The answer is BOTS because CAPTCHAs (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) are specifically designed to block bots—automated scripts and programs pretending to be human—to secure websites from spam or malicious activity. This pun-filled clue references their intended purpose.
5Crust (over)SCAB????✨ See Why
The clue "Crust (over)" refers to the scabbing process that occurs when a wound heals. A scab forms, essentially creating a crust over the wound to protect it. The word "scab" perfectly aligns with both the literal and figurative aspects of the clue.
9Building with a "broad side," in an idiomBARN????✨ See Why
The answer is BARN because of the idiom "couldn't hit the broad side of a barn," referring to something with a large, broad surface (like a barn wall) that's hard to miss. This clue plays on that expression and points directly to "barn" as the building in question.
13One of over 30 million used for farming in IowaACRE????✨ See Why
The answer "ACRE" fits because an acre is a standard unit of land measurement commonly used in farming. Iowa, a major agricultural state, has over 30 million acres of farmland, making "acre" the correct reference to land used for farming in the clue.
14Attire in many a Degas paintingTUTU????✨ See Why
The answer is TUTU because Edgar Degas, a French artist, is famous for his paintings and sculptures of ballet dancers. Many of his works depict ballerinas wearing tutus, the classic ballet attire, making TUTU the fitting solution for this clue.
15"Hey, sailor!"AHOY????✨ See Why
The clue "Hey, sailor!" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. It suggests a greeting to someone at sea. "Ahoy" is a nautical term widely used to hail or address sailors, fitting the playful clue perfectly as a sailor's greeting.
16"It's hard to say"WHOREALLYKNOWS??????????????✨ See Why
The clue "It's hard to say" in quotes signals a spoken, conversational phrase. "WHO REALLY KNOWS" is a common response to unanswerable or uncertain questions, perfectly aligning with the idea of something being difficult or impossible to definitively state. It's a fitting, spoken expression for this clue.
19Like June 21 among all the days of the yearLONGEST???????✨ See Why
June 21 is typically the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the day with the longest amount of daylight in the year. Therefore, "LONGEST" is the correct answer, describing how June 21 stands out among all days.
20Place to plop down in a parlorSETTEE??????✨ See Why
SETTEE is a type of small couch or loveseat often found in parlors. The clue refers to "plop down," implying sitting, and "in a parlor," a traditional room for sitting or entertaining guests. A settee perfectly fits this description as a seating option in such spaces.
21Vote inELECT?????✨ See Why
The clue "Vote in" suggests the act of choosing someone for a position by voting. The word "ELECT" directly means selecting or choosing someone through a vote, making it the perfect fit for the clue.
23Sparkler on a ringGEM???✨ See Why
The clue "Sparkler on a ring" hints at wordplay. A "sparkler" refers to something that shines or glitters, such as a gemstone. "On a ring" suggests placement, as gemstones are often set on rings. Therefore, the sparkling item on a ring is a GEM.
242021 Pixar film inspired by Italian folkloreLUCA????✨ See Why
The answer is LUCA because Luca is a 2021 Pixar film centered on the story of a young sea monster exploring life on the Italian Riviera. It draws heavily on Italian culture, folklore, and themes, making it the perfect fit for this clue.
27Whole bunchSLEW????✨ See Why
The term "SLEW" can mean a large number or quantity of something, which aligns with the clue "Whole bunch." It is often used colloquially to describe an abundance or multitude, making it a fitting synonym.
29Bar mitzvah or confirmationRITE????✨ See Why
The answer "RITE" fits because both a Bar mitzvah and confirmation are ceremonial or religious rituals marking significant life events. "Rite" specifically refers to formal ceremonies or observances in cultural or religious traditions, aligning perfectly with the clue.
32In unisonASONE?????✨ See Why
The phrase "In unison" means acting together or as a single entity. The answer "ASONE" captures this idea, as it reflects unity or being of one mind or action, aligning perfectly with the clue's definition.
