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Monday, September 15, 2025

September 06, 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

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Puzzle Overview & Difficulty Analysis

Date: Monday, September 06, 2021

Difficulty Level: Medium Tuesday Puzzle

Total Clues: 76 (35 Across, 41 Down)

Average Word Length: 4.9 letters

September 06, 2021 Monday NYT - Complete Across Solutions

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Combat sport on pay-per-view, in brief 3
2A 4. On the ___ of the moment 4
3A 8. Like oversize clothes 5
4A 13. ___ milk (nondairy choice) 3
5A 14. On the up-and-up 5
6A 16. Match in opinion 5
7A 17. *Chinese-born director who became only the second woman to win the Oscar for Best Director 9
8A 19. Shrek's love 5
9A 20. Listened to 5
10A 21. Penthouse or attic 8
11A 23. Rear end, to Brits 4
12A 24. *Runway model famous for her work as a Victoria's Secret Angel 10
13A 26. Agcy. dealing with workplace accidents 4
14A 28. Animals around the house 4
15A 29. Elvis's wife 9
16A 34. Jewish community center, for short 4
17A 37. D.C. "Squad" member 3
18A 38. Fashionable ... or where you might find the starts of the answers to the starred clues 7
19A 41. Command between "ready" and "fire" 3
20A 42. Like a basso's voice 4
21A 44. Vegetables in traditional moussaka 9
22A 46. Did a sketch 4
23A 49. Disturb, as sediment 4
24A 50. *Longest resident performer at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace 10
25A 54. Have ___ in one's belfry 4
26A 58. Response to a stimulus 8
27A 59. Baked pudding of potatoes or noodles in Jewish cooking 5
28A 60. Loosen, as laces 5
29A 61. *Atlanta rapper featured on Lizzo's Grammy-nominated "Exactly How I Feel" 9
30A 64. Bishop's hat 5
31A 65. Stop and Yield 5
32A 66. AOL, for one 3
33A 67. Budweiser and Beck's 5
34A 68. Altoids containers 4
35A 69. Tennis court divider 3

Let's Solve the Across Clues Together!

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

Clue 1 Across: "1. Combat sport on pay-per-view, in brief"

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

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Across: "4. On the ___ of the moment"

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

    The answer is: SPUR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Across: "8. Like oversize clothes"

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 not fitting closely; hanging loosely
  • Words that mean the same thing: sloppy, loose-fitting
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BAGGY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Across: "13. ___ milk (nondairy choice)"

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 annual grass of europe and north africa; grains used as food and fodder (referred to primarily in the plural: `oats')
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OAT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Across: "14. On the up-and-up"

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: LEGIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Across: "16. Match in opinion"

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 be in accord; be in agreement
  • Words that mean the same thing: hold, consort, fit in
  • The opposite would be: disagree
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AGREE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Across: "17. *Chinese-born director who became only the second woman to win the Oscar for Best Director"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 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: CHLOEZHAO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Across: "19. Shrek's love"

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: FIONA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Across: "20. Listened to"

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 perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
  • Words that mean the same thing: take heed, learn, get word
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: HEARD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Across: "21. Penthouse or attic"

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: TOPFLOOR

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Across: "23. Rear end, to Brits"

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 fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
  • Words that mean the same thing: backside, bunghole, rump
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ARSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Across: "24. *Runway model famous for her work as a Victoria's Secret Angel"

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: CHANELIMAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Across: "26. Agcy. dealing with workplace accidents"

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 government agency in the department of labor to maintain a safe and healthy work environment
  • Words that mean the same thing: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OSHA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Across: "28. Animals around the house"

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 domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
  • Words that mean the same thing: favourite, pet, deary
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PETS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Across: "29. Elvis's wife"

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: PRISCILLA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Across: "34. Jewish community center, for short"

Quick Info: This answer has 4 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: YMHA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Across: "37. D.C. "Squad" member"

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: AOC

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Across: "38. Fashionable ... or where you might find the starts of the answers to the starred clues"

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: INVOGUE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Across: "41. Command between "ready" and "fire""

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 an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
  • Words that mean the same thing: take aim, purpose, train
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AIM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Across: "42. Like a basso's voice"

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 central and most intense or profound part
  • Words that mean the same thing: thick, oceanic abyss, deeply
  • The opposite would be: shallow
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DEEP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Across: "44. Vegetables in traditional moussaka"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that egg-shaped vegetable having a shiny skin typically dark purple but occasionally white or yellow
  • Words that mean the same thing: Solanum melongena, eggplant, aubergine
  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: EGGPLANTS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Across: "46. Did a sketch"

