The solution "AMPM" refers to the toggle on a digital clock that switches between "AM" (morning hours) and "PM" (afternoon/evening hours). This selection helps distinguish 12-hour time periods, making it a necessary feature for clarity on such clocks.
5Leader of brothersABBOT?????✨ See Why
The answer is ABBOT because an abbot is the head or leader of a monastery, which is a community of monks often referred to as "brothers." This clue is straightforward, referencing the religious title for someone who leads a brotherhood in a monastic setting.
10Gillette razorATRA????✨ See Why
The answer "ATRA" relates to a specific model of Gillette razors introduced in 1977. The Atra was notable for being Gillette's first razor with a pivoting head, enhancing shaving efficiency. It's a classic product often referenced in crosswords due to its short, crossword-friendly name.
14*Confirm to be trueVERY????✨ See Why
The clue "Confirm to be true" with its asterisk indicates wordplay. "VERY" is used for emphasis, implying that something is true to a high degree. To "confirm" something emphatically aligns with how "very" strengthens an assertion, making it a clever answer in this context.
15Like 2027 and 2029, but not 2025PRIME?????✨ See Why
The clue refers to prime numbers. A prime number is divisible only by 1 and itself. 2027 and 2029 are both prime numbers, while 2025 is not—it's divisible by 5. This makes "PRIME" the correct answer.
16*Someone who knows how the sausage gets made?CHER????✨ See Why
The clue "Someone who knows how the sausage gets made?" plays on a word pun. "Sausage" refers to Cher's famous hit song "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves," which mentions a traveling carnival life. It ties to the idea of "behind the scenes," as Cher has had an illustrious, showbiz-rich life.
17Works traditionally performed with musical accompaniment in ancient GreeceODES????✨ See Why
ODES is the solution because, in ancient Greece, odes were lyrical poems written to be performed with musical accompaniment. They celebrated events or praised individuals, often accompanied by a lyre or other instruments, aligning perfectly with the clue's description.
18GoliathTITAN?????✨ See Why
The clue “Goliath” refers to something of great size or strength, as Goliath was a giant in the biblical story. “Titan” is synonymous with being a giant or something massive and powerful, making it an apt answer for this clue.
19Coach's chargeTEAM????✨ See Why
The clue "Coach's charge" refers to what a coach is responsible for or oversees. A coach's primary responsibility is to guide and manage a TEAM of players. Hence, "TEAM" is the correct solution as it directly fits this definition.
20Rainwater clearerWIPER?????✨ See Why
The answer "WIPER" fits because windshield wipers are tools designed to clear rainwater from car windshields. The clue refers to a literal function, and "rainwater clearer" aptly describes what wipers do to maintain visibility during rain.
22Unwanted "ingredient" when assembling s'mores, sayASH???✨ See Why
ASH is the solution because when making s'mores over a campfire, ash from the fire can unintentionally end up on your marshmallows or graham crackers. The question mark hints at this playful word association, as ash is an "ingredient" you definitely don't want in your treat.
23___ lovePUPPY?????✨ See Why
The phrase "___ love" is often completed as "puppy love," which refers to youthful or innocent romantic feelings, like those that might occur in teenage years. The term "puppy" metaphorically conveys that early, tender affection, making it the fitting answer to this clue.
24Mr. Spock, e.g.ALIEN?????✨ See Why
The answer "ALIEN" fits this clue because Mr. Spock, a character from Star Trek, is a Vulcan—a being from another planet. In crossword terms, "alien" refers to any being not from Earth, fitting Spock's extraterrestrial origin.
26ClamorousAROAR?????✨ See Why
The answer "AROAR" fits the clue "Clamorous" as it describes a state of loud noise or commotion. The prefix "A-" emphasizes the intense, ongoing nature of the roaring sound, aligning perfectly with the definition of being noisy or clamorous. It’s an evocative, descriptive term.
