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Sunday, August 24, 2025

January 31, 1990 NYT Clues Solutions | XWordHint

Table of Contents

Master the Across: NYT Crossword Hints for January 31, 1990

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Said "I do" 3
2A 4. Second chance in court 6
3A 10. Chinese gelatin 4
4A 14. Rocks at the bar 3
5A 15. Auto's "face" 6
6A 16. Tempo 4
7A 17. Start of a quip 15
8A 20. It springs eternal 4
9A 21. Born, to Fifi 3
10A 22. Drive forward 5
11A 23. Convened 3
12A 25. Wool producer 3
13A 26. More of the quip 13
14A 33. Kitchen utensil 5
15A 34. Abnormal breathing sounds 5
16A 35. Mate of 25 Across 3
17A 37. Exhort 4
18A 38. Lincoln's logs? 5
19A 39. Rani's garb 4
20A 40. English heat measure: Abbr. 3
21A 41. Mysterious biblical word 5
22A 42. Was skittish 5
23A 43. More of the quip 13
24A 46. Cries of surprise 3
25A 47. Far along in years 3
26A 48. "Topless towers" city 5
27A 51. Blemish 3
28A 53. Gumbo 4
29A 57. End of the quip 15
30A 61. Cleaving tool 4
31A 62. Narrated again 6
32A 63. Okla. city 3
33A 64. Yearnings 4
34A 65. Saves Dad the nuptial costs 6
35A 66. "I am ___ a crook": Nixon 3

Across Clues - Detailed Hints and Explanations

1A: "1. Said "I do"" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that the fourth day of the week; the third working day
  • Similar words include: get married, wedded, marry
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: WED

2A: "4. Second chance in court" (6 letters)

  • Think of something that earnest or urgent request
  • Similar words include: charm, prayer, entreaty
  • Opposite of: repel
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: APPEAL

3A: "10. Chinese gelatin" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent
  • Similar words include: nutrient agar, agar-agar
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: AGAR

4A: "14. Rocks at the bar" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that water frozen in the solid state
  • Similar words include: internal-combustion engine, Methedrine, icing
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: ICE

5A: "15. Auto's "face"" (6 letters)

  • Think of something that small opening (like a window in a door) through which business can be transacted
  • Similar words include: radiator grille, lattice, grillwork
  • Pattern: ______
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: GRILLE

6A: "16. Tempo" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that the rate of moving (especially walking or running)
  • Similar words include: step, yard, tempo
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: PACE

7A: "17. Start of a quip" (15 letters)

  • Pattern: _______________
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: SHELOOKSLIKESHE

8A: "20. It springs eternal" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that a specific instance of feeling hopeful
  • Similar words include: Leslie Townes Hope, trust, go for
  • Opposite of: despair
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: HOPE

9A: "21. Born, to Fifi" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that (meaning literally `born') used to indicate the maiden or family name of a married woman
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: NEE

10A: "22. Drive forward" (5 letters)

  • Think of something that urge or force (a person) to an action; constrain or motivate
  • Similar words include: force, propel
  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: IMPEL

11A: "23. Convened" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the sabbath by jews and some christians
  • Similar words include: posture, pose, Saturday
  • Opposite of: stand, arise
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: SAT

12A: "25. Wool producer" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that a member of a people living in southern benin and togo and southeastern ghana
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: EWE

13A: "26. More of the quip" (13 letters)

  • Pattern: _____________
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: WASPOUREDINTO

14A: "33. Kitchen utensil" (5 letters)

  • Think of something that a device for removing the core from apples
  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: CORER

15A: "34. Abnormal breathing sounds" (5 letters)

  • Think of something that a rapid series of short loud sounds (as might be heard with a stethoscope in some types of respiratory disorders)
  • Similar words include: rattle, rale, rattling
  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: RALES

16A: "35. Mate of 25 Across" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that the most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on; an integrated circuit memory chip allows information to be stored or accessed in any order and all storage locations are equally accessible
  • Similar words include: force, jampack, cram
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: RAM

17A: "37. Exhort" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that an instinctive motive
  • Similar words include: urge on, pep up, inspire
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: URGE

18A: "38. Lincoln's logs?" (5 letters)