34Relaxing soundsAAHS????✨ See Why
The clue "Relaxing sounds" refers to expressions people make when feeling relief or comfort. "AAHS" represents the audible sound one might make when unwinding, relaxing, or enjoying calm moments. This fits the nonverbal, soothing nature implied by the clue.
36The "N" of NGONON???✨ See Why
The answer is NON because NGO stands for "Non-Governmental Organization." The "N" in the acronym directly represents the word "Non," making this the correct solution to the clue.
37It's hard to sayTHATWASMYFAULT??????????????✨ See Why
The clue "It's hard to say" suggests a phrase that’s emotionally or socially difficult to express. "THAT WAS MY FAULT" fits because admitting fault is often hard to say aloud, aligning with the implied difficulty in the clue. It’s a punny, conversational phrase matching the tone.
40Vietnamese New YearTET???✨ See Why
The Vietnamese New Year, known as "Tết Nguyên Đán" or simply "Tết," is the most important holiday in Vietnam, marking the Lunar New Year. The term "Tết" is widely recognized as shorthand for this celebration, making it the straightforward answer to this clue.
41Stingy sort?WASP????✨ See Why
The clue "Stingy sort?" ends with a question mark, signaling wordplay. A “stingy” sort can refer to a creature that stings. WASP, short for the insect with a sting, fits both the wordplay and the literal sense of the clue.
42Semiaquatic relative of a badgerOTTER?????✨ See Why
The answer "OTTER" fits because otters, like badgers, are part of the Mustelidae family (weasel family). Otters are semiaquatic, thriving both in water and on land, distinguishing them from fully terrestrial badgers but linking them as relatives within the same family.
43Greek god whose name is an anagram of ROSEEROS????✨ See Why
The clue references an anagram of "ROSE," which rearranges to "EROS." Eros is the Greek god of love and desire, aligning perfectly with the mythology aspect of the clue. Hence, EROS is the solution.
45Does poorlyAILS????✨ See Why
The clue "Does poorly" refers to being unwell or in a bad condition. "AILS" means to suffer or be in poor health, matching the idea of doing poorly in a physical or emotional sense. The verb "ails" fits the context perfectly as it conveys struggling or not functioning well.
47___-à-___TETE????✨ See Why
The answer "TETE" completes the French phrase "tête-à-tête," which translates to a private conversation between two people or "head-to-head." The clue has the structure of a French expression (indicated by "-à-"), signaling the answer is a French term like "tête."
48Holiday centerpieceFIR???✨ See Why
FIR is the solution because it refers to a type of evergreen tree commonly associated with holiday celebrations, particularly Christmas. A decorated fir tree is often the centerpiece of holiday festivities, symbolizing the season and tradition. The clue hints at this iconic holiday imagery.
50"Here, ___!"CATCH?????✨ See Why
The clue "Here, ___!" suggests a spoken phrase often used when tossing something to someone. The answer "CATCH" completes the phrase "Here, catch!"—a common exclamation when handing or throwing an object. The quotation marks in the clue signal a conversational or spoken context.
52Copenhagen's "The Little Mermaid," for oneSTATUE??????✨ See Why
The clue refers to the famous bronze statue of "The Little Mermaid" located in Copenhagen, Denmark. It depicts the character from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale and is a well-known landmark, making "STATUE" the correct answer.
55One singing "The Lonely Goatherd," e.g.YODELER???????✨ See Why
The song "The Lonely Goatherd" from The Sound of Music famously features yodeling, a singing style that involves rapid shifts between high and low pitches. A "yodeler" is someone who performs this technique, making it the fitting answer to describe one singing this song.
59It's hard to sayWORCESTERSHIRE??????????????✨ See Why
The clue "It's hard to say" uses wordplay. WORCESTERSHIRE is famously difficult to pronounce due to its unusual spelling and the tendency for English speakers to shorten or merge sounds (often pronounced "WUSS-ter-sheer" or "WUSS-ter-shur"). The humor lies in its tricky phonetics.