28Cunning sortSLYFOX??????✨ See Why
The phrase "Cunning sort" hints at someone clever or crafty, often associated with slyness. A fox is a common metaphor for cunning or wily behavior, making "SLYFOX" a fitting answer. The playful use of "sort" ties the clue to a type of individual (a fox) known for its sly nature.
30"Finally!"ATLAST??????✨ See Why
The clue "Finally!" in quotes indicates a spoken expression. "At last" is a common phrase people say to express relief or fulfillment after a long wait or effort, perfectly matching the meaning of "Finally!" and fitting the conversational tone of the clue.
33Li'l bellyTUM???✨ See Why
The clue "Li'l belly" uses "Li'l" to indicate a diminutive form or childlike term. "Tummy" is a common childish word for belly, and its shortened form, "TUM," matches the playful tone of the clue, making it the perfect fit.
34*Formal expressions of praiseTRIES?????✨ See Why
The clue "Formal expressions of praise" with the asterisk signals wordplay. Here, "formal expressions" refers to attempts or efforts at something, and "praise" cleverly aligns with giving something a "try." Therefore, TRIES works as the playful, figurative answer connecting both meanings.
38Diminutive suffix in SpanishITO???✨ See Why
In Spanish, the suffix -ito is commonly added to nouns or adjectives to indicate smallness or affection, functioning as a diminutive. For example, perro (dog) becomes perrito (little dog). The clue specifies "in Spanish," directly pointing to the linguistic context for ITO.
39Like some coffees and mob targetsICED????✨ See Why
The answer "ICED" fits because it describes two meanings: coffee can be served "iced" (cold), and in mob slang, "iced" means being killed or eliminated (a target being "iced"). The clue cleverly connects these unrelated uses of the word through wordplay.
41Nickname for Louis ArmstrongSATCH?????✨ See Why
SATCH is short for "Satchmo," one of Louis Armstrong's famous nicknames. "Satchmo" is derived from "Satchel Mouth," referring to his wide smile and style of trumpet playing. This nickname became synonymous with the legendary jazz musician, fitting the clue perfectly.
42Activist BrockovichERIN????✨ See Why
The answer is ERIN because Erin Brockovich is a well-known environmental activist and legal clerk who famously built a case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company in 1993. Her story was popularized in the 2000 movie "Erin Brockovich" starring Julia Roberts.
43Neighbor of "#" on a telephone keypadNINE????✨ See Why
The solution is NINE because, on a telephone keypad, the number 9 is directly adjacent to the "#" symbol. The clue refers to their physical proximity on the keypad layout, making "NINE" the correct answer.
44SupportingFOR???✨ See Why
The answer "FOR" fits "Supporting" because to be "for" something means to support or advocate it. For example, if you are "for" a cause, you are in favor of and endorsing it, directly aligning with the definition of supporting.
45Stir upRILE????✨ See Why
The clue "Stir up" suggests causing agitation or irritation. "RILE" means to annoy, provoke, or stir someone up emotionally, fitting the definition perfectly. It conveys the idea of unsettling or disturbing, aligning with the clue's intent.
46The Forbidden City's Meridian ___GATE????✨ See Why
The Forbidden City's Meridian Gate is its main entrance, located in Beijing. It is a famous architectural feature and a key historic landmark. The clue refers to this specific gate, making "GATE" the correct answer. It aligns with the clue's geographical and cultural context.
47*One who's conspicuously excellentSTOUT?????✨ See Why
The clue "One who's conspicuously excellent" uses wordplay. "Stout" can mean strong, sturdy, or outstanding, qualities often associated with excellence. Additionally, "conspicuously" hints at someone noticeable or standing out, aligning with the bold, robust nature of the word "stout."
49One standing near a pond, maybeREED????✨ See Why
The clue ends with "maybe," suggesting a flexible interpretation. A reed is a type of tall, thin plant commonly found standing upright near ponds or marshes. The word “standing” emphasizes the plant's vertical position, making REED the fitting answer.
