May 04, 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (39 clues)
• Down Clues (37 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, May 04, 2023

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (39 Across, 37 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.0 letters

NYT Thursday Crossword Across Clues - May 04, 2023 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Scratch the surface of, say	3
2A	4. 1983 hit that won a Grammy for Record of the Year	6
3A	10. Indication of an operation	4
4A	14. Bit of samurai attire	3
5A	15. Refer (to)	6
6A	16. Play part	4
7A	17. Lose crispness, as cereal	3
8A	18. What "x" might mean	11
9A	20. Suppress	5
10A	22. See 54-Across	5
11A	23. Oda ___ Brown, Whoopi Goldberg's character in "Ghost"	3
12A	24. Lets loose	6
13A	26. A little after the hour	7
14A	28. Loved one	4
15A	29. Go back and forth, in a way	3
16A	32. Some farmer's market setups	5
17A	33. Glare reducer	4
18A	34. Flexible	7
19A	37. Demon in Japanese folklore	3
20A	38. With 31-Down, proceeds from the sale of an asset … or a hint to understanding six answers in this puzzle	7
21A	39. Compadre	3
22A	42. "Hollywood" vis-à-vis the film industry, e.g.	7
23A	43. ___ Alto	4
24A	44. You might calmly tell someone not to do this	5
25A	47. Holy ___	3
26A	48. Newspaper section	4
27A	49. Like many invitations nowadays	7
28A	52. Kind of identity	6
29A	54. With 22-Across, former senator whose name can be spelled using only the letters in NEBRASKA (his home state)	3
30A	55. Horace was one, notably	5
31A	58. Mag that began endorsing political candidates in 2014	5
32A	59. Sweetheart	11
33A	62. Lead-in to goblin	3
34A	63. Name that can be heard phonetically somewhere in this clue	4
35A	64. More discerning	6
36A	65. Brian of ambient music	3
37A	66. Dungeonlike	4
38A	67. Metal workers?	6
39A	68. GPS display: Abbr.	3

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. Scratch the surface of, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the month following february and preceding april
• Words that mean the same thing: impair, March, deflower
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. 1983 hit that won a Grammy for Record of the Year"

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: BEATIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Indication of an operation"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mark left (usually on the skin) by the healing of injured tissue
• Words that mean the same thing: scratch, scrape, mark
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Bit of samurai attire"

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 (west indies) followers of a religious system involving witchcraft and sorcery
• Words that mean the same thing: obeah
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OBI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Refer (to)"

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 make a more or less disguised reference to
• Words that mean the same thing: touch, advert
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALLUDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Play part"

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

  The answer is: ROLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Lose crispness, as cereal"

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: SOG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. What "x" might mean"

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 line marking the upper limit of tree growth in mountains or northern latitudes
• Words that mean the same thing: timberline, tree line, timber line
• The word looks like this: ___________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIMBERLINES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Suppress"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that put down by force or intimidation
• Words that mean the same thing: subdue, reduce, keep down
• The opposite would be: validate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: QUASH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. See 54-Across"

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: SASSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Oda ___ Brown, Whoopi Goldberg's character in "Ghost""

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: MAE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. Lets loose"

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 undo the ties of
• Words that mean the same thing: undo, untie, loosen
• The opposite would be: tie
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: UNTIES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. A little after the hour"

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: TENPAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Loved one"

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 material effigy that is worshipped
• Words that mean the same thing: paragon, perfection, god
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IDOL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Go back and forth, in a way"

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 witty amusing person who makes jokes
• Words that mean the same thing: shake, waggle, card
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WAG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Some farmer's market setups"

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 portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
• Words that mean the same thing: bivouac, encamp, collapsible shelter
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TENTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Glare reducer"

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 quality of a given color that differs slightly from another color
• Words that mean the same thing: tinge, shade, tincture
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Flexible"

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 a narrow band of elastic rubber used to hold things (such as papers) together
• Words that mean the same thing: flexible, elastic band, pliant
• The opposite would be: inelastic
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ELASTIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "37. Demon in Japanese folklore"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the military intelligence agency that provides for the intelligence and counterintelligence and investigative and security requirements of the united states navy
• Words that mean the same thing: Office of Naval Intelligence
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ONI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. With 31-Down, proceeds from the sale of an asset … or a hint to understanding six answers in this puzzle"

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 assets available for use in the production of further assets
• Words that mean the same thing: majuscule, working capital, great
• The opposite would be: lowercase
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CAPITAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "39. Compadre"

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 close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
• Words that mean the same thing: sidekick, chum up, buddy
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "42. "Hollywood" vis-à-vis the film industry, e.g."

