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Friday, October 17, 2025

NYT Mini Crossword Answers Today October 17, 2025 - All 20 Clues Solved & Expert Hints

Mini Crossword NYT October 17, 2025 - Today's Puzzle Solved in Under 2 Minutes

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

Popular Puzzles: March 12 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | August 12 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | July 24 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for October 17, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Friday, October 17, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date October 17, 2025
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

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

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

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

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

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

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

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 39. Longtime Nestlé candy brand
2 Across 28. Fun-size, so to speak
3 Across 48. ___ month
4 Across 24. Drinking game with projectiles
5 Across 5. Plant often confused with algae
6 Across 46. Portmanteau for evidence based solely on personal accounts
7 Across 51. Wipe
8 Across 49. Act of writing down whatever comes to mind in order to clear mental clutter
9 Across 15. Understanding response
10 Across 52. Biblical locale in a Steinbeck title

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

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


1 Across: "39. Longtime Nestlé candy brand"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S_____S

Answer:

Click to reveal SNOCAPS


2 Across: "28. Fun-size, so to speak"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: T__Y

Answer:

Click to reveal TINY


3 Across: "48. ___ month"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal LUNAR


4 Across: "24. Drinking game with projectiles"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: B_______S

Answer:

Click to reveal BEERDARTS


5 Across: "5. Plant often confused with algae"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal MOSS


6 Across: "46. Portmanteau for evidence based solely on personal accounts"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A______A

Answer:

Click to reveal ANECDATA


7 Across: "51. Wipe"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: E___E

Answer:

Click to reveal ERASE


8 Across: "49. Act of writing down whatever comes to mind in order to clear mental clutter"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: B_______P

Answer:

Click to reveal BRAINDUMP


9 Across: "15. Understanding response"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ISEE


10 Across: "52. Biblical locale in a Steinbeck title"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal EDEN

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 26. British singer with the hits "R.I.P." and "Radioactive"
2 Down 6. Mac platform renamed in 2016
3 Down 8. More seductive
4 Down 11. Word with easy or high
5 Down 45. With, in Spanish
6 Down 34. DC figure since 1938
7 Down 22. Handles beautifully, in slang
8 Down 38. Certain unit of detergent
9 Down 44. Upper house of the French parliament
10 Down 4. Less prolix

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


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

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: R_____A

Answer:

Click to reveal RITAORA


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

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal OSX


3 Down: "8. More seductive"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal SEXIER


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

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal CHAIR


5 Down: "45. With, in Spanish"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'N'
  • Another word like this: mulct

Answer:

Click to reveal CON


6 Down: "34. DC figure since 1938"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: S______N

Answer:

Click to reveal SUPERMAN


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

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: C_____S

Answer:

Click to reveal CRUSHES


8 Down: "38. Certain unit of detergent"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: T_____D

Answer:

Click to reveal TIDEPOD


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

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S___T

Answer:

Click to reveal SENAT


10 Down: "4. Less prolix"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: T____R

Answer:

Click to reveal TERSER

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

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

Letter Tips That Really Help

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

Time Goals to Aim For

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

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 52 seconds
Difficulty: Easy

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

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

How fast should I be able to solve it?

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

Do I need to pay to play?

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

What makes a good Mini solver?

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

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

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


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

Last Updated: October 17, 2025 at 03:48 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, October 17 2025 mini crossword

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

August 12, 2020 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Related Puzzles

Check out these other crossword solutions and helpful guides:

Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 78 (35 Across, 43 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.8 letters

