NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The answer "FINISH" works because each referenced phrase (16-, 21-, 29-, 34-, 46-, and 54-Across) ends with a word synonymous with "bang" or a notable "end." "With 44-Down" ties to the pun or thematic connection about "going out with a bang."

ICEBEER is the solution because ice beer undergoes a process called fractional freezing, where water is removed as ice, concentrating the alcohol content. This results in a brew with a higher-than-usual alcohol percentage, fitting the clue's description perfectly. The "brew" hint directly refers to beer.

The clue "Soft mattress topper" directly describes a FOAMPAD. Foam pads are widely used as soft, cushioned layers placed on mattresses to enhance comfort. The "soft" relates to the foam material's texture, making FOAMPAD a straightforward and fitting solution.

The answer "ENT" refers to tree-like creatures from J.R.R. Tolkien’s "The Lord of the Rings" series. Fangorn Forest is home to the Ents, led by Treebeard. The word "denizen" indicates a resident or inhabitant, fitting the Ents as guardians of this mystical forest.

The clue "Get a closer shot?" uses wordplay, indicated by the question mark. PANIN refers to the action of "panning in" with a camera to zoom or move closer to a subject for a better/closer shot. It’s a clever play on filming or photography terminology.

The clue "Tennis's Agassi" refers to the famous retired tennis player André Agassi. His first name, ANDRE, is the solution. As a multiple Grand Slam champion and a prominent figure in tennis history, his name is well recognized in crossword puzzles.

The answer "WOO" fits because to "woo" someone means to try to win their favor, affection, or support, often romantically or persuasively. This aligns with the clue, which suggests an effort to win over someone or something.

The answer "NEWT" fits because newts are amphibians commonly found in wetland habitats like marshes, ponds, and damp forested areas. They thrive in such environments due to their semi-aquatic nature, making "Wetland creature" an accurate descriptor for them.

The answer "WARLOCK" fits because it refers to a male practitioner of magic, often associated with dark or sinister powers. The term historically connotes someone dealing in black magic, aligning perfectly with the clue "Dark wizard." It’s a straightforward definition-based clue.

The clue "Romans, e.g." refers to one of the books in the New Testament of the Bible, written as a letter by the Apostle Paul. These letters are commonly called epistles. "Romans" is an example of such an epistle, making the answer EPISTLE.

The term "demised" refers to the transfer of property, especially in legal contexts, often through a lease or upon someone's death. Here, "Transferred at death" signals that property or rights were passed on posthumously, aligning with "demised" as a legal or formal term.

The solution is CIAO because it is a common Italian word used to greet someone when arriving ("hello") and parting ("goodbye"). The dual meaning matches the clue perfectly. Its widespread adoption in other languages also makes it recognizable in this dual usage.

The clue "Licks, say" uses wordplay. "Licks" can mean moistening, which connects to "wets." For example, to "lick" something with your tongue is to wet it. The "say" suggests an interpretation or synonym for the action, making "WETS" the fitting answer.

The answer is TUPAC because Tupac Shakur, a legendary rapper, adopted the alias "Makaveli" inspired by Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian philosopher known for his strategies on power. Tupac used this name for his posthumous album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, further cementing the connection.

The clue "Lab course participant?" uses a pun. "Lab" refers both to a laboratory and a Labrador dog. A RAT is commonly used in laboratories as a subject for experiments, making it a fitting "participant" in a lab setting. The question mark hints at the wordplay.

The answer is IRA because Ira Flatow is the longtime host of the public radio program "Science Friday." He is a well-known science journalist who has hosted the show since its inception, making "IRA" the fitting solution to this clue.

"Sensei" is a Japanese term for teacher, commonly associated with martial arts instructors. A "dojo" is the Japanese word for a training hall or school where martial arts are practiced under the guidance of a sensei, making DOJO the fitting answer here.

The clue "Didn't stick around, say" hints at someone leaving or departing quickly. "Ran" fits as it's a past tense action of moving quickly to leave or escape, implying not staying or lingering in a place. The "say" suggests figurative language.

CCC stands for the Civilian Conservation Corps, a New Deal program established in 1933. Its purpose was to create jobs for young men during the Great Depression, including planting over 3.5 billion trees to combat deforestation and erosion, aligning perfectly with the clue's description.

The prefix "ACU" relates to "pressure" as seen in "acupressure," a therapeutic technique similar to acupuncture, where pressure is applied to specific points on the body for healing. The clue points to this common word formation, making ACU the correct answer.

