FASTCASUAL is the solution because it describes a dining style that combines quick-service (fast food) with higher-quality food and a more relaxed atmosphere, as offered by restaurants like Chipotle and Panera. These establishments emphasize convenience while providing healthier and customizable dining options.
11Hand-held 2000s Sony console, for shortPSP???✨ See Why
PSP stands for PlayStation Portable, a handheld gaming console made by Sony and released in the 2000s. The clue specifies "2000s Sony console, for short," signaling an abbreviation, and PSP aligns perfectly as the abbreviated name of this popular device.
14"The Black Unicorn" poet, 1978AUDRELORDE??????????✨ See Why
The answer is AUDRELORDE because Audre Lorde was a renowned poet and activist, and "The Black Unicorn" is one of her celebrated works, published in 1978. The clue directly references her as the poet of this collection, making her name the precise solution.
15"Oh, that's a good one"HAHA????✨ See Why
The clue "Oh, that's a good one" is in quotes, indicating the answer mimics a verbal reaction or exclamation. "HAHA" represents laughter, a common response to something funny or clever, fitting the context of finding something to be a "good one," like a joke or remark.
16"Actually, I have good news"ITSYOURLUCKYDAY???????????????✨ See Why
The clue is in quotes, meaning the answer reflects something someone might say in response to "good news." "Actually, I have good news" aligns with the phrase ITSYOURLUCKYDAY, commonly spoken when delivering joyful or fortunate news, making it the fitting solution.
18CrushROUT????✨ See Why
The clue "Crush" implies overcoming or defeating something overwhelmingly. "Rout" fits as it means a decisive or overwhelming defeat, often used in battles or competitions, effectively "crushing" the opponent. This wordplay aligns with the meaning, making "ROUT" a fitting solution.
19Punt e ___ (vermouth brand)MES???✨ See Why
The answer "MES" completes the brand name "Punt e Mes," a popular Italian vermouth. The name translates to "point and a half" in Piedmontese, reflecting its bittersweet flavor profile. This clue directly asks for the second part of the brand name, making "MES" the correct solution.
20Tight formationHUDDLE??????✨ See Why
The answer "HUDDLE" fits "Tight formation" because a huddle refers to a close, compact gathering of people, often in sports where players cluster tightly to discuss strategy. The term directly describes this tight physical grouping, making it a fitting, straightforward solution.
21Express disapproval, in a wayHISS????✨ See Why
The answer is HISS because it represents a sound people make to express disapproval, especially in theaters or performances. The clue’s phrasing, "in a way," hints at a nonverbal way to show disapproval, making this onomatopoeic response the correct fit.
23Boston University athleteTERRIER???????✨ See Why
The answer is TERRIER because Boston University's sports teams are known as the "Boston University Terriers." Their mascot is also a terrier dog, making it a fitting reference to their athletes. This clue leverages knowledge of college sports team nicknames.
24ExpectAWAIT?????✨ See Why
The clue "Expect" and the answer "AWAIT" are synonyms. To "await" something means to look forward to or expect its arrival or occurrence, aligning perfectly with the definition of "expect." Both words involve anticipating something yet to happen.
27Inst. in AthensUGA???✨ See Why
The clue "Inst. in Athens" refers to an institution located in Athens, Georgia. UGA is the University of Georgia, a prominent institution in Athens. "Inst." is shorthand for "institution," making UGA (University of Georgia) the correct solution.
29Color akin to camelTAN???✨ See Why
The answer is TAN because "camel" refers to the light brown color of a camel's fur. TAN is a shade of light brown that closely resembles this hue, making it a "color akin to camel." This clue relies on recognizing the similarity in shade between camel and TAN.
30Sucked upKISSEDBUTT??????????✨ See Why
The phrase "Sucked up" in this clue uses wordplay, referring to ingratiating behavior rather than a literal action. "Kissed butt" is a slang term for flattering or fawning over someone excessively to gain favor, which aligns perfectly with the figurative meaning of "sucked up."