  • Think of something that small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: CABIN

19A: "39. Rani's garb" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that a dress worn primarily by hindu women; consists of several yards of light material that is draped around the body
  • Similar words include: saree
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: SARI

20A: "40. English heat measure: Abbr." (3 letters)

  • Think of something that a unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one degree fahrenheit at one atmosphere pressure; equivalent to 251.997 calories
  • Similar words include: British thermal unit, B.Th.U.
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: BTU

21A: "41. Mysterious biblical word" (5 letters)

  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: SELAH

22A: "42. Was skittish" (5 letters)

  • Think of something that start suddenly, as from fright
  • Similar words include: shy
  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: SHIED

23A: "43. More of the quip" (13 letters)

  • Pattern: _____________
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: HERCOSTUMEAND

24A: "46. Cries of surprise" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that a midwestern state in north central united states in the great lakes region
  • Similar words include: OH, Ohio, Buckeye State
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: OHS

25A: "47. Far along in years" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that past times (especially in the phrase `in days of old')
  • Similar words include: erstwhile, sure-enough, one-time
  • Opposite of: new, young
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: OLD

26A: "48. "Topless towers" city" (5 letters)

  • Think of something that an ancient city in asia minor that was the site of the trojan war
  • Similar words include: Ilion, Troy
  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: ILIUM

27A: "51. Blemish" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that the month following february and preceding april
  • Similar words include: blemish, mutilate, March
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: MAR

28A: "53. Gumbo" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that long green edible beaked pods of the okra plant
  • Similar words include: lady's-finger, okra plant, Hibiscus esculentus
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: OKRA

29A: "57. End of the quip" (15 letters)

  • Pattern: _______________
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: FORGOTTOSAYWHEN

30A: "61. Cleaving tool" (4 letters)

  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: FROE

31A: "62. Narrated again" (6 letters)

  • Think of something that render verbally,
  • Similar words include: reiterate, restate, fictionalise
  • Pattern: ______
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: RETOLD

32A: "63. Okla. city" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that an enzyme found in mammals that can catalyze the deamination of adenosine into inosine and ammonia
  • Similar words include: adenosine deaminase
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: ADA

33A: "64. Yearnings" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that a yearning for something or to do something
  • Similar words include: yen, hankering, yearn
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: YENS

34A: "65. Saves Dad the nuptial costs" (6 letters)

  • Think of something that run away secretly with one's beloved
  • Similar words include: elope, run off
  • Pattern: ______
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: ELOPES

35A: "66. "I am ___ a crook": Nixon" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that negation of a word or group of words
  • Similar words include: non
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: NOT

Solve the Down: NYT Crossword Help for January 31, 1990

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. "When You ___ Upon a Star" 4
2D 2. Repeat 4
3D 3. Area in an ocean floor 4
4D 4. Past 3
5D 5. ASAP 6
6D 6. Toll road 4
7D 7. Other 4
8D 8. Entirety 3
9D 9. Island necklace 3
10D 10. Missing links? 6
11D 11. Pant 4
12D 12. Long 4
13D 13. Walk erratically 4
14D 18. Rent payer 6
15D 19. New Zealanders, informally 5
16D 24. Spring mo. 3
17D 25. Garden spot 4
18D 26. Fort ___, Tex. 5
19D 27. Debate 5
20D 28. Russian mountains 5
21D 29. Morocco's capital 5
22D 30. Nobel Peace Prize winner Root 5
23D 31. Orient Express, e.g. 5
24D 32. Like a galley 5
25D 33. Den denizen 3
26D 36. "___ pleasures and palaces ... " 3
27D 38. Company V.I.P.'s 4
28D 39. What Peter Pan lost 6
29D 41. Jerk 5
30D 42. This goes with poivre 3
31D 44. Reddens the cheeks 6
32D 45. Esprit de corps 6
33D 48. Uncertain: Slang 4
34D 49. Body of knowledge 4
35D 50. Something to pump 4
36D 51. Fictional sleuth 4
37D 52. Soaking wet 4
38D 54. Asian title of respect 4
39D 55. Freshen the décor 4
40D 56. Premed course 4
41D 58. Three, in Torino 3
42D 59. ___ Aviv 3
43D 60. Material measures: Abbr. 3

