CUBS is the solution because it refers to the Chicago Cubs, a Major League Baseball team. They are nicknamed the "North Siders" locally since their home, Wrigley Field, is located on the north side of Chicago, distinguishing them from the White Sox on the south side.
5I.R.S. fig.SSN???✨ See Why
The clue "I.R.S. fig." refers to a figure (fig.) used by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). An SSN (Social Security Number) is a nine-digit number issued to U.S. citizens and residents, often required by the IRS for tax identification purposes. This makes SSN the correct answer.
8Playbill bitsBIOS????✨ See Why
The clue "Playbill bits" refers to small pieces of information found in a Playbill—the booklet distributed at theater performances. These often include brief "biographical" details about the cast and crew. "BIOS" is shorthand for biographies, making it an apt answer.
12Heckelphone relativeOBOE????✨ See Why
The Heckelphone is a double-reed woodwind instrument, part of the oboe family. It shares similar construction and sound characteristics with the oboe, making "OBOE" a correct answer as a relative. Both are used in orchestras, but the Heckelphone has a deeper pitch than the standard oboe.
13Urban housing optionCOOP????✨ See Why
The answer "COOP" refers to a cooperative housing option, commonly found in urban areas. In co-ops, residents collectively own the building and manage it together, an alternative to renting or owning individual property—a fitting solution for "Urban housing option." This aligns with the practical and community-based nature of dense cities.
15Marie Claire competitorELLE????✨ See Why
The solution "ELLE" is correct because both ELLE and Marie Claire are well-known international fashion and lifestyle magazines, making them direct competitors in the same industry. Recognizing ELLE as a rival to Marie Claire aligns perfectly with the clue.
161970 Van Morrison title trackMOONDANCE?????????✨ See Why
The answer is MOONDANCE because "Moondance" is the title track of Van Morrison's critically acclaimed 1970 album of the same name. Known for its smooth jazz and blues influence, the song and album are iconic in Morrison's discography, making this a straightforward reference to his work.
18Barbershop choiceFADE????✨ See Why
The answer "FADE" refers to a popular hairstyle option at a barbershop. A "fade" is a haircut where the hair gradually transitions from shorter to longer, creating a smooth blend. The clue suggests a choice commonly offered by barbers, making "FADE" the apt solution.
19A♠MASTERGARDENER??????????????✨ See Why
The clue "A♠" uses wordplay to hint at the "Ace of Spades." A "master gardener" is metaphorically the "ace" in the garden (an expert). The pun connects the idea of "Ace" (master/expert) and "gardener," making MASTERGARDENER the perfect fit.
21Part of the house in which Kevin is left behind in "Home Alone"ATTIC?????✨ See Why
In the movie Home Alone, Kevin is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. Early in the film, he is punished for misbehavior and sent to sleep in the attic, a part of the house. Hence, the answer "ATTIC" directly refers to where he was left.
22Fundamental preceptsPILLARS???????✨ See Why
"PILLARS" fits as the solution because it metaphorically represents foundational supports, just as fundamental precepts are the core principles or foundations upon which beliefs, systems, or structures are built. The term is often used to describe essential values or principles of a concept or organization.
23How some points end upMOOT????✨ See Why
The clue "How some points end up" uses wordplay. "Moot" refers to points that are debatable or no longer relevant, meaning they end up unresolved or insignificant. The phrase plays on the idea that such points lead to no practical outcome, making "MOOT" the apt answer.
26Common fossil fuelOIL???✨ See Why
The answer is OIL because it is a widely known and commonly used fossil fuel. Fossil fuels are natural energy sources formed from ancient organic materials, and oil is one of the primary examples, alongside coal and natural gas. The clue straightforwardly refers to this well-known resource.
27K♣TIGERWOODS??????????✨ See Why
The clue "K♣" refers to the King of Clubs in a deck of cards. This is a play on words: "King" hints at dominance, and Tiger Woods is often called the "king" of golf. "Clubs" cleverly links to golf clubs, reinforcing the connection. Hence, the answer is TIGERWOODS.
31A/C meas.BTU???✨ See Why
BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures energy and is commonly used to rate the cooling/heating capacity of air conditioners (A/C). The clue "A/C meas." abbreviates both "air conditioner" and "measurement," leading to this technical unit as the answer.
