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NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

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Across

  • The clue refers to REM, which stands for "Rapid Eye Movement," a sleep stage characterized by quick eye movements. The "R" in REM stands for "Rapid," making it the correct answer. This is a straightforward abbreviation-based clue tied to sleep science terminology.

  • The clue "States" is a straightforward definition. The word "states" can mean "expresses verbally" or "declares," which aligns with the synonym SAYS. This connection highlights how speaking or stating something is equivalent to "saying" it. Hence, SAYS is the correct solution.

  • "IMP" is the solution for "Little devil" because an imp is a mischievous, small supernatural creature often described as a playful troublemaker or "little devil." The clue directly defines the word without wordplay, making it a straightforward connection.

  • The clue "Bring down" refers to humbling or lowering someone's status or dignity. "ABASE" means to degrade, humiliate, or lower in rank or esteem, matching the definition. It aligns with this straightforward phrasing without any wordplay.

  • The answer is OREO because crushed Oreo cookies are a common milkshake ingredient. Their crumbly texture can easily clump together, making them prone to getting stuck in a straw when sipping the shake. This clue uses a playful, literal description of the difficulty Oreos create in this context.

  • The clue "Whatever" is enclosed in quotes, signaling a conversational or casual expression. "MEH" is often used to express indifference, apathy, or a lack of enthusiasm—essentially a verbal shrug, synonymous with "whatever." It captures the dismissive tone implied by the clue.

  • The clue uses a pun. "Dracula" implies bats, as vampires famously transform into bats. "Wings" cleverly refer to a bat's wings, and "preferred way" plays on the expression "right off the bat," meaning immediately. So "RIGHTOFFTHEBAT" perfectly combines the literal bat reference with the idiomatic phrase.

  • The clue "When u coming?" suggests an informal, spoken question about someone's arrival. ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) is the standard abbreviation used to indicate when someone or something is expected to arrive, making it the fitting answer for this casual phrasing.

  • The clue uses "jocular" to indicate humor or playfulness. "Most" often forms superlatives by adding the suffix "est" (e.g., funniest, biggest). The pun here treats "est" itself as the playful, exaggerated suffix for "most," emphasizing its role in forming extremes or superlatives.

  • The clue "First aid stinger" refers to something in first aid that can "sting" when applied. IODINE is an antiseptic commonly used to clean wounds and prevent infection, and it often causes a stinging sensation upon application, aligning perfectly with the pun in the clue.

  • The solution "NUCLEI" fits because in biology, the nucleus (plural: nuclei) is the central structure within a cell that controls its activities and stores genetic material. Thus, "cell centers" directly refers to nuclei, making it the perfect answer to this clue.

  • The answer is IBIS because Sebastian the Ibis is the official mascot of the University of Miami Hurricanes. The ibis is a bird known for its bravery, as it’s said to be the last to take shelter before a hurricane and the first to reappear afterward, symbolizing resilience.

  • The clue has a pun marked by the question mark. Dracula, associated with avoiding sunlight, might "hop around" frantically in light. The phrase "light on his feet" suggests agility and speed, which fits the imagery of Dracula's quick avoidance of light while also playing on the literal meaning of light.

  • The clue “Clickable pic” refers to an image that you can click, commonly seen in digital interfaces. Such images often represent functions or shortcuts, like an app symbol or a button. These are called icons, making "ICON" the apt solution for this clue.

  • In "The Godfather," Sonny Corleone (full name Santino Corleone) is the eldest son of Vito Corleone, the patriarch of the family. The clue directly refers to his role as the oldest Corleone sibling, making SONNY the correct answer.

  • The clue "Felt something on your head?" uses a pun. "Felt" refers to the material often used to make hats, and "something on your head" hints at a hat. A FEDORA is a type of felt hat, making it the correct answer through this wordplay.

  • The clue "Food fight projectile" is playful with its imagery. In food fights, small, throwable food items are typical, and a pea fits perfectly—it’s small, round, and easy to toss. The hint of a projectile aligns with the size and shape of a pea, making it the ideal answer.

  • STP is the solution because it’s a well-known brand of motor oil and automotive additives that frequently sponsors racing events and teams, particularly in motorsports like NASCAR. "Speedway" here refers to racetracks, making STP a logical fit as a sponsor associated with racing.

  • The clue "Some unidentified visitors, for short" refers to extraterrestrials, commonly abbreviated as "ETs." These are fictional or speculative beings from outer space, often described as unidentified visitors to Earth. The abbreviation matches "for short," making ETS the correct answer.

  • The phrase "Wrap up" means to finish or conclude something, and "END" directly corresponds to this meaning. As a synonym, "END" seamlessly fits the clue, signaling the termination or completion of an activity, task, or event.

  • The clue "Well-rounded figure?" uses wordplay. A "sphere" is a three-dimensional geometric shape that is perfectly round, fitting the literal "well-rounded" description. The question mark hints at the pun, connecting “figure” to the shape, making SPHERE the apt answer.