50Animal symbol of innocenceDOE???✨ See Why
The answer "DOE" refers to a female deer, which is often associated with qualities like gentleness, vulnerability, and purity. These traits align with the symbolic concept of innocence, making "DOE" an apt solution for the clue "Animal symbol of innocence."
52Biblical beastASS???✨ See Why
The answer "ASS" refers to a donkey, commonly mentioned in the Bible as a beast of burden or transport. Donkeys play significant roles in many Biblical narratives, such as Jesus riding one into Jerusalem. Thus, "Biblical beast" aptly describes an ASS in this context.
54Stunning 17,000-year-old discovery in France's Lascaux CaveART???✨ See Why
The Lascaux Cave in France is famous for its ancient, stunning paintings created about 17,000 years ago, depicting animals and symbols. These prehistoric works are a remarkable example of early human creativity, encapsulating the term "ART" as a cultural and historical discovery.
57Companionship?ARK???✨ See Why
The clue "Companionship?" with a question mark signals a pun or wordplay. "ARK" fits because Noah's Ark carried pairs of animals, symbolizing companionship. The "?" playfully suggests the Ark as a vessel for pairs and connection, interpreting companionship in a creative way.
59A club might be seen on oneACE???✨ See Why
The clue uses wordplay. A "club" is a suit in a deck of cards, and an "Ace" is a high-ranking card within any suit, including clubs. Therefore, a club (the card suit) might be seen on an Ace (the specific card).
60General name on a Chinese menuTSO???✨ See Why
The answer "TSO" refers to General Tso, a famous figure associated with the popular Chinese-American dish, General Tso's chicken. The clue plays on "General" being both a military rank and a common name seen on Chinese restaurant menus, making TSO the fitting solution.
63Emphatic instruction for entering the answers to this puzzle's 10 starred clues?NOIFSANDSORBUTS???????????????✨ See Why
The phrase "NOIFSANDSORBUTS" means no exceptions or excuses, emphasizing strict adherence. In this puzzle, it signals that the answers to the 10 starred clues must be entered without the words "if," "and," or "but," aligning with the emphatic, rule-driven nature of the clue. This is a clever wordplay-based instruction.
67Flat signTOLET?????✨ See Why
The clue "Flat sign" refers to a sign indicating that a flat (apartment) is available. In British English, "TO LET" is commonly used on signs to denote a property for rent. Hence, the answer is TOLET.
68Alley ___OOP???✨ See Why
The answer "OOP" refers to "Alley Oop," a character from a long-running comic strip about a prehistoric caveman. The clue uses the familiar phrase "Alley ___," prompting the solver to complete it with the comic character's name, "OOP." This is a straightforward fill-in-the-blank clue.
69ClichédBANAL?????✨ See Why
The clue "Clichéd" means something overused, lacking originality, or boringly predictable. The word "BANAL" perfectly matches this definition, as it describes things that are trite, unoriginal, or commonplace—essentially, the essence of being clichéd. Hence, "BANAL" is an apt solution.
70Cluster in an archipelagoISLES?????✨ See Why
The clue "Cluster in an archipelago" refers to a group of islands that form part of an archipelago. "Isles" is a synonym for small islands, making it the correct answer. An archipelago is a collection of isles or islands clustered together in a specific area.
71*Street urchinsWAS???✨ See Why
The clue "Street urchins" has a playful tone due to the asterisk (*), suggesting wordplay. "Urchins" can mean mischievous kids, implying the past tense. Thus, the answer "WAS" hints that those mischievous "street urchins" are a thing of the past (they once were).
72Professional writer of a sortSTENO?????✨ See Why
The clue "Professional writer of a sort" refers to a stenographer, abbreviated as STENO. Stenographers are professionals who transcribe spoken words into written form, often in legal or official settings, like courtrooms. The term "writer" here doesn't mean an author but someone skilled in writing quickly and accurately.