August 12, 2020 Wednesday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Emotional low point 5
2A 6. Weasellike animal with dark fur 5
3A 11. H.S. students applying to college, typically 3
4A 14. Solely 5
5A 15. At full speed, at sea 5
6A 16. Stolen 3
7A 17. Animal accompanying Pi in "Life of Pi" 11
8A 19. Give it ___ 3
9A 20. Basketball Hall-of-Famer Baylor 5
10A 21. Basis of a negotiation 5
11A 23. Auto safety feature preventing skidding, for short 3
12A 26. Cousin of an apple cobbler 10
13A 29. Advanced photocopier instruction 7
14A 32. Stiletto, e.g. 4
15A 33. ___ Heep, "David Copperfield" antagonist 5
16A 34. Overly 3
17A 35. Job to do 4
18A 39. U.S. flag, with "the" 15
19A 43. Summer drink endings 4
20A 44. Rome's ___ Appia 3
21A 45. Peter, Paul or Mary 5
22A 46. The Thunderbirds are in it, for short 4
23A 48. "Dr." of 1960s TV 7
24A 50. Biryani or vindaloo 10
25A 54. Pizzeria owner in "Do the Right Thing" 3
26A 55. Medicare section that covers X-rays 5
27A 56. "Mr." of 1960s TV 5
28A 59. Tiptop 3
29A 60. Chart-topping 1970s R&B/funk band suggested by the starts of 17-, 26-, 39- and 50-Across 11
30A 66. ___ Na Na 3
31A 67. Something typically found on a spine 5
32A 68. Opening shot in billiards 5
33A 69. Golf course purchase 3
34A 70. Gird (oneself) 5
35A 71. Full of curses, say 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. Emotional low point"

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 extreme state of adversity; the lowest point of anything
  • Words that mean the same thing: low-water mark
  • The opposite would be: zenith
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NADIR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "6. Weasellike animal with dark fur"

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 artist's brush made of sable hairs
  • Words that mean the same thing: coal black, jet black, pitch black
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SABLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "11. H.S. students applying to college, typically"

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 soft silver-white or yellowish metallic element of the alkali metal group; turns yellow in air; occurs in celestite and strontianite
  • Words that mean the same thing: Sr, steradian, strontium
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SRS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "14. Solely"

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 isolated from others
  • Words that mean the same thing: solo, solitary, entirely
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALONE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "15. At full speed, at sea"

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 at full speed; with great haste
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AMAIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Stolen"

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 used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
  • Words that mean the same thing: raging, live, blistering
  • The opposite would be: cold
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HOT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. Animal accompanying Pi in "Life of Pi""

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: BENGALTIGER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Give it ___"

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 9 Across: "20. Basketball Hall-of-Famer Baylor"

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: ELGIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Basis of a negotiation"

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

    The answer is: OFFER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Auto safety feature preventing skidding, 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 any of a class of composite plastics used to make car bodies and cases for computers and other appliances
  • Words that mean the same thing: BA, Av, abdominal
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ABS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "26. Cousin of an apple cobbler"

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: BROWNBETTY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "29. Advanced photocopier instruction"

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

    The answer is: COLLATE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "32. Stiletto, 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 the bottom of a shoe or boot; the back part of a shoe or boot that touches the ground and provides elevation
  • Words that mean the same thing: cad, bounder, hound
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HEEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "33. ___ Heep, "David Copperfield" antagonist"

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 (old testament) the husband of bathsheba and a soldier who was sent to die in battle so that king david could marry his wife (circa 10th century 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: URIAH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Overly"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
  • Words that mean the same thing: overly, as well, to a fault
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "35. Job to do"

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 piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
  • Words that mean the same thing: tax, project, undertaking
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TASK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "39. U.S. flag, with "the""

Quick Info: This answer has 15 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: REDWHITEANDBLUE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "43. Summer drink endings"

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 sweetened beverage of diluted fruit juice
  • Words that mean the same thing: fruit drink, ade
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ADES

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "44. Rome's ___ Appia"

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: VIA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "45. Peter, Paul or Mary"

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 died and has been declared a saint by canonization
  • Words that mean the same thing: nonesuch, holy man, angel
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SAINT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "46. The Thunderbirds are in it, for short"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that the airforce of the united states of america; the agency that defends the united states through control and exploitation of air and space
  • Words that mean the same thing: U. S. Air Force, Air Force, United States Air Force
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: USAF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "48. "Dr." of 1960s TV"

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: KILDARE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "50. Biryani or vindaloo"

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: INDIANFOOD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "54. Pizzeria owner in "Do the Right Thing""

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: SAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "55. Medicare section that covers X-rays"

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: PARTB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "56. "Mr." of 1960s TV"

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 united states pediatrician whose many books on child care influenced the upbringing of children around the world (1903-1998)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Benjamin Spock
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SPOCK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "59. Tiptop"

