word.
  • Kicks off with 'T' and wraps up with 'D'.

Answer:

Click to reveal TOLD

2 Across: "33. Shakespearean father of three"

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: L__R
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • Starts with 'L', ends with 'R'.

Answer:

Click to reveal LEAR

3 Across: "16. Burden to bear"

Hints:

  • In plain terms: an onerous or difficult concern.
  • You could also think of it as "burden."
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal ONUS

4 Across: "60. Secluded valley"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'D', ends with 'L'.
  • In plain terms: a small wooded hollow.
  • You could also think of it as "dingle."

Answer:

Click to reveal DELL

5 Across: "36. Out of patience, with "up""

Hints:

  • 'flow' points in the same direction.
  • It's a 3-letter word.
  • Basically, any federal law-enforcement officer.

Answer:

Click to reveal FED

6 Across: "49. Dabble in"

Hints:

  • Pattern-wise it looks like: P____T
  • Kicks off with 'P' and wraps up with 'T'.
  • You're looking for 6 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal PLAYAT

7 Across: "26. https://www.hot-dog.org?"

Hints:

  • Kicks off with 'S' and wraps up with 'K'.
  • It's a 11-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal SAUSAGELINK

8 Across: "44. Plants that have been around on Earth for 375+ million years"

Hints:

  • Starts with 'F', ends with 'S'.
  • Blank it out and you get: F___S
  • You're looking for 5 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal FERNS

9 Across: "25. Noted magnate on the Titanic"

Hints:

  • This one runs 5 letters long.
  • First letter's a 'A', last letter's a 'R'.
  • If that helps, the shape is: A___R

Answer:

Click to reveal ASTOR

10 Across: "45. O'Hare posting, for short"

Hints:

  • This one runs 3 letters long.
  • First letter's a 'E', last letter's a 'A'.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal ETA

Down Clues - 10 Total

These run top to bottom in the grid.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 42. Distinct stretch of years
2 Down 7. Andy Taylor's boy on old TV
3 Down 8. Cry on a tennis court
4 Down 30. Wife of Jacob
5 Down 43. Think back on
6 Down 55. Preceding night
7 Down 34. Fishing pole
8 Down 22. Locale of Coca-Cola's headquarters: Abbr.
9 Down 48. "Norma" or "Tosca"
10 Down 2. Dracula, for one

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Same deal here — hints then answers. You might also like:

1 Down: "42. Distinct stretch of years"

Hints:

  • Count on 3 letters here.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • 'epoch' points in the same direction.

Answer:

Click to reveal ERA

2 Down: "7. Andy Taylor's boy on old TV"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'O', last letter's a 'E'.
  • It's a 4-letter word.
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.

Answer:

Click to reveal OPIE

3 Down: "8. Cry on a tennis court"

Hints:

  • First letter's a 'L', last letter's a 'T'.
  • 'permit' points in the same direction.
  • This one runs 3 letters long.

Answer:

Click to reveal LET

4 Down: "30. Wife of Jacob"

Hints:

  • If that helps, the shape is: L__H
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • It's a 4-letter word.

Answer:

Click to reveal LEAH

5 Down: "43. Think back on"

Hints:

  • Count on 6 letters here.
  • 'think' points in the same direction.
  • Kicks off with 'R' and wraps up with 'L'.

Answer:

Click to reveal RECALL

6 Down: "55. Preceding night"

Hints:

  • You could also think of it as "evening."
  • This is more of an abbreviation than a regular word.
  • First letter's a 'E', last letter's a 'E'.

Answer:

Click to reveal EVE

7 Down: "34. Fishing pole"

Hints:

  • You're looking for 3 letters.
  • 'pole' points in the same direction.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.

Answer:

Click to reveal ROD

8 Down: "22. Locale of Coca-Cola's headquarters: Abbr."

Hints:

  • This one runs 3 letters long.
  • Short form / acronym territory here.
  • Kicks off with 'A' and wraps up with 'L'.

Answer:

Click to reveal ATL

9 Down: "48. "Norma" or "Tosca""

Hints:

  • Blank it out and you get: O___A
  • Starts with 'O', ends with 'A'.
  • You're looking for 5 letters.

Answer:

Click to reveal OPERA

10 Down: "2. Dracula, for one"

Hints:

  • It's a 5-letter word.
  • Basically, the total number counted.
  • You could also think of it as "bet."

Answer:

Click to reveal COUNT

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

A few things that actually help once you've been doing these a while:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Scan before you solve: One quick read-through of all the clues before you commit to anything usually pays off.
  2. Short words first: The 2-3 letter answers are almost always the low-hanging fruit.
  3. Let crossings guide you: Harder answers get much easier once a couple of crossing letters are locked in.
  4. Puns hide behind question marks: If a clue ends in "?", expect wordplay, not a straight answer.
  5. A few words repeat a lot: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE show up more than you'd expect — keep them in mind.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • E is the most common letter in English, so it's worth guessing early.
  • Words ending in S are usually plurals.
  • Blanks ("___") in a clue mean the answer fits exactly into those spaces.
  • An abbreviation in the clue is a signal the answer's abbreviated too.