Down
1ProclaimAVOW????✨ See Why
The answer "AVOW" fits "Proclaim" because "avow" means to openly declare or assert something, aligning closely with the definition of proclaim—making something known publicly or affirming it assertively. Both terms convey a sense of clear, confident expression.
2Lead-in to careMEDI????✨ See Why
The answer "MEDI" is short for "medical," which commonly pairs with "care" to form "medical care." The term refers to health-related services, and "Lead-in to care" clues that "MEDI" can prefix "care" to create a meaningful phrase.
3Necessity for a reservation, perhapsPREPAYMENT??????????✨ See Why
The clue includes "perhaps," signaling ambiguity or variety. Reservations often require securing ahead of time, and PREPAYMENT ensures commitment, such as paying upfront for hotel bookings or events. The wordplay connects PREPAYMENT as a financial necessity to confirm and hold a reservation.
4Word that can redundantly follow "I"MYSELF??????✨ See Why
The answer is MYSELF because when "I" is followed by "myself," it creates a redundant phrase often used for emphasis or reflexivity (e.g., "I myself am certain"). The clue hints at this common yet unnecessary construction, aligning perfectly with the word "redundantly."
5InclinedAPT???✨ See Why
The answer "APT" fits "Inclined" because "apt" can mean "likely" or "disposed," which is synonymous with being inclined toward something. It can also suggest being appropriate or fitting, aligning with the idea of leaning or being naturally suited (inclined) for something.
6Actor Cox of "Succession"BRIAN?????✨ See Why
The answer is BRIAN because Brian Cox is a renowned actor who portrays Logan Roy, the patriarch and central character, in the hit HBO series "Succession." This clue directly references his role in this critically acclaimed show, making BRIAN the correct solution.
7*Armed thievesBITS????✨ See Why
The clue "Armed thieves?" with a question mark suggests a pun or wordplay. Here, "armed" refers to having "arms," and "thieves" implies taking bits off something. The answer, BITS, is a playful pun on how "armed" creatures like mosquitoes or bugs "steal" tiny bites (bits) from you.
8Midwest city whose name consists of two interjectionsOMAHA?????✨ See Why
The answer is OMAHA because the city’s name can be interpreted as two interjections: “O!” expressing surprise or excitement and “Aha!” expressing realization or discovery. This wordplay aligns with the clue’s phrasing and hints at the Midwest city, Omaha, Nebraska.
9This clue's number + oneTEN???✨ See Why
The clue is a straightforward arithmetic puzzle. If this clue’s number is 9 (its location in the puzzle), adding one results in 10. The answer "TEN" precisely represents "this clue's number + one," making it the correct solution.
10Not approximate, sayACTUAL??????✨ See Why
The clue "Not approximate, say" refers to something exact or real. "Actual" fits because it describes something precise or true, contrasting with "approximate," which implies being close but not exact. The addition of "say" suggests a conceptual or descriptive interpretation, perfectly aligning with "actual."
11Setting for a Laura Ingalls Wilder book seriesTHEPRAIRIE??????????✨ See Why
Laura Ingalls Wilder's famous "Little House" book series is primarily set on the vast, open grasslands of the American Midwest, known as the prairie. "The Prairie" perfectly describes the natural backdrop for these stories, making it the fitting solution to this clue.
12GarnerREAP????✨ See Why
The clue "Garner" means to collect, gather, or acquire – similar to harvesting crops. "Reap" is a synonym for gathering a harvest, making it a fitting answer. Both words convey the idea of accumulating or obtaining something.
13Huge fan club, so to speakARMY????✨ See Why
The clue "Huge fan club, so to speak" uses wordplay. The term ARMY refers to the devoted fan base of the global sensation BTS, a K-pop group. "Huge" plays on the immense size of this fandom, and "so to speak" hints at its metaphorical use as an "army" of supporters.
21"Blame It on ___" (1984 Michael Caine rom-com)RIO???✨ See Why
The answer is RIO because the 1984 romantic comedy Blame It on Rio stars Michael Caine. The clue directly references the movie title, with "___" indicating the blank to be filled by "Rio," the setting of the film. Thus, RIO is the correct answer.
