NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The clue "Lumbar supports" refers to the discs in the spine, specifically the intervertebral discs located in the lumbar region. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, providing support, flexibility, and absorbing shock in the lower back. "Supports" cleverly leads to their function.

The clue, "Result of some cord-cutting, informally," refers to the umbilical cord, which is cut at birth. This can result in a belly button that is an "innie" (a navel that sinks inward). The informal tone fits the casual term "innie" for this common outcome.

"SCORE" fits the clue "Make a point, say," as it describes earning or achieving a point in sports, games, or competitions. The phrase "say" signals a potential example or synonym, and "score" metaphorically aligns with marking or making a point in various contexts.

The clue "Man on wire?" uses wordplay with "wire" referring to being wired, a slang term for wearing a recording device. A NARC, short for narcotics officer, often goes undercover and wears a wire to secretly gather evidence, fitting the pun-based clue.

The Long Island Sound is a body of water where freshwater from rivers mixes with the salty ocean, creating a partially enclosed coastal area. This defines an estuary, a habitat marked by tidal waters and rich ecosystems. The clue describes its ecological type, leading to the answer "ESTUARY."

The clue "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" translates to "Do you speak English?" in German. The response "YES I DO" is an affirmative reply in English, matching the question’s intent. The answer is written phonetically as YESIDO to fit the crossword format.

The clue "Test for a future Ed.D." points to an exam relevant to those pursuing advanced graduate degrees, such as a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test often required for admission to such programs, making it the correct answer.

The Mac operating system was originally branded as "Mac OS X" (often stylized as OS X). In 2016, Apple officially renamed it to "macOS" to align with the naming of its other platforms (iOS, watchOS, tvOS). The clue refers to the former name "OS X," making it the answer.

The clue "Request made through a downstairs intercom" refers to a phrase someone might use when asking to be granted access to a building. "LETMEUP" fits as it's a spoken, straightforward request to unlock the door or allow entry, matching the context of intercom communication.

The answer "ONION" refers to The Onion, a satirical news publication known for its humorous and absurd headlines. The clue references a 1997 Onion headline, "Supreme Court Rules Supreme Court Rules," which showcases the publication's signature style of wordplay and satire, aligning perfectly with the question's tone.

The clue "Fabled figure in feudal Japan" points to NINJA because ninjas were legendary covert agents or mercenaries in feudal Japan, often romanticized in folklore. Their mysterious and skillful ways make them "fabled" figures, known for espionage, stealth, and combat expertise. The term aligns perfectly with the clue.

The answer "GOGO" refers to "go-go boots," a style of women’s knee-high boots that became iconic in the 1960s. The clue "___ boots" gives a direct hint, and "go-go" specifically fits the blank to complete the familiar term for these retro fashion items.

"ASS" is a slang term for a foolish or stupid person, which aligns with the meaning of "nincompoop" as someone lacking sense. This connection is rooted in informal language use, making "ASS" a fitting and concise answer for the clue.

The answer "TAP" fits the clue "Water source" as a tap is a device commonly used to control the release of water from a pipe or reservoir, making it a direct and practical source of water in households and other settings.

The clue "Undo" directly suggests the action of reversing or removing something. To "erase" is to remove or wipe out marks, text, or content, which aligns with the concept of undoing. Both share the idea of negating or eliminating a prior action or state.

The clue "Mythos" refers to traditional stories, beliefs, or legends passed down within cultures, which align with the definition of "LORE." Both terms capture the idea of collective knowledge or narratives often tied to myths or folklore, making LORE the fitting answer.

The clue "___ player" refers to a device used to play certain media formats. A DVD player is a common device designed to play DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), making DVD the logical answer. It completes the clue perfectly, aligning with the common term "DVD player."

The answer "TTOP" refers to a T-top roof, a sporty car design featuring two removable roof panels, leaving a solid bar running down the center. This type of roof is commonly found on sports cars, making it a fitting answer for "Sporty auto roof."

The clue "Hunk of gunk" directly suggests something sticky or messy in a lump or mass. "Glob" perfectly fits this description, as it refers to a lump or drop of a viscous or gooey substance, aligning with both "hunk" and "gunk" in the clue's imagery.

The clue "Bottom" can refer to the backside or rear end of something, making "REAR" a fitting synonym. Additionally, "rear" is commonly used to describe the bottom or back part of an object, aligning perfectly with the given clue.

The prefix "ANTI-" means "against" or "opposite of." It forms words like "antibody" (substance against harmful agents in the body) and "antimatter" (opposite of matter in physics). The clue asks for a prefix fitting both "body" and "matter," making ANTI the correct answer.