Down Clues - Comprehensive Solutions and Tips

1D: "1. "When You ___ Upon a Star"" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that a specific feeling of desire
  • Similar words include: like, compliments, regard
  • Opposite of: begrudge
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: WISH

2D: "2. Repeat" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that the repetition of a sound resulting from reflection of the sound waves
  • Similar words include: reverberation, replication, resound
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: ECHO

3D: "3. Area in an ocean floor" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that the central and most intense or profound part
  • Similar words include: deeply, late, mysterious
  • Opposite of: shallow
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: DEEP

4D: "4. Past" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that gone by; or in the past
  • Similar words include: agone
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: AGO

5D: "5. ASAP" (6 letters)

  • Think of something that in a punctual manner
  • Similar words include: readily, promptly
  • Pattern: ______
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: PRONTO

6D: "6. Toll road" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that a broad highway designed for high-speed traffic
  • Similar words include: superhighway, state highway, thruway
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: PIKE

7D: "7. Other" (4 letters)

  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: ELSE

8D: "8. Entirety" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
  • Similar words include: completely, entirely, wholly
  • Opposite of: partly, some
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: ALL

9D: "9. Island necklace" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes
  • Similar words include: coronal, chaplet, garland
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: LEI

10D: "10. Missing links?" (6 letters)

  • Pattern: ______
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: APEMEN

11D: "11. Pant" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that a short labored intake of breath with the mouth open
  • Similar words include: heave, puff, pant
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: GASP

12D: "12. Long" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that a dull persistent (usually moderately intense) pain
  • Similar words include: aching, yen, suffer
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: ACHE

13D: "13. Walk erratically" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that a roll of photographic film holding a series of frames to be projected by a movie projector
  • Similar words include: bobbin, spin around, spool
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: REEL

14D: "18. Rent payer" (6 letters)

  • Think of something that a tenant who holds a lease
  • Similar words include: leaseholder
  • Pattern: ______
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: LESSEE

15D: "19. New Zealanders, informally" (5 letters)

  • Think of something that climbing vine native to china; cultivated in new zealand for its fuzzy edible fruit with green meat
  • Similar words include: apteryx, kiwi vine, Kiwi
  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: KIWIS

16D: "24. Spring mo." (3 letters)

  • Think of something that the month following march and preceding may
  • Similar words include: April
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: APR

17D: "25. Garden spot" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
  • Similar words include: promised land, paradise, Shangri-la
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: EDEN

18D: "26. Fort ___, Tex." (5 letters)

  • Think of something that an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
  • Similar words include: deserving, Charles Frederick Worth
  • Opposite of: worthlessness
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: WORTH

19D: "27. Debate" (5 letters)

  • Think of something that present reasons and arguments
  • Similar words include: fence, debate, reason
  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: ARGUE

20D: "28. Russian mountains" (5 letters)

  • Think of something that a mountain range in western russia extending from the arctic to the caspian sea; forms part of the traditional boundary between europe and asia
  • Similar words include: Ural Mountains
  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: URALS

21D: "29. Morocco's capital" (5 letters)

  • Think of something that the capital of morocco; located in the northwestern on the atlantic coast
  • Similar words include: capital of Morocco
  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: RABAT

22D: "30. Nobel Peace Prize winner Root" (5 letters)

  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: ELIHU

23D: "31. Orient Express, e.g." (5 letters)

  • Think of something that public transport provided by a line of railway cars coupled together and drawn by a locomotive
  • Similar words include: civilize, caravan, groom
  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: TRAIN

24D: "32. Like a galley" (5 letters)

  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: OARED

25D: "33. Den denizen" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that an awkward and inexperienced youth
  • Similar words include: sonny, greenhorn, laddie
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: CUB

26D: "36. "___ pleasures and palaces ... "" (3 letters)

  • Think of something that used in combination to denote the middle
  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: MID

27D: "38. Company V.I.P.'s" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that the corporate executive responsible for the operations of the firm; reports to a board of directors; may appoint other managers (including a president)
  • Similar words include: chief operating officer, CEO, chief executive officer
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: CEOS

28D: "39. What Peter Pan lost" (6 letters)