23Shoot into the pocket, in snookerPOT???✨ See Why
In snooker, "pot" is the term used when a player successfully shoots a ball into one of the table pockets, scoring points. The clue directly references this common snooker action, making "POT" the fitting and accurate answer.
25Telephone no. add-onsEXTS????✨ See Why
The answer "EXTS" is shorthand for "extensions," which are additional numbers linked to a main telephone number. These are often used in offices or organizations to reach specific departments or individuals, making "add-ons" a fitting description.
27HastyRASH????✨ See Why
The answer "RASH" matches "Hasty" because both refer to acting quickly without careful thought or consideration. "RASH" can describe impulsive or reckless behavior, aligning with the notion of being overly hasty or rushing into things without deliberation.
28*Removing lumps from, in a waySTING?????✨ See Why
The clue has a pun, indicated by the question mark. "Removing lumps" suggests smoothing or flattening out. A "STING" from bees or insects often causes swelling (lumps), so "removing lumps" in a whimsical way plays on the idea of reversing the swelling caused by a sting. Hence, STING fits.
29Saint in the CaribbeanLUCIA?????✨ See Why
The clue references "Saint Lucia," an island nation in the Caribbean named after Saint Lucy (Santa Lucia). It cleverly uses "Saint" and "Caribbean" to hint at this country's name, making LUCIA the correct answer. This showcases the Veiled Capitals rule where "Saint" indicates both the country and saintly reference.
31Barrier to entrySTILE?????✨ See Why
A "stile" is a structure that allows people to pass over or through a fence or wall while restricting access for livestock, effectively acting as a "barrier to entry." The clue uses this as a literal interpretation of a physical barrier.
32*Like dress shirts, typicallyTONED?????✨ See Why
The clue "Like dress shirts, typically" uses a pun. While it might seem to describe physical traits like "ironed," it's wordplay. "Toned" refers to the polished, neat appearance of a dress shirt, but also subtly evokes fitness or refinement, offering a clever dual meaning.
35Emergency item on a shipRAFT????✨ See Why
The answer "RAFT" fits because a raft is a crucial emergency item aboard a ship, used for survival if evacuation is needed. It provides a flotation device to keep passengers safe in case of emergencies like sinking or capsizing. The clue directly points to this life-saving equipment.
36Langston Hughes poem published during the Harlem RenaissanceITOO????✨ See Why
The answer is ITOO as it refers to Langston Hughes' famous poem "I, Too", published during the Harlem Renaissance. The poem powerfully asserts African American identity and equality, aligning with the movement's themes. The title matches the clue directly, making it the fitting solution.
37Light shadeECRU????✨ See Why
ECRU is a pale, light shade that resembles unbleached linen or a beige tone. The clue "Light shade" directly refers to a soft, neutral color like ECRU, making it the perfect fit as the solution. This is a straightforward interpretation of the clue.
40*Showed for the first timeDEED????✨ See Why
The answer "DEED" fits the clue "Showed for the first time" as wordplay. To "deed" something (a rare usage) can mean to formally transfer or present something (e.g., via a legal document), metaphorically tying to revealing or showing it for the first time.
42*Buying a gallon of milk, picking up the laundry, etc.ERRS????✨ See Why
The clue ends with a question mark, indicating wordplay or a pun. "Buying a gallon of milk, picking up the laundry, etc." sounds like completing errands, but the pun highlights "errs," meaning mistakes. It's a playful suggestion that while doing these tasks, one might "err" or make errors.
47Antidotes, perhapsSERA????✨ See Why
The clue "Antidotes, perhaps" with the question mark signals wordplay. "Sera" (plural of "serum") refers to treatments derived from blood serum, often used as antidotes to counteract toxins or venoms. The "perhaps" hints at this as one possible type of antidote, not the only kind.
