The clue "Introductory course" uses wordplay. A "course" can refer to a part of a meal, and "introductory" implies a starter. A SALAD is commonly served as the first course or starter in a meal, making it the perfect fit for this clue.
6Exchange lettersIPO???✨ See Why
The clue "Exchange letters" uses wordplay. "IPO" stands for Initial Public Offering, a process where a company's shares are first exchanged publicly on the stock market. The "letters" in the clue cleverly refer to IPO as an abbreviation tied to financial exchanges.
9Venue for the sale of the town of Buford, Wyo., in 2012 (price: $900,000)EBAY????✨ See Why
The clue references where the town of Buford, Wyoming, was famously auctioned in 2012 for $900,000. eBay, a global online auction site, served as the platform for this sale. The term "venue" cleverly hints at an auction setting, leading to the answer "EBAY."
13What you might get after being taken for a rideUBERRATING??????????✨ See Why
The clue signals wordplay. "Taken for a ride" refers to using a service like Uber. After an Uber ride, customers rate their experience, leading to the pun "UBERRATING" as the answer—a play on words combining "Uber" and "rating."
16HintNOTE????✨ See Why
The clue "Hint" directly aligns with the meaning of NOTE, as both can signify a subtle indication or a piece of information intended to draw attention. A "note" can act as a reminder, suggestion, or pointer, making it synonymous with "hint." This straightforward wordplay confirms NOTE as the solution.
17Jörmungandr, in Norse mythologySEAMONSTER??????????✨ See Why
Jörmungandr, in Norse mythology, is a gigantic serpent-like creature also known as the Midgard Serpent. It resides in the ocean surrounding the world and is regarded as a "sea monster." The term "sea monster" perfectly describes its mythical nature and aquatic domain, making SEAMONSTER the fitting solution.
18___ optionCALL????✨ See Why
The clue "___ option" refers to "call option," a financial term used in trading. A call option gives the holder the right to buy an asset at a specific price within a certain timeframe. The blank invites the completion of this familiar phrase, making "CALL" the correct answer.
19Narrow passage: Abbr.STR???✨ See Why
The answer "STR" is the abbreviation for "street," which is often a narrow passage or roadway in urban settings. The clue specifies "Abbr.," signaling the solution is a shortened form of the word.
20Affixes, in a wayPINS????✨ See Why
The clue "Affixes, in a way" hints at something that attaches or secures. "Pins" can affix or fasten objects together, such as fabric with sewing pins or papers with push pins. The phrase "in a way" suggests a non-literal or alternative interpretation, making "PINS" a fitting answer.
21UnprincipledAMORAL??????✨ See Why
The term "AMORAL" means lacking a sense of right or wrong, which aligns with the clue "Unprincipled." Someone who is amoral operates outside conventional moral principles, making this the perfect fit for the definition provided by the clue.
23Midrange performer ALTO????✨ See Why
The answer "ALTO" refers to a vocal range in music that falls between soprano (higher) and tenor (lower), making it a midrange. Performers singing in this range are often called altos, aligning perfectly with the clue "Midrange performer."
24Shattering resultsSHARDS??????✨ See Why
The clue "Shattering results" refers to what remains after something is shattered or broken. "Shards" are fragments or pieces resulting from the breakage of fragile materials, like glass or pottery. The word directly aligns with the idea of something "shattering" and producing fragments.
25So-so at bestNOGREATSHAKES?????????????✨ See Why
The phrase "NO GREAT SHAKES" is an idiomatic expression meaning "not particularly impressive" or "mediocre," which aligns with the clue "So-so at best." It emphasizes something being unremarkable or average, perfectly fitting the clue's intent to describe something lackluster.
29Buff marsh residentEGRET?????✨ See Why
The answer "EGRET" fits because egrets are marsh-dwelling birds often found in wetlands. The word "Buff" refers to their tan or light plumage during certain seasons, matching the description of a marsh resident with that coloration. This makes "EGRET" a precise, fitting solution.
30Budget alternativeALAMO?????✨ See Why
The clue “Budget alternative” refers to car rental companies since "Budget" is a notable car rental service. ALAMO is another major car rental company, making it a reasonable alternative to Budget. This clue plays on the brand name context within the travel/rental industry.
31Saucer contents, in briefETS???✨ See Why
The clue "Saucer contents, in brief" plays on the idea of a flying saucer, commonly associated with extraterrestrials (ETs). "In brief" signals an abbreviation, so the answer is "ETS," short for extraterrestrials, who are humorously imagined as the occupants of flying saucers.