34Yaki ___ (Japanese stir-fry)UDON????✨ See Why
The clue "Yaki ___ (Japanese stir-fry)" refers to a popular Japanese dish called "Yaki Udon." "Yaki" means "grilled" or "fried" in Japanese, and "Udon" are thick, chewy wheat noodles commonly prepared in stir-fry dishes, making "UDON" the correct answer.
35Photographer GoldinNAN???✨ See Why
The answer "NAN" refers to Nan Goldin, a renowned American photographer known for her intimate and candid portraits that explore themes like LGBTQ+ life, addiction, and relationships. Her groundbreaking work has had a significant influence on contemporary photography, making "NAN" a fitting answer to this clue.
36Line of rulers ended by the 33-DownTSARS?????✨ See Why
The TSARS were Russian emperors ruling as a hereditary monarchy. The phrase "ended by the 33-Down" directs solvers to another clue, which likely references the Russian Revolution or the execution of Tsar Nicholas II (the last tsar), bringing the tsarist dynasty to an end.
38Japanese lunch boxBENTO?????✨ See Why
BENTO is the solution because it refers to a traditional Japanese lunch box. A bento typically contains a variety of foods such as rice, fish, vegetables, and pickles, neatly packed in compartments. The clue directly points to this type of lunch box from Japanese cuisine.
40Canine commandSIT???✨ See Why
The solution "SIT" fits because it’s a common and straightforward command taught to dogs. The clue "Canine command" directly points to a basic obedience command typically used by dog owners, and SIT is one of the most recognizable and concise examples.
42Chile's Nevado ___ Cruces National ParkTRES????✨ See Why
The clue references a location in Chile, a Spanish-speaking country. "Nevado ___ Cruces" suggests a missing word in the name of the national park. "Tres," meaning "three" in Spanish, completes the name "Nevado Tres Cruces," an actual national park in Chile.
43Ending with lemon or cannonADE???✨ See Why
The suffix "ADE" commonly follows "lemon" to form "lemonade" (a beverage) and "cannon" to form "cannonade" (a heavy discharge of artillery). This clue plays on the shared suffix that completes both words.
44Q♥MATCHMAKER??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Q♥" refers to the Queen of Hearts in a deck of cards, suggesting love or romance. A MATCHMAKER is someone who pairs people for romantic connections, tying directly to the idea of facilitating "hearts" or relationships. The clue uses wordplay to evoke this concept.
47BudMAC???✨ See Why
The clue "Bud" can hint at a friendly term of address, like "pal" or "buddy." "Mac" is a colloquial term often used in a similar context, especially to address someone informally (e.g., "Hey, Mac"). This wordplay explains why MAC is the correct answer.
48Vape, informallyECIG????✨ See Why
The clue "Vape, informally" refers to a commonly used abbreviation for an electronic cigarette, a device used for vaping. "ECIG" is short for "e-cigarette," matching the informal tone of the clue.
49Sparkling water additiveESSENCE???????✨ See Why
The answer "ESSENCE" fits the clue "Sparkling water additive" because flavored sparkling water often includes natural flavor essences, which are aromatic compounds extracted from fruits or herbs, giving the water its subtle taste without added sugars or other ingredients.
5340-40, sayDEUCE?????✨ See Why
The clue "40-40, say" refers to a tied score in tennis. In tennis terminology, when both players reach 40 points, the score is called "deuce," meaning the game is tied and requires a player to win by two consecutive points.
57J♦JACKIEROBINSON??????????????✨ See Why
J♦ refers to the jack of diamonds in playing cards, and "Jackie" is a nickname for "Jack." Jackie Robinson, the baseball legend, shares the first name "Jack" and wore the number 42, often seen on jerseys, connecting to cards' uniform symbolism. Thus, JACKIEROBINSON fits perfectly.
602025 Pixar filmELIO????✨ See Why
The answer "ELIO" refers to Pixar's upcoming 2025 animated film titled Elio. The movie centers on a young boy named Elio who becomes Earth's ambassador in outer space after being mistakenly identified as such by aliens. The clue directly references the title of this known future Pixar release.