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 united states actor (born in ireland); father of georgiana emma barrymore (1827-1862)
  • Words that mean the same thing: force, delineate, pull
  • The opposite would be: repel, push
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DREW

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Across: "49. Disturb, as sediment"

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 be agitated
  • Words that mean the same thing: rile, moil, boil
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROIL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Across: "50. *Longest resident performer at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace"

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: CELINEDION

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 25 Across: "54. Have ___ in one's belfry"

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 nocturnal mouselike mammal with forelimbs modified to form membranous wings and anatomical adaptations for echolocation by which they navigate
  • Words that mean the same thing: barmy, loony, nutty
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BATS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Across: "58. Response to a stimulus"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that (chemistry) a process in which one or more substances are changed into others
  • Words that mean the same thing: response, chemical reaction
  • The word looks like this: ________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: REACTION

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Across: "59. Baked pudding of potatoes or noodles in Jewish cooking"

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: KUGEL

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Across: "60. Loosen, as laces"

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

    The answer is: UNTIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Across: "61. *Atlanta rapper featured on Lizzo's Grammy-nominated "Exactly How I Feel""

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: GUCCIMANE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Across: "64. Bishop's hat"

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 joint that forms a corner; usually both sides are bevelled at a 45-degree angle to form a 90-degree corner
  • Words that mean the same thing: mitre joint, miter joint, mitre
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MITER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Across: "65. Stop and Yield"

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 perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
  • Words that mean the same thing: signalise, signaling, bless
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SIGNS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Across: "66. AOL, for one"

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: ISP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Across: "67. Budweiser and Beck's"

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 general name for alcoholic beverages made by fermenting a cereal (or mixture of cereals) flavored with hops
  • Words that mean the same thing: 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: BEERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Across: "68. Altoids containers"

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 silvery malleable metallic element that resists corrosion; used in many alloys and to coat other metals to prevent corrosion; obtained chiefly from cassiterite where it occurs as tin oxide
  • Words that mean the same thing: tin can, atomic number 50, Sn
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TINS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Across: "69. Tennis court divider"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: NET

    Great job if you got it right!

Down Clues Decoded - Monday NYT Crossword September 06, 2021

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Chocolate-flavored coffee 5
2D 2. HBO's "Real Time With Bill ___" 5
3D 3. Book of maps 5
4D 4. Transport down a winter hill 4
5D 5. Dispenser candy 3
6D 6. "That tastes bad!" 3
7D 7. Cowboy's rope 5
8D 8. Perplex 6
9D 9. Nimbleness 7
10D 10. Bachelor party attendee 9
11D 11. Italian city where Columbus was born 5
12D 12. Ache (for) 5
13D 15. Saturday morning TV character 4
14D 18. Dunkable cookies 5
15D 22. Vitality 3
16D 24. Place for a goatee 4
17D 25. Split in two 5
18D 27. Biol. or chem. 3
19D 29. Increase unnecessarily, as an expense report 3
20D 30. ___ v. Wade 3
21D 31. Cold drink with caffeine 9
22D 32. Something to throw on a fire 3
23D 33. Belligerent, in London 5
24D 35. Runaway success 3
25D 36. Mornings, informally 3
26D 39. "Once ___ a time" 4
27D 40. Inventor Whitney 3
28D 43. More costly 7
29D 45. Collection of songs 5
30D 47. Goes in 6
31D 48. One of ancient China's Three Kingdoms 3
32D 50. Bit of bread 5
33D 51. Start of a playground rhyme 5
34D 52. Kennel occupants 4
35D 53. Arctic dweller 5
36D 55. Once more 5
37D 56. All wound up 5
38D 57. Got some shut-eye 5
39D 59. Candy item in foil 4
40D 62. Some movie f/x 3
41D 63. MSNBC competitor 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. Chocolate-flavored coffee"

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 soft suede glove leather from goatskin
  • Words that mean the same thing: mocha coffee
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: MOCHA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 2 Down: "2. HBO's "Real Time With Bill ___""

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: MAHER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 3 Down: "3. Book of maps"

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 (greek mythology) a titan who was forced by zeus to bear the sky on his shoulders
  • Words that mean the same thing: telamon, map collection, book of maps
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ATLAS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 4 Down: "4. Transport down a winter hill"

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 vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow
  • Words that mean the same thing: sledge, sleigh
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SLED

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 5 Down: "5. Dispenser candy"

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: PEZ

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 6 Down: "6. "That tastes bad!""