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 smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Words that mean the same thing: A-one, star, I
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ACE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "60. Chart-topping 1970s R&B/funk band suggested by the starts of 17-, 26-, 39- and 50-Across"

Quick Info: This answer has 11 letters. It's a expert 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: OHIOPLAYERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "66. ___ Na Na"

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: SHA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "67. Something typically found on a spine"

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 heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
  • Words that mean the same thing: championship, deed, title of respect
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TITLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "68. Opening shot in billiards"

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 some abrupt occurrence that interrupts an ongoing activity
  • Words that mean the same thing: rift, bring out, fail
  • The opposite would be: keep, conform to
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BREAK

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "69. Golf course purchase"

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 surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots
  • Words that mean the same thing: sward, greensward, bugger
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SOD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "70. Gird (oneself)"

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 alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon; widely used in construction; mechanical properties can be varied over a wide range
  • Words that mean the same thing: brand, blade, nerve
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STEEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "71. Full of curses, 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 engagingly stimulating or provocative
  • Words that mean the same thing: piquant
  • The opposite would be: fresh
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SALTY

    Great job if you got it right!

August 12, 2020 Down Hints: NYT Wednesday Crossword Guide

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Catch in the act 3
2D 2. Pub order 3
3D 3. Mafia big 3
4D 4. "Picnic" dramatist William 4
5D 5. Unimagined? 4
6D 6. Genre for David and Amy Sedaris 6
7D 7. ___ acid 5
8D 8. Word with sleeping or punching 3
9D 9. Don't believe it! 3
10D 10. Dress in vestments 6
11D 11. Iconic 1971 blaxploitation film 5
12D 12. Reference book next to Webster 5
13D 13. Tale 5
14D 18. Pride Month initials 4
15D 22. Had regrets 7
16D 23. Competitor of Lexus and Infiniti 5
17D 24. Doodling away, maybe 5
18D 25. Electric ___ (dance) 5
19D 27. "What just happened here ...?!" 4
20D 28. Like some lights 4
21D 30. What might help right a wrong 7
22D 31. "That feels so-o-o good!" 3
23D 34. China is its largest exporter 3
24D 36. Nom de plume 5
25D 37. Jazz great with an Egyptian-sounding name 5
26D 38. ___ One (vodka brand) 5
27D 40. The fourth one was "terrible" 4
28D 41. Petty quarrel 4
29D 42. Certain internet option, for short 3
30D 47. Wooden shoes 6
31D 48. Longtime "Nightline" anchor Ted 6
32D 49. Teen ___ 4
33D 50. "Not for me, thanks" 5
34D 51. "What do you call cheese that isn't yours? ___ cheese!" (dad joke) 5
35D 52. Horrible fear 5
36D 53. "___ Mio" 5
37D 57. Metered vehicles 4
38D 58. Actress Sedgwick 4
39D 61. Super success 3
40D 62. Suffix with Manhattan or Brooklyn 3
41D 63. Twisty fish 3
42D 64. Chinese zodiac animal of 2020 3
43D 65. The limit, they 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. Catch in the act"

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 tag the base runner to get him out
  • Words that mean the same thing: cop, pick up, apprehend
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NAB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. Pub order"

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 general name for beer made with a top fermenting yeast; in some of the united states an ale is (by law) a brew of more than 4% alcohol by volume
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Mafia big"

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 spanish gentleman or nobleman
  • Words that mean the same thing: father, put on, Don River
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. "Picnic" dramatist William"

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 english prelate noted for his pessimistic sermons and articles (1860-1954)
  • Words that mean the same thing: William Ralph Inge, William Inge, Gloomy Dean
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: INGE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Unimagined?"

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 rational or irrational number
  • Words that mean the same thing: really, real number, very
  • The opposite would be: unreal, insubstantial
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REAL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. Genre for David and Amy Sedaris"

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 witty language used to convey insults or scorn; ; ; --jonathan swift
  • Words that mean the same thing: sarcasm, irony, caustic remark
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SATIRE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. ___ acid"

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 radical -nh2
  • Words that mean the same thing: amino group, aminic
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AMINO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Word with sleeping or punching"

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 flexible container with a single opening
  • Words that mean the same thing: purse, pocketbook, bulge
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BAG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Don't believe it!"

