NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The answer "DAB" fits the clue "Dollop" because both refer to a small amount, especially of something soft or spreadable, like a dollop of cream or a dab of paint. "Dab" and "dollop" are synonyms in this context, meaning a small portion.

The answer "ATE" satisfies the clue because:

1. "ATE" is a verb meaning "consumed."
2. It sounds like "eight," a number.
3. Backward, "ATE" becomes "ETA," the phonetic spelling of the Greek letter η (Eta).

Thus, the clue's wordplay fits perfectly.

The clue "CD follower" refers to the common pairing in technology: CD-ROM, where ROM stands for "Read-Only Memory." In this context, ROM "follows" CD, as these were often used together to describe compact disc-based storage formats for computers.

The clue "Potato turnover" describes KNISH, a traditional Jewish snack. A KNISH consists of a flaky dough filled with mashed potatoes (or other fillings) and folded or "turned over" before baking or frying. The wordplay lies in "turnover," hinting at a filled, baked pastry.

The second half of DARKFANTASY, continuing vertically after bending mid-answer, embodying the puzzle’s genre-bending gimmick.

The clue "Outta my way!" is in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. "MOVE" is a common, concise command someone would use to express urgency or demand someone to clear the way quickly, perfectly matching the tone and context of the clue.

The clue "Overly big" refers to something excessively large in size. The word "obese" describes a condition of excessive body weight or fat, effectively matching the description of "overly big." The answer directly aligns with this definition, making OBESE the correct solution.

The abbreviation "CEN" stands for "century." A millennium consists of 1,000 years, and it is divided into 10 centuries (each 100 years long). Thus, one of 10 in a millennium is a single century, abbreviated as "CEN."

The clue "Josh" signals wordplay. Here, "Josh" doesn't refer to a name but is used as a verb meaning to tease or joke with someone lightly. The synonym for this playful teasing is "KID," making it the fitting solution.

The clue "Put to work" refers to utilizing something for a purpose or task. "USED" fits as it means employing an object, tool, or resource to accomplish something, effectively putting it to work or into action. It aligns perfectly with the clue's phrasing.

The clue "Like some socks and chess players" is a playful pun. "MATED" refers to socks that are paired together (a matching pair) and to chess players who are "checkmated," ending the game. The pun ties the double meanings of pairing (socks) and conclusion (chess).

The clue “Return to a PC keyboard?” uses wordplay with a question mark, hinting at a pun. On a PC keyboard, the "ENTER" key is commonly associated with the "Return" or action key. Hence, "Return" here cleverly refers to the "ENTER" key, connecting the clue and answer.

The final part of MOCKUMENTARY, appearing vertically, demonstrating how the genre bends directionally in the grid.

The clue "Sprang (at)" defines a sudden, energetic movement with direction, like jumping toward something or someone. "LEAPT" perfectly matches this description, as it is the past tense of "leap," meaning to spring or jump energetically, fitting both the verb and context of the clue.

The clue "Nice one, you got me" is a spoken acknowledgment of being bested or outsmarted, often in a witty exchange. TOUCHE, from fencing, signifies "You touched me" or "Well played." It’s commonly used figuratively to concede a clever point in conversation, matching the clue's tone.

The answer is ETTA because the clue refers to Etta James, a legendary American singer known for hits like "At Last." Her first name, Etta, is commonly used in crossword puzzles as a reference to her role in music history.

The clue "Selection at the butcher's" refers to types of meat cuts available. A "loin" is a specific, high-quality cut of meat, often from the back of an animal (e.g., pork or beef), commonly found in butcher shops. Hence, "LOIN" fits perfectly.

Gentler, often witty crime stories—this clue points to the COZY MYSTERY genre, which bends mid-fill in the grid.

The clue is enclosed in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. In the 1995 movie Clueless, Cher frequently uses "As if!" as a dismissive, sarcastic catchphrase to reject something absurd or undesirable. The phrase captures her character's wit and attitude, making ASIF the perfect solution.

In the "Star Wars" universe, the Knights of Ren are a mysterious and dark faction led by Kylo Ren. The title "Ren" signifies allegiance to their dark ideology. The clue references this shadowy group directly, making "REN" the correct answer.

AGAR is a gelatinous substance derived from seaweed, commonly used as a food thickener or stabilizer in cooking and baking. Its gelling properties make it ideal for recipes like soups, jellies, and desserts, perfectly aligning with the clue "Food thickener."

The answer is ZAYN because Zayn Malik, commonly known as ZAYN, was a member of the popular boy band One Direction before pursuing a solo career. He is widely recognized by his first name alone, fitting the "one-named singer" description in the clue.