61Big race that's no longer around?DINOSAURS?????????✨ See Why
The clue uses wordplay with "Big race" referring to a large group or species, and "no longer around" hinting at extinction. Dinosaurs, a once-dominant species (or "race") on Earth, are extinct and fit this pun-based interpretation perfectly. Hence, the answer is DINOSAURS.
62"Aw, jeez, you can't do that!"CMON????✨ See Why
The clue is in quotes, signaling a spoken expression. "Aw, jeez, you can't do that!" reflects exasperation or urging someone to reconsider. "CMON" (shortened for "Come on!") matches this tone perfectly, as it’s an informal spoken plea typically used in such situations.
63December has two big onesEVES????✨ See Why
The clue uses wordplay with "big ones" and refers to two significant days in December: Christmas Eve (December 24) and New Year's Eve (December 31). Both are "EVES" of major holidays, hence the answer. The plural "big ones" aligns with the plural "EVES."
64N.B.A. star GinóbiliMANU????✨ See Why
The answer "MANU" refers to Manu Ginóbili, a renowned Argentine basketball player famous for his long and successful career with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. "N.B.A. star Ginóbili" directly points to his first name, MANU, making it the accurate solution to the clue.
65Sharp flavorTANG????✨ See Why
The answer "TANG" fits the clue "Sharp flavor" because "tang" describes a distinct, strong, or sharp taste, often associated with citrus or acidic foods. It perfectly conveys the idea of a noticeable flavor that has a sharp edge, aligning with the clue.
66C.I.A. predecessorOSS???✨ See Why
The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was a U.S. intelligence agency established during World War II, serving as a precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which was created in 1947. Thus, OSS is the direct "predecessor" to the CIA, fitting the clue perfectly.
67It can follow anyoneELSE????✨ See Why
The answer "ELSE" works because "anyone else" is a common phrasing. The clue plays on how the word "else" naturally follows "anyone" in regular usage, creating a seamless linguistic pairing. The clue leverages this everyday expression for its wordplay.
Down
1Curve that gives one pause?COMMA?????✨ See Why
The clue "Curve that gives one pause?" uses wordplay. A comma (",") is a punctuation mark shaped like a small curve, and it literally creates a pause in a sentence. The pun ties the "curve" to the visual shape of the comma and its function of pausing.
2German war vesselUBOAT?????✨ See Why
"U-boat" is short for "Unterseeboot," meaning "undersea boat" in German. These were German submarines used notably in World War I and II, making them a famous type of German war vessel. The clue directly refers to this historical term.
3What a stepstool providesBOOST?????✨ See Why
The clue "What a stepstool provides" leads to the answer "BOOST" because a stepstool physically elevates or "boosts" someone to a higher level, helping them reach something out of their normal range. The connection is straightforward, as a stepstool gives you a literal boost.
4MoodSENTIMENT?????????✨ See Why
The clue "Mood" and the answer "SENTIMENT" are connected because both refer to an emotional state or feeling. SENTIMENT specifically conveys an attitude or emotion associated with a thought or situation, making it synonymous with "mood" in this context.
5Reminder of a past fight, maybeSCAR????✨ See Why
The clue "Reminder of a past fight, maybe" ends with "maybe," signaling wordplay or ambiguity. A SCAR is a physical mark left on the body from a wound, often from a fight or injury, serving as a literal reminder of that past battle or altercation. It fits both the figurative and literal context.
6Karaoke choiceSONG????✨ See Why
The clue "Karaoke choice" directly points to something you choose to perform at karaoke. Typically, participants select a SONG to sing, making it the perfect fit for the answer. It’s straightforward and ties directly to the primary activity of karaoke.
7For real, to Gen ZNOCAP?????✨ See Why
The answer "NOCAP" comes from Gen Z slang, meaning "no lie" or "for real." "Cap" refers to lying or exaggerating, so "no cap" emphasizes honesty or truthfulness, making it the perfect fit for the clue "For real, to Gen Z."
8Happened toBEFELL??????✨ See Why
The answer "BEFELL" is correct because it means something that occurred or happened, often unexpectedly or by chance. "Happened to" directly aligns with this definition, as it signifies an event or occurrence that took place. The past tense of "befall" fits the clue's past tense phrasing.