  • Think of something that shade within clear boundaries
  • Similar words include: shade, apparition, phantasma
  • Pattern: ______
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: SHADOW

29D: "41. Jerk" (5 letters)

  • Think of something that (yiddish) a jerk
  • Similar words include: schmuck, shmo, shmuck
  • Pattern: _____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: SCHMO

30D: "42. This goes with poivre" (3 letters)

  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: SEL

31D: "44. Reddens the cheeks" (6 letters)

  • Think of something that makeup consisting of a pink or red powder applied to the cheeks
  • Similar words include: rouge, paint, blusher
  • Pattern: ______
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: ROUGES

32D: "45. Esprit de corps" (6 letters)

  • Think of something that a state of individual psychological well-being based upon a sense of confidence and usefulness and purpose
  • Similar words include: esprit de corps, team spirit
  • Pattern: ______
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: MORALE

33D: "48. Uncertain: Slang" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that subject to accident or chance or change
  • Similar words include: flukey, fluky, chancy
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: IFFY

34D: "49. Body of knowledge" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that knowledge gained through tradition or anecdote
  • Similar words include: traditional knowledge
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: LORE

35D: "50. Something to pump" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood
  • Similar words include: branding iron, Fe, smoothing iron
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: IRON

36D: "51. Fictional sleuth" (4 letters)

  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: MOTO

37D: "52. Soaking wet" (4 letters)

  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: ASOP

38D: "54. Asian title of respect" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that a title given to rulers or other important people in asian countries
  • Similar words include: caravanserai, caravan inn, caravansary
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: KHAN

39D: "55. Freshen the décor" (4 letters)

  • Think of something that do over, as of (part of) a house
  • Similar words include: refashion, remodel, remake
  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: REDO

40D: "56. Premed course" (4 letters)

  • Pattern: ____
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: ANAT

41D: "58. Three, in Torino" (3 letters)

  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: TRE

42D: "59. ___ Aviv" (3 letters)

  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: TEL

43D: "60. Material measures: Abbr." (3 letters)

  • Pattern: ___
  • Click to reveal answer Answer: YDS

Puzzle Statistics

Category Count
Across Clues 35
Down Clues 43
Total Clues 78

Disclaimer: Crossword clues © The New York Times. Educational content for puzzle enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 24, 2025 at 07:06 AM

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Quick NYT Mini Crossword September 21, 2025 - Mobile-Friendly Solutions & Speed Tips

NYT Mini September 21, 2025: Fast Answers, Strategic Hints & Speed-Solving Guide

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: October 19 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | July 09 2021 NYT Clues Solutions | 27448 Sat Jan 04 2025 Ny Times |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for September 21, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Sunday, September 21, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date September 21, 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. Game with Indigenous origins
2 Across 118. TV host Cohen
3 Across 85. Fight the urge
4 Across 54. Phases, to Taylor Swift
5 Across 80. Muchas horas
6 Across 81. "Was ___ blame?"
7 Across 23. Traditional form of Japanese drama
8 Across 5. Does acid
9 Across 59. Festive outdoor lighting options
10 Across 36. Had

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. Game with Indigenous origins"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: L______E

Answer:

Click to reveal LACROSSE


2 Across: "118. TV host Cohen"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ANDY


3 Across: "85. Fight the urge"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal RESIST


4 Across: "54. Phases, to Taylor Swift"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ERAS


5 Across: "80. Muchas horas"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DIAS


6 Across: "81. "Was ___ blame?""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ITO


7 Across: "23. Traditional form of Japanese drama"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 13 letters
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: K___________R

Answer:

Click to reveal KABUKITHEATER


8 Across: "5. Does acid"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal TRIPS


9 Across: "59. Festive outdoor lighting options"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 11 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: T_________S

Answer:

Click to reveal TIKITORCHES


10 Across: "36. Had"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal TASTED

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 4. Models after
2 Down 54. Jazz composer Garner
3 Down 100. Broken piece of pottery
4 Down 45. Hip
5 Down 91. Jeans
6 Down 33. Oscar-winning Ariana of "West Side Story"
7 Down 42. Many a skin-care product
8 Down 68. Several CBS dramas
9 Down 89. Worked hard (for)
10 Down 64. Public health agcy.

