June 17, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (39 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips
• Related Crossword Solutions

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• August 19 2023 NYT Clues Solutions

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 74 (35 Across, 39 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

NYT Wednesday Crossword Across Clues - June 17, 2020 Solutions

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. 1975 thriller film with three sequels	4
2A	5. Word after Peace or press	5
3A	10. "___ arigato, Mr. Roboto"	4
4A	14. Lure	4
5A	15. Kind of acid	5
6A	16. Don Juan's mother	4
7A	17. Going-out-of-business event	4
8A	18. Muscat resident	5
9A	19. 1960s band with a car-related name, with "the"	4
10A	20. Winter whiteness	13
11A	23. Longtime music director of La Scala and the New York Philharmonic	9
12A	24. With 27-Across, slippery hazard	5
13A	27. See 24-Across	5
14A	31. Tellers of tales	5
15A	32. With 37-Across, metaphor for comfort	3
16A	35. Already	5
17A	36. Photo ___	3
18A	37. See 32-Across	7
19A	40. Navy noncom	3
20A	41. Impressionist	4
21A	43. Talked at length	5
22A	44. Shell	4
23A	45. Terse refusal	6
24A	47. Spooks	6
25A	49. Their crooning may cause swooning	9
26A	53. 1989 Best Picture nominee ... with a hint to 20-, 24-/27- and 32-/37-Across	13
27A	57. Like certain transportation pricing	5
28A	58. Emmy- and Tony-winning Arthur	3
29A	59. Sharp	5
30A	61. Streaming component	5
31A	62. Word often misused in place of "lie"	3
32A	63. Big name in timekeeping	5
33A	64. Moves along	5
34A	65. Trauma ctrs.	3
35A	66. Brushed (away)	5

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. 1975 thriller film with three sequels"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the part of the skull of a vertebrate that frames the mouth and holds the teeth
• Words that mean the same thing: confab, masticate, scold
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: JAWS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "5. Word after Peace or press"

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 army unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and their support
• Words that mean the same thing: corporation, army corps, corp
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CORPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "10. "___ arigato, Mr. Roboto""

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: DOMO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Lure"

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 gully that is shallower than a ravine
• Words that mean the same thing: depict, haul, suck up
• The opposite would be: push, repel
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DRAW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. Kind of acid"

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: OLEIC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Don Juan's mother"

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: INEZ

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Going-out-of-business event"

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 particular instance of selling
• Words that mean the same thing: cut-rate sale, sales event, sales agreement
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SALE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "18. Muscat resident"

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

  The answer is: OMANI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "19. 1960s band with a car-related name, with "the""

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GTOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "20. Winter whiteness"

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: BLANKETOFSNOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Longtime music director of La Scala and the New York Philharmonic"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a expert clue about celebrity/entertainment.

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that italian conductor of many orchestras worldwide (1867-1957)
• Words that mean the same thing: Arturo Toscanini
• The word looks like this: _________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TOSCANINI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. With 27-Across, slippery hazard"

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 any broad thin expanse or surface
• Words that mean the same thing: tabloid, bed sheet, plane
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SHEET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "27. See 24-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: OFICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "31. Tellers of tales"

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 who has lied or who lies repeatedly
• Words that mean the same thing: liar, prevaricator
• The opposite would be: square shooter
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "32. With 37-Across, metaphor for comfort"

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 piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
• Words that mean the same thing: retire, seam, eff
• The opposite would be: get up, turn out
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "35. Already"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: BYNOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "36. Photo ___"

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 (roman mythology) goddess of abundance and fertility; wife of saturn; counterpart of greek rhea and cybele of ancient asia minor
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OPS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "37. See 32-Across"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: OFROSES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "40. Navy noncom"

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: CPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "41. Impressionist"

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 someone who copies the words or behavior of another
• Words that mean the same thing: copycat, ape, emulator
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: APER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "43. Talked at length"

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: RANON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "44. Shell"

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 material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
• Words that mean the same thing: shuck, chaff, shell
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HUSK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "45. Terse refusal"

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: NODICE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "47. Spooks"