33Class in middle or high schoolGYM???✨ See Why
The clue "Class in middle or high school" refers to a course commonly part of school curriculums. GYM is short for gymnasium or physical education, a class where students engage in physical activities or sports, which is a standard offering in both middle and high schools.
36Yellowstone traffic stoppersELK???✨ See Why
In Yellowstone National Park, elk are common and often roam near roads. Their large size and tendency to cross or block roads cause traffic to stop, making them literal "traffic stoppers." The clue signals wordplay, referring to this situation humorously.
37Cocktails garnished with mint leavesMOJITOS???????✨ See Why
The answer is MOJITOS because they are a classic cocktail made with rum, lime juice, sugar, soda water, and fresh mint leaves. The mint garnish is a signature element of a mojito, aligning perfectly with the clue's description of "Cocktails garnished with mint leaves."
39Digitus minimus pedis, for oneTOE???✨ See Why
The term "Digitus minimus pedis" is Latin for "the smallest digit of the foot." This directly refers to the smallest toe, commonly known as the pinky toe. Therefore, the correct answer is "TOE," as it perfectly matches this anatomical description.
40ELF???✨ See Why
The clue quotes a line from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. In the play, "elves" are small, magical, fairy-like beings. The blank suggests filling in a fitting term for "fairy sprite," making "ELF" the most accurate answer.
41"I'm listening ..."TELLMEMORE??????????✨ See Why
The clue "I'm listening ..." is in quotes, indicating it's a spoken phrase. "Tell me more" is a natural response someone might say when they're engaged and interested in hearing more details, fitting the context perfectly. It's conversational and matches the tone of the clue.
43BaboonOAF???✨ See Why
The clue "Baboon" is a playful or metaphorical use of the word. It's a term sometimes used to describe someone clumsy, awkward, or foolish, similar to an "OAF." This interpretation fits the tone of the clue and explains why OAF is the correct answer.
46First in command?CEE???✨ See Why
The clue “First in command?” plays on wordplay. The "first" letter of the word "command" is "C," which is phonetically spelled as "CEE." The question mark signals a pun, making this a clever play on interpreting "first" literally as the initial letter.
47"The Artist's Garden at Giverny" artistMONET?????✨ See Why
MONET is the correct answer because Claude Monet, the famous French Impressionist painter, created "The Artist's Garden at Giverny." This celebrated artwork depicts his lush garden in Giverny, where he lived and found inspiration for many of his iconic landscapes and water lily paintings.
48Uber-progressivesFARLEFT???????✨ See Why
The term "Uber-progressives" refers to individuals with extremely progressive or liberal political views. The phrase "far left" is commonly used to describe those at the extreme end of the political spectrum, aligning with the clue’s description of "Uber" (extreme) progressives. Hence, the answer is FARLEFT.
51DoppelgängerTWIN????✨ See Why
The clue "Doppelgänger" refers to a double or look-alike of a person, often described as their counterpart or "twin." A twin is a natural doppelgänger, as they share similarities in appearance, making "TWIN" the fitting answer.
53ACHIER??????✨ See Why
The clue "Feeling it more" refers to experiencing a heightened sense of discomfort or pain. "Achier" is the comparative form of "achy," meaning more achy or in greater discomfort, making it the perfect fit for this clue.
54"Very. Funny."HAR???✨ See Why
The clue "Very. Funny." in quotes suggests a nonverbal response often associated with laughter or amusement. "HAR" represents the sound of laughter, like "har har," commonly mimicking someone laughing at something funny. The clue's brevity aligns with the simplicity of this laughter sound.
55DrudgeTOIL????✨ See Why
The clue "Drudge" refers to hard, laborious work, which aligns directly with the meaning of the word "TOIL." Both imply persistent effort, often tedious or exhausting, making TOIL the perfect match for this straightforward clue.
59Something taken by many artistsCREATIVELICENSE???????????????✨ See Why
The clue "Something taken by many artists" hints at the phrase "creative license," which refers to the freedom artists take to deviate from facts or conventions for artistic expression. The pun on "license" relates to it being "taken" metaphorically, making it an apt, playful answer.