Quick Info: This answer has 7 letters. It's a hard clue about movies/film.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a word that denotes one thing but refers to a related thing
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: METONYM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "43. ___ Alto"

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: PALO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. You might calmly tell someone not to do this"

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 something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of unhappiness
• Words that mean the same thing: occupy, interest, concern
• The opposite would be: reassure
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WORRY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "47. Holy ___"

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 seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
• Words that mean the same thing: figure, understand, visualise
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "48. Newspaper section"

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 studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)
• Words that mean the same thing: prowess, humanities, humanistic discipline
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "49. Like many invitations nowadays"

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 communicate electronically on the computer
• Words that mean the same thing: e-mail, netmail, email
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EMAILED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "52. Kind of identity"

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 of or related to genetically distinguished groups of people
• The opposite would be: nonracial
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RACIAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "54. With 22-Across, former senator whose name can be spelled using only the letters in NEBRASKA (his home state)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mountain or tall hill
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "55. Horace was one, notably"

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

  The answer is: ODIST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "58. Mag that began endorsing political candidates in 2014"

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: COSMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "59. Sweetheart"

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: BAKINGSTONE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "62. Lead-in to goblin"

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 (folklore) a small grotesque supernatural creature that makes trouble for human beings
• Words that mean the same thing: pixy, gremlin, hobgoblin
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HOB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "63. Name that can be heard phonetically somewhere in this clue"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an early name of ireland that is now used in poetry
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "64. More discerning"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that having or experiencing a rapid onset and short but severe course
• Words that mean the same thing: acuate, incisive, acute
• The opposite would be: obtuse, chronic
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACUTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "65. Brian of ambient music"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ENO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "66. Dungeonlike"

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 unpleasantly cool and humid
• Words that mean the same thing: clammy
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DANK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "67. Metal workers?"

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

  The answer is: ROBOTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Across: "68. GPS display: Abbr."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: STS

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Thursday Puzzle May 04, 2023

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Criminal patterns, in brief	8
2D	2. Overflow with	8
3D	3. Writer Morrison	8
4D	4. Get in hot water, say	5
5D	5. N.F.L. cornerback Apple	3
6D	6. Charitable relief	4
7D	7. Helicon, e.g., musically speaking	4
8D	8. Oft-abbreviated Latin phrase	5
9D	9. Short	5
10D	10. Colombo's country, in Olympics shorthand	3
11D	11. Scammer	6
12D	12. What the Rays and Jays are in, for short	6
13D	13. Fresh starts	6
14D	19. Kind of soup	6
15D	21. Material that's bad for the mouth?	4
16D	25. Drops in the gym?	5
17D	27. Bench press target	3
18D	30. Pedigree competitor	4
19D	31. See 38-Across	5
20D	35. Ailment treated with a warming compress	4
21D	36. Not as fierce	5
22D	38. Former name of Colombo's country	6
23D	39. Fellows	8
24D	40. California concert site featured in the documentary "Gimme Shelter"	8
25D	41. Some corp. takeovers	8
26D	42. Hospital diagnostic, for short	3
27D	43. Fashion designer Rabanne	4
28D	44. Like an otter's feet	6
29D	45. Mark in the World Golf Hall of Fame	6
30D	46. Jeannette who was the first woman elected to Congress (1916)	6
31D	50. "King Lear" son	5
32D	51. Summer music	5
33D	53. Some laptops	5
34D	56. Toe-jam?	4
35D	57. In ___ (completely)	4
36D	60. Sign	3
37D	61. Final number, say	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. Criminal patterns, in brief"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that two-winged insect whose female has a long proboscis to pierce the skin and suck the blood of humans and animals
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MOSQUITO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Overflow with"