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 sudden mass fear and anxiety over anticipated events
• Words that mean the same thing: frighten, pock, pall
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SCARES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "49. Their crooning may cause swooning"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TEENIDOLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "53. 1989 Best Picture nominee ... with a hint to 20-, 24-/27- and 32-/37-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: FIELDOFDREAMS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "57. Like certain transportation pricing"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that relating to or of the nature of a zone
• Words that mean the same thing: zonary
• The opposite would be: azonal
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ZONAL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "58. Emmy- and Tony-winning Arthur"

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: BEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "59. Sharp"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a mark (') placed above a vowel to indicate pronunciation
• Words that mean the same thing: penetrating, discriminating, acute accent
• 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: ACUTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "61. Streaming component"

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 audible part of a transmitted signal
• Words that mean the same thing: sound recording, audio recording, audio frequency
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AUDIO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "62. Word often misused in place of "lie""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
• Words that mean the same thing: ballad, set, consist
• The opposite would be: arise, stand
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LAY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "63. Big name in timekeeping"

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: ROLEX

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "64. Moves along"

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 verbalization that encourages you to attempt something
• Words that mean the same thing: goading, poke at, stab
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PRODS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "65. Trauma ctrs."

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 trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
• Words that mean the same thing: Er, emergency room, ER
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "66. Brushed (away)"

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 sweep across or over
• Words that mean the same thing: sweep up, drag in, drag
• The opposite would be: unswept
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWEPT

  Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Wednesday NYT Crossword June 17, 2020

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Law school graduates, in brief	3
2D	2. Spirited horse	4
3D	3. Where stucco is stuck	4
4D	4. Common clothing item ... or what you might become when wearing it	7
5D	5. Does the dishes?	5
6D	6. Ancient Mexican	5
7D	7. Rodeo rope	5
8D	8. Attach, as a boutonniere	5
9D	9. Any movie with ETs	5
10D	10. Give distinction to	7
11D	11. Able to see right through	4
12D	12. Copy cats?	4
13D	13. Abbr. in a birth announcement	3
14D	21. "That's wrong!"	5
15D	22. Hoity-toity types	5
16D	24. Memorial ___ Kettering (N.Y.C. hospital)	5
17D	25. Big body in Africa	5
18D	26. Alleviated	5
19D	28. Sustain, as expenses	5
20D	29. Thicket	5
21D	30. Some "Star Wars" merchandise	5
22D	32. Word after sports, training or push-up	3
23D	33. Section of geological history	3
24D	34. Brit. award	3
25D	38. Made available, with "up"	5
26D	39. Expressionist James	5
27D	42. Company that's RAD on the New York Stock Exchange	7
28D	44. Flips out	7
29D	46. Section of a string section	6
30D	48. Brushes (away)	6
31D	50. Righteous	5
32D	51. "What concerns me is ..."	5
33D	52. Launch times	5
34D	53. Only digit in the ZIP code for Newton Falls, Ohio	4
35D	54. Prefix with China	4
36D	55. Drug ___	4
37D	56. Part of a process	4
38D	57. Sound of a lightning bolt	3
39D	60. Part of many an office phone no.	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. Law school graduates, in brief"

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: JDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Spirited horse"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of a semitic people originally from the arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks arabic and who inhabits much of the middle east and northern africa
• Words that mean the same thing: Arabian
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ARAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Where stucco is stuck"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
• Words that mean the same thing: palisade, fence, fence in
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WALL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Common clothing item ... or what you might become when wearing it"

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 a crocheted or knitted garment covering the upper part of the body
• Words that mean the same thing: perspirer, jumper
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SWEATER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Does the dishes?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that someone who cooks food
• Words that mean the same thing: falsify, Captain Cook, misrepresent
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COOKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Ancient Mexican"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a member of an early mesoamerican civilization centered around veracruz that flourished between 1300 and 400 bc
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OLMEC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Rodeo rope"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a long noosed rope used to catch animals
• Words that mean the same thing: riata, lasso, lariat
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REATA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Attach, as a boutonniere"

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 any of several low-growing pines of western north america
• Words that mean the same thing: pinyon
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PINON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Any movie with ETs"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SCIFI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Give distinction to"

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 confer dignity or honor upon
• Words that mean the same thing: ennoble
• The word looks like this: _______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: DIGNIFY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Able to see right through"

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: ONTO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Copy cats?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the sound made by a cat (or any sound resembling this)
• Words that mean the same thing: miaul, miaou, miaow
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Abbr. in a birth announcement"

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: OZS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "21. "That's wrong!""