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 statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
  • Words that mean the same thing: Trygve Halvden Lie, dwell, Trygve Lie
  • The opposite would be: stand, arise
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Dress in vestments"

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

    The answer is: ENROBE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Iconic 1971 blaxploitation film"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a line that forms the length of an arrow pointer
  • Words that mean the same thing: irradiation, screw, barb
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SHAFT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Reference book next to Webster"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that english physician who in retirement compiled a well-known thesaurus (1779-1869)
  • Words that mean the same thing: Peter Mark Roget
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROGET

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "13. Tale"

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 message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
  • Words that mean the same thing: news report, report, storey
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: STORY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Pride Month initials"

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: LGBT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Had regrets"

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: FELTBAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "23. Competitor of Lexus and Infiniti"

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: ACURA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "24. Doodling away, maybe"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that cause to be bored
  • Words that mean the same thing: drill, bore, tire
  • The opposite would be: interest
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BORED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "25. Electric ___ (dance)"

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 small flat rectangular piece of glass on which specimens can be mounted for microscopic study
  • Words that mean the same thing: skid, chute, glide
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SLIDE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "27. "What just happened here ...?!""

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: WHOA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "28. Like some lights"

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 colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts
  • Words that mean the same thing: Ne, atomic number 10
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NEON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "30. What might help right a wrong"

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 comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy
  • Words that mean the same thing: causa, cause, case
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LAWSUIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "31. "That feels so-o-o good!""

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: AHH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "34. China is its largest exporter"

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 beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
  • Words that mean the same thing: teatime, Camellia sinensis, tea leaf
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TEA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "36. Nom de plume"

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 name that has been assumed temporarily
  • Words that mean the same thing: false name, a.k.a., also known as
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALIAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Down: "37. Jazz great with an Egyptian-sounding name"

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: SUNRA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "38. ___ One (vodka brand)"

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: KETEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. The fourth one was "terrible""

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: IVAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "41. Petty quarrel"

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 quarrel about petty points
  • Words that mean the same thing: squabble, bicker, bickering
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TIFF

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "42. Certain internet option, 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 generic name for digital lines that are provided by telephone companies to their local subscribers and that carry data at high speeds
  • Words that mean the same thing: digital subscriber 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: DSL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Wooden shoes"

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 carved from a single block of wood
  • Words that mean the same thing: clog, patten, wooden shoe
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SABOTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "48. Longtime "Nightline" anchor Ted"

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: KOPPEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "49. Teen ___"

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: beau ideal, god, matinee idol
  • The 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 33 Down: "50. "Not for me, thanks""

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: IPASS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "51. "What do you call cheese that isn't yours? ___ cheese!" (dad joke)"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a tortilla chip topped with cheese and chili-pepper and broiled
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: NACHO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "52. Horrible fear"

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 fearful expectation or anticipation
  • Words that mean the same thing: horrific, terrible, awful
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DREAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "53. "___ Mio""

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: OSOLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "57. Metered vehicles"

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 compartment at the front of a motor vehicle or locomotive where driver sits
  • Words that mean the same thing: cabriolet, cab, taxi
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CABS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "58. Actress Sedgwick"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: KYRA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "61. Super 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 (baseball) a successful stroke in an athletic contest (especially in baseball)
  • Words that mean the same thing: tally, smasher, collide with
  • The opposite would be: miss
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "62. Suffix with Manhattan or Brooklyn"

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: ITE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "63. Twisty fish"

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 fatty flesh of eel; an elongate fish found in fresh water in europe and america; large eels are usually smoked or pickled
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 42 Down: "64. Chinese zodiac animal of 2020"

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 any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
  • Words that mean the same thing: fink, so-and-so, lowlife
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: RAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 43 Down: "65. The limit, they 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 atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
  • Words that mean the same thing: flip, toss, pitch
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SKY

    Great job if you got it right!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 49 62.8%
Short Answer 21 26.9%
Abbreviation 3 3.8%
Celebrity/Entertainment 2 2.6%
Food & Drink 1 1.3%
Movies/Film 1 1.3%
Literature 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 35
Down Clues 43
Total Clues 78
Average Answer Length 4.8 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 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!

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

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 23, 2025 at 08:28 AM