The answer is OER because it is a poetic contraction of the word "over," commonly used in older or poetic texts to fit rhythm or meter. The "v" is omitted in this contraction, satisfying the clue's requirement. For example, phrases like "O'er the land" often appear in poetry and hymns.

The answer "MAYEST" reflects Shakespearean or archaic English, where verbs often end in "-est" in the second person singular. "Might" in modern English translates to "may" or "mayest" in older usage, aligning with how Shakespeare's works commonly used this form.

The bent portion of COMINGOFAGE, continuing after a directional twist in the puzzle’s fill, another visual play on genre.

The clue "Stash" directly refers to putting something away or storing it securely, which aligns with the meaning of "STOW." To stow is to pack or store something in a space, often to keep it safe or organized, making it a fitting synonym for "stash."

The answer is EDIT because in 2022, Apple introduced a feature in its Messages app allowing users to edit texts after sending them. This added an "Edit" button, enabling corrections or modifications to sent messages—a highly requested tool. "Button" in the clue directly points to this app function.

The clue "Jokesters" hints at people known for wit or humor. "WAGS" is a playful term referring to "Witty and Amusing Gentlemen" or individuals known for clever, humorous remarks. The plural form fits the clue's plural, aligning well with the definition through wordplay.

The answer "SEE" works for "Go out with" because it suggests meeting or spending time with someone socially. "See" often implies going on a date or accompanying someone, aligning with the phrasing of "go out with." This clue uses a simple, direct interpretation.

The answer "PERIODP" refers to "period pieces," a genre both Downton Abbey and Shogun belong to. These are works set in specific historical eras. The answer bends at PERIODP to finish horizontally.

The clue "Far from fresh" refers to something old, dull, or lacking freshness. The word STALE perfectly fits this definition, as it describes something that is no longer fresh, such as old bread or ideas that have lost their originality or appeal.

This is the thee revealer clue. The answer describes the puzzle’s mechanic: each film genre bends from one direction to another in the grid, visually enacting the phrase genre bending.

The answer is STIEB because Dave Stieb was a standout pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, earning seven All-Star selections during his career. The clue explicitly references his All-Star accomplishments, directly pointing to his last name, STIEB. This makes the solution a factual and straightforward match.

In Charlotte Brontë's novel Jane Eyre, Mr. Reed is the brother of Jane’s late mother, making him her maternal uncle. Although he passes away early in the story, his prior role as Jane’s guardian ties him to her as UNCLE. Hence, UNCLE is the correct answer.

March 8 is International Women's Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is a day dedicated to recognizing and honoring women worldwide, aligning directly with the clue. Thus, the answer is WOMEN.

The answer is ENOKI because it refers to a type of skinny, white mushroom commonly used in East Asian cuisine. Known for its long, thin stems and small caps, enoki mushrooms perfectly match the description in the clue.

The word "AKIN" means "related by blood" or "similar in nature or character." Therefore, it directly aligns with the clue "Similar," as both indicate likeness or resemblance. In crossword context, "AKIN" aptly provides a concise synonym for "similar."

The answer "BERG" refers to an iceberg, a large floating mass of ice commonly found in oceans or seas. The clue "Floating mass" points to something that floats on water, with "BERG" being shorthand for iceberg in casual terms. This fits the simple, literal interpretation.

On "The Simpsons," Homer often expresses frustration or loathing toward his overly cheerful, pious, and seemingly perfect neighbor, Ned Flanders. Ned’s relentless positivity and moral uprightness frequently irritate Homer, making Ned the subject of his disdain. This dynamic is a recurring humor element in the show.

The prefix "AVI" is derived from the Latin word "avis," meaning bird. It's commonly used in words related to birds, such as "aviary" (a place for birds) and "aviation" (flight, inspired by birds). Thus, "AVI" perfectly fits the clue "Bird-related prefix."

The clue "One of 'them'" suggests an oppositional relationship, as "them" often implies an "us vs. them" dynamic. A FOE represents an adversary or enemy, fitting this contrast. The quotation marks highlight conversational phrasing, pointing toward a term like FOE to describe "one of them."

ACC is the solution because it stands for the Atlantic Coast Conference, a collegiate sports organization. Recently, the ACC announced the addition of U.C. Berkeley and Stanford, schools traditionally associated with the Pacific, making it "strange" geographically. The clue uses wordplay to highlight this unusual expansion.

The answer is "SHE" because "There She Goes" is a well-known 1988 hit song by the British band The La's. The blank in the clue refers to the pronoun "she," which completes the song title.