61Some roundsAMMO????✨ See Why
The clue "Some rounds" uses wordplay. "Rounds" can refer to bullets or cartridges, and "some" suggests a partial or abbreviated term. AMMO is short for "ammunition," which includes bullets, fitting this interpretation of the clue.
62Eggplant ___ (vegetarian dish)PARM????✨ See Why
The answer is PARM because it refers to "Eggplant Parmesan," a popular vegetarian Italian dish made with layers of breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. "Parm" is a common shorthand for Parmesan in both culinary contexts and crossword puzzles.
63Track shapeOVAL????✨ See Why
The solution "OVAL" fits the clue "Track shape" because many tracks, such as running tracks or car racing circuits, are commonly designed in an oval shape. This closed, elongated circular form is practical for maintaining continuous laps, making "OVAL" an apt and straightforward answer.
64Polite assentYESM????✨ See Why
The answer "YESM" is a contraction of "Yes, ma'am," which is a polite and formal way of expressing agreement or assent, often used in contexts where respect or deference is shown, especially when addressing a woman. The clue’s straightforward wording matches this interpretation.
65PryingNOSY????✨ See Why
The clue "Prying" suggests being overly curious or intrusive about others' matters. The answer "NOSY" fits this definition, as it describes someone who is overly interested or "prying" into things that may not concern them. It's a straightforward synonym-based clue.
66First coin to use the $ symbolPESO????✨ See Why
The answer is PESO because the Spanish peso was the first coin to use the "$" symbol, originating in the 18th century. The symbol evolved from the abbreviation "PS," representing "pesos" or "Spanish dollar," which influenced currency systems, including the U.S. dollar.
Down
1BlubberBAWL????✨ See Why
The clue "Blubber" has a double meaning. While "blubber" can refer to fat, it also means to cry noisily. The answer "BAWL" aligns with the second meaning, as "bawl" means to sob or cry loudly, matching the intended wordplay of the clue.
2Número de planetasOCHO????✨ See Why
The clue "Número de planetas" is in Spanish, which translates to "Number of planets." In our solar system, there are eight (8) planets. Since the clue is in Spanish, the answer must also be in Spanish. The Spanish word for "eight" is OCHO, making it the correct answer.
3Mega or jumbo endingTRON????✨ See Why
The answer "TRON" comes from its use as a suffix to denote something large or significant, like in "Megatron" or "Jumbotron." The clue uses wordplay by referencing "Mega" or "Jumbo," suggesting their shared ending. This type of playful language ties directly to the solution.
4Forrest Gump, for oneSERGEANT????????✨ See Why
The answer is SERGEANT because, in the movie "Forrest Gump," the main character serves in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and eventually earns the rank of Sergeant. The clue refers to Forrest Gump’s military role, making SERGEANT the fitting solution.
5Inactive periodsSTASES??????✨ See Why
The word "stases" refers to states of inactivity or equilibrium, often used in medical or biological contexts to describe periods where no change or movement occurs. As the clue “Inactive periods” specifically points to such static times, "stases" fits perfectly as the plural form.
6Many a midnight movieCULTCLASSIC???????????✨ See Why
The clue "Many a midnight movie" hints at films often shown at unconventional times, like midnight, catering to niche audiences. "CULT CLASSIC" fits because it refers to movies with a dedicated fanbase, often quirky or offbeat, which are famously popular in late-night screenings.
7Home of the Braves: Abbr.ATL???✨ See Why
The Braves are a Major League Baseball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. "ATL" is the commonly used abbreviation for Atlanta, making it the answer to "Home of the Braves: Abbr." This clue directly references their geographic location.
8Completely goes along withBUYS????✨ See Why
The phrase "Completely goes along with" can be interpreted as fully agreeing or accepting an idea or concept. To "buy" something figuratively means to accept or believe it wholeheartedly, aligning perfectly with the clue. Thus, BUYS is the correct solution.
