The answer "ANN" refers to Ann Patchett, a renowned novelist known for works such as Bel Canto and The Dutch House. The clue directly asks for her name, making "ANN" the correct solution. This is straightforward without any wordplay or ambiguity, tied to her literary fame.
4Adviser to an acting president?DRAMACOACH??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Adviser to an acting president?" includes a pun. "Acting" refers to performance in drama, and a "president" can wordplay as someone presiding, like a leader. A DRAMA COACH advises actors, including those "acting" as leaders on stage, making it a fitting answer through clever wordplay.
14Mouthful for the foulmouthedSOAP????✨ See Why
The clue "Mouthful for the foulmouthed" plays on the idiom where someone with a tendency for using profanity might be metaphorically "washed out" with soap. It suggests the punishment of cleaning a "dirty" mouth, making SOAP a fitting and pun-based answer.
16Average guyREGULARJOE??????????✨ See Why
The phrase "Average guy" is commonly associated with the term "Regular Joe," which represents a typical, ordinary, or average person. "Joe" is a common, generic name in this context, reinforcing the idea of someone unremarkable or everyday, matching the clue perfectly.
17One of two ingredients used to make chapatiATTA????✨ See Why
The answer is ATTA because it refers to whole wheat flour, a primary ingredient used to make chapati, an Indian flatbread. The clue specifies "one of two ingredients," as chapati typically includes just atta and water. This aligns with the straightforward nature of the clue.
18"You know your voices carry, right?!"IVEGOTEARS??????????✨ See Why
The clue "You know your voices carry, right?!" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. It references "Voices Carry," a hit song by 'Til Tuesday, with its chorus "Hush, hush, keep it down now, voices carry." The emotional phrase "I've got tears" aligns with the song's theme.
19Neutralize, so to speakDOIN????✨ See Why
The clue "Neutralize, so to speak" is a playful phrasing hinting at informal language. "Neutralizing" can imply handling, managing, or dealing with something, and "so to speak" points to a casual or shortened expression. "DOIN" is slang for "doing," as in "taking care of" or neutralizing a situation effectively.
20Milestone for a babyFIRSTWORDS??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Milestone for a baby" refers to a significant developmental achievement in infancy. A baby's "first words" are a major milestone, marking the beginning of verbal communication. "First words" perfectly fits the clue because they are commonly celebrated as an important step in a baby's growth.
21Formally selectsANOINTS???????✨ See Why
The answer "ANOINTS" fits the clue "Formally selects" because anointing is a ceremonial act often used to appoint or formally designate someone to a position, especially in religious or official contexts, symbolizing their selection or authority. It directly aligns with the idea of formal selection.
23Dance specialtyTAP???✨ See Why
The answer "TAP" refers to tap dancing, a dance specialty where performers create rhythmic patterns by striking the floor with metal plates on their shoes. This aligns perfectly with the clue, as tap is a recognizable and specific dance style, making it the apt solution.
24Keep from being touched, in a wayENCASE??????✨ See Why
The clue "Keep from being touched, in a way" leads to ENCASE because to encase something is to enclose it within a protective layer or casing, effectively preventing it from being touched. This aligns with the concept of shielding or isolating an object.
25Seek outSOLICIT???????✨ See Why
The clue "Seek out" suggests actively requesting, asking for, or pursuing something. "SOLICIT" means to earnestly ask for or seek something, often support, information, or help. The verb aligns perfectly with the clue's meaning of seeking out intentionally or formally.
29Runaway hitSMASH?????✨ See Why
The phrase "Runaway hit" refers to something extremely successful, often unexpectedly so, and the word "smash" fits this perfectly as a shorthand for "smash hit," a term commonly used to describe a major success, such as a hit movie, song, or show.
30Meme of the star of "John Wick" looking downcastSADKEANU????????✨ See Why
The clue references a meme featuring Keanu Reeves, star of John Wick, sitting on a bench looking sad, famously dubbed "Sad Keanu." The clue uses wordplay, combining his name with the emotion depicted in the meme, thus forming the pun "SADKEANU."