62Fish bred by Roman noblesEELS????✨ See Why
The answer is EELS because wealthy Roman nobles famously bred and kept eels in private fish ponds, called "piscinae," as a symbol of luxury. Eels were prized in ancient Rome for their culinary and cultural value, making them a fitting answer to the clue.
63What might get you out of a jam?SIDESTREET??????????✨ See Why
The clue "What might get you out of a jam?" uses a pun. A "jam" can mean traffic congestion, and a SIDESTREET offers an alternative route to avoid it. This clever wordplay connects the idea of being "stuck" and finding a way out, making SIDESTREET the perfect fit.
641/48 cup: Abbr.TSP???✨ See Why
The abbreviation "TSP" stands for "teaspoon," a common unit of measurement in cooking. There are 48 teaspoons in a cup, making 1/48 of a cup equal to one teaspoon. The clue includes "Abbr.," indicating the answer is a shortened form of the measurement.
65What some loggers logKEYSTROKES??????????✨ See Why
The clue "What some loggers log" involves wordplay. Here, "loggers" refers to people or programs that record information. In tech, "keystroke loggers" log (record) every key pressed on a keyboard. Thus, the logged item is "KEYSTROKES," making it the apt solution.
Down
1UprightFAIR????✨ See Why
The answer "FAIR" works for the clue "Upright" because both can mean just or morally correct. If one is upright, they embody fairness, honesty, and integrity—qualities aligned with being fair. Thus, the terms are synonymous in the context of ethical behavior.
2Malibu, e.g.AUTO????✨ See Why
The Chevrolet Malibu is a well-known car model. The clue uses "Malibu, e.g." to refer to it as an example of an automobile, hence the answer "AUTO," which is a common shorthand for automobile.
3Calif. school that runs the Mount Laguna ObservatorySDSU????✨ See Why
SDSU stands for San Diego State University, a prominent California school. SDSU operates the Mount Laguna Observatory, located east of San Diego, known for astronomical research. The clue directly points to a California university associated with this observatory, making SDSU the correct answer.
4"Have a taste"TRYTHIS???????✨ See Why
The phrase "Have a taste" is an invitation or suggestion to try something, such as food or an experience. The answer, TRYTHIS, aligns perfectly as it represents a casual way of saying, "Give this a try!" It matches the conversational tone implied by the clue.
5Steering committee V.I.P.CEO???✨ See Why
The answer "CEO" fits the clue "Steering committee V.I.P." as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is often a key decision-maker and influential figure involved in guiding an organization. "Steering" metaphorically refers to leading or directing, which aligns with the CEO's leadership role.
6Quinquennial campus visitors, maybeALUMS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Quinquennial campus visitors, maybe" refers to individuals who might visit their alma mater every five years (quinquennial). This aligns with alumni (grads of a school), who often return for reunions held on such schedules. "Maybe" signals some alumni (ALUMS) might visit at these intervals.
7It hurts when it comes upSORESUBJECT???????????✨ See Why
The clue "It hurts when it comes up?" uses wordplay. "Sore" means something painful, and "subject" refers to a topic. Together, "sore subject" is a phrase for a sensitive or painful topic that metaphorically "hurts" when brought up in conversation.
8Digital addressesURLS????✨ See Why
The solution "URLS" refers to "Uniform Resource Locators," which are web addresses used to locate resources on the internet. In the digital realm, URLs serve as "addresses" to access websites, making them the perfect fit for "Digital addresses" in the clue.
9Secondary residence on a property, for shortADU???✨ See Why
The answer "ADU" stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit, which is a secondary residence on the same property as a primary home. These units can include guest houses, garage apartments, or in-law suites. The clue specifies "for short," indicating the use of an abbreviation, aligning perfectly with "ADU."
10Café add-inLECHE?????✨ See Why
The clue “Café add-in” refers to something commonly added to coffee. “Café” is Spanish for coffee, signaling the answer is in Spanish. “Leche” means milk in Spanish, a typical addition to coffee. Thus, LECHE is the correct answer for this culturally and linguistically aligned clue.