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: ABOUNDIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Writer Morrison"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that tubular pasta in short ribbed pieces
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RIGATONI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Get in hot water, say"

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

  The answer is: BATHE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. N.F.L. cornerback Apple"

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: ELI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Charitable relief"

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

  The answer is: ALMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Helicon, e.g., musically speaking"

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 lowest brass wind instrument
• Words that mean the same thing: sousaphone, bass horn
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TUBA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Oft-abbreviated Latin phrase"

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: IDEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that brief and to the point; effectively cut short
• Words that mean the same thing: curt, crisp, laconic
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TERSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Colombo's country, in Olympics shorthand"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 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: SRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Scammer"

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: CONMAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. What the Rays and Jays are in, for short"

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: ALEAST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Fresh starts"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that device for resetting instruments or controls
• Words that mean the same thing: readjust, reset
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RESETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "19. Kind of soup"

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 round flat seed of the lentil plant used for food
• Words that mean the same thing: lentil plant, Lens culinaris
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LENTIL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "21. Material that's bad for the mouth?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that mud or clay or small rocks deposited by a river or lake
• Words that mean the same thing: silt 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: SILT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "25. Drops in the gym?"

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 salty fluid secreted by sweat glands
• Words that mean the same thing: travail, effort, lather
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Bench press target"

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: PEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "30. Pedigree competitor"

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: ALPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "31. See 38-Across"

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 quantity that is added
• Words that mean the same thing: addition, increase, earn
• The opposite would be: reduce, fall back
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GAINS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "35. Ailment treated with a warming compress"

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 an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
• Words that mean the same thing: sty, eye infection, hordeolum
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STYE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "36. Not as fierce"

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 animal trainer who tames wild animals
• Words that mean the same thing: meek, tamed, tame
• The opposite would be: wild
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TAMER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "38. Former name of Colombo's country"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an island in the indian ocean off the southeastern coast of india
• Words that mean the same thing: Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CEYLON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "39. Fellows"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a local church community
• Words that mean the same thing: parish
• The word looks like this: ________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PARISHES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "40. California concert site featured in the documentary "Gimme Shelter""

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: ALTAMONT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "41. Some corp. takeovers"

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: LOSLOBOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "42. Hospital diagnostic, 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 the use of nuclear magnetic resonance of protons to produce proton density images
• Words that mean the same thing: magnetic resonance imaging
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "43. Fashion designer Rabanne"

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: PACO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Like an otter's feet"

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 construct or form a web, as if by weaving
• Words that mean the same thing: web, lacy, net
• The opposite would be: unwebbed
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WEBBED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. Mark in the World Golf Hall of Fame"

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: OMEARA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "46. Jeannette who was the first woman elected to Congress (1916)"

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 leader in the women's suffrage movement in montana; the first woman to serve in the united states house of representatives (1880-1973)
• Words that mean the same thing: Jeannette Rankin
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RANKIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. "King Lear" son"

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 the younger brother of edwy who became king of northumbria when it renounced edwy; on edwy's death he succeeded to the throne of england (944-975)
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EDGAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. Summer music"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that popular dance music (especially in the late 1970s); melodic with a regular bass beat; intended mainly for dancing at discotheques
• Words that mean the same thing: discotheque, disco music
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DISCO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "53. Some laptops"

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 type genus of the aceraceae; trees or shrubs having winged fruit
• Words that mean the same thing: genus Acer, Acer
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "56. Toe-jam?"

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 short piece remaining on a trunk or stem where a branch is lost
• Words that mean the same thing: butt, check stub, ticket stub
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STUB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "57. In ___ (completely)"

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: TOTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "60. Sign"

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

  The answer is: INK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "61. Final number, say"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the tcp/ip network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
• Words that mean the same thing: mesh, network, clear
• The opposite would be: gross
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NET

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	49	64.5%
Short Answer	13	17.1%
Geography	3	3.9%
Music	3	3.9%
Abbreviation	3	3.9%
History	2	2.6%
Movies/Film	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	39
Down Clues	37
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.0 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 Thursday, and these puzzles are usually moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: September 02, 2025 at 04:48 PM

December 02, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (38 clues)
• Down Clues (38 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Thursday, December 02, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (38 Across, 38 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.2 letters

