NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The clue “#2s, e.g.” references the commonly known #2 pencils, a standard type of pencil often used for standardized tests. The shorthand “#2s” hints at the grading of pencils by hardness, making “PENCILS” the apt answer as it generalizes what #2 represents.

The clue asks for the location of Niue and the Pitcairn Islands, both of which are in the Pacific Ocean region. Geographically, these islands belong to OCEANIA, a region that includes Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. Thus, OCEANIA is the correct answer.

The answer "WORDDOC" refers to a Microsoft Word document, a commonly used and widely recognized format for writing essays. "Informally" in the clue suggests a casual abbreviation, and "Word Doc" is a popular shorthand for such files in everyday conversation.

The term "END RUN" originates from football, describing a play where the ball carrier avoids the center by running around the ends of the offensive line. Figuratively, it means bypassing rules or obstacles, matching "Bypassing play" as both a sports and strategic metaphor.

The answer "ROSES" refers to rosé wines, which are often consumed early, meaning they are best enjoyed young rather than aged extensively. The wordplay lies in "early wines," hinting at rosé's reputation for freshness and early drinking. This clever phrasing connects to rosé wines directly.

The clue "Professional squatters?" with a question mark indicates a pun or wordplay. "UMPS" refers to baseball umpires, who often squat behind the catcher while calling the game. The question mark hints at the playful reinterpretation of "squatters" in this context.

In "Sweeney Todd," Mrs. Lovett famously makes meat pies using questionable ingredients. The clue refers to this dark aspect of the story. "Bit of" suggests part of her grim "fare," and the answer PIE fits as it's a key element of her menu in the musical.

The answer "RBG" refers to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the late Supreme Court Justice. Kate McKinnon famously portrayed RBG in recurring sketches on "Saturday Night Live" (S.N.L.), often emphasizing her fiery personality and commitment to justice, making it a well-known comedic role for McKinnon.

The answer "OILPRESS" fits because it refers to a device or machine used to extract oil from seeds (like sunflower seeds) and nuts (like almonds or walnuts). The phrase "Extractor used" in the clue directly describes its function, making this a literal, straightforward solution.

The clue refers to "dugyeonju," a traditional Korean wine made from azalea petals. Azaleas are flowering shrubs known for their vibrant blossoms, and their petals are a key ingredient in this wine. This botanical connection makes AZALEAS the correct answer.

The answer is MEDIAN because a median is the strip of land or barrier that separates lanes of traffic on a turnpike or highway, ensuring safety and regulating traffic flow. The clue literally describes this common feature of turnpikes.

The answer "STEED" fits because a steed is a horse, which is literally "taken for a ride" when someone rides it. The clue is a straightforward description without any puns or tricks, referring to the role of a horse as a mode of transportation.

The clue "Some sweet pick-me-ups" hints at a type of beverage that is sweet and energizing. "Caramel lattes" fit this description as they are coffee drinks (pick-me-ups) with caramel flavoring (sweet). The plural form matches "some," and the playful clue style aligns with the indulgent drink.

Kate Smith, a renowned contralto singer, earned the nickname "First Lady of Radio" due to her immense popularity on radio in the 1930s-40s. Famous for her powerful voice, she notably sang "God Bless America," cementing her place in American music history, perfectly fitting the clue’s description.

The answer "DECRIES" fits because it means to publicly express strong disapproval or criticism of something. The clue, "Publicly criticizes," directly matches this definition, as "decry" involves openly denouncing or condemning an issue or action. It's a precise synonym for the given clue.

The United States Capitol is renowned for its iconic architectural feature: a massive dome that crowns the structure. This "DOMED ROOF" is a defining element of the building, symbolizing democracy and housing the Capitol Rotunda. The clue directly describes this hallmark architectural characteristic.

The answer "BLOCS" fits the clue "They act as one" because blocs are groups, such as political or international alliances, that operate together towards a common purpose or goal. They act in unison, making decisions or taking actions collectively as a cohesive unit.

The answer "CAPECOD" refers to a classic architectural style originating in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Cape Cod houses are known for their simplicity, symmetry, and characteristic gabled roofs, perfectly aligning with the clue's description of a "Simple house style with gables."

The answer is JAKOB because Jakob Ingebrigtsen, a Norwegian middle-distance runner, made history at age 16 by becoming the youngest person ever to run a mile in under four minutes, solidifying his status as a track star. The clue directly refers to this remarkable athletic achievement.

The clue "Peace, dude!" is a casual, colloquial way of saying goodbye, emphasizing a laid-back tone. "LATERBRO" fits perfectly as it's a slang farewell phrase combining "Later" (a common goodbye) and "Bro" (a casual term for friend), matching the informal tone of the clue.

The answer is NUMETAL because Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit are iconic bands associated with this genre. Nu metal blends elements of alternative metal, hip-hop, and other styles, characterized by heavy guitar riffs and rap-like vocals, which are trademarks of these bands' music.

The clue "Hits the weights, say" suggests an activity related to working out. "Say" indicates a loose or figurative meaning. Lifting weights helps improve muscle tone, and the phrase "tones up" refers to building strength and toning the body—perfectly fitting the clue's meaning.

The clue specifies "in Latin," so the answer must be in Latin. "Ad astra" translates directly to "to the stars" in Latin. It’s a well-known phrase often used in mottos, such as "Per aspera ad astra" ("Through hardships to the stars").

The clue "De-briefed?" includes a pun via the question mark, hinting at a playful interpretation. "De-briefed" humorously refers to someone having their pants pulled down (hence losing their briefs). The answer, PANTSED, is a slang term meaning to pull someone's pants down as a prank, fitting the clue perfectly.

The clue “Small juice container?” uses wordplay. Here, "juice" is slang for electricity, and "small container" hints at a battery size. An AA cell (AA battery) is a small battery that holds electrical "juice," making it a fitting pun-based answer to the clue.

YORICK is the jester referenced in Hamlet's famous soliloquy in Act V, Scene I. Holding Yorick’s skull, Hamlet reflects on mortality and memories, saying, "Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio." Yorick was King Hamlet's court jester, hence fitting the clue perfectly.

The "Year of the Four Emperors" (69 CE) followed Nero's death and saw four Roman emperors in quick succession. GALBA was the first of these, reigning from June 68 CE to January 69 CE, before being overthrown. The clue refers to this historical sequence, making GALBA the correct answer.

The clue "Stack in an ice cream shop" hints at multiple ice cream cones, which are often stacked in holders at such shops, ready to be used. "Stack" figuratively describes how cones are arranged one inside another when stored, making CONES the fitting answer.

The clue "It's lit!" is a playful phrase often associated with enthusiasm or excitement. Here, it also has a literal interpretation: something that is "lit" can refer to something on fire. This double meaning leads to the answer FIRE.

The answer "YEW" fits because yew wood was historically used to craft sturdy, flexible bows, including the iconic longbows associated with medieval archers like Robin Hood. Yew trees provided ideal material due to their strength and elasticity, making them perfect for hunting or combat bows.

The clue "Result of a downpour, perhaps" suggests the aftermath of heavy rain. A downpour saturates the ground, mixing water with dirt to create MUD. The word "perhaps" indicates this isn't the only possibility but a common one, aligning with the realistic outcome of rainfall.