The clue "Bunk" refers to nonsense or something of little value, which aligns with the definition of "ROT." "Bunk" is often used informally to describe absurd or worthless ideas, just as "ROT" can describe foolish talk or nonsense. Hence, ROT is the fitting answer.

The answer "REG" refers to a regulation, which is a common type of issuance or directive formally released by a government agency to enforce or clarify laws or policies. The clue’s phrasing points to an official document or rule, which aligns with "REG."

The clue "On" refers to being positioned or placed above something. "ATOP" specifically means "on top of" or "upon," which directly aligns with the meaning of the word "on" in this context, making it the correct answer.

The clue "Grounds keeper?" uses a pun with "grounds." Coffee grounds are the key hint here, and a BARISTA is someone who works with coffee, preparing and serving it. They "keep" the grounds as part of their job, thus making BARISTA a fitting answer.

The clue "Took a hit, say" has a playful, pun-like angle (noted by the question mark). "Took a hit" refers to drug use, specifically smoking marijuana, which can involve a pot (slang for cannabis). "Used pot" cleverly combines this meaning, making it the fitting solution.

The answer "DIALONE" refers to the outdated practice of starting a long-distance call by dialing the digit "1" on a landline phone. The phrase "in bygone days" emphasizes this now-obsolete method, as modern systems no longer require this step for domestic long-distance calls in most cases.

The clue "Controller controller?" uses wordplay with a question mark, hinting at a playful twist. A "controller" typically refers to a gaming device, and the person who controls it is a GAMER. Hence, a GAMER is the "controller" of a gaming controller.

The clue "___ to worry …" is a conversational phrase often completed as "Not to worry …," reassuring someone there's no need for concern. The blank signals a missing word, and "Not" fits naturally, completing the commonly used expression.

The clue "Goofball" is a straightforward definition clue, asking for a synonym. A "goofball" refers to someone silly or foolish, often acting clownishly or lacking seriousness. The word "BUFFOON" perfectly matches this definition, as it describes a ridiculous or amusingly foolish person.

The clue references Arianna Huffington, the co-founder and namesake of The Huffington Post, a prominent news and blog site. Her first name, ARIANNA, directly matches the clue and serves as the solution. This is a straightforward proper noun clue, signaling her identity.

The answer "SELF" refers to SELF magazine, a women's magazine published by Condé Nast. The magazine focuses on health, wellness, fitness, and personal growth, aligning with the clue's reference to Condé Nast's portfolio of publications. It's a straightforward clue pointing to a specific title.

The answer "CCS" refers to the function in emails where you "carbon copy" someone as a secondary recipient. "Adds as a secondary recipient" describes this action, and "for short" signals the abbreviation, "CC," commonly used in email communication.

To understand why STRONG is the answer, refer to the clue at 1-Down, which provides the full context. Crossword clues referencing other entries (e.g., "See 1-Down") require solving the primary clue first. STRONG likely complements or completes the phrase or idea introduced in 1-Down.

The clue "Receded" implies a movement backward or away. "Ebb" is a term often used to describe the receding motion of tides. When tides "recede," they "ebb." In past tense, this becomes "EBBED," perfectly matching the clue as both are synonyms referring to something retreating or diminishing.

The answer "ROUND" fits because it describes characteristics of both "tables" and "trips." Some tables, like dining or coffee tables, are physically round in shape. "Trips" can be described as round when they involve a return to the starting point, e.g., a round trip.

The answer is FIFA because it stands for "Fédération Internationale de Football Association," the international governing body responsible for organizing the FIFA World Cup, the premier tournament in soccer. The clue's reference to "Org." directly indicates an organization, making FIFA the fitting solution.

The clue "Pronto!" is enclosed in quotes, indicating it's a spoken or exclamatory phrase. "Stat" is commonly used in medical and urgent contexts to mean "immediately" or "at once," aligning perfectly with the urgency conveyed by "Pronto!" Therefore, STAT is the fitting answer.

SRO stands for "Standing Room Only," a term used for events or performances where all seats are filled, and the venue is so packed that only standing space remains. These letters succinctly represent a "packed house," fitting the clue perfectly.

The answer "BBS" fits because Airsoft guns often use BB pellets as ammunition. BBs are small, round projectiles, typically made of plastic or metal, that are specifically designed for Airsoft use. The clue directly relates to this type of ammo, making "BBS" the correct solution.