34Industrial Revolution and othersERAS????✨ See Why
The clue "Industrial Revolution and others" refers to significant periods marked by transformative changes. The word "ERAS" is a term often used for distinct periods in history or time characterized by major developments, making it the fitting answer.
35First Pixar film with a female protagonistBRAVE?????✨ See Why
The answer is BRAVE because it is a 2012 Pixar film featuring Merida, their first female protagonist. This movie centers on her courageous journey to change her fate, fitting the clue perfectly. BRAVE also reflects her personality, aligning with the title and core theme of the film.
36FulminateRAIL????✨ See Why
The answer "RAIL" fits "Fulminate" because "rail" means to vehemently complain or rant against something, synonymous with expressing sudden or intense anger, just as "fulminate" implies. Both terms convey strong, passionate criticism or explosion of emotion, making "RAIL" the apt solution.
37Cubby hole?DEN???✨ See Why
The clue "Cubby hole?" features a pun, indicated by the question mark. A "den" is a small cozy room (a "hole") often associated with lairs for animals like bears ('cubs'). The play on "Cubby" connects to "cubs," making DEN a fitting answer.
38Playwright/screenwriter Douglas Carter ___BEANE?????✨ See Why
The answer is BEANE because Douglas Carter Beane is a renowned American playwright and screenwriter known for works like "The Little Dog Laughed" and the screenplay for "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar." The clue directly refers to his last name.
39First capital of AlaskaSITKA?????✨ See Why
SITKA is the solution because it was the first capital of Alaska when it was a Russian territory (known as Novo-Arkhangelsk) and remained the capital when the U.S. purchased Alaska in 1867 until it moved to Juneau in 1906. This historical context fits the clue perfectly.
40One method of paymentDIRECTDEPOSIT?????????????✨ See Why
The clue "One method of payment" straightforwardly describes a way individuals receive money. DIRECT DEPOSIT is a common payment method where funds are electronically transferred directly into a recipient's bank account, making it a precise match for this clue. It avoids physical checks or cash handling.
43PickleSCRAPE??????✨ See Why
The clue "Pickle" refers to a difficult or tricky situation, which is often described as being "in a pickle." A synonym for such a predicament is "SCRAPE," which can also mean a tight spot or trouble. The wordplay ties the two meanings together effectively.
44Actress Melissa Joan ___HART????✨ See Why
The answer "HART" refers to Melissa Joan Hart, a well-known actress recognized for her roles in TV series like Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Clarissa Explains It All. The clue directly points to her full name, completing it with her last name, HART.
45Sauce made of seedsTAHINI??????✨ See Why
The answer "TAHINI" fits because tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds, commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. As a sauce, it is often mixed with other ingredients like lemon and garlic, making it a clear example of a "Sauce made of seeds."
46Company behind Sonic the HedgehogSEGA????✨ See Why
SEGA is the correct answer because it is the Japanese video game company that created and published the "Sonic the Hedgehog" franchise. Known for its iconic blue mascot, SEGA launched Sonic in 1991, making it one of the most recognizable gaming brands.
47BlubberSOB???✨ See Why
The clue "Blubber" here is a play on words. While "blubber" often refers to whale fat, it can also mean to cry noisily or weep. "SOB" represents the act of crying or weeping heavily, fitting the pun-like nature of the clue.
502011 hit by Jay-Z and Kanye West that samples a 1966 soul performanceOTIS????✨ See Why
The answer is OTIS because the 2011 hit "Otis" by Jay-Z and Kanye West prominently samples Otis Redding’s 1966 soul classic “Try a Little Tenderness.” The song title directly references the soul legend, making OTIS the fitting solution to the clue.
51VeryNOTALITTLE??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Very" seeks a phrase meaning "to a great extent." The answer "NOTALITTLE" directly means "a lot" or "not a small amount," which is synonymous with "very" in terms of intensity or degree. It emphasizes something significant rather than trivial.
54Bit of a subway station wallTILE????✨ See Why
Subway station walls are commonly covered with tiles for durability, cleanliness, and aesthetic purposes. The clue specifies "Bit of a subway station wall," and a tile is a single piece of the material covering such walls, making it the perfect fit for the answer.