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: NOTSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Hoity-toity types"

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 regarded as arrogant and annoying
• Words that mean the same thing: snot, snob, snoot
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SNOBS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Memorial ___ Kettering (N.Y.C. hospital)"

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: SLOAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Big body in Africa"

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 ancient numidian town in northwestern africa adjoining present-day annaba in northeastern algeria
• Words that mean the same thing: Hippopotamus amphibius, river horse, hippopotamus
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HIPPO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "26. Alleviated"

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 move gently or carefully
• Words that mean the same thing: comfort, relieve, allay
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EASED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "28. Sustain, as expenses"

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 oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to
• Words that mean the same thing: obtain, receive, find
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: INCUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "29. Thicket"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a dense growth of bushes
• Words that mean the same thing: brush, thicket, coppice
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COPSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. Some "Star Wars" merchandise"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EWOKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Word after sports, training or push-up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that an undergarment worn by women to support their breasts
• Words that mean the same thing: brassiere, bandeau
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BRA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Section of geological history"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the longest division of geological time
• Words that mean the same thing: aeon
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "34. Brit. award"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: DSO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "38. Made available, with "up""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that grant freedom to; free from confinement
• Words that mean the same thing: loose, unfreeze, relinquish
• The opposite would be: freeze, block
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FREED

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. Expressionist James"

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: ENSOR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. Company that's RAD on the New York Stock Exchange"

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: RITEAID

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "44. Flips out"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: HASACOW

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Section of a string section"

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 large stringed instrument; seated player holds it upright while playing
• Words that mean the same thing: cello, violoncello
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CELLOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "48. Brushes (away)"

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 state of being free of suspicion
• Words that mean the same thing: earn, top, acquit
• The opposite would be: overcast, bounce
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CLEARS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "50. Righteous"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a titled peer of the realm
• Words that mean the same thing: stately, baronial, Lord
• The opposite would be: lowborn, noblewoman
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NOBLE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. "What concerns me is ...""

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: IFEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "52. Launch times"

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: DDAYS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "53. Only digit in the ZIP code for Newton Falls, Ohio"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
• Words that mean the same thing: quaternity, quartet, Little Joe
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: FOUR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "54. Prefix with China"

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: INDO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Drug ___"

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 hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse; usually sterile
• Words that mean the same thing: scuff
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MULE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. Part of a process"

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 any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
• Words that mean the same thing: maltreat, ill-use, dance step
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STEP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "57. Sound of a lightning bolt"

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 sudden event that imparts energy or excitement, usually with a dramatic impact
• Words that mean the same thing: microwave, atomise, micro-cook
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ZAP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "60. Part of many an office phone no."

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: EXT

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	54	73.0%
Short Answer	9	12.2%
History	3	4.1%
Movies/Film	2	2.7%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.7%
Sports	2	2.7%
Food & Drink	1	1.4%
Abbreviation	1	1.4%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	39
Total Clues	74
Average Answer Length	4.9 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	13 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 Wednesday, and these puzzles are usually medium level
• Most clues today are about general knowledge
• The average word today has about 4 letters
• Remember: It's okay to take breaks and come back later with fresh eyes!
• Ask someone for help if you need it - crosswords are more fun with friends!