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You've clearly got the puzzle's patterns down.
30-60 seconds Advanced Solid pace — you're solving quickly.
1-2 minutes Good Right where most regular solvers land.
Over 2 minutes Learning Totally fine — speed comes with reps.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25
Average Time: 58 seconds
Difficulty: Normal

More Puzzle Help

If today's Mini hit the spot, here are a few more you might enjoy:

Common Questions About Trivia Week 1

When does the Trivia Week 1 Mini go live?

It usually goes live around 10 PM Eastern the night before.

How long should Trivia Week 1 take me?

Most people land somewhere between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Slower than that is completely normal too — it gets faster with practice.

Is Trivia Week 1 free to play?

It's free to play, unlike the main NYT Crossword which sits behind a paywall.

What actually makes someone good at Trivia Week 1?

It mostly comes down to recognizing common short answers and catching puns fast. The rest is just reps.

Does Trivia Week 1 get harder as the week goes on?

It varies day to day — Saturdays tend to be the toughest, Mondays the easiest.

About This Page: We put together hints and answers for the NYT Mini to help you learn the ropes and get faster over time. This site isn't affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: September 01, 2026 at 08:47 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, September 01 2026 mini crossword

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Monday, October 20, 2025

All NYT Down Clues October 20, 2025 - 40 Vertical Answers with Hints

Monday NYT Down Solutions October 20, 2025 - Every Vertical Clue Decoded with Hints

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 40 Down clues. We have all the vertical answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: May 27 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | August 30 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | December 23 2023 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Down Clues

NYT Down clues solutions for October 20, 2025
NYT Down Clues - Monday, October 20, 2025
Down Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date October 20, 2025
Day of Week Monday
Total Down Clues 40 clues
Direction Vertical (Top to Bottom)
Difficulty Tricky

All Down Clues - Complete List

Here are all 40 Down clues for today's puzzle. These go vertically from top to bottom.

Complete Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 1. What covers the North Pole
2 Down 2. End of some sentences
3 Down 3. Having a certain natural hairstyle
4 Down 4. Furniture piece for a talk show host
5 Down 5. Shade of yellow
6 Down 6. More abrupt in language
7 Down 7. Hire to the team
8 Down 8. Band with the aptly titled debut album "High Voltage"
9 Down 9. Stratum
10 Down 10. Marketplace with stalls
11 Down 11. Occasion for a percussionist to shine
12 Down 12. With 13-Down, "___ can eat" (restaurant come-on)
13 Down 13. See 12-Down
14 Down 21. Inuit's home
15 Down 22. Time unit aptly hidden in "paleontology"
16 Down 26. University in North Carolina
17 Down 27. Difficult, tiring work
18 Down 29. Comic actress Wong
19 Down 31. Unit of flour
20 Down 32. Door handle
21 Down 34. Untuneful trumpet sound
22 Down 37. Lacking much thought
23 Down 38. Water, in Oaxaca
24 Down 39. Aforementioned
25 Down 40. Hospital area with IVs
26 Down 42. News media
27 Down 43. Crosstown rivals of the Cubbies
28 Down 46. Windpipe
29 Down 49. Decision-making consideration
30 Down 50. Neither here ___ there
31 Down 51. Only black key in a G major scale
32 Down 53. Fodder for "Jeopardy!"
33 Down 54. Alludes (to)
34 Down 55. Not interrupted by commercials ... or shortened like the middle words of 20-, 30-, 48- and 60-Across?
35 Down 58. Ties that are hard to untie
36 Down 61. Super-uptight
37 Down 62. Bit of bathroom décor
38 Down 63. Do, re or mi
39 Down 64. It goes around every year
40 Down 65. Short ___ (beef cut)

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:

Complete Down Solutions:

1 Down: "1. What covers the North Pole"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: I____P
  • Similar words: ice cap
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ICECAP

2 Down: "2. End of some sentences"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: P____E
  • Similar words: password, word
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a promise
  • This is Down clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PAROLE

3 Down: "3. Having a certain natural hairstyle"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: A____D
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AFROED

4 Down: "4. Furniture piece for a talk show host"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'K'
  • Word pattern: D__K
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DESK

5 Down: "5. Shade of yellow"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: A___R
  • Similar words: brownish-yellow, yellow-brown
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a deep yellow color
  • This is Down clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AMBER

6 Down: "6. More abrupt in language"

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: crisp, terse
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: brief and to the point; effectively cut short
  • This is Down clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TERSER

