Human's earliest phase, according to Freud - NYT The Crossword Clue

The word "akin" means having similarities or being related in nature, which matches the clue "Similar (to)." The structure direct synonym "akin" for "similar" ensures it fits well. The parenthetical "(to)" emphasizes a relational or comparative aspect, further validating "akin" as the perfect match.

The clue "Taters" refers to a commonly used informal term for potatoes. "Spuds" is another informal word for potatoes, making it the perfect match. Both words are synonymous, aligning the clue and answer.

The term "SLEW" is often used to mean "a large number" or "a whole lot," fitting the clue "Whole bunch." It directly refers to a large quantity or plethora of something, making it a synonym for the clue's context.

The clue "Titillating" suggests something exciting, provocative, or risqué. "RACY" aligns perfectly, as it describes content or behavior that is slightly inappropriate or sexy, often provoking interest or excitement. It's a concise fit for this playful crossword synonym.

The solution "MANIA" fits "Over-the-top enthusiasm" because mania describes an intense, excessive, and uncontrollable excitement or obsession, often beyond normal enthusiasm. It perfectly conveys the idea of something over-the-top in terms of fervor or passion.

The answer is CONE because a cone is a common and classic holder used for serving ice cream. It is typically made of a wafer or waffle material that supports the scoops of ice cream on top, making it a practical and iconic "ice cream holder."

An ERECTOR SET is a classic construction toy made of metal beams, gears, and bolts, known as Meccano in many countries. The theme comes from its ending: SET, one of several theater-related words hiding at the ends of the theme answers.

The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located in the Indian city of Agra. Known for its architectural marvels, Agra is historically associated with this iconic mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan, making AGRA the fitting answer to "Taj Mahal city."

The term "NAB" means to catch or seize, often used in the context of apprehending someone in the act of wrongdoing. "Catch red-handed" refers to catching someone in the act of committing a crime or wrongdoing, making "NAB" the perfect match for this clue.

The answer "OGRE" fits because an ogre is a common villain or fiend in fairy tales, often depicted as a frightening, cruel, and monstrous creature. Fairy tale fiends like ogres appear in stories such as "Puss in Boots" or "Jack and the Beanstalk," aligning perfectly with the clue.

The INCAS were the dominant ancient civilization in the Andes before European colonization. They built a vast empire, with innovations in agriculture, architecture, and governance, centered in modern-day Peru. The clue directly references this historical group, making INCAS the fitting solution.

The answer "ATOLL" fits the clue "Ring-shaped coral reef" because an atoll is a geographical formation: a circular coral reef that forms around a lagoon. Its distinctive ring shape matches the clue precisely, making it the perfect solution. This is a straightforward, definition-based clue.

The clue refers to People magazine's annual "Sexiest Man Alive" cover feature, which highlights a man deemed exceptionally attractive. The answer "SEXIEST" directly describes the characteristic celebrated in this tradition, making it the fitting solution for the clue.

The clue "Crimebuster" hints at someone who fights or prevents crime. A "cop," short for police officer, is a law enforcement figure directly associated with solving and stopping crimes. The single word answer fits this definition perfectly, making "COP" the solution.

The answer is "BEL" because Ann Patchett's acclaimed novel is titled Bel Canto. The term "bel canto" translates to "beautiful singing" in Italian, reflecting the opera theme central to the book's plot. The blank in the clue directly indicates the missing "Bel" from the title.

The suffix “-ade” is used to denote drinks typically made from fruits, such as “lemonade” or “orangeade.” The clue references these common beverages, making ADE the correct suffix and solution for the clue "Suffix with lemon or orange."

The clue "Of course!" is in quotes, signaling a conversational or exclamatory phrase. "YES" is a natural spoken response expressing agreement, affirmation, or enthusiasm, fitting the context of an enthusiastic reaction like "Of course!" in dialogue.

The clue "Relieves (of)" suggests freeing or removing something undesirable. "RIDS" fits as it means to clear away or relieve someone or something of a burden, trouble, or unwanted presence. The parenthetical "of" aligns with how the verb "rids" is typically used (e.g., "rids of").

The IRON CURTAIN was the symbolic divide between Eastern and Western Europe during the Cold War. Its ending, CURTAIN, fits the puzzle's hidden theme, joining other theater-related words concealed at the ends of the long entries.

