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NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

Across

  • A "jib" is a small triangular foresail found on sailing vessels, positioned in front of the mainsail. It helps catch wind and improve maneuvering. The word directly describes a small foresail, making it the precise answer to this clue.

  • The term "Maritime" relates to anything associated with the sea, ships, or navigation. "Naval" specifically refers to things pertaining to a nation's navy or warships, which are inherently maritime. Thus, "Maritime" and "Naval" are closely connected in meaning, making NAVAL the correct answer.

  • The clue "Holed up" suggests seeking concealment or taking refuge, which aligns with the verb "hid." To "hole up" means to hide away in a safe or secluded place, matching the past tense of the verb: HID. This answer directly reflects the meaning of the clue.

  • The answer "ANEG" refers to A-negative (A-) blood type, which is one of the less common blood types globally. "In brief" signals a shortened form, leading to "ANEG." It fits the clue as it abbreviates the rare blood type's name.

  • The word "Cognizant" means being knowledgeable, conscious, or aware of something. "Aware" is a direct synonym of "cognizant," making it the correct solution. This clue does not involve wordplay, so it simply seeks a clear equivalent.

  • The solution is NEMO because Nemo is the titular clownfish from Pixar's Finding Nemo. A running gag in the movie involves Nemo's dad, Marlin, struggling to pronounce "anemone," which humorously reflects the underwater setting where clownfish live in sea anemones.

  • Zeno is the solution because he was an ancient Greek philosopher famous for his paradoxes, such as "Zeno's Paradoxes," which challenge concepts of motion and infinity (e.g., Achilles and the Tortoise). His work aimed to support Parmenides' ideas on the illusion of motion and change, making him well-known for paradoxical thinking.

  • The answer "GAPED" fits because to "gape" means to stare with an open mouth, which often happens when someone is stunned or shocked. The phrase "Looked stunned, say" suggests a descriptive action, aligning perfectly with the act of gaping in awe or surprise.

  • The clue "Decrease?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. Here, "Decrease" plays on the idea of removing "creases." An iron is a tool used to remove creases from fabric, hence connecting the pun to the answer "IRON."

  • ZZTOP is the answer because it is a famous rock band known for their hit song "Sharp Dressed Man" from their 1983 album Eliminator. The clue directly references the band by name and their iconic song title, making ZZTOP the fitting solution.

  • The answer "KEN" refers to the noun form of the word, meaning "range of knowledge or understanding." It fits the clue "Understanding" as it directly relates to the scope of what one knows or comprehends.

  • The clue "Special ___" is completed by "AGENT" because the phrase "Special Agent" refers to a title commonly used in law enforcement, particularly in organizations like the FBI. It describes a specific role with significant responsibilities, making AGENT the fitting word to follow "Special."

  • The clue "Two tablets, e.g." refers to a situation where a specific quantity of medication is taken. A "dose" of medicine can consist of two tablets, making DOSE the correct answer. The clue uses "e.g." to indicate an example, showing tablets are part of a medication dose.

  • The answer is ASCH because Sholem Asch (1880–1957) was a Polish-American novelist, playwright, and essayist who authored "Children of Abraham" along with other notable works. The clue directly refers to his name, making "ASCH" the solution.

  • ANEMIA is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, which are essential for carrying oxygen to the body's tissues. This lack of oxygen results in fatigue and low energy levels, fitting the clue "Cause of low vitality."

  • The clue "Something to get the ball rolling?" uses wordplay with the question mark hinting at a pun. A putter is a golf club used to gently roll the ball toward the hole, literally "getting the ball rolling" in a golf context.

  • The answer is BAYONNE because Bayonne, New Jersey, is connected to Staten Island, New York, via the Bayonne Bridge. This iconic arch bridge links the two areas across the Kill Van Kull, making Bayonne the correct city for this geographical clue.

  • The clue refers to Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day in the U.S., honoring military veterans. "Certain" specifies the individual branch—in this case, "ARMY." "VET" is short for veteran, fitting both the occasion and the clue. Together, ARMYVET honors an Army veteran.

  • The answer AVERTED fits "Turned aside" because the verb "avert" means to turn away or prevent something. In the past tense, "averted" directly describes having turned aside, aligning with the clue. It works both literally and figuratively, such as avoiding danger or shifting attention.

  • The clue "Like many a Swiftie" refers to Taylor Swift fans, known as Swifties. Many Swifties are younger fans, with a significant portion being in their teenage years. Therefore, "TEENAGE" aptly describes the demographic of "many a Swiftie."