55"That'll do"GOODENOUGH??????????✨ See Why
The clue "That'll do" is a casual phrase implying something is sufficient or satisfactory. The answer "GOODENOUGH" directly matches this tone, meaning something meets an acceptable standard—adequate but not perfect. It's conversational, aligning with the informal phrasing of the clue in quotes.
56Split things, sometimesENDS????✨ See Why
The clue "Split things, sometimes" suggests division or separation. ENDS fits because splitting something can result in separating it into ends or extremes. The use of "sometimes" adds flexibility, implying splitting doesn't always result in simple halves but could lead to distinct ends.
57Some printer purchases, for shortHPS???✨ See Why
The answer "HPS" refers to Hewlett-Packard (HP), a well-known brand of printers. "For short" in the clue signals an abbreviation, and HPS likely represents Hewlett-Packard printers. These are commonly purchased items when buying printers, making this answer fitting for the clue.
58Ping makerSONAR?????✨ See Why
The clue "Ping maker?" involves wordplay. SONAR stands for "Sound Navigation and Ranging" and uses sound waves to detect objects underwater. It emits "pings" as sound signals, which reflect back to locate targets. Hence, SONAR is the correct answer for "Ping maker."
Down
1Work (out)SUSS????✨ See Why
The clue "Work (out)" uses the secondary meaning of "work out" as "figure out" or "resolve." "SUSS" means to investigate or figure out something, aligning perfectly with this idea. The parentheses hint at a play on interpretation rather than physical work or exercise.
2Provide crooked support forABET????✨ See Why
The key lies in "crooked support," suggesting something illicit or wrong. "Abet" means to assist or support someone, especially in wrongdoing or a crime, aligning perfectly with the clue's phrasing. "Provide crooked support for" cleverly describes "abet" as aiding unethical acts.
3Shakespearean counterpart to Logan on "Succession"LEAR????✨ See Why
The answer "LEAR" refers to King Lear, the tragic Shakespearean character who, like Logan Roy on "Succession," is a powerful patriarch whose decisions regarding his kingdom (or empire) lead to familial betrayal and turmoil. Both are central figures in stories about power, legacy, and family conflict.
4Ready to fightARM???✨ See Why
The answer "ARM" fits because "Ready to fight" suggests preparation or equipping oneself, and "arm" means to supply with weapons or tools for battle, thus being ready to fight. It can also figuratively imply being prepared or equipped for any confrontation.
5BeadDROPLET???????✨ See Why
The clue "Bead" refers to a small, rounded object. A "droplet" is a tiny bead-like form of liquid, such as a water droplet. Both share the characteristic of being small, rounded, and singular, making DROPLET the fitting answer for this clue.
6"Take your time!"ITSNOTARACE???????????✨ See Why
The clue "Take your time!" in quotes signals a phrase often spoken. "It's not a race" is commonly said to encourage someone to slow down or not rush, perfectly matching the sentiment of the clue. The phrase is a reassurance to proceed at a comfortable pace.
7Worst possible circumstances, with "the"PITS????✨ See Why
The phrase "the pits" is an idiomatic expression in English that describes a particularly bad or unpleasant situation, often considered the worst possible circumstances. This matches the clue perfectly, as it seeks a term synonymous with "worst possible circumstances" and includes "with 'the'."
8Horizontal line, in Chinese writingONE???✨ See Why
In Chinese writing, the numeral "one" (一) is represented by a single horizontal line. The clue directly references this aspect of Chinese characters, making "ONE" the correct answer.
9"More!"ENCORE??????✨ See Why
The clue "More!" in quotes signals a spoken or audience-demand phrase. ENCORE fits as it’s shouted or requested when an audience wants "more" from a performer after a show, effectively asking for an additional performance.
10Positions of governanceBOARDSEATS??????????✨ See Why
The answer "BOARDSEATS" fits because positions of governance refer to roles on a governing body, like a board of directors. "Seats" metaphorically represent membership or a spot on such boards, indicating authority or decision-making roles within organizations or companies, which align with governing responsibilities.
11It shows the lay of the landATLAS?????✨ See Why
The answer is ATLAS because it refers to a collection of maps, which depict the "lay of the land" by showing geographical features such as mountains, rivers, and boundaries. The phrase "shows the lay of the land" directly relates to what an atlas provides visually.
12Big whoopYELL????✨ See Why
The clue "Big whoop" hints at something loud or attention-grabbing. "YELL" fits perfectly as it represents a loud, emphatic exclamation, which aligns with the idea of a "big whoop" — an audible or enthusiastic expression.