31Row crosser: Abbr.COL???✨ See Why
The clue "Row crosser: Abbr." refers to an abbreviation for "column" (COL). In tables or grids, rows are horizontal, and columns (COL) are vertical, crossing the rows. The abbreviation "COL" fits the context perfectly as the counterpart of a row in such setups.
32___ Núñez de Balboa, Isthmus of Panama explorerVASCO?????✨ See Why
VASCO is the correct answer because Vasco Núñez de Balboa was a Spanish explorer credited with the European discovery of the Pacific Ocean via the Isthmus of Panama in the 16th century. The blank in the clue completes his full name, identifying this historical figure.
34Means of taking a tripLSD???✨ See Why
The clue "Means of taking a trip?" includes a pun. "Trip" here refers to the hallucinogenic experience caused by the psychedelic drug LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), linking the phrase metaphorically, not to travel, but to an altered mental state.
35Cultural draw of Shanghai's M50 districtARTSCENE????????✨ See Why
The M50 district in Shanghai is renowned for its vibrant art scene, hosting galleries, studios, and exhibitions. The clue refers to this cultural attraction. "Cultural draw" signals something artistic or creative that pulls visitors, aligning perfectly with the district's focus on art. Hence, ARTSCENE is the answer.
38Prove otherwiseBELIE?????✨ See Why
The word "BELIE" means to contradict or give a false impression, effectively proving something to be false or otherwise untrue. This aligns with "Prove otherwise," as it suggests demonstrating that an assertion or appearance is incorrect, matching the definition of "BELIE."
40Some Halloween mischiefDEVILRY???????✨ See Why
The clue "Some Halloween mischief" hints at playful or naughty behavior associated with Halloween. "Devilry" captures this as it refers to devilish, mischievous acts, often linked to the spooky or supernatural themes of Halloween. The word aligns perfectly with the festive and mischievous tone of the clue.
41Not very animatedSTOLID??????✨ See Why
STOLID means showing little emotion or sensibility, which directly aligns with "Not very animated." Someone stolid remains calm, unexpressive, and unexcitable, fitting the clue perfectly.
43Culture center?LAB???✨ See Why
The clue "Culture center?" uses wordplay. A "culture" can refer to a lab-grown microorganism sample in biology. The center where this kind of culture is studied or cultivated is a LAB. The question mark hints at the pun involving scientific culture, not societal culture.
44Point guard's crafty maneuverHOPSTEP???????✨ See Why
The answer "HOPSTEP" refers to a basketball move often used by point guards. It involves a crafty two-step motion to change direction or evade defenders. The clue's use of "crafty maneuver" hints at this agile basketball technique, showcasing skill and strategy in the game.
46Flavor enhancer in many pho recipesBONEMARROW??????????✨ See Why
BONEMARROW is a key flavor enhancer in many pho recipes because pho broth derives its rich, savory taste (umami) from marrow bones. Simmering bones releases nutrients, fat, and deep flavors into the broth, making BONEMARROW an essential ingredient in authentic and flavorful pho preparations.
51"And ... done!"TADA????✨ See Why
The clue "And ... done!" is in quotes, signaling a spoken expression. "TADA" is an exclamation often used to denote the completion of something with a flourish or excitement, perfectly matching the celebratory tone of the clue.
52Split without warningUPANDLEAVE??????????✨ See Why
The phrase "Split without warning" directly means to leave abruptly or suddenly, which is precisely described by the expression "UP AND LEAVE." It conveys the idea of departing without notice or explanation, aligning perfectly with the clue's intent.
53One may be picked up in the gymODOR????✨ See Why
The clue "One may be picked up in the gym" signals wordplay. In this context, "picked up" refers to detecting a smell or scent, and gyms, often bustling with exercise, can be associated with odors from sweat or equipment. Hence, the answer is ODOR.