Master Today's Across: NYT Thursday Puzzle December 02, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Thwack	4
2A	5. Bow ties, e.g.	5
3A	10. Dollar alternative	4
4A	14. Like chocolate mousse	4
5A	15. Puckish	5
6A	16. Lunar plain	4
7A	17. Circadian rhythm regulator	13
8A	19. Heaps	4
9A	20. Tech executive, for short	3
10A	21. Labor leader Dolores Huerta or astronaut Ellen Ochoa	6
11A	23. Representative Bowman, the first male member of "The Squad"	6
12A	26. H.S. course that might have a unit on the Harlem Renaissance	11
13A	28. Singer Tori	4
14A	29. Mendelssohn work in E flat major, and others	6
15A	31. Make definite, informally	3
16A	32. Mojito ingredient	4
17A	33. Rejections	4
18A	34. Scepter topper	3
19A	36. Does dirty	7
20A	38. Word before oil or water	7
21A	42. Use a 56-Across	3
22A	43. "Sure, sure"	4
23A	45. Delicate textile	4
24A	46. Presidential nickname	3
25A	48. Ticks off	6
26A	50. Open ___	4
27A	51. Performance artist portraying male characters	8
28A	53. Agree	6
29A	55. Hawaii is famous for them	9
30A	56. Boat propeller	3
31A	57. Pulitzer-winning novelist Jennifer	4
32A	58. One of a pair at the dinner table ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme	10
33A	65. Like texting during a conversation, to some	4
34A	66. Ancient Greek marketplace	5
35A	67. Refer to	4
36A	68. Symbol of Russia	4
37A	69. "Copy that"	5
38A	70. Checkup, e.g.	4

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Thwack"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SWAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Bow ties, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a dish that contains pasta as its main ingredient
• Words that mean the same thing: alimentary paste
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PASTA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. Dollar alternative"

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: AVIS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Like chocolate mousse"

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 people who have possessions and wealth (considered as a group)
• Words that mean the same thing: fertile, plenteous, fat
• The opposite would be: poor, lean
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RICH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Puckish"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ELFIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Lunar plain"

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 female equine animal
• Words that mean the same thing: maria, female horse
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MARE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Circadian rhythm regulator"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: INTERNALCLOCK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Heaps"

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 sun (or solar disc) which was the deity of a monotheistic cult under the pharaoh akhenaten
• Words that mean the same thing: Aten
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Tech executive, 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 federation of north american industrial unions that merged with the american federation of labor in 1955
• Words that mean the same thing: Congress of Industrial Organizations
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Labor leader Dolores Huerta or astronaut Ellen Ochoa"

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: LATINA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Representative Bowman, the first male member of "The Squad""

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: JAMAAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. H.S. course that might have a unit on the Harlem Renaissance"

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: AMERICANLIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "28. Singer Tori"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a hebrew shepherd and minor prophet
• Words that mean the same thing: Book of Amos
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "29. Mendelssohn work in E flat major, and others"

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 the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one
• Words that mean the same thing: ogdoad, octad, VIII
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OCTETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "31. Make definite, informally"

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 water frozen in the solid state
• Words that mean the same thing: ice-skating rink, chicken feed, methamphetamine
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "32. Mojito ingredient"

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 (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
• Words that mean the same thing: mountain, flock, raft
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MINT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "33. Rejections"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding curium with carbon ions; 7 isotopes are known
• Words that mean the same thing: atomic number 102, no, nobelium
• The opposite would be: yes
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "34. Scepter topper"

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 ball-shaped capsule containing the vertebrate eye
• Words that mean the same thing: revolve, eyeball, ball
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ORB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "36. Does dirty"

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 reveal unintentionally
• Words that mean the same thing: deceive, tell on, give away
• The opposite would be: undeceive
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BETRAYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "38. Word before oil or water"

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 solid homogeneous inorganic substances occurring in nature having a definite chemical composition
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MINERAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "42. Use a 56-Across"

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 arrangement of objects or people side by side in a line
• Words that mean the same thing: rowing, dustup, quarrel
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ROW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "43. "Sure, sure""

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: IBET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Delicate textile"