More Crossword Resources

Explore more crossword solutions and helpful guides to improve your solving skills:

• December 22 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers May 31 2025
• January 28 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• December 08 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• September 08 2020 NYT Clues Solutions
• August 19 2023 NYT Clues Solutions
• November 02 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers May 28 2025
• June 03 2021 NYT Clues Solutions
• Xwordhint Crossword Answers August 17

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 24, 2025 at 12:43 PM

December 24, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

• Puzzle Overview & Difficulty
• Across Clues (35 clues)
• Down Clues (33 clues)
• Category Breakdown
• Complete Puzzle Statistics
• Pro Solving Tips

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Friday, December 24, 2021

Difficulty Level: Moderate Wednesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 68 (35 Across, 33 Down)

Average Word Length: 5.6 letters

Across Clues Explained - Friday NYT Crossword December 24, 2021

No.	Clue	Letters
1A	1. Retreated	8
2A	9. Drop	4
3A	13. Artificial intelligence system modeled on the human brain	9
4A	15. Something that gets passed around a lot	4
5A	16. Golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, for two	10
6A	18. So much	4
7A	19. All the king's men?	6
8A	20. Simple and glib	3
9A	21. School with the slogan "Ex scientia tridens," familiarly	4
10A	22. Ancient symbols of life	5
11A	23. Velcro alternative	5
12A	25. Democratic leader?	3
13A	26. Recipe direction	4
14A	27. Strong, dark quaff	4
15A	28. The British royal family has one called the Cambridge Lover's Knot	5
16A	30. Some abbey attire	5
17A	31. Up	5
18A	32. "I wasn't going to say anything, but since you brought it up ..."	13
19A	36. Crew	5
20A	37. Many a confession on a theater stage	5
21A	38. Throws, informally	5
22A	39. "I'm game"	4
23A	40. Last ___	4
24A	44. ___ Miguel Island, largest of the Azores	3
25A	45. Currency units in Peru	5
26A	47. Puccini opera ... or the first five letters of the maestro who conducted its La Scala premiere	5
27A	48. What Twix bars are sold in	4
28A	50. Companion of the droid BB-8, in the "Star Wars" universe	3
29A	51. Ear hair?	6
30A	52. Calculus calculation	4
31A	53. Gained some courage	10
32A	55. What Shøp on "The Simpsons" is a parody of	4
33A	56. Agronomic analyses	9
34A	57. A cold wave can produce one	4
35A	58. Yule log?	8

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. Retreated"

Quick Info: This answer has 8 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: DREWBACK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "9. Drop"

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 prevent from being included or considered or accepted
• Words that mean the same thing: neglect, take out, drop
• The opposite would be: attend to, include
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "13. Artificial intelligence system modeled on the human brain"

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: NEURALNET

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "15. Something that gets passed around a lot"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a cultural unit (an idea or value or pattern of behavior) that is passed from one person to another by non-genetic means (as by imitation)
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: MEME

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "16. Golfers Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, for two"

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 white native of cape province who is a descendant of dutch settlers and who speaks afrikaans
• Words that mean the same thing: Boer, Afrikaner, Afrikander
• The word looks like this: __________
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: AFRIKANERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "18. So much"

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 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 7 Across: "19. All the king's men?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a person holding a fief; a person who owes allegiance and service to a feudal lord
• Words that mean the same thing: vassal, feudatory, Luik
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LIEGES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "20. Simple and glib"

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 sound made by a gentle blow
• Words that mean the same thing: slick, chuck, dab
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "21. School with the slogan "Ex scientia tridens," familiarly"

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 organization of military vessels belonging to a country and available for sea warfare
• Words that mean the same thing: United States Navy, US Navy, USN
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: NAVY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "22. Ancient symbols of life"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: ANKHS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Velcro alternative"

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 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: interlace, plait, spike
• 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: LACES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "25. Democratic leader?"

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: DEE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Recipe direction"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a regular route for a sentry or policeman
• Words that mean the same thing: shell, nonplus, tucker out
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BEAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "27. Strong, dark quaff"

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 very strong lager traditionally brewed in the fall and aged through the winter for consumption in the spring
• Words that mean the same thing: bock beer
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOCK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "28. The British royal family has one called the Cambridge Lover's Knot"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a jeweled headdress worn by women on formal occasions
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TIARA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "30. Some abbey attire"

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 protective covering consisting of a metal part that covers the engine
• Words that mean the same thing: cowling, bonnet, cowl
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: COWLS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "31. Up"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that on the move
• Words that mean the same thing: about, 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: ASTIR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "32. "I wasn't going to say anything, but since you brought it up ...""