11Children's character who wears a duffle coatPADDINGTON??????????✨ See Why
The answer is PADDINGTON because Paddington Bear is a beloved children's character from Michael Bond's books. He is famously known for wearing a duffle coat and a red hat. The bear originates from "Darkest Peru" and is a staple of British children's literature and culture.
12Cement ingredientSHALE?????✨ See Why
SHALE is the solution because it is a common sedimentary rock rich in clay minerals that, when processed, contributes to the production of cement. Specifically, shale is heated with limestone to form clinker, a key component in cement manufacturing. It’s a fundamental raw material in the process.
13One footing the billPAYER?????✨ See Why
The phrase "One footing the bill" refers to someone who pays for something. A "payer" is a person or entity responsible for covering a cost, directly aligning with the clue's straightforward meaning. No wordplay is involved in this case, making PAYER the exact fit.
15Monster slain in one of Hercules' 12 laborsHYDRA?????✨ See Why
HYDRA is the solution because it refers to the multi-headed serpent in Greek mythology, slain by Hercules in his second labor. Each time a head was cut off, two grew back, making it a formidable monster until Hercules burned the stumps to stop regeneration.
17Author VonnegutKURT????✨ See Why
The clue "Author Vonnegut" refers to the famous American author Kurt Vonnegut, known for works like Slaughterhouse-Five and Cat’s Cradle. The first name of this author is KURT, which fits the clue perfectly and is the correct answer.
22ObjectITEM????✨ See Why
The clue "Object" corresponds to the answer "ITEM" because an "item" is another term for a single object or thing. Both words can synonymously refer to a material or conceptual entity, making "ITEM" a fitting solution for the straightforward clue "Object."
23Little ratsTATTLETALES???????????✨ See Why
The clue "Little rats" uses wordplay by describing not actual rodents, but people who "rat" others out or reveal secrets. "TATTLETALES" refers to individuals, especially children, who habitually tell on others, fitting the description of "little rats" in a sly, figurative sense.
24Fruit that grows on Jamaican beachesAKEE????✨ See Why
The answer "AKEE" refers to the fruit of the akee tree, native to West Africa but widely grown in Jamaica. It’s a staple in Jamaican cuisine, especially paired with saltfish, the national dish. The clue suggests its growth near beaches, aligning with akee trees thriving in warm coastal areas.
25DeterminationWILL????✨ See Why
The answer "WILL" fits the clue "Determination" because "will" refers to the mental strength or resolve to achieve something, showcasing determination or drive. It is often synonymous with inner strength or deliberate intent, directly linking the term to the clue's meaning.
26Request a handASKFORHELP??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Request a hand" uses wordplay. "Hand" metaphorically means help, and to "request" it directly means to "ask for help." The answer, ASKFORHELP, is a straightforward phrase describing the act of seeking assistance, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning.
28CunningGUILE?????✨ See Why
The clue "Cunning" refers to being sly, clever, or deceitful in achieving goals. "Guile" perfectly fits this definition, as it means crafty or artful deception. It is often used to describe someone using intelligence or trickery to outmaneuver others, aligning directly with the clue’s intent.
31PeriodDOT???✨ See Why
The answer "DOT" works for "Period" because a dot (.) is a small circular mark often used in writing to signify a period, indicating the end of a sentence. It’s a straightforward representation of the punctuation mark.
32South Korean golfer KimTOM???✨ See Why
The answer "TOM" refers to Tom Kim, the nickname of South Korean professional golfer Kim Joo-hyung. Despite his Korean name, he is widely known as "Tom" in the golf world, inspired by a childhood love for the cartoon character Thomas the Tank Engine.
34Days long pastYORE????✨ See Why
The word "yore" refers to a time long ago or days of the past, which perfectly matches the clue "Days long past." It is often used in poetic or nostalgic contexts to evoke bygone eras, making it an exact fit for this clue.
35ConveneMEET????✨ See Why
The clue "Convene" directly translates to "MEET" as both refer to people coming together, often for a purpose like discussion, assembly, or decision-making. The verb "MEET" perfectly captures the act of gathering, aligning with the definition of "convene."