  • The phrase "___ a soul" commonly translates to "not a soul" or "no one." "NARY," meaning "not any" or "none," fits perfectly. It’s an old-fashioned or poetic way to express complete absence, aligning seamlessly with the clue's blank to form "nary a soul" (nobody).

  • The clue refers to Julius Caesar's famous Latin phrase "Veni, vidi, vici," meaning "I came, I saw, I conquered." "VENI" is the first part of this boast, fitting the clue perfectly. The Latin connection is essential to understanding the answer.

  • The answer "RONI" completes the phrase "Rice-A-Roni," a well-known brand of flavored rice and pasta mix. This product, famously advertised as "The San Francisco Treat," makes "RONI" a fitting and recognizable answer to this fill-in-the-blank clue.

  • The clue "Eur. alliance" refers to the Group of Six (G6), a precursor to the G7, composed of major European nations (and others) collaborating on economic and political matters. The abbreviation "GSIX" (G6) aligns with the clue's context of a European alliance.

  • The clue refers to the national anthem of Canada, "O Canada." Its lyrics end with "We stand on guard for thee," which is a prominent and recognizable line from the anthem. Therefore, the answer "OCANADA" correctly solves the clue.

  • The clue "One attending orientation" refers to someone new to a job or organization who would typically attend an orientation session to get acquainted with their role and workplace. A "new hire" is a freshly employed person, fitting perfectly as the answer: NEWHIRE.

  • The clue "Sounded like a brook" describes the soft, bubbling or murmuring sound a brook makes as it flows over rocks. The word GURGLED perfectly captures this sound, as it refers to a liquid's bubbling or flowing noise, which resembles the sound of a brook.

  • The clue "Left off" directly relates to something being excluded or left out. The word "OMITTED" perfectly matches this definition, as it means to intentionally or unintentionally leave something out or exclude it. The past tense aligns with "Left," making "OMITTED" the ideal solution.

  • ELI is the solution because students at Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut, are traditionally referred to as "Elis," a nickname derived from the university's benefactor, Elihu Yale. This clue directly ties to this well-known nickname within collegiate and crossword contexts.

  • The answer is FIDDLER because the musical "Fiddler on the Roof" features the iconic song "SUNRISE, SUNSET," which is depicted by the circled letters in the puzzle. "Familiarly" indicates the shorthand title of the musical, commonly referred to simply as Fiddler.

  • The clue "One card left" refers to the card game UNO, where players announce "Uno" when they are down to one card. This matches the clue both literally (one card left) and as a spoken phrase often associated with the game.

  • The answer "RAT" fits the clue "Backstabber" because "rat" is a slang term for someone who betrays others or informs on them, akin to the treachery of backstabbing. It's a metaphor for disloyalty or sneaky behavior, making it a fitting solution.

  • Fred Astaire starred in the classic 1935 film Top Hat alongside Ginger Rogers. The clue references the other half of this iconic dancing duo, making ASTAIRE, a renowned actor, dancer, and Rogers’ co-star, the correct solution.

  • The key to this clue is "in Paris," indicating the answer is in French. In French, "little" translates to "peu." Thus, "It means little in Paris" equals PEU, which directly means "little" or "not much" in French.

  • The clue "Majorcan Mrs." refers to the title commonly used for married women in Spanish-speaking regions, such as Majorca (a Spanish island). "Sra." is the abbreviation for "Señora," the Spanish equivalent of "Mrs." This matches the clue's indication of a Majorcan (Spanish) context.

  • The clue "Troopers, on a CB radio" uses CB (citizens band) radio slang. "Smokeys" is a common CB term for highway patrol or state troopers, referencing the iconic hats worn by some officers, resembling Smokey Bear’s hat. It’s a playful, informal term used by truckers and drivers.

  • SST stands for "Supersonic Transport," which refers to aircraft capable of flying faster than the speed of sound. The Concorde was a well-known example of an SST, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Concorde, e.g., for short."

Down

  • The answer is JAZZ because Count Basie and Charlie Parker are renowned figures in this musical genre. Count Basie was a legendary jazz bandleader and pianist, while Charlie Parker was a groundbreaking jazz saxophonist known for bebop. The clue directly points to their shared genre, making JAZZ the correct solution.

  • The answer "INEZ" is a name closely related to "Agnes." Both derive from the Greek name "Hagnē," meaning "pure" or "holy." "Agnes" is the more common English version, while "Inez" (or "Inés" in Spanish) is the variation used in other languages, sharing the same origin.