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

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


1 Down: "4. Models after"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal EMULATES


2 Down: "54. Jazz composer Garner"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal ERROLL


3 Down: "100. Broken piece of pottery"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: S___D

Answer:

Click to reveal SHARD


4 Down: "45. Hip"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: I_______N

Answer:

Click to reveal INFASHION


5 Down: "91. Jeans"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DENIMS


6 Down: "33. Oscar-winning Ariana of "West Side Story""

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal DEBOSE


7 Down: "42. Many a skin-care product"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal GEL


8 Down: "68. Several CBS dramas"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal CSIS


9 Down: "89. Worked hard (for)"

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal STROVE


10 Down: "64. Public health agcy."

Helpful hints:

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

Answer:

Click to reveal CDC

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 1 minute 10 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

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: September 21, 2025 at 03:50 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, September 21 2025 mini crossword

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

XWordHint Crossword Answers December 17, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Moderate

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Lock combinations? 5
2A 6. ___ League 4
3A 10. Single instruction 4
4A 14. Enemy W.W. II vessel 5
5A 15. Turner of old movies 4
6A 16. Powerful impulse 4
7A 17. Group of grumps sitting around kvetching? 10
8A 19. Elmer's nemesis 4
9A 20. Meeting, casually 4
10A 21. A smartphone has lots of these 4
11A 22. Centerpiece of "The Hobbit" 5
12A 23. Community property pronoun 3
13A 25. Like barked orders 4
14A 26. Ali vs. Frazier, e.g.? 15
15A 34. Genre for GloRilla 3
16A 35. Official mandate 6
17A 36. Fellow fighter 4
18A 37. Brand once known as "Standard Oil Company of Indiana" 5
19A 39. Mardi Gras day, in brief 3
20A 40. Works on a muffler, say 5
21A 41. Welcome figure on Wall Street, unwelcome figure in a china shop 4
22A 42. See 50-Down 6
23A 44. To and ___ 3
24A 45. Welcome sight on a whale-watching cruise? 15
25A 48. Poindexter 4
26A 49. TV freebie of a sort 3
27A 50. Easter Island's country 5
28A 52. Dark-skinned fruit 4
29A 55. Pieces of advice 4
30A 59. Primordial substance 4
31A 60. Painstakingly explain something ... or a hint to 17-, 26- and 45-Across 10
32A 62. Takes a tour of 4
33A 63. Compassionate 4
34A 64. Terra ___ 5
35A 65. Does the math, in a way 4
36A 66. Pot grower? 4
37A 67. H, on the N.Y.S.E. 5

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Lock combinations?"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the arrangement of the hair (especially a woman's hair)
  • Similar words include: hairdo, hairstyle, do
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COIFS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "6. ___ League"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a member of a semitic people originally from the arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks arabic and who inhabits much of the middle east and northern africa
  • Similar words include: Arabian
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARAB

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "10. Single instruction"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
  • Similar words include: whole tone, tread, tone
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STEP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Enemy W.W. II vessel"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UBOAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Turner of old movies"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "16. Powerful impulse"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an instinctive motive
  • Similar words include: itch, urge on, barrack
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "17. Group of grumps sitting around kvetching?"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: POUTYPARTY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Elmer's nemesis"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that general term for any insect or similar creeping or crawling invertebrate
  • Similar words include: intercept, bug, glitch
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BUGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "20. Meeting, casually"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SESH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "21. A smartphone has lots of these"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the act of using
  • Similar words include: United States of America, utilisation, economic consumption
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: USES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "22. Centerpiece of "The Hobbit""

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a search for an alternative that meets cognitive criteria
  • Similar words include: request, pursuance, seeking
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QUEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "23. Community property pronoun"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OUR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "25. Like barked orders"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that marked by rude or peremptory shortness
  • Similar words include: crisp, laconic, brusk
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CURT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "26. Ali vs. Frazier, e.g.?"