14Borg who co-founded the Institute for Women in TechnologyANITA?????✨ See Why
ANITA Borg was a computer scientist and advocate for women in technology. She co-founded the Institute for Women in Technology (now the AnitaB.org institute), which works to advance women in tech fields. The answer references her significant contributions to inclusion and diversity in technology.
15Kenneth who wrote "The Wind in the Willows"GRAHAME???????✨ See Why
The answer is GRAHAME because Kenneth Grahame is the renowned author of The Wind in the Willows, a classic children's novel first published in 1908. This clue directly references the author's name, making GRAHAME the correct solution.
22Speedy sharkMAKO????✨ See Why
The MAKO shark is known for being one of the fastest shark species, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 mph. The clue "Speedy shark" directly refers to this trait, making MAKO the clear and accurate answer.
23Father of Phobos and DeimosARES????✨ See Why
ARES is the solution because, in Greek mythology, Ares is the god of war and the father of the twin gods Phobos (personification of fear) and Deimos (personification of terror). They often accompanied him into battle, making Ares their mythological parent.
24Features of some monks and punksSHAVEDHEADS???????????✨ See Why
The clue "Features of some monks and punks" points to SHAVEDHEADS because monks traditionally shave parts or all of their heads (tonsure) as a symbol of religious devotion, while punks often sport edgy, shaved hairstyles as part of their rebellious aesthetic. This commonality ties them together.
25It's a mustNEED????✨ See Why
The clue "It's a must" defines something essential or required. The word "NEED" perfectly fits, as it describes something necessary or indispensable—something one must have. It aligns directly with the straightforward interpretation of the phrase in the clue.
26Fantasy creatureOGRE????✨ See Why
The answer "OGRE" fits the clue "Fantasy creature" because an ogre is a mythical being typically depicted in folklore and fantasy literature. Known for their large, monstrous appearance, ogres are classic fantasy creatures, making it a fitting and straightforward solution for this clue.
27Relative minor?GRANDCHILD??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Relative minor?" uses wordplay with "relative" suggesting a family member and "minor" implying someone young. A GRANDCHILD fits both: it's a family relative and typically a minor (young person). The question mark signals the playful pun in the phrasing.
28Way of looking at thingsSLANT?????✨ See Why
The clue "Way of looking at things" refers to a perspective or bias. SLANT fits because it describes a particular viewpoint, often with a subtle bias or angle. This aligns perfectly with the clue’s phrasing, as SLANT is a common metaphor for a subjective or skewed outlook.
32___ barTIKI????✨ See Why
The clue "___ bar" refers to a specific type of bar, and "TIKI" fits as tiki bars are themed establishments inspired by Polynesian culture, often decorated with tiki statues, bamboo, and tropical elements. The answer matches the clue's context of a particular kind of bar.
33LouverSLAT????✨ See Why
A louver is a structure made of angled pieces designed to allow air or light to pass through while blocking direct view or rain. These pieces are called slats. Hence, SLAT is the answer since it refers to the individual components making up a louver.
35Alarm sound option on a smartphoneBEEPING???????✨ See Why
The clue asks for an "Alarm sound option" on a smartphone. "BEEPING" fits perfectly as it describes a common alarm sound emitted by devices. It's straightforward, literal, and matches the function of alarms, which often use repetitive beeping tones to grab attention.
36HootRIOT????✨ See Why
The clue "Hoot" is playful and can refer to something hilariously funny or wildly amusing. "RIOT" fits as it's a slang term for a laugh-out-loud funny situation, emphasizing the lighthearted wordplay in the clue.
38Milling byproductBRAN????✨ See Why
In grain milling, the outer layer of the grain—called bran—is separated from the starchy endosperm. This makes bran a common byproduct of the milling process. It is often used in cereals or baking due to its high fiber content, aligning perfectly with "Milling byproduct."
39Unfortunate twistsSPRAINS???????✨ See Why
The clue "Unfortunate twists" uses wordplay. A "twist" can refer to a physical motion. When such twisting leads to injury, it often results in SPRAINS, which are indeed unfortunate. Thus, SPRAINS fits both the wordplay and its literal meaning of injuries caused by twisting.