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: UGH

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 7 Down: "7. Cowboy's 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: reata, 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: RIATA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 8 Down: "8. Perplex"

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 flat plate that controls or directs the flow of fluid or energy
  • Words that mean the same thing: thwart, bilk, beat
  • The word looks like this: ______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: BAFFLE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 9 Down: "9. Nimbleness"

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 the gracefulness of a person or animal that is quick and nimble
  • Words that mean the same thing: legerity, lightness, lightsomeness
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AGILITY

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 10 Down: "10. Bachelor party attendee"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a male attendant of the bridegroom at a wedding
  • The word looks like this: _________
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GROOMSMAN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 11 Down: "11. Italian city where Columbus was born"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a seaport in northwestern italy; provincial capital of liguria
  • Words that mean the same thing: Genova
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: GENOA

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 12 Down: "12. Ache (for)"

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 desire strongly or persistently
  • Words that mean the same thing: long, pine, yen
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: YEARN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 13 Down: "15. Saturday morning TV character"

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 film made by photographing a series of cartoon drawings to give the illusion of movement when projected in rapid sequence
  • Words that mean the same thing: cartoon, animated cartoon
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TOON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 14 Down: "18. Dunkable cookies"

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 chocolate cookie with white cream filling
  • Words that mean the same thing: oreo cookie, oreo
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: OREOS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 15 Down: "22. Vitality"

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 liveliness and energy
  • Words that mean the same thing: ginger, peppiness
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PEP

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 16 Down: "24. Place for a goatee"

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 protruding part of the lower jaw
  • Words that mean the same thing: chin up, Kuki-Chin, Kuki
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CHIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 17 Down: "25. Split in two"

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

    The answer is: HALVE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 18 Down: "27. Biol. or chem."

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: SCI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 19 Down: "29. Increase unnecessarily, as an expense report"

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 number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge
  • Words that mean the same thing: launching pad, stamp pad, digs
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PAD

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 20 Down: "30. ___ v. Wade"

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 fish eggs or egg-filled ovary; having a grainy texture
  • Words that mean the same thing: hard roe
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ROE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 21 Down: "31. Cold drink with caffeine"

Quick Info: This answer has 9 letters. It's a hard clue about food & drink.

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: ICEDLATTE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 22 Down: "32. Something to throw on a fire"

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 segment of the trunk of a tree when stripped of branches
  • Words that mean the same thing: logarithm, lumber
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: LOG

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 23 Down: "33. Belligerent, in London"

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 (informal british usage) aggravation or aggression
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AGGRO

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 24 Down: "35. Runaway 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: run into, score, bang
  • 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 25 Down: "36. Mornings, informally"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that a radioactive transuranic metallic element; discovered by bombarding uranium with helium atoms
  • Words that mean the same thing: Artium Magister, MA, americium
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AMS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 26 Down: "39. "Once ___ a time""

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: UPON

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 27 Down: "40. Inventor Whitney"

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

Here's how to solve it:

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

    The answer is: ELI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 28 Down: "43. More costly"

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 having a high price
  • Words that mean the same thing: high-priced, pricy, costly
  • The word looks like this: _______
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: PRICIER

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 29 Down: "45. Collection of songs"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • This could be something that one or more recordings issued together; originally released on 12-inch phonograph records (usually with attractive record covers) and later on cassette audiotape and compact disc
  • Words that mean the same thing: record album
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ALBUM

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 30 Down: "47. Goes in"

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 to come or go into
  • Words that mean the same thing: inscribe, get into, get in
  • The opposite would be: exit, drop out
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: ENTERS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 31 Down: "48. One of ancient China's Three Kingdoms"

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 any of several imperial dynasties of china ruling from 220 to 265 and from 386 to 556
  • Words that mean the same thing: Wei dynasty
  • The word looks like this: ___
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: WEI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 32 Down: "50. Bit of bread"

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 very small quantity of something
  • Words that mean the same thing: skunk, lowlife, stinkpot
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: CRUMB

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 33 Down: "51. Start of a playground rhyme"

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: EENIE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 34 Down: "52. Kennel occupants"

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 the genus canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
  • Words that mean the same thing: dog-iron, pawl, frump
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: DOGS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 35 Down: "53. Arctic dweller"

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 member of a people inhabiting the arctic (northern canada or greenland or alaska or eastern siberia); the algonquians called them eskimo (`eaters of raw flesh') but they call themselves the inuit (`the people')
  • Words that mean the same thing: Esquimau, Eskimo
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: INUIT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 36 Down: "55. Once more"

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

Here's how to solve it:

  • Words that mean the same thing: over again, once more, once again
  • The word looks like this: _____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: AGAIN

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 37 Down: "56. All wound 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 a grammatical category of verbs used to express distinctions of time
  • Words that mean the same thing: strain, tense up
  • The opposite would be: unstrain, lax
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: TENSE

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 38 Down: "57. Got some shut-eye"

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 be able to accommodate for sleeping
  • Words that mean the same thing: kip, sleep, log Z's
  • The opposite would be: wake
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: SLEPT

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 39 Down: "59. Candy item in foil"

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 act of caressing with the lips (or an instance thereof)
  • Words that mean the same thing: snog, candy kiss, buss
  • The word looks like this: ____
  • Still stuck? Remember to use the crossing words to help you!
  • Ready for the answer? Click here!