15 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHAMPSATTHEBOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "34. Genre for GloRilla"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
  • Similar words include: belt, knock, pat
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "35. Official mandate"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
  • Similar words include: rescript, rule, fiat
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DECREE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "36. Fellow fighter"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a friendly nation
  • Similar words include: friend
  • Opposite of: foe
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALLY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "37. Brand once known as "Standard Oil Company of Indiana""

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMOCO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Mardi Gras day, in brief"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. Works on a muffler, say"

5 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a fabric made by knitting
  • Similar words include: knit, cockle, knitting
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KNITS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Welcome figure on Wall Street, unwelcome figure in a china shop"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle
  • Similar words include: Taurus, fuzz, bullshit
  • Opposite of: bear
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BULL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. See 50-Down"

6 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOSTRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "44. To and ___"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FRO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Welcome sight on a whale-watching cruise?"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPOUTINTHEOCEAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Poindexter"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a carnival performer who does disgusting acts
  • Similar words include: oddball, eccentric, flake
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GEEK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. TV freebie of a sort"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a protein manufactured exclusively by the prostate gland; psa is produced for the ejaculate where it liquifies the semen and allows sperm cells to swim freely; elevated levels of psa in blood serum are associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer
  • Similar words include: prostate specific antigen
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "50. Easter Island's country"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a republic in southern south america on the western slopes of the andes on the south pacific coast
  • Similar words include: chilli, Republic of Chile, chili
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHILE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "52. Dark-skinned fruit"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that wild plum of northeastern united states having dark purple fruits with yellow flesh
  • Similar words include: Allegheny plum, blackthorn, Prunus spinosa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "55. Pieces of advice"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
  • Similar words include: baksheesh, wind, fee
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "59. Primordial substance"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any thick, viscous matter
  • Similar words include: slime, oozing, seepage
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OOZE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "60. Painstakingly explain something ... or a hint to 17-, 26- and 45-Across"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPELLITOUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "62. Takes a tour of"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: run into, hear, ensure
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "63. Compassionate"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
  • Similar words include: sort, tolerant, variety
  • Opposite of: unkind
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KIND

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "64. Terra ___"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COTTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "65. Does the math, in a way"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
  • Similar words include: ADD, attention deficit disorder, contribute
  • Opposite of: subtract, take away
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36A: "66. Pot grower?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (poker) the initial contribution that each player makes to the pot
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37A: "67. H, on the N.Y.S.E."

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HYATT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Tarot suit associated with the element of water 4
2D 2. Yamaha product 4
3D 3. What makes a stud become studious? 4
4D 4. Fully get 6
5D 5. Hog's home 3
6D 6. "That's a real shame" 4
7D 7. Steakhouse order 4
8D 8. Marchers in sidewalk cracks 4
9D 9. Howl at the moon 3
10D 10. Chevy S.U.V. 8
11D 11. Authentic 10
12D 12. Ones from platypuses have leathery shells 4
13D 13. Fly by night ... or by day 4
14D 18. Compact holder 5
15D 22. Neighbor of Ont. 3
16D 24. Red carpet hairstyle, perhaps 4
17D 25. Jost's longtime "Weekend Update" co-anchor 3
18D 26. Food you might eat wearing a bib 5
19D 27. Overplay for the audience 5
20D 28. Was the bigger person, say 10
21D 29. Follow, as advice 5
22D 30. Have faith in 5
23D 31. Canines, e.g. 5
24D 32. Mega- 5
25D 33. Big name in chicken or boxing 5
26D 38. 1990s comedy inspired by "Emma" 8
27D 40. "Get Smart" bad guys 4
28D 42. Suffix with beat or neat 3
29D 43. Throw off 5
30D 46. Stick in the ground? 3
31D 47. Just about anything on a string 6
32D 50. With 42-Across, the Mafia 4
33D 51. Cultivated, in a way 4
34D 52. Start a turn in Twister 4
35D 53. Time to do without 4
36D 54. Gary's ___ Towne Tavern (rival bar on "Cheers") 4
37D 56. Minuscule amount 4
38D 57. Short stroke 4
39D 58. Batting avg., e.g. 4
40D 60. Rocksteady relative 3
41D 61. "___ bin ein Berliner" 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Tarot suit associated with the element of water"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle
  • Similar words include: loving cup, transfuse, cup
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUPS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Yamaha product"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a slender double-reed instrument; a woodwind with a conical bore and a double-reed mouthpiece
  • Similar words include: hautboy, hautbois
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OBOE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. What makes a stud become studious?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal debt instrument; representing `i owe you'
  • Similar words include: IOU
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Fully get"