48Food subject to internet debate over whether or not it's a sandwichTACO????✨ See Why
The answer is TACO because there's an ongoing internet debate about whether a taco qualifies as a sandwich. Some argue its tortilla "wrap" acts as bread, fulfilling sandwich criteria, while others contend it's a separate category. The question mark in the clue hints at this playful, debatable interpretation.
51Kilns for hopsOASTS?????✨ See Why
An "oast" is a type of kiln specifically used for drying hops, an essential ingredient in brewing beer. The plural "oasts" fits the clue "Kilns for hops" since multiple kilns are referred to. The term is commonly associated with traditional brewing.
53Neighbors of CroatsSERBS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Neighbors of Croats" refers to people living near Croats, who are from Croatia. Serbia borders Croatia, and Serbs are the dominant ethnic group in Serbia. Thus, the Serbs are literal neighbors to the Croats geographically. This makes "SERBS" the correct answer.
54Not supportingANTI????✨ See Why
The answer "ANTI" fits the clue "Not supporting" because "anti" means being opposed to or against something, which aligns with the idea of not supporting it. The word captures opposition rather than endorsement, making it a clear and concise solution.
55Down Under boundersROOS????✨ See Why
The clue "Down Under bounders" uses a pun. "Down Under" refers to Australia, and "bounders" hints at animals that bound or hop. Kangaroos, often called "roos" in Australia, are known for hopping. Thus, "ROOS" is the correct solution.
56CultivateTILL????✨ See Why
The clue "Cultivate" matches the answer TILL because "till" means to prepare and work the soil for planting crops, which aligns directly with the concept of cultivating or farming. This is a straightforward synonym relationship between the clue and the answer.
58Have downKNOW????✨ See Why
The phrase "Have down" means to understand something completely or have mastered it, which aligns with the meaning of KNOW. For example, if you "have something down," you essentially KNOW it thoroughly. Hence, KNOW is the correct solution.
59What Indiana Jones famously isn't fond ofASPS????✨ See Why
The answer is ASPS because Indiana Jones, the famous movie archaeologist, has a well-known fear of snakes, famously expressed in scenes from the films. "Asps" are venomous snakes, fitting the clue and aligning with his phobia portrayed throughout the Indiana Jones series.
60Get ready to hit all the right notes?TUNE????✨ See Why
The clue "Get ready to hit all the right notes?" uses wordplay, indicated by the question mark. To "TUNE" something, such as a musical instrument, means to adjust it to produce the correct notes. Thus, tuning ensures you’re prepared to hit "all the right notes."
611970s tennis champ SmithSTAN????✨ See Why
The answer "STAN" refers to Stan Smith, a prominent American tennis player who was a major champion in the 1970s. He won the US Open in 1971 and Wimbledon in 1972 and was also known for his iconic footwear line with Adidas, making his name recognizable beyond tennis circles.
62Home of the historic Oscarshall PalaceOSLO????✨ See Why
Oscarshall Palace is a historic royal palace located in Oslo, Norway's capital. The clue refers to this landmark, directly linking the answer, OSLO, to its role as the city where the palace resides. This geographical fact solidly supports why OSLO is the solution.
64Cost of doing business, maybeFEE???✨ See Why
The clue "Cost of doing business, maybe" with the question mark suggests wordplay. "Fee" fits because fees are common costs businesses encounter for services like licensing, memberships, or transactions. The "maybe" signals it’s one possible answer among other costs, highlighting the wordplay.
65Doomed from the get-go, for shortDOA???✨ See Why
The clue "Doomed from the get-go, for short" hints at something that is immediately hopeless or unsuccessful, often "dead on arrival." The answer, DOA, is a well-known abbreviation for "dead on arrival," effectively capturing the idea of being doomed from the start.
66Cave dwellerBAT???✨ See Why
The answer is BAT because bats are mammals that commonly dwell in caves, using them as shelter and roosting spots. This aligns literally with the clue, as it describes an animal naturally associated with caves. No wordplay or misdirection is present in this straightforward clue.
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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.
More Features
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