9Playful teasingBANTER??????✨ See Why
The answer "BANTER" fits because it means light, playful, and friendly exchange of teasing remarks, which aligns perfectly with "Playful teasing." The clue suggests a jovial tone rather than serious mockery, making "BANTER" the right choice.
10Quite some time, antonymouslyAHOTMINUTE??????????✨ See Why
The clue "Quite some time, antonymously" uses wordplay, as "antonymously" indicates the answer is the opposite of "quite some time." "A hot minute" is a slang phrase meaning a very short amount of time, which is the antonym of "quite some time," making AHOTMINUTE the perfect fit.
11"Dirty Jobs" host MikeROWE????✨ See Why
The answer is ROWE because Mike Rowe is the well-known host of the television series Dirty Jobs. In the show, he explores various tough and unconventional professions, making him directly associated with the clue.
12Where Coca-Cola is KONYSE????✨ See Why
The clue "Where Coca-Cola is KO?" uses wordplay and hints at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Coca-Cola (ticker symbol KO) is publicly traded on the NYSE. The pun lies in interpreting "KO" as both the ticker symbol and a boxing term, fitting the question mark's playful tone.
17An elver is a young oneEEL???✨ See Why
An "elver" is the term for a juvenile eel, which is a young, slender fish typically found in freshwater or transitioning to the ocean. This biological connection makes EEL the correct answer. The clue directly references this stage in the eel's life cycle.
18CaskKEG???✨ See Why
The clue "Cask" refers to a container commonly used for storing liquids, especially beverages like beer or wine. A "keg" is a small barrel-shaped cask, typically used for storing and dispensing beer. Hence, KEG is the correct answer as it fits this definition of a cask.
22Leaders in assists, typicallyTEAMPLAYERS???????????✨ See Why
The clue "Leaders in assists, typically" plays on the term "assists," which is common in team sports like basketball or soccer. Those leading in assists are often great collaborators or "TEAM PLAYERS," emphasizing teamwork and helping others succeed, fitting both the literal and figurative sense of the clue.
24Place for cafe artLATTE?????✨ See Why
The clue "Place for cafe art" plays on the idea of "latte art," the decorative designs made by baristas in the foam of a latte. A cafe serves lattes, making it the literal "place" for this artistic foam creation. The pun hinges on "cafe art" as a subtle nod to latte art.
25Singer with the 1998 #1 hit "Nice & Slow"USHER?????✨ See Why
The answer is USHER because Usher Raymond IV, commonly known as Usher, is a renowned R&B singer who released "Nice & Slow" in 1998. It quickly became a chart-topping hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making him a highly recognizable artist for that song.
26Canada's features a unicornCOATOFARMS??????????✨ See Why
The answer is COAT OF ARMS because Canada's official coat of arms features a unicorn as a heraldic supporter alongside a lion. The unicorn represents Scotland's historical connection to Canada and is a key element in the emblem.
28One of the five W'sWHY???✨ See Why
The "five W's" refer to the fundamental questions used to gather information: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. "Why" is one of these five, fitting the clue "One of the five W's" perfectly. It seeks the reason or purpose behind something.
30For rentTOLET?????✨ See Why
The answer "TOLET" is a British English phrase commonly used to indicate that a property is available "for rent." It aligns directly with the clue, as "to let" essentially means "for rent," commonly seen on signs in the U.K.
31___ nousENTRE?????✨ See Why
The clue "___ nous" is a French phrase meaning "between us." The blank suggests filling in a French word. "Entre" translates to "between" in French, completing the phrase "entre nous," which is commonly used to convey a sense of confidentiality or "just between us."
33"I so did not need to hear that!"EWW???✨ See Why
The clue “I so did not need to hear that!” is enclosed in quotes, signaling a verbal, emotional reaction. "EWW" is an expression often used to convey disgust or discomfort when hearing something unpleasant, making it a perfect fit for the sentiment described in the clue.