  • The word "Proclivity" means a natural inclination or tendency toward something. "Bent" is a synonym for such an inherent disposition or leaning. In this context, the two words are interchangeable, making BENT the fitting solution for the clue.

  • The clue "Keep after, say" uses wordplay indicated by "say." To "nag" means to persistently remind, bother, or urge someone—essentially "keeping after" them to do something. The concise, single-word answer aligns with the tone and structure of the clue.

  • The phrase "Out of the arms of Morpheus" refers to waking up, as Morpheus is the Greek god of dreams, symbolizing sleep. "So to speak" hints at a metaphorical meaning, making the straightforward answer AWAKE, as it represents being out of sleep and alert.

  • The clue, "Puff on an e-cig," directly describes the act of using an electronic cigarette, which is commonly referred to as "vaping." The term "VAPE" specifically means to inhale and exhale vapor produced by an e-cigarette, making it the perfect fit for the clue.

  • The clue "Kind of rock" involves wordplay. While it may seem to reference physical rocks, it actually refers to "arena rock," a music genre known for big, anthemic songs performed in large venues (arenas). Thus, "ARENA" fits as the pun-related answer.

  • The clue "Spearheaded" implies leadership or guiding an effort. "LED" fits as the past tense of "lead," which means to guide or take charge of something, aligning perfectly with the idea of spearheading a movement or initiative.

  • The clue "Question while pointing?" uses wordplay. "While pointing" suggests gesturing to a specific location or spot. A common phrasing when doing this is asking "here?" to confirm or inquire about the indicated location. Thus, the answer "HERE" fits perfectly as it reflects the intended action.

  • The clue "That's my cue!" in quotes indicates spoken words or a phrase someone might use in a specific situation. "I'm on" is something a performer or participant might say when it's their turn to go or take action. Thus, the answer is IMON.

  • The clue "Terse admonition" suggests a short, direct warning or prohibition. "DONT" fits perfectly as it is a succinct way to advise someone not to do something, aligning with the clue's description of being terse (brief and to the point).

  • The clue "First words of the day, perhaps" suggests a common greeting or phrase typically spoken at the start of a day. The answer "GOOD MORNING" fits perfectly, as it's a widely used expression to greet someone early in the day, aligning with "first words."

  • The clue "Last words of the day, perhaps" plays on the phrase often spoken at bedtime, "Nighty night," which is a casual or affectionate way to say "goodnight" before sleeping. The wording hints at these being the final words said at the end of the day.

  • The phrase "Starting place" suggests the beginning of something, often represented as "Point A" in common expressions like "getting from Point A to Point B." The answer POINTA fits this interpretation as the literal starting point, aligning perfectly with the clue.

  • The clue "Astuteness" refers to keen insight or sharpness in judgment. The answer, "ACUMEN," directly means the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, reflecting sharp mental perception. It's a synonym for astuteness, fitting the clue precisely.

  • The clue "More sound" plays on the figurative sense of "sound," meaning rational or sensible. "Saner" is the comparative form of "sane," meaning being more rational or mentally sound. Thus, "saner" fits as the answer, aligning with the clue's subtle wordplay.

  • The clue "Buying binge" refers to an excessive or indulgent shopping activity. The word "SPREE" is commonly used to describe a period of unrestrained or impulsive activity, such as a shopping spree, which directly aligns with the idea of a "Buying binge."

  • The answer "ABA" stands for the American Bar Association, a prominent legal organization in the United States. It represents lawyers, provides legal education, and establishes ethical codes for the profession, making it a fitting solution for the clue "Legal org."

  • The clue "___ system (GPS device)" refers to a system used for navigation. "NAV" is short for "navigation," which is the primary function of a GPS device. This makes NAV the fitting three-letter answer to complete the phrase.

  • The answer "EYE" refers to the "Eye of Providence," a symbol of an eye within a pyramid seen on the back of a U.S. dollar bill. It represents divine guidance and is part of the Great Seal of the United States.

  • TVA, or the Tennessee Valley Authority, was a prominent program initiated under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal in 1933. It aimed to address economic development and energy production in the Tennessee Valley region through dam construction, electricity generation, and flood control, aligning with F.D.R.'s reform initiatives.

  • The answer "EEG" refers to an "electroencephalogram," a common hospital (hosp.) diagnostic test that records electrical activity in the brain. It helps diagnose conditions like epilepsy, tumors, or brain injuries. The abbreviation "EEG" matches the concise style typical of medical diagnostics in crossword puzzles.