9Glazer of "Broad City"ILANA?????✨ See Why
The clue refers to Ilana Glazer, one of the creators, writers, and stars of the TV show Broad City. She portrays the character Ilana Wexler in the comedy series, making ILANA the fitting answer for this clue.
10Like Stonehenge vis-à-vis the ParthenonOLDER?????✨ See Why
The answer is OLDER because Stonehenge predates the Parthenon by thousands of years. Stonehenge, constructed around 3000–2000 BCE, is a prehistoric monument, while the Parthenon, built in ancient Greece, dates back to 447–432 BCE. Thus, Stonehenge is chronologically "older" than the Parthenon.
11SibylsSEERS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Sibyls" refers to prophetic women in ancient mythology reputed for their ability to foresee the future. SEERS is the solution because it means individuals who can predict or foresee events, aligning directly with the role of Sibyls as oracles or prophets.
14"End of story!"PERIOD??????✨ See Why
The clue "End of story!" is phrased in quotes, indicating it's a spoken phrase. "Period" is often used to emphasize finality or to signify the end of a statement, much like how a period is used to conclude a sentence, literally marking the "end" of a story.
17Part of a restaurant's ambienceDECOR?????✨ See Why
The word "DECOR" refers to the style and design of a space, including furniture, lighting, and decorations. In a restaurant, décor is a key part of its ambience, setting the mood and atmosphere diners experience. Therefore, it fits as an element of a restaurant's ambience.
20"Kathy Griffin: My Life on the ___" (Bravo show)DLIST?????✨ See Why
The answer "DLIST" refers to the term "D-list," which is used humorously to describe lower-tier celebrities. Kathy Griffin's Bravo show, "My Life on the D-List," revolved around her satirical view of her own career as a comedian and her status in Hollywood. This aligns perfectly with the clue.
24PossessOWN???✨ See Why
The word "Possess" means to have or hold something as one's own. "Own" is a synonym for "possess," as it conveys the idea of having ownership or control over something. Hence, "Own" perfectly fits as the answer to the clue.
25A best man may make oneTOAST?????✨ See Why
In a wedding, the best man traditionally gives a speech to honor the couple, often raising a glass to make a "toast" in celebration. The clue plays on the word "make," referring both to delivering a speech and offering a ceremonial drink. Thus, the answer is TOAST.
27Part of a brass bandTUBA????✨ See Why
The clue "Part of a brass band" directly refers to an instrument found in a brass band. The tuba, a large, brass wind instrument, is a key component of such ensembles, known for producing low, resonant tones that provide the bass foundation. Hence, TUBA is the correct answer.
28Checked like a bouncer, for shortIDED????✨ See Why
The clue "Checked like a bouncer, for short" refers to how bouncers check IDs at venues. "IDED" is the abbreviation for "ID-ed" (shortened form of "checked someone's ID"). The clue's phrasing "for short" signals the use of an abbreviation.
29BlottoGONE????✨ See Why
The clue "Blotto" is slang for being extremely drunk or intoxicated. "GONE" works as the answer because it is also slang for being heavily drunk or out of it, aligning with the informal tone of the clue.
30Not straight up, in a wayONICE?????✨ See Why
The clue "Not straight up, in a way" uses wordplay. "Not straight up" hints at something slanted or indirect. "In a way" implies a phrase or idiom. The answer "ONICE" reflects the expression "on ice," meaning held in reserve or paused, figuratively not straightforwardly active.
31Give orders loudly and curtlyBARK????✨ See Why
The answer "BARK" fits because it refers to the sharp, loud sound a dog makes, which metaphorically describes giving curt, loud orders. "BARK" captures the tone of someone speaking abruptly and commandingly, matching the clue's description of delivering orders "loudly and curtly."
32CornerTREE????✨ See Why
The clue "Corner" could be referencing the corner of a square space or structure, such as a room or a plot of land. A TREE can often be seen growing or placed in the corner of yards or parks, providing a fitting, figurative answer.