Quick Info: This answer has 13 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: YEAHABOUTTHAT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "36. Crew"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a temporary police force
• Words that mean the same thing: posse comitatus
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: POSSE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "37. Many a confession on a theater stage"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a line spoken by an actor to the audience but not intended for others on the stage
• Words that mean the same thing: by, apart, divagation
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASIDE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "38. Throws, informally"

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 toweling consisting of coarse absorbent cotton or linen fabric
• Words that mean the same thing: huckaback, huck
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: HUCKS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "39. "I'm game""

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a brutal terrorist group active in kashmir; fights against india with the goal of restoring islamic rule of india
• Words that mean the same thing: rent, Army of the Pure, countenance
• The opposite would be: prevent, forbid
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: LETS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "40. Last ___"

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 labored intake of breath with the mouth open
• Words that mean the same thing: puff, heave, pant
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GASP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "44. ___ Miguel Island, largest of the Azores"

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: SAO

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "45. Currency units in Peru"

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 colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid
• Words that mean the same thing: fillet of sole, resole, colloidal suspension
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SOLES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "47. Puccini opera ... or the first five letters of the maestro who conducted its La Scala premiere"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TOSCA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "48. What Twix bars are sold in"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
• Words that mean the same thing: II, 2, deuce
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TWOS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "50. Companion of the droid BB-8, in the "Star Wars" universe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: REY

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "51. Ear hair?"

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 adornment consisting of a bunch of cords fastened at one end
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TASSEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "52. Calculus calculation"

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 magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit
• Words that mean the same thing: place, charge per unit, range
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: RATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "53. Gained some courage"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: GREWASPINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "55. What Shøp on "The Simpsons" is a parody of"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: IKEA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "56. Agronomic analyses"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: SOILTESTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "57. A cold wave can produce one"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a city in the european part of russia
• Words that mean the same thing: Molotov, permanent wave, permanent
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PERM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "58. Yule log?"

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: NICELIST

  Great job if you got it right!

December 24, 2021 Friday NYT - All Down Answers

No.	Clue	Letters
1D	1. Sequencing locale	6
2D	2. Polish	6
3D	3. Triumphant shout	6
4D	4. "Black Boy" memoirist Richard	6
5D	5. Gets the batter out, say	5
6D	6. "___ poor Romeo!": Shak.	4
7D	7. Wolf's home	3
8D	8. Monitor	15
9D	9. Besides Brunei, the only current sovereign sultanate	4
10D	10. Creation date, file size and location, for an iPhone photo	8
11D	11. "That doesn't bother me anymore"	8
12D	12. Like an F.B.I. director's term	7
13D	14. Fast fashion?	10
14D	17. Office address abbr.	3
15D	23. Ones making insulting offers	10
16D	24. Part of many university names	5
17D	27. Flamboyant prop	3
18D	29. "Black" follower	3
19D	30. "The gymnasium of the mind," per Blaise Pascal	5
20D	32. Question that cannot be answered if its answer is "no"	8
21D	33. Two-wheeler at a charging station	8
22D	34. "___ away!"	3
23D	35. Cardinal points?: Abbr.	3
24D	36. Alternative to litmus paper	7
25D	40. It's the truth!	6
26D	41. Noted basilica town	6
27D	42. Things picked up on a trail	6
28D	43. Most likely to burn, maybe	6
29D	46. Kind of chart, informally	3
30D	47. Decorum	5
31D	49. Underground band	4
32D	51. One end of the Mohs scale	4
33D	54. GameCube successor	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. Sequencing locale"

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: DNALAB

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Polish"

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 improve or perfect by pruning or polishing
• Words that mean the same thing: complicate, fine-tune, rarify
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: REFINE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Triumphant shout"

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 an alloy of copper and nickel with high electrical resistance and a low temperature coefficient; used as resistance wire
• Words that mean the same thing: constantan
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: EUREKA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. "Black Boy" memoirist Richard"

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 united states writer of detective novels (1888-1939)
• Words that mean the same thing: Willard Huntington Wright, Wilbur Wright, Fanny Wright
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: WRIGHT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Gets the batter out, 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 cook and make edible by putting in a hot oven
• Words that mean the same thing: bake, broil
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BAKES

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. "___ poor Romeo!": Shak."