35Penultimate stop on the red BART line, in briefSFO???✨ See Why
SFO is the solution because it stands for San Francisco International Airport, a major stop on BART's red line. "Penultimate" means second to last, and SFO is the second-to-last station on that line before Millbrae. The clue specifies "in brief," indicating the use of the airport's abbreviation.
38Minor-league levelAAA???✨ See Why
AAA represents the highest level of minor-league baseball, just below Major League Baseball (MLB). Minor league levels are ranked as Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A (AAA). Players in AAA are typically the most skilled among minor leaguers and often promoted to the majors.
391957 Danny & the Juniors hit about a school danceATTHEHOP????????✨ See Why
The 1957 hit by Danny & the Juniors, "At the Hop," is a classic rock 'n' roll song celebrating high-energy school dances of the time, often called “hops.” The title fits perfectly as the answer since it's directly linked to the clue referencing a "school dance."
44Show with a laugh trackSITCOM??????✨ See Why
The clue "Show with a laugh track" points to SITCOM because sitcoms, short for "situational comedies," are TV shows typically featuring humorous scenarios. Many classic sitcoms traditionally included laugh tracks to signal jokes and amplify the comedic atmosphere. This aligns perfectly with the clue.
46Wet, with thunder and lightningSTORMY??????✨ See Why
The clue "Wet, with thunder and lightning" describes weather conditions that are characteristic of a storm. Stormy weather typically includes rain (wet), thunder, and lightning, making "STORMY" the precise and fitting answer to this descriptive clue.
49Poe's "The Murders in the ___ Morgue"RUE???✨ See Why
"The Murders in the Rue Morgue" is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe, often considered the first modern detective story. "Rue," meaning "street" in French, refers to the Parisian setting of the story's fictional crime. Hence, the answer is RUE.
51Some music sales, for shortCDS???✨ See Why
The clue "Some music sales, for short" refers to CDs (compact discs), which are a common medium for music albums. The "for short" indicates that the answer is an abbreviation. CDs were once a primary format for buying and selling music.
52ConvinceSWAY????✨ See Why
The answer "SWAY" fits the clue "Convince" because to "sway" someone means to influence or persuade them to adopt a particular opinion or decision, aligning closely with the idea of convincing. It captures the act of subtly shifting someone's thinking or beliefs.
53"You talkin' ___?"TOME????✨ See Why
The clue "You talkin' ___?" plays on the phrase "You talkin' to me?" famously spoken by Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver. The pun replaces "to me" with "tome," a word meaning a large book, creating a humorous twist that fits the question-mark clue style.
54Its website has a "Fantasy" tabESPN????✨ See Why
ESPN is the solution because it's a sports network widely known for offering fantasy sports services. Its website has a dedicated "Fantasy" tab where users can participate in fantasy leagues for sports like football, basketball, and baseball, aligning perfectly with the clue.
56On nowLIVE????✨ See Why
The clue "On now" refers to something currently happening or active. "LIVE" is commonly used to describe events being broadcast in real-time or occurring at the moment, perfectly matching the clue’s meaning. It emphasizes being active or present "now."
57"Fearless" and "Folklore," for Taylor SwiftERAS????✨ See Why
The answer "ERAS" refers to distinct periods of Taylor Swift's musical career. "Fearless" and "Folklore" are iconic albums representing two such periods, or "eras," in her artistry. Each era reflects a unique style and evolution in her music and persona.
58Move, in real estate lingoRELO????✨ See Why
The answer "RELO" is short for "relocation," a common term in real estate lingo. It specifically refers to the process of moving, often for professional or personal reasons, typically involving real estate transactions like buying, selling, or renting a property. Hence, it fits the clue perfectly.
60"The ___ of Pooh" (1982 best seller)TAO???✨ See Why
The answer is TAO because "The Tao of Pooh" is a 1982 best-selling book by Benjamin Hoff. It uses the characters and stories of Winnie the Pooh to explain Taoism, a Chinese philosophy of harmony with nature and simplicity. The blank directly refers to the book's title.
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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.
Notifications: Enable push notifications in the Games app settings to receive alerts when new puzzles are available.
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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