54Support when building bridgesCANTILEVER??????????✨ See Why
The solution "CANTILEVER" refers to a structural design often used in bridge construction. A cantilever is a projecting beam or structure supported only at one end, allowing it to extend horizontally. It provides support and stability in bridge-building, making it a direct and fitting answer to the clue.
55Litter pickup area?NAPE????✨ See Why
The clue "Litter pickup area?" is a playful pun. "Litter" refers to cats (as in a litter of kittens), and cats often carry their young by the scruff of the neck, or the NAPE. Hence, the "pickup area" for a "litter" is the NAPE of a kitten's neck.
56Overly warm welcome, maybeSLOPPYKISS??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Overly warm welcome, maybe" uses wordplay with "overly warm" implying excessive affection, and "welcome" hinting at a greeting. A SLOPPY KISS is an exaggerated, affectionate greeting, often over-the-top, making it a fitting answer for this playful, pun-laden clue.
57"You can count on me"YES???✨ See Why
The clue "You can count on me" in quotes suggests a spoken phrase, indicating reliability or agreement. The answer "YES" fits as it's a common response affirming commitment or dependability, effectively saying, "You can rely on me." This matches the conversational tone of the clue.
Down
1Adjective on taco truck menusASADA?????✨ See Why
"ASADA," meaning "grilled" or "roasted" in Spanish, is a common adjective on taco truck menus describing dishes like "carne asada" (grilled beef). The clue references the culinary terminology often used in Spanish, fitting the context of taco truck offerings.
2"That's my absolute limit!"NOTONEMORE??????????✨ See Why
The clue, "That's my absolute limit!" is a spoken phrase indicating firm refusal or boundary. "NOTONEMORE" directly expresses this sentiment—refusing even one additional action, item, or situation. Its conversational tone aligns with the quotation-style clue, making it a fitting solution.
3Big game mediumNATIONALTV??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Big game medium" uses wordplay. "Big game" refers to widely watched events like the Super Bowl, and "medium" suggests the platform for broadcasting. Such events are often aired nationally. Thus, the answer "NATIONAL TV" fits as the medium through which these big games are broadcast.
4Snow fence accumulationsDRIFTS??????✨ See Why
The answer "DRIFTS" fits because snow fences are designed to trap and control snow accumulation, leading to the formation of snow "drifts" or piled-up snow caused by wind. The clue refers to these wind-formed accumulations that gather along or near snow fences.
5Perfect writing?REVISE??????✨ See Why
The clue "Perfect writing?" features a question mark, signaling wordplay. Here, "Perfect" is used as a verb meaning to improve or refine something. To "perfect" writing means to edit or improve it—hence, REVISE fits as the answer, capturing the act of refining or polishing written work.
6New ___AGER????✨ See Why
The clue “New ___” refers to someone new to a stage of life or role. "AGER" fits as a suffix denoting a person in a particular age group, e.g., "new ager," meaning someone new to or embracing the New Age lifestyle or movement. It’s a contextual fill.
7Tavern vesselsMUGS????✨ See Why
The clue "Tavern vessels" refers to containers commonly used to serve drinks in taverns. "MUGS" are sturdy, often handled vessels typically used for beer or other beverages, making it the perfect fit. The plural clue matches the plural answer, ensuring consistency.
8Mountains of work aheadALOTTODO????????✨ See Why
The clue "Mountains of work ahead?" signals wordplay. It isn't about literal mountains but a pun. "A LOT TO DO" describes having a great deal of tasks or "mountains of work." Combining it into one phrase matches crossword conventions, forming the answer: ALOTTODO.
9A model way to work?CATWALK???????✨ See Why
The clue "A model way to work?" ends in a question mark, signaling wordplay or a pun. "Model" hints at fashion models, whose "way to work" is a CATWALK, the runway they walk during shows. It cleverly connects the literal path models use with the idea of going to work.