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 cord that is drawn through eyelets or around hooks in order to draw together two edges (as of a shoe or garment)
• Words that mean the same thing: enlace, spike, lacing
• The opposite would be: untwine
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "46. Presidential nickname"

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: ABE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "48. Ticks off"

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 strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance
• Words that mean the same thing: see red, anger, ire
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANGERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "50. Open ___"

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 weapons considered collectively
• Words that mean the same thing: weapons system, coat of arms, limb
• The opposite would be: disarm
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "51. Performance artist portraying male characters"

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: DRAGKING

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "53. Agree"

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: SAYYES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "55. Hawaii is famous for them"

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 fissure in the earth's crust (or in the surface of some other planet) through which molten lava and gases erupt
• Words that mean the same thing: volcano, vent
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: VOLCANOES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "56. Boat propeller"

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 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 31 Across: "57. Pulitzer-winning novelist Jennifer"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 letters. It's a medium 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: EGAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "58. One of a pair at the dinner table ... or a hint to this puzzle's theme"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a shaker with a perforated top for sprinkling salt
• Words that mean the same thing: salt shaker
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SALTSHAKER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "65. Like texting during a conversation, to some"

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 socially incorrect in behavior
• Words that mean the same thing: lowbred, uncivil, bad-mannered
• The opposite would be: civil
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RUDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "66. Ancient Greek marketplace"

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 100 agorot equal 1 shekel in israel
• Words that mean the same thing: public square
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGORA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "67. Refer to"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage
• Words that mean the same thing: quote, refer, credit
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CITE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Across: "68. Symbol of Russia"

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 massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws
• Words that mean the same thing: put up, yield, endure
• The opposite would be: bull
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Across: "69. "Copy that""

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 make mention of
• Words that mean the same thing: observe, note, take note
• The opposite would be: ignore
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOTED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Across: "70. Checkup, e.g."

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a set of questions or exercises evaluating skill or knowledge
• Words that mean the same thing: test, examination
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EXAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Solve the Down: NYT Thursday Puzzle December 02, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Hindu honorific	3
2D	2. Success	3
3D	3. One may be tough to follow	3
4D	4. Historic Bay Area neighborhood with a 600-square-foot rainbow flag	9
5D	5. Australia, once	11
6D	6. Every last one	3
7D	7. West Coast air hub, for short	3
8D	8. First X or O	3
9D	9. Tarsal adornment	6
10D	10. Violin family name	5
11D	11. Papal collection overseen by a bibliothecarius	14
12D	12. 1996 hit for Alanis Morissette	6
13D	13. House mate?	6
14D	18. Narrow inlet	3
15D	22. Basis of some insurance fraud	5
16D	23. Place to hang a mezuzah	4
17D	24. Bestie in Bordeaux	4
18D	25. Largest French-speaking city in North America	14
19D	26. Consumed	3
20D	27. German physician who coined the term "animal magnetism"	6
21D	30. Vouch (for), in a way	6
22D	35. Something that's impossible to run by yourself	9
23D	37. Still up, say	5
24D	39. "A pity, really"	8
25D	40. Peak	4
26D	41. Word often confused with "fewer"	4
27D	44. Plead	3
28D	46. Too, for one	6
29D	47. Shoe with decorative perforations	6
30D	49. Leaf producer	6
31D	52. Hopeless case	5
32D	54. Contented sigh	3
33D	59. Earlier	3
34D	60. Park place?	3
35D	61. L'ora della siesta, maybe	3
36D	62. "Parent-approved" cereal	3
37D	63. GPS approximation	3
38D	64. "Stand" band, 1989	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. Hindu honorific"

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: SRI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Success"

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 victory (as in a race or other competition)
• Words that mean the same thing: winnings, pull ahead, bring home the bacon
• The opposite would be: losings, lose
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WIN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. One may be tough to follow"

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 legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
• Words that mean the same thing: turn, routine, dissemble
• The opposite would be: refrain
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Historic Bay Area neighborhood with a 600-square-foot rainbow flag"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: THECASTRO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Australia, once"

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: PENALCOLONY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Every last one"

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 quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
• Words that mean the same thing: entirely, altogether, wholly
• The opposite would be: some, partly
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. West Coast air hub, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a medium 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: SFO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. First X or O"