6 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth
  • Similar words include: sound, penetrate, fthm
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FATHOM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Hog's home"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid
  • Similar words include: pigsty, stye, hordeolum
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. "That's a real shame""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism
  • Similar words include: unluckily, ala, unfortunately
  • Opposite of: fortunately, luckily
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Steakhouse order"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
  • Similar words include: rarefied, rarified, uncommon
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Marchers in sidewalk cracks"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that social insect living in organized colonies; characteristically the males and fertile queen have wings during breeding season; wingless sterile females are the workers
  • Similar words include: ant, emmet, pismire
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Howl at the moon"

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
  • Similar words include: quest, true laurel, bay laurel
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BAY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Chevy S.U.V."

8 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that relating to or characteristic of or situated in suburbs
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SUBURBAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Authentic"

10 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUETOLIFE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Ones from platypuses have leathery shells"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that oval reproductive body of a fowl (especially a hen) used as food
  • Similar words include: testis, orchis, ball
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EGGS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Fly by night ... or by day"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a serious (sometimes fatal) infection of rodents caused by yersinia pestis and accidentally transmitted to humans by the bite of a flea that has bitten an infected animal
  • Similar words include: gadfly, pestis, pesterer
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "18. Compact holder"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)
  • Similar words include: pocketbook, handbag, wrinkle
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PURSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "22. Neighbor of Ont."

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QUE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "24. Red carpet hairstyle, perhaps"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UPDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "25. Jost's longtime "Weekend Update" co-anchor"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CHE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "26. Food you might eat wearing a bib"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that infestation of the pubic hair by crab lice
  • Similar words include: crab, squawk, bellyache
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRABS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "27. Overplay for the audience"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HAMUP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "28. Was the bigger person, say"

10 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing
  • Similar words include: apologize, excuse, justify
  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APOLOGIZED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "29. Follow, as advice"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACTON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Have faith in"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)
  • Similar words include: believe, corporate trust, cartel
  • Opposite of: distrust, mistrust
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TRUST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "31. Canines, e.g."

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the kind and number and arrangement of teeth (collectively) in a person or animal
  • Similar words include: tooth, dentition
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEETH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "32. Mega-"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (used of opinions and actions) far beyond the norm
  • Similar words include: radical, extremist
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ULTRA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "33. Big name in chicken or boxing"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion (born in 1966)
  • Similar words include: Mike Tyson, Michael Gerald Tyson
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TYSON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "38. 1990s comedy inspired by "Emma""

8 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that totally uninformed about what is going on; not having even a clue from which to infer what is occurring
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CLUELESS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "40. "Get Smart" bad guys"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KAOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "42. Suffix with beat or neat"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NIK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "43. Throw off"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cause to move back by force or influence
  • Similar words include: fight off, beat back, drive back
  • Opposite of: attract
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REPEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "46. Stick in the ground?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the starting place for each hole on a golf course
  • Similar words include: tee up, golf tee, football tee
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "47. Just about anything on a string"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CATTOY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "50. With 42-Across, the Mafia"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: COSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "51. Cultivated, in a way"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that dig with a hoe
  • Similar words include: hoe
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: HOED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "52. Start a turn in Twister"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a swift whirling motion (usually of a missile)
  • Similar words include: spin around, twisting, gyrate
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPIN

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35D: "53. Time to do without"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a period of 40 weekdays from ash wednesday to holy saturday
  • Similar words include: bring, Lententide, contribute
  • Opposite of: borrow
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LENT

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36D: "54. Gary's ___ Towne Tavern (rival bar on "Cheers")"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLDE

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37D: "56. Minuscule amount"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  • Similar words include: smidgin, smidgen, whit
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOTA

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38D: "57. Short stroke"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
  • Similar words include: putting
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PUTT

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39D: "58. Batting avg., e.g."

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAT

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40D: "60. Rocksteady relative"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SKA

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41D: "61. "___ bin ein Berliner""

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ICH

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Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

37 Across Clues
41 Down Clues
78 Total Clues

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Last updated: December 17, 2025 at 04:06 AM