10Dessert with a black-and-white fillingOREOPIE???????✨ See Why
The answer OREOPIE fits because it describes a dessert (pie) made with Oreo cookies, famous for their black-and-white cream-filled design. The "black-and-white filling" directly hints at the iconic Oreo's colors, making OREOPIE a clever and accurate solution.
11Mostly closedAJAR????✨ See Why
The word "AJAR" describes a state where something, like a door, is partially open—neither fully open nor fully closed. "Mostly closed" aptly matches this condition, as the object is predominantly closed but left slightly open. Hence, AJAR is the fitting solution.
12Part of a hammockCORD????✨ See Why
The answer is CORD because hammocks are typically suspended by cords or ropes that attach the fabric or netting to trees or supports. These cords are essential structural parts, making this a straightforward, literal clue.
13BP rivalHESS????✨ See Why
The clue "BP rival" refers to another company in the oil and gas industry. BP (British Petroleum) competes with other energy corporations, one of which is HESS Corporation, a global energy company known for oil and gas production. Therefore, the answer "HESS" fits perfectly.
15Fails to keep coolPANICS??????✨ See Why
The phrase "Fails to keep cool" suggests losing composure or control under stress. PANICS directly describes this state — when someone panics, they lose their calmness, reflecting a failure to remain "cool" or collected in challenging situations. The word matches the emotional reaction described in the clue.
22"Hmm ... hard pass"NAH???✨ See Why
The clue "Hmm ... hard pass" is enclosed in quotes, signaling a spoken casual phrase. "Nah" is a colloquial, dismissive way of saying "no," conveying reluctance or rejection. The informal tone of "nah" matches the casual wording of the clue with "Hmm," expressing a hesitant but firm rejection.
25Source of a cephalopod's defensive inkSAC???✨ See Why
The answer "SAC" refers to the ink sac found in cephalopods like squids and octopuses. This organ stores their defensive ink, which they release to escape predators. The clue directly points to the source ("sac") without wordplay, making it a straightforward reference to anatomy.
26Punch out, sayCALLITADAY??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Punch out, say" uses wordplay. "Punch out" can refer to clocking out from work, signaling the end of the day. "Say" suggests a phrase or idiom. "Call it a day" matches this meaning exactly, as it means to stop working or conclude activities.
27Privileged figures, perhaps?INSIDEDOPE??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Privileged figures, perhaps?" with a question mark indicates wordplay. "INSIDEDOPE" refers to exclusive, privileged information or "figures" (in the sense of knowledge or facts) accessible only to insiders, aligning with the idea of being "privileged." The pun emphasizes this metaphorical meaning.
28Sass, informallyTUDE????✨ See Why
The answer "TUDE" is a shorthand or a clipped form of "attitude," often used informally to imply sass, boldness, or defiance. The clue emphasizes an informal tone ("Sass, informally"), directly pointing to this casual abbreviation.
29BucketfulSCAD????✨ See Why
The clue "Bucketful" uses figurative language. "Scad" refers to a large amount or abundance of something, akin to having a "bucketful" of items. It’s often used colloquially to mean "a lot" or "plenty," aligning with the clue's meaning.
30Sioux Falls-to-Sioux City dir.SSE???✨ See Why
The clue asks for the direction from Sioux Falls (South Dakota) to Sioux City (Iowa). On a map, Sioux City is southeast of Sioux Falls, specifically in a slightly south-southeast (SSE) direction. SSE is the standard compass abbreviation for this orientation, making it the correct answer.
32How many consentVERBALLY????????✨ See Why
The clue "How many consent" plays on the phrasing. "How" suggests the manner or way, and "consent" implies giving permission or agreement. People often consent "verbally," meaning through spoken words, making VERBALLY the fitting answer.
33"Whichever one you want"ANY???✨ See Why
The clue "Whichever one you want" suggests freedom of choice without restriction. The word "ANY" aptly fits, as it conveys the idea that any option is acceptable or available, aligning perfectly with the phrasing of the clue.