7 Down: "7. Hire to the team"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BRINGON

8 Down: "8. Band with the aptly titled debut album "High Voltage""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'C'
  • Word pattern: A__C
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ACDC

9 Down: "9. Stratum"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: T__R
  • Similar words: tier up, grade
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
  • This is Down clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TIER

10 Down: "10. Marketplace with stalls"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: B____R
  • Similar words: fair, bazar
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a shop where a variety of goods are sold
  • This is Down clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BAZAAR

11 Down: "11. Occasion for a percussionist to shine"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: D______O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer DRUMSOLO

12 Down: "12. With 13-Down, "___ can eat" (restaurant come-on)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • Similar words: entirely, completely
  • Opposite of: some
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALL

13 Down: "13. See 12-Down"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'U'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer YOU

14 Down: "21. Inuit's home"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: I___O
  • Similar words: iglu
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer IGLOO

15 Down: "22. Time unit aptly hidden in "paleontology""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
  • Similar words: aeon
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the longest division of geological time
  • This is Down clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer EON

16 Down: "26. University in North Carolina"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: E__N
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ELON

17 Down: "27. Difficult, tiring work"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: S__G
  • Similar words: swig, tramp
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: work doggedly or persistently
  • This is Down clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SLOG

18 Down: "29. Comic actress Wong"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'I'
  • Similar words: Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ALI

19 Down: "31. Unit of flour"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'P'
  • Similar words: loving cup, cupful
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer CUP

20 Down: "32. Door handle"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'B'
  • Word pattern: K__B
  • Similar words: pommel, node
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a circular rounded projection or protuberance
  • This is Down clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KNOB

21 Down: "34. Untuneful trumpet sound"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: B__T
  • Similar words: baa, bleat
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: cry plaintively
  • This is Down clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer BLAT

22 Down: "37. Lacking much thought"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: R__H
  • Similar words: efflorescence, skin rash
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: any red eruption of the skin
  • This is Down clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RASH

23 Down: "38. Water, in Oaxaca"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A__A
  • Similar words: agua toad, Bufo marinus
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer AGUA

24 Down: "39. Aforementioned"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'V' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: V______E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer VERYSAME

25 Down: "40. Hospital area with IVs"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'U'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ICU

26 Down: "42. News media"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: P___S
  • Similar words: military press, bid
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the state of demanding notice or attention
  • This is Down clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer PRESS

27 Down: "43. Crosstown rivals of the Cubbies"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'X'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer SOX

28 Down: "46. Windpipe"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 7 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: T_____A
  • Similar words: windpipe
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TRACHEA

29 Down: "49. Decision-making consideration"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: F____R
  • Similar words: ingredient, divisor
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: anything that contributes causally to a result
  • This is Down clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FACTOR

30 Down: "50. Neither here ___ there"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'R'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NOR

31 Down: "51. Only black key in a G major scale"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: F____P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FSHARP

32 Down: "53. Fodder for "Jeopardy!""

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: T____A
  • Similar words: triviality, trifle
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: something of small importance
  • This is Down clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TRIVIA

33 Down: "54. Alludes (to)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R____S
  • Similar words: touch on, cite
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: make reference to
  • This is Down clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer REFERS

34 Down: "55. Not interrupted by commercials ... or shortened like the middle words of 20-, 30-, 48- and 60-Across?"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 6 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A____E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ADFREE

35 Down: "58. Ties that are hard to untie"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: K___S
  • Similar words: air mile, burl
  • Opposite of: unravel
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a tight cluster of people or things
  • This is Down clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer KNOTS

36 Down: "61. Super-uptight"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: A__L
  • Similar words: anal retentive
  • Opposite of: oral
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: of or related to the anus
  • This is Down clue number 36

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer ANAL

37 Down: "62. Bit of bathroom décor"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: T__E
  • Similar words: roofing tile
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Down clue number 37

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer TILE

38 Down: "63. Do, re or mi"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: N__E
  • Similar words: distinction, bank note
  • Opposite of: ignore
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a brief written record
  • This is Down clue number 38

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer NOTE

39 Down: "64. It goes around every year"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'U'
  • Similar words: grippe, influenza
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an acute febrile highly contagious viral disease
  • This is Down clue number 39

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer FLU

40 Down: "65. Short ___ (beef cut)"

Helpful hints for this Down clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going top to bottom
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'B'
  • Similar words: costa, laugh at
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: support resembling the rib of an animal
  • This is Down clue number 40

Answer:

Click to reveal the Down answer RIB

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

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 40 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 20, 2025 at 05:14 AM

Search terms: NYT Down, Down clues, vertical, crossword answers, top to bottom, October 20 2025 down clues

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