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 local and habitual twitching especially in the face
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Tarsal adornment"

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 shoe for a child or woman that has a strap around the ankle
• Words that mean the same thing: ankle bracelet, anklets, bobbysock
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ANKLET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Violin family name"

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 italian violin maker in cremona; taught the craft to guarneri and stradivari (1596-1684)
• Words that mean the same thing: Nicolo Amati, Nicola Amati
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AMATI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Papal collection overseen by a bibliothecarius"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 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: VATICANLIBRARY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. 1996 hit for Alanis Morissette"

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 humorously sarcastic or mocking
• Words that mean the same thing: wry, ironical, dry
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: IRONIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. House mate?"

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 assembly possessing high legislative powers
• Words that mean the same thing: U.S. Senate, US Senate, United States Senate
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SENATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Narrow inlet"

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: RIA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Basis of some insurance fraud"

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 malicious burning to destroy property
• Words that mean the same thing: fire-raising, incendiarism
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARSON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Place to hang a mezuzah"

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 upright consisting of a vertical side member of a door or window frame
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: JAMB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Bestie in Bordeaux"

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: AMIE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Largest French-speaking city in North America"

Quick Info: This answer has 14 letters. It's a expert 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: MONTREALCANADA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "26. Consumed"

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 goddess of criminal rashness and its punishment
• Words that mean the same thing: exhaust, run through, eat on
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "27. German physician who coined the term "animal magnetism""

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 austrian physician who tried to treat diseases with a form of hypnotism (1734-1815)
• Words that mean the same thing: Friedrich Anton Mesmer, Franz Anton Mesmer
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MESMER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Vouch (for), in a way"

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 sign jointly
• Words that mean the same thing: co-sign
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COSIGN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "35. Something that's impossible to run by yourself"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: RELAYRACE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "37. Still up, say"

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

  The answer is: AWAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "39. "A pity, really""

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: ITSSOSAD

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. Peak"

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 highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development
• Words that mean the same thing: top, summit, tiptop
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ACME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Word often confused with "fewer""

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

  The answer is: LESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "44. Plead"

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 call upon in supplication; entreat
• Words that mean the same thing: solicit, tap, implore
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "46. Too, for one"

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

  The answer is: ADVERB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "47. Shoe with decorative perforations"

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 thick and heavy shoe
• Words that mean the same thing: work shoe, brogan, clodhopper
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BROGUE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "49. Leaf producer"

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 the seventh month of the civil year; the first month of the ecclesiastic year (in march and april)
• Words that mean the same thing: Nisan
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NISSAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "52. Hopeless case"

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 in desperate straits; someone doomed
• Words that mean the same thing: toast
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GONER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "54. Contented sigh"

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 express admiration and pleasure by uttering `ooh' or `aah'
• Words that mean the same thing: ooh
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AAH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "59. Earlier"

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 gone by; or in the past
• Words that mean the same thing: agone
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AGO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "60. Park place?"

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 (often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent
• Words that mean the same thing: circle, mountain, flock
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LOT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "61. L'ora della siesta, maybe"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a hard 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: TRE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "62. "Parent-approved" cereal"

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: KIX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "63. GPS approximation"

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 terrorist organization organized in 1959 by student activists who were dissatisfied with the moderate nationalism of the traditional basque party; want to create an independent homeland in spain's western pyrenees
• Words that mean the same thing: Basque Fatherland and Liberty, Basque Homeland and Freedom, Euskadi ta Askatasuna
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ETA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "64. "Stand" band, 1989"

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 recurring sleep state during which dreaming occurs; a state of rapidly shifting eye movements during sleep
• Words that mean the same thing: paradoxical sleep, REM sleep, rapid eye movement sleep
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REM

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	50	65.8%
Short Answer	20	26.3%
Abbreviation	2	2.6%
Celebrity/Entertainment	1	1.3%
Literature	1	1.3%
History	1	1.3%
Geography	1	1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	38
Down Clues	38
Total Clues	76
Average Answer Length	5.2 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	14 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 moderate level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 5 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

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

Last Updated: September 13, 2025 at 10:18 AM