The clue "Deadly" transgressions refers to the "Seven Deadly Sins" in Christian theology, which are considered grave moral failings or "transgressions." As such, SINS aptly captures these serious moral wrongs tied to the clue's context.

The answer is DAM because a dam is a structure built across a river or stream to hold back water. This stored water is released to turn turbines, generating hydroelectric power. The clue directly references a man-made structure used in producing electricity, making DAM the correct solution.

The clue "Hypotheticals" refers to imagined or conditional scenarios, which are often introduced by the word "if." The plural form, "ifs," captures the concept of multiple hypothetical situations or conditions, making it the perfect fit for the clue.

The answer "ESC" is short for "Escape," which is a key on a PC keyboard. It is commonly used to exit menus, close pop-up windows, or cancel actions in software. "PC exit key" directly describes ESC’s function, making it the perfect solution to the clue.

The term "CUR" refers to a despicable or aggressive dog, often considered no-good or undesirable. It can also figuratively describe a contemptible person, fitting the clue's tone of something unpleasant or unworthy, aligning perfectly with "No-good dog."

The clue "Watches on Hulu, say" hints at streaming content online, as Hulu is a popular streaming platform. "STREAMS" is the answer because it describes the method of watching shows or movies on such platforms, aligning with the pun-like clue structure.

A TURBO PROP aircraft uses a gas turbine engine to drive a propeller and is commonly used on regional routes. Its ending, PROP, completes the puzzle's set of theater-related ending words revealed by PLAYTHINGS.

The answer is ESTEE because Estée Lauder was a pioneering businesswoman and the founder of the iconic Estée Lauder beauty brand. Recognized as a "beauty maven," she revolutionized the cosmetics industry and established a global name synonymous with skincare and makeup.

A "triad" is a type of chord in music made up of three specific notes: the root, third, and fifth of a scale. The clue "Three-note chord" directly describes this musical structure, making TRIAD the accurate solution for this clue.

The answer "MASS" refers to a religious service, specifically in Catholic and some Christian traditions. On Christmas Eve, many Christians attend Midnight Mass to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, making "MASS" a fitting solution for "Christmas Eve service."

The answer "ODE" fits as it refers to a type of lyrical poem that expresses admiration or praise, aligning with the clue "Laudatory verse." "Laudatory" means showing praise, and an ode traditionally celebrates subjects in an exalted tone, making it the perfect match.

The clue "Not as much" directly suggests something that indicates a smaller amount or quantity. The word "LESS" fits perfectly as it means a reduced or smaller degree of something, aligning exactly with the clue's straightforward meaning.

PLAYTHINGS works as a simple synonym for toys, but the question mark signals wordplay. The ends of the themed entries are SET, STAGE, CURTAIN, and PROP. They are all things associated with a theatrical play, making them literally "play things."

The clue "Polish for publishing" is a play on words. Here, "Polish" doesn't refer to the nationality but to the act of refining or perfecting something. In publishing, to "polish" written work means to revise and improve it, which is synonymous with "EDIT."

The answer is HONEY because Winnie-the-Pooh, the beloved fictional bear created by A.A. Milne, is famously obsessed with honey. It's his favorite treat throughout the stories, frequently depicted as his primary source of happiness and indulgence. The clue directly refers to this well-known characteristic of the character.

The clue "Begone!" is in quotes, signaling it represents a spoken command. "SCAT" is a sharp, direct way to tell someone or something to go away, commonly used to shoo animals like cats. It aligns perfectly as a terse verbal command equivalent to "Begone!".

The clue "Spoonful of medicine, maybe?" hints at the amount or measurement of medicine one might take, often administered with a spoon. "Dose" is a term for a prescribed quantity of medication, aligning perfectly with the clue’s wordplay and the qualifier "maybe."

Water (H₂O) and rust (iron oxide) are both oxides in chemical terms. An oxide is a compound that contains oxygen bonded to another element. Water is hydrogen oxide, and rust is typically iron oxide, making OXIDE the correct answer for the clue.

The answer is HERO because a "hero" is someone who rescues or saves others in critical situations, effectively "saving the day." The clue is straightforward, with no wordplay, simply describing a heroic figure who steps up to resolve a crisis.