38Place for a cabinSEMI????✨ See Why
The clue "Place for a cabin" refers to a truck's cab, often called a "cabin." A "semi" truck (short for semi-trailer truck) prominently has a cab where the driver sits. This plays on the double meaning of "cabin," connecting it to the trucking term.
42___ Lamar Hill a.k.a. Lil Nas XMONTERO???????✨ See Why
The answer is MONTERO because it is the birth name of rapper and singer Lil Nas X, whose full name is Montero Lamar Hill. This clue directly references his legal name, which he also used as the title of his debut studio album, Montero.
44Fugitive's coverALIAS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Fugitive's cover" suggests wordplay. A "cover" for a fugitive refers to a fake name or identity they use to avoid detection. The term for such a fake name is "ALIAS," making it the fitting solution for this clue.
45Units that might be metrical or imperialFEET????✨ See Why
The clue refers to "units" of measurement used in both the metric (metrical) and imperial systems. FEET fits because it’s a standard imperial unit of length and also indirectly related to the metric system (used in conversions, such as meters to feet).
48AspectFACET?????✨ See Why
The clue "Aspect" refers to a particular part, side, or feature of something. "FACET" aligns perfectly, as it similarly means one side or aspect of a multifaceted thing, such as a gemstone or a complex issue. Both words emphasize a single part of a whole.
49A lot can be made of theseACRES?????✨ See Why
The clue "A lot can be made of these" uses a play on words. "Lot" can refer to a parcel of land, and parcels of land are measured in acres. Thus, many "lots" or parcels can be formed using acres of space, making ACRES the fitting answer.
50Check for pieces, sayFRISK?????✨ See Why
The clue "Check for pieces, say" signals wordplay. "Check" implies searching or inspecting, and "pieces" cleverly hints at weapons (as slang). "Frisk" refers to patting someone down to search for concealed items, such as weapons, aligning perfectly with the clue's intent.
52Watch this space!WRIST?????✨ See Why
The clue "Watch this space!" is a wordplay hint. "Watch" refers to a timepiece, typically worn on the wrist. The "space" cleverly hints at the area where you'd wear a watch, leading to the answer: WRIST.
54Actress/inventor Lamarr, the so-called "mother of Wi-Fi" HEDY????✨ See Why
Hedy Lamarr was a renowned actress and inventor who co-developed frequency-hopping technology, a foundation for modern Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Known as the "mother of Wi-Fi," her first name "Hedy" is the answer, directly referencing her legacy and prominence.
56Kid-friendly race length, in briefONEK????✨ See Why
The answer is ONEK because "1K" (1 kilometer) is a short, manageable distance often used for children’s races. The clue specifies "in brief," signaling the answer is an abbreviation. "Kid-friendly" emphasizes a shorter length suitable for younger participants. Thus, ONEK fits perfectly.
57"Gotcha"ISEE????✨ See Why
The clue "Gotcha" is conversational and indicates a spoken phrase. "I SEE" fits as it conveys understanding or realization, often expressed after someone explains or reveals something. This phrase aligns perfectly with the informal tone of the clue.
58Some redosLETS????✨ See Why
The answer "LETS" relates to "Some redos" because "lets" can mean allowing something to happen again, essentially giving permission for a redo. The plural form aligns with "Some," suggesting multiple instances of redoing or allowing something to be attempted again.
60Compete (for)VIE???✨ See Why
The answer "VIE" matches the clue "Compete (for)" because "vie" means to contend or strive for something, often in a competitive context. The phrase "compete for" directly aligns with this definition, making "VIE" a succinct and accurate solution.
61Middle: Abbr.CTR???✨ See Why
The clue "Middle: Abbr." hints at an abbreviation for the word "center," which signifies the middle of something. "CTR" is a common abbreviation for center, making it the fitting solution to this clue. The colon suggests a direct definition connection.
Kate Hawkins’ Friday puzzle (her 17th puzzle for the Times) delivers a breezy, accessible solve, easier than typical for the day, with smooth fill and a striking number of university-related clues: SDSU, UGA, TERRIER, and ALUMS make it feel like a campus tour. Entries like ITS YOUR LUCKY DAY, KISSED BUTT, and CREATIVE LICENSE add punchy, modern flair. While some solvers might crave more bite on a Friday, the clean cluing and fun vocabulary make for a satisfying solve.