    The answer is: KISS

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 40 Down: "62. Some movie f/x"

Quick Info: This answer has 3 letters. It's a easy 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: CGI

    Great job if you got it right!

Clue 41 Down: "63. MSNBC competitor"

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!

Category Breakdown

Category Number of Clues Percentage
General Knowledge 48 63.2%
Short Answer 16 21.1%
Celebrity/Entertainment 3 3.9%
Sports 2 2.6%
Abbreviation 1 1.3%
Literature 1 1.3%
Geography 1 1.3%
Food & Drink 1 1.3%
Music 1 1.3%
History 1 1.3%
Movies/Film 1 1.3%

Complete Puzzle Statistics

Metric Value
Across Clues 35
Down Clues 41
Total Clues 76
Average Answer Length 4.9 letters
Shortest Answer 3 letters
Longest Answer 10 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 Monday, 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 15, 2025 at 05:20 AM

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Quick NYT Mini Crossword December 09, 2025 - Mobile-Friendly Solutions & Speed Tips

Today's NYT Mini Crossword December 09, 2025 - Complete Solutions with Smart Hints | 5-Minute Solve

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: November 23 2019 NYT Clues Solutions | August 13 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | December 20 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for December 09, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Tuesday, December 09, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 09, 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 55. Pre-digital TV screen tech
2 Across 50. "Here's my two cents, which might not amount to much ..."
3 Across 20. Unadulterated
4 Across 10. Livens (up)
5 Across 23. "These are merely my spur-of-the-moment suggestions ..."
6 Across 57. "Feel free to dismiss this idea — however ..."
7 Across 38. Singer/actress Lady ___
8 Across 30. Gossip, in slang
9 Across 56. Not close by
10 Across 49. Game with Skip and Reverse cards

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: "55. Pre-digital TV screen tech"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'T'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal CRT


2 Across: "50. "Here's my two cents, which might not amount to much ...""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 15 letters
  • It starts with 'F' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: F_____________H

Answer:

Click to reveal FORWHATITSWORTH


3 Across: "20. Unadulterated"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal PURE


4 Across: "10. Livens (up)"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal PEPS


5 Across: "23. "These are merely my spur-of-the-moment suggestions ...""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 15 letters
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'G'
  • Word pattern: J_____________G

Answer:

Click to reveal JUSTSPITBALLING


6 Across: "57. "Feel free to dismiss this idea — however ...""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 15 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: O_____________T

Answer:

Click to reveal ONLYATHOUGHTBUT


7 Across: "38. Singer/actress Lady ___"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: G__A

Answer:

Click to reveal GAGA


8 Across: "30. Gossip, in slang"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'A'
  • Another word like this: teatime

Answer:

Click to reveal TEA


9 Across: "56. Not close by"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: A__R

Answer:

Click to reveal AFAR


10 Across: "49. Game with Skip and Reverse cards"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal UNO

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 11. Professor ___ (title for some retirees)
2 Down 26. Part of L.G.B.T.Q.+
3 Down 9. Org. that oversees air quality initiatives
4 Down 40. Silverback, for one
5 Down 18. Cover letter accompaniment
6 Down 1. Computing pioneer Lovelace
7 Down 3. Neutralized, as an explosive situation
8 Down 25. Pigmented rings
9 Down 12. Light lager
10 Down 51. With a wink, say

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


1 Down: "11. Professor ___ (title for some retirees)"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal EMERITA


2 Down: "26. Part of L.G.B.T.Q.+"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'Y'
  • Another word like this: jovial

Answer:

Click to reveal GAY


3 Down: "9. Org. that oversees air quality initiatives"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal EPA


4 Down: "40. Silverback, for one"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal GORILLA


5 Down: "18. Cover letter accompaniment"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal RESUME


6 Down: "1. Computing pioneer Lovelace"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ADA


7 Down: "3. Neutralized, as an explosive situation"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 7 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: D_____D

Answer:

Click to reveal DEFUSED


8 Down: "25. Pigmented rings"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal AREOLAS


9 Down: "12. Light lager"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal PILSNER


10 Down: "51. With a wink, say"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: W___Y

Answer:

Click to reveal WRYLY

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: Medium

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: December 09, 2025 at 04:02 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, December 09 2025 mini crossword