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 flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
• Words that mean the same thing: unluckily, regrettably, ala
• The opposite would be: fortunately, luckily
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ALAS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Wolf's home"

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: CNN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Monitor"

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: KEEPACLOSEEYEON

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Besides Brunei, the only current sovereign sultanate"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a strategically located monarchy on the southern and eastern coasts of the arabian peninsula; the economy is dominated by oil
• Words that mean the same thing: Muscat and Oman, Sultanate of Oman
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: OMAN

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Creation date, file size and location, for an iPhone photo"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: METADATA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. "That doesn't bother me anymore""

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: IMOVERIT

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Like an F.B.I. director's term"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TENYEAR

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "14. Fast fashion?"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: TRACKSUITS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "17. Office address 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: STE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "23. Ones making insulting offers"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

  The answer is: LOWBALLERS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Part of many university names"

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 territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
• Words that mean the same thing: express, posit, state of matter
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: STATE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "27. Flamboyant prop"

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 long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur
• Words that mean the same thing: feather boa
• The word looks like this: ___
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: BOA

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "29. "Black" follower"

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: ISH

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "30. "The gymnasium of the mind," per Blaise Pascal"

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 weedy annual native to europe but widely distributed as a weed especially in wheat
• Words that mean the same thing: cheat, Bromus secalinus, chess game
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: CHESS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "32. Question that cannot be answered if its answer is "no""

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: YOUAWAKE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "33. Two-wheeler at a charging station"

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: ESCOOTER

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "34. "___ away!""

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 inquire about
• Words that mean the same thing: involve, take, call for
• The opposite would be: obviate
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: ASK

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "35. Cardinal points?: Abbr."

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: TDS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. Alternative to litmus paper"

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: PHSTRIP

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "40. It's the truth!"

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 four books in the new testament (matthew, mark, luke, and john) that tell the story of christ's life and teachings
• Words that mean the same thing: Gospels, gospel singing, religious doctrine
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: GOSPEL

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "41. Noted basilica town"

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: ASSISI

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "42. Things picked up on a trail"

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

  The answer is: SCENTS

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. Most likely to burn, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that very light colored; highly diluted with white
• Words that mean the same thing: pale, pallid, sick
• The word looks like this: ______
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: PALEST

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "46. Kind of chart, informally"

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: ORG

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Decorum"

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 the sensation that results when taste buds in the tongue and throat convey information about the chemical composition of a soluble stimulus
• Words that mean the same thing: gustatory perception, gustatory sensation, predilection
• The word looks like this: _____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TASTE

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "49. Underground band"

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 joint consisting of a line formed by joining two pieces
• Words that mean the same thing: bed, crease, wrinkle
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: SEAM

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "51. One end of the Mohs scale"

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

Here's how to solve it:

• This could be something that a fine grained mineral having a soft soapy feel and consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate; used in a variety of products including talcum powder
• Words that mean the same thing: talcum
• The word looks like this: ____
• Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
• Ready for the answer? Click here!

  The answer is: TALC

  Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "54. GameCube successor"

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

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: WII

  Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category	Number of Clues	Percentage
General Knowledge	51	75.0%
Short Answer	8	11.8%
History	2	2.9%
Sports	2	2.9%
Celebrity/Entertainment	2	2.9%
Abbreviation	2	2.9%
Food & Drink	1	1.5%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric	Value
Across Clues	35
Down Clues	33
Total Clues	68
Average Answer Length	5.6 letters
Shortest Answer	3 letters
Longest Answer	15 letters

Fun Tips to Solve Crossword Puzzles!

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

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

Last Updated: September 12, 2025 at 10:39 PM