Today's Tricky Wordplay
Here's what caught our attention today:
NYT Crossword - All You Need To Know
You can enjoy the New York Times Crossword puzzle in various formats:
Mobile Apps: Available in The New York Times Games app (iOS and Android) and the Play tab of the New York Times News app.
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NYT Crossword Themes and Titles
The difficulty of the NYT Crossword evolves throughout the week, and a big part of that progression comes from its use of themes and titles.
Themes
Monday to Wednesday: These puzzles almost always have a theme, with several long answers connected by a common thread. Many include a “revealer” clue—a final answer that explains the theme’s pattern.
Thursday: Still themed, but often with an added twist. Expect trickier mechanics like rebus squares (where multiple letters fit in one box) or unconventional entry rules.
Friday & Saturday: These puzzles are themeless, relying instead on clever wordplay and more challenging vocabulary. Without a theme as a guide, the difficulty increases.
Sunday: The largest puzzle of the week is always themed, and its title offers a hint about the underlying concept.
Titles
Sunday puzzles always have a title that helps solvers identify the theme.
Monday through Saturday puzzles generally don’t have official titles.
While these patterns hold most of the time, creativity and playfulness are at the heart of crossword construction—so expect occasional surprises!
NYT Crossword Puzzle Availability
Online and All Access Subscribers: Daily puzzles are available the evening before their print release.
Weekday and Saturday Puzzles: Available at 10 p.m. EST the previous day.
Sunday Puzzles: Available at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.
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How To Play
Fill the white squares with letters to form words or phrases that cross each other by solving clues in the Across and Down columns. The puzzles increase in difficulty from Monday to Saturday, with the Sunday puzzle being similar in difficulty to Wednesday or Thursday but larger in size.
Completion and Feedback
Successful Completion: A congratulatory message and music play when the puzzle is correctly solved. If no message appears, there might be an error in the filled squares.
Stars for Completion
Gold Stars: Awarded for puzzles solved consecutively before midnight EST without using Check or Reveal.
Blue Stars: Given for puzzles solved after midnight EST, with a skipped day, or using Check or Reveal.
Keyboard Shortcuts
For computer users, the following shortcuts can enhance gameplay:
Arrow Keys: Navigate in the puzzle.
Spacebar: Clear the current square and advance, toggle between Across and Down.
Backspace/Delete: Remove a letter or word.
Tab: Jump to the next clue.
Shift + Tab: Jump to the previous clue.
Escape: Enter Rebus mode.
App Customization Options
Cursor Movement: Customize cursor settings in the Puzzle Settings menu. Options include skipping filled squares, jumping to the first blank, or the next clue.
Secondary Keyboard: For symbols and numbers, switch by selecting the More button.
Adjust Puzzle Size: Zoom in with a pinch gesture or toggle Clue View.
Modes
Alternate between black (pen) and gray (pencil) letters.
Letter Colors
Black: Default pen mode.
Gray: Pencil mode.
Blue: Letters confirmed with Check.
Timer and Special Elements
Timer: Track your solving time. Pause and resume as needed, or hide the timer in the settings.
Rebus Elements: Enter letters, numbers, or symbols in a single square as part of the puzzle’s challenge or hint.
NYT Crossword Help
The New York Times provides various resources to aid in solving puzzles and improving solving skills.
In-Game Help
Information Icon ("i"): Flashing icon indicates available puzzle hint.
Lifesaver Icon: Offers options to check or reveal a square, an answer, or the entire puzzle.
Clear: Resets the entire puzzle.
Reveal: Displays correct letters for selected square, answer, or entire puzzle.
Check: Validates a square, word, or the entire puzzle; Autocheck option available.
Note: Using Reveal or Check resets the Crossword Streak.
Lady Puzzle Pro Help
Besides this page, meant to help you unblock or finish a puzzle we published a comprehensive guide on how to read the NYT Crossword Clues, which includes mini hints to assist you with both the NYT crosswords and the NYT Mini puzzle solving.
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