The answer "IRAS" refers to Individual Retirement Accounts, a type of investment used for retirement savings in the U.S. The clue specifies "for short," indicating the abbreviation. IRAs are considered investments as they allow growth through contributions in stocks, bonds, or other financial assets.

The clue "One on a sic list?" plays on the word "sic," which indicates an error in quoted text. A "sic list" humorously suggests a collection of such errors. A TYPO (typographical error) is a common mistake, often noted with "sic," making it the fitting answer.

The answer "SEER" fits the clue "Visionary" because a seer is someone who claims to see into the future or has exceptional foresight, making them a "visionary" both metaphorically and literally. The terms are closely related in meaning, emphasizing foresight and insight.

The answer "PRINT" fits the clue "Not an original" because a print refers to a reproduction or copy of original artwork, writing, or material, rather than the one-of-a-kind original piece. This makes PRINT a direct and logical match for the clue.

The answer is RENO because it is a city in Nevada that is geographically farther west than Los Angeles, despite common assumptions. Checking a map confirms Reno’s longitude lies west of Los Angeles, making it the correct solution. This plays on surprising geographical trivia.

CAMO is short for camouflage, a pattern inspired by natural environments like forests or deserts, designed to help blend in with surroundings. "Informally" signals the use of the abbreviated term. It directly relates to the idea of a "pattern based on nature."

The clue "Pizazz" refers to energy, enthusiasm, or vigor. "VIM" is a synonym for these qualities, often paired with "vigor" (as in the phrase "vim and vigor"), making it an exact match for the clue's definition.

The clue "Like a doormat, say" signals wordplay. A doormat is often metaphorically described as being overly accommodating or submissive. "TOO NICE" conveys excessive niceness, aligning with this metaphorical description, making it the fitting solution.

The answer is VOLTRON because it is a classic cartoon series featuring a super robot formed by five lion-shaped robot vehicles piloted by a team of heroes. Together, they unite to create "Voltron: Defender of the Universe," making it a perfect fit for the clue.

MSU stands for Michigan State University, a prominent school located in East Lansing, Michigan. The abbreviation "sch." in the clue signals that the answer is the shorthand for a school, making MSU the correct solution.

The clue “Sign of terrible service” uses wordplay. It refers to cellphone service, where "No Bars" indicates a lack of signal strength, metaphorically representing "terrible service." The pun here is that "service" can apply to both cellphone connectivity and generally poor experience. Thus, NOBARS fits perfectly.

The answer is SHIRE because Sam Gamgee and Frodo are characters in The Lord of the Rings. Sam is nostalgically recalling their homeland, the Shire, which is central to Hobbits' lives and their longing for peace. The blank in the quote perfectly fits "Shire" as part of Sam's reflective dialogue.

The answer is CENAC because Wyatt Cenac is a well-known comedian, writer, and actor. He gained prominence as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and created the comedy show Wyatt Cenac's Problem Areas. The clue directly refers to his name, fitting the puzzle's requirement.

The clue refers to the Tour de France, a French cycling event. "ÉTAPE" is French for "stage" or "step," commonly used to describe individual stages of the race. Since the clue points to a stage in the Tour de France, the answer is "ETAPE."

The answer "ELDER" fits because an elder is typically a figure of respect in many cultures or communities, often due to their age, wisdom, or experience. The term directly conveys reverence for someone who holds such a distinguished role.

The answer "LEERS" fits the clue "Creepy looks" because a leer refers to a sly, suggestive, or unpleasantly lingering gaze, which is often perceived as creepy. The plural form, "LEERS," aligns with the clue's plural wording, "looks."

The answer "WMDS" stands for "Weapons of Mass Destruction." These are disarmament concerns due to their devastating potential, often discussed in global security and arms control contexts. "For short" signals an abbreviation, making WMDS the correct solution.

SPA is the solution because reflexology, a therapeutic practice involving foot massages, is a service often provided in spas. A spa is a relaxation-focused facility offering wellness treatments, making it a fitting setting for reflexology. The straightforward nature of the clue matches this logical connection.

The answer is ICEE because it refers to a popular frozen slush drink, commonly served in a plastic cup with a dome-shaped lid to accommodate the icy texture. The word "perhaps" indicates it's an example of a drink fitting the description rather than the only possibility.

MUD is the solution because many outdoor obstacle courses, such as those in "mud runs" or "Tough Mudder" events, feature muddy terrains as a key challenge participants must navigate. The clue directly references this widely recognized feature of such courses.

The clue "Stout, for one" refers to Stout as a type of beer. ALE is a broad category of beer that includes Stouts, making ALE the correct answer. This clue plays on the fact that Stout is a specific variety of ALE.