33See 36-AcrossUSSR????✨ See Why
To determine why "USSR" fits as the answer for "See 36-Across," you need to reference the clue for 36-Across. Typically, "See [number]-Across" means the current answer is directly linked to or forms part of the phrase or relationship in 36-Across. Check that clue for context.
37Nicki Minaj or Iggy Pop, e.g.STAGENAME?????????✨ See Why
The answer is STAGENAME because both Nicki Minaj and Iggy Pop are not their real names but rather the pseudonyms they use professionally as performers. A "stage name" is commonly adopted by artists to craft a memorable public identity.
39Neighbor of an EmiratiOMANI?????✨ See Why
The clue "Neighbor of an Emirati" refers to someone from a country bordering the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Emirati denotes someone from the UAE. Oman borders the UAE to the southeast, and its citizens are called Omanis. Thus, OMANI is the correct answer as it represents the neighbor.
41Active ingredient in some gummiesTHC???✨ See Why
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Some gummies, often labeled as edibles, are infused with THC as the active ingredient to produce its effects. The clue refers to these cannabis-derived products, making THC the correct answer.
45SubmitACCEDE??????✨ See Why
"Submit" in this clue means to yield or agree to a request or demand, which matches the definition of ACCEDE. ACCEDE is often used to describe giving in or consenting, aligning perfectly with the clue’s meaning.
46Certain skirtsMIDIS?????✨ See Why
The answer "MIDIS" refers to midi skirts, which are a specific style of skirts that fall to the mid-calf length. The clue "Certain skirts" points to a particular category, and "midi" is a well-known term in fashion for this length of skirt.
47River through six Asian countriesMEKONG??????✨ See Why
The MEKONG River flows through six Asian countries: China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It's one of Asia's most significant rivers, making it a perfect match for the clue. The clue directly describes this geographical fact, leading to MEKONG as the answer.
49Throw outEJECT?????✨ See Why
The clue "Throw out" directly aligns with the meaning of EJECT, which means to force out or expel something or someone. Both terms imply a physical or metaphorical act of removal, making EJECT the fitting solution for this straightforward clue.
50Actress HayekSALMA?????✨ See Why
The answer "SALMA" refers to Salma Hayek, a well-known Mexican-American actress recognized for her roles in films like Frida and Desperado. The clue directly asks for her last name and doesn’t involve wordplay, making the answer straightforward.
51Notable descendantSCION?????✨ See Why
The answer "SCION" fits the clue "Notable descendant" because "scion" refers to a descendant, particularly of a notable or influential family, and is often used to describe heirs of distinguished lineages. It perfectly captures the idea of a prominent or significant descendant.
52Cynthia of "Wicked"ERIVO?????✨ See Why
The answer "ERIVO" refers to Cynthia Erivo, a renowned actress and singer who played the role of Elphaba in the 2021 London production of the musical Wicked. Her acclaimed performances make her the fitting solution to the clue.
54StandardUSUAL?????✨ See Why
The clue "Standard" directly refers to something typical, customary, or routine, which aligns with the definition of "USUAL." Both words describe something occurring in a regular or expected manner, making USUAL the perfect solution for this straightforward clue.
55Podiatric maladiesCORNS?????✨ See Why
The clue "Podiatric maladies" refers to foot-related health issues (podiatry deals with feet). CORNS are a common foot condition where thickened skin forms due to friction or pressure, classifying them as podiatric maladies. This makes CORNS the fitting solution for this clue.
56FollowENSUE?????✨ See Why
The answer "ENSUE" fits the clue "Follow" because it means to occur as a result or consequence, or to come after in time or order. This aligns with the definition of "follow," making it a clear and logical solution.
58Rare golf scoresONES????✨ See Why
The clue "Rare golf scores" points to very uncommon golf achievements. In golf, a score of "one" represents a hole-in-one, which is rare. "Scores" in the clue refers to specific results, and "ones" fits as the plural form, representing these rare occurrences. Hence, the answer is ONES.
59Freelancer's lackBOSS????✨ See Why
Freelancers work independently and are self-employed, meaning they don't have a direct supervisor or employer to report to. A "BOSS" is someone who oversees or manages workers, which is something freelancers inherently lack in their professional structure. This wordplay fits perfectly.
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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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