  • The answer "RTE" stands for "route," which is a common abbreviation used in navigation contexts like Waze. Waze offers driving suggestions by providing optimal routes, making "RTE" a fitting shorthand in this case. The abbreviation aligns with navigation terminology.

  • The answer "EDY" refers to Edy's, a popular brand of ice cream and frozen desserts found in the freezer aisle. The clue highlights a "big name" associated with frozen treats, making EDY an apt and concise solution.

  • The clue "Off-roader, in brief" hints at a short form for a vehicle designed for off-road use. ATV stands for "All-Terrain Vehicle," which is a compact and rugged vehicle explicitly built to handle rough, uneven terrains, making it the perfect answer here.

  • The answer "ROGERS" refers to Ginger Rogers, the famous co-star of Fred Astaire (62-Across) in the 1935 film Top Hat. Together, they formed one of Hollywood's most iconic dance duos, making the pairing a key aspect of movie history.

  • The answer "OCULAR" fits the clue "Related to vision" because "ocular" directly pertains to the eye or eyesight. It comes from the Latin "oculus," meaning eye, and is frequently used to describe anything related to vision, such as ocular health or devices like ocular lenses.

  • NARITA is the correct answer because Narita International Airport is one of Tokyo's primary airports, located in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It serves as a major hub for international flights to and from Tokyo, making it a fitting solution for the clue "International airport serving Tokyo."

  • The clue "Some gym reps" refers to repetitions (reps) of exercises done in the gym. SITUPS are a common exercise performed in sets with multiple reps to strengthen the core. The word "some" hints at this being one type of gym repetition, making SITUPS the fitting answer.

  • The answer "IRENES" refers to the first names of two famous actresses: Irene Dunne, a classic film star known for movies like The Awful Truth, and Meg Ryan, whose birth name is Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra but occasionally credited as Irene. The plural form reflects both names.

  • The answer "XEDOUT" is the solution because "Crossed off" is a direct reference to marking something with an "X" to indicate it’s removed, canceled, or struck through. The wordplay comes from phonetically spelling "X-ed out" as "XEDOUT," aligning with how it's expressed visually and verbally.

  • The clue "Some sporty wheels, informally" refers to cars and hints at a casual term. "ALFAS" is shorthand for Alfa Romeos, known as sporty and stylish vehicles. "Wheels" is slang for cars, and "informally" signals the abbreviated nickname. Thus, ALFAS fits perfectly.

  • The answer is DEISM because Benjamin Franklin was a well-known Deist. Deism is a belief in a rational, natural religion based on reason and observation of the natural world, rejecting organized religion and divine intervention. Franklin's writings and beliefs align with this philosophical view, making DEISM the correct solution.

  • The clue "Complement" refers to something that completes or enhances. The phrase "add to" means to supplement or enhance something, aligning with the definition of complement. Therefore, the solution is "ADDTO," as it fits both the meaning and context of the clue.

  • The clue "I swear!" is in quotes, indicating a spoken phrase. "NOLIE" is a casual way of affirming truthfulness or honesty, meaning "No lie"—essentially a way of saying "I'm telling the truth!" in a conversational tone, matching the intent of the clue.

  • The answer is EMERY because emery boards are commonly used in manicures and pedicures to shape and smooth nails. Emery is a fine-grained, abrasive material, perfect for filing nails, making it a standard "mani-pedi material."

  • The answer "WIRES" fits because electrical work commonly involves connecting or installing wires to create or repair circuits. The clue is straightforward, with "does some electrical work on" directly referring to the fundamental task of working with wires in electrical setups.

  • The clue "___ Terr., area from 1861 to 1889" refers to the Dakota Territory, which existed during that time frame before splitting into North and South Dakota. "DAK" is a shortened form of "Dakota," aligning with the abbreviation style in the clue.

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Today’s NYT The Crossword Highlights

Peter A. Collins delivers his impressive 121st puzzle for the Times with a visually clever and thematically rich grid. SUNRISE climbs and SUNSET descends in symmetrical circled letters, evoking the classic 'FIDDLER on the Roof' song “Sunrise, Sunset” (58A) whether or not you know the show. Anchoring the day’s rhythm are 13- and 15-Down: “GOOD MORNING” and “NIGHTY NIGHT.” It’s a harder-than-usual Wednesday, in part due to old-school trivia that might stump younger solvers. Still, the ambitious grid and layered theme reward patience with a slow-burning “aha!” moment. A thoughtful, radiant construction from a seasoned pro.

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NYT Crossword - All You Need To Know

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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.
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