36Cupboard componentSILENTP???????✨ See Why
The clue "Cupboard component" includes a pun. In the word "Cupboard," the "P" is "silent" (pronounced as "cuh-board"). Hence, the solution is SILENTP, cleverly noting the unvoiced "P" in "cupboard."
37Seafood cookout bowlfulCLAMDIP???????✨ See Why
The answer "CLAMDIP" fits because it's a bowl of dip often made with clams, a seafood ingredient, and served at gatherings like cookouts. The clue hints at a casual seafood dish commonly enjoyed in such settings, making "CLAMDIP" an apt and fitting solution.
38Charles Mingus specialtyBOP???✨ See Why
The answer is BOP because Charles Mingus was a renowned jazz bassist and composer associated with bebop, a fast-paced jazz style emphasized in the 1940s-50s. "Bop" is a shorthand term for bebop and reflects the genre Mingus mastered, making it his musical specialty.
39___ Howard, Yankee who was the 1963 A.L. M.V.P.ELSTON??????✨ See Why
Elston Howard was a catcher for the New York Yankees and won the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1963. The blank in the clue refers to his first name, "Elston," making it the correct answer.
41Propels, like a shuffleboard diskSHOVES??????✨ See Why
The clue "Propels, like a shuffleboard disk" describes the action of pushing or moving something forward with force. In shuffleboard, players use their hands or a cue to shove the disk across the board. "SHOVES" directly matches this action, making it the correct answer.
42Lookout positionsTOWERS??????✨ See Why
The answer "TOWERS" fits the clue "Lookout positions" because towers are tall structures often used as lookout points to observe surroundings from a high vantage. They provide a clear line of sight, making them ideal for surveillance or monitoring, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning.
45Cuts (down)PARES?????✨ See Why
The answer "PARES" works because "pare" means to trim, reduce, or cut down, often with precision, like peeling fruit or trimming unnecessary parts. The clue "Cuts (down)" directly refers to this action of reducing or trimming down, aligning perfectly with "PARES."
462003 and 2021 Super Bowl champs, informallyBUCS????✨ See Why
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an NFL team, won the Super Bowl in 2003 and 2021. Their nickname is the "Bucs," which is an informal abbreviation of "Buccaneers." The clue's use of "informally" signals this shortened form as the answer.
47Milky resource found in the outbackOPAL????✨ See Why
The answer "OPAL" fits due to wordplay. Opals are gemstones often described as "milky" because of their unique, iridescent appearance. They are commonly mined in the Australian outback, making the clue's reference to the outback directly point to this valuable resource.
48Onetime iPod offeringNANO????✨ See Why
NANO is the answer because it refers to the iPod Nano, a compact version of Apple's iPod line. Released in 2005 and discontinued in 2017, it was a popular "onetime" product offering within the iPod family, fitting the clue's description perfectly.
49Be very funkyREEK????✨ See Why
The clue "Be very funky" suggests a strong, unpleasant smell since "funky" can imply bad odor. "Reek" means to emit a powerful or offensive smell, aligning perfectly with this definition. It isn’t about being "funky" in a musical sense but rather about a smelly presence.
50Noted name in raga performanceRAVI????✨ See Why
The answer is RAVI, referring to Ravi Shankar, the renowned Indian sitar virtuoso and composer. He was globally celebrated for his mastery of raga, the melodic framework in Indian classical music, and played a key role in introducing it to Western audiences.
This Friday themeless by Adrian Johnson pushes the difficulty dial noticeably higher than usual, definitely a tougher nut to crack for the end of the workweek. Devious cluing (like the misdirect in DRAMACOACH) and unusual entries (IVEGOTEARS, HOPSTEP, SLOPPYKISS) make this puzzle feel more like a Saturday. But the wordplay is rewarding and clever, with gems like CANTILEVER, SADKEANU, and the hilarious NAPE clue. It’s a puzzle that asks a lot, but gives a lot back—perfect for solvers who love digging into layered clues and unexpected fills. A Friday challenge that leans Saturday-hard, but ultimately satisfying.
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.
More Features
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