41Blooms for van GoghIRISES??????✨ See Why
The answer "IRISES" refers to one of Vincent van Gogh's famous paintings, Irises, which depicts vibrant purple flowers (irises) in bloom. The clue "Blooms for van Gogh" directly hints at these flowers as a subject in his art, connecting his work to the term "blooms."
42Quarter back?EAGLE?????✨ See Why
The clue "Quarter back?" uses a pun. The U.S. quarter (coin) famously features an image of a bald EAGLE on its reverse (back) side. Hence, "Quarter back?" cleverly refers to the design on the back of the coin.
43Smooth kind of finishSATIN?????✨ See Why
The answer "SATIN" fits the clue "Smooth kind of finish" because satin is a type of fabric or surface characterized by its smooth, glossy finish. The word refers to texture, perfectly matching the clue's description of a "smooth" finish.
45SchlepTOTE????✨ See Why
The word "schlep" means to carry or lug something, often implying effort. "TOTE" is a synonym for carrying, particularly when referring to hauling or transporting something, aligning perfectly with the definition of "schlep." Thus, TOTE matches the clue's meaning.
46Point on a bus routeSTOP????✨ See Why
The answer is STOP because a "point on a bus route" refers to designated locations where the bus halts to pick up or drop off passengers. These locations are commonly called bus stops, aligning precisely with the clue.
47FloorSTUN????✨ See Why
The clue "Floor" plays on the double meaning of the word. "Floor" can mean to knock someone to the ground, which aligns with the meaning of "STUN" as to shock or overpower someone, leaving them figuratively or literally floored. It’s a clever wordplay!
48___ Tokarczuk, winner of the 2018 Nobel Prize in LiteratureOLGA????✨ See Why
The blank in the clue refers to the first name of the writer Olga Tokarczuk, a renowned Polish author who won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature for her narrative imagination. Her first name, Olga, is the correct answer to complete the clue.
49Big name in paintBEHR????✨ See Why
The answer is BEHR because it is a well-known brand of paint widely available in stores like Home Depot. The clue "Big name in paint" directly hints at a prominent paint company, and BEHR is recognized as one of the leading names in the industry.
52"How gorgeous!"OOH???✨ See Why
The clue "How gorgeous!" is in quotes, indicating a spoken or exclamatory reaction. "OOH" represents the sound someone might make when admiring something beautiful or impressive, perfectly aligning with the sentiment conveyed by the clue. It’s a natural, nonverbal expression of amazement or admiration.
53Adverb much used by GoldilocksTOO???✨ See Why
The answer "TOO" fits because Goldilocks frequently uses this adverb in "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" to describe extremes — the porridge being "too hot" or "too cold," the chairs "too big," etc. It emphasizes excess or deficiency, making it a fitting adverb for the clue.
Solving today’s NYT The Crossword Puzzle and stuck on the 11-letter answer to the Features of some monks and punks clue? Don’t worry—Lady Puzzle Pro is here to help! Whether you need the answer right away, want to reveal it letter by letter, or just can’t figure out a tricky clue, we’ve got you. You can even solve the whole Crossword puzzle of the day right here!
Features of some monks and punks Answer Explained
The answer is SHAVEDHEADS.
This clue juxtaposes two very different groups—monks and punks—while focusing on a shared physical feature. Monks, particularly in Buddhist traditions, often shave their heads as a sign of humility and devotion. Punks, on the other hand, might shave their heads as part of a bold, rebellious fashion statement. The phrase “features of” points to something physical, and SHAVEDHEADS captures the commonality between these otherwise contrasting groups.
Now that you've cracked the 24D Features of some monks and punks clue, you're one step closer to completing today’s Mini Puzzle! If you're still stuck on other clues, don't worry—we've got you covered. Explore more NYT Crossword answers right here, or check out our tools for solving the NYT The Mini, Connections, or Strands.
Today’s NYT The Crossword Highlights
Willa Angel Chen Miller’s solo debut is a delightful and slightly challenging puzzle with clever wordplay and diverse cultural references. Highlights include fresh entries like UBERRATING, NOTALITTLE, and SHAVEDHEADS, while playful cluing (“Cubby hole?” for DEN and “Quarter back?” for EAGLE) adds charm. Thematic balance is complemented by intriguing trivia (e.g., SITKA as Alaska’s first capital and OTIS referencing the Jay-Z/Kanye West hit). Accessible but with some bite, this puzzle offers a great mix of wordplay, misdirection, and general knowledge. A solid debut that promises exciting future contributions to the crossword world!
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