  • The phrase "Showed sudden interest, in a way" suggests a metaphorical or physical action. "SATUP" fits because sitting up is often a sudden, attention-grabbing movement, implying a shift from disinterest to alertness. The phrase "in a way" indicates a figurative interpretation, aligning with this idea of showing interest suddenly.

  • The clue "Cry of victory" suggests a short, triumphant exclamation someone might make when they succeed. "I WIN" is a direct statement of triumph, perfectly fitting the description, as it’s a common phrase used to celebrate personal victory. The quotation marks in the clue signal a spoken phrase.

  • The clue is a pun. Dracula, as a vampire, lacks a reflection in mirrors according to folklore. "When Dracula doesn't feel seen?" humorously plays on this idea. The phrase "UPON REFLECTION" fits as it suggests reconsideration and references Dracula's literal inability to be seen in a reflection.

  • The clue "Lead-in to second" refers to terms that can precede "second" to form a meaningful phrase. "Nanosecond" is a unit of time equal to one-billionth of a second, making "NANO" the correct prefix or "lead-in" to the word "second."

  • In the Bible, Satan is often described as a "fallen" angel, cast out of heaven due to his rebellion against God. The term "fallen" directly captures his state after his descent from grace, making it the fitting solution to the clue.

  • The "TREBLE" knob on an electric guitar is a control that adjusts the higher frequencies, emphasizing sharper, bright tones. The clue directly describes this specific knob on the guitar, making TREBLE the correct and fitting answer.

  • The answer "CIO" completes the abbreviation "A.F.L.-CIO," referring to the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations. It's the largest federation of unions in the U.S., formed by the 1955 merger of the AFL and CIO. This clue references that well-known labor union organization.

  • GRU is the main character and antihero of the animated film series "Despicable Me." He starts as a villain planning world domination but evolves into a more compassionate figure over the series. His name directly identifies him as the answer to this clue.

  • The clue "Get ready to attack Dracula and his pals?" includes a pun and wordplay with "stakes." To fight vampires like Dracula, traditional lore suggests using wooden stakes. "Raise the stakes" is also a common phrase meaning to increase efforts or risks, making it a clever double entendre!

  • The clue "Like some jobs" points to ODD because "odd jobs" is a common phrase referring to small, miscellaneous, or irregular tasks. The wordplay here hints at an unconventional or atypical nature of certain jobs, which aligns with the term "odd."

  • The answer is STUB because a "well-used pencil" refers to one that has been sharpened and used so much that it is reduced to a short, remaining piece — a stub. This clue plays on the idea of wear and tear diminishing the pencil's length over time.

  • The clue "Rains hard?" with a question mark signals wordplay. "HAILS" is a clever answer because "hails" can both mean a weather phenomenon (falling ice, which can feel like "hard rain") and is a pun on the phrase "rains hard." The dual meaning makes it fit perfectly.

  • The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) is the "anti-traffic" organization here, as it combats drug trafficking. The clue plays on the word "traffic," shifting its meaning from vehicles to illegal drug trade, aligning with the DEA's mission to prevent and disrupt drug-related crimes.

  • The answer "SUMO" fits because sumo wrestling is a sport where athletes, called rikishi, traditionally wear a distinctive hairstyle called a topknot (chonmage). This hairstyle has historical roots in Japanese culture and is a hallmark of sumo wrestlers' appearance.

  • The answer SATYR plays on the word "luster" in the clue. A satyr is a mythical creature known for its indulgence and mischievous charm, often associated with a certain allure (or "luster") due to its hedonistic and captivating nature. The question mark signals this playful pun.

Down

  • The answer "RARE" refers to meat that is cooked lightly and remains red in the center, like a rare steak. The phrase "Still red, say" uses "say" to hint it's an example rather than a literal description, making "RARE" the fitting, pun-like solution.

  • The phrase "Not much" implies a small amount, which aligns perfectly with "A BIT," as it means a little or a small quantity. This answer fits the concise nature of the clue and is a straightforward synonym for the phrase.

  • The clue "Jupiter and Mars" refers to Roman mythology, where Jupiter and Mars are gods – Jupiter being the king of the gods and Mars the god of war. Both are key figures in ancient pagan religions, making the answer PAGANGODS appropriate.

  • The clue "In a way" leads to ISH because "ish" is a suffix used informally to mean "approximately" or "kind of," expressing something in an imprecise or partial manner—essentially describing "in a way." For example, "blue-ish" means "somewhat blue."

  • The clue "Pick up on" hints at perceiving or noticing something. The word "DETECT" means to discover, sense, or notice something, often subtly or with attention. This matches the meaning of "pick up on," making DETECT the correct solution.

  • The clue "Loosens up" refers to making something less rigid or firm, which aligns with the definition of "softens." For example, materials, emotions, or attitudes can loosen up or "soften" over time, making SOFTENS the perfect fit for the clue.

  • The clue "Response to 'Speak!'" suggests a verbal or nonverbal sound, specifically from a context involving dogs, as "Speak!" is often a command given to dogs. ARF is a common representation of a dog's bark, making it the correct answer.

  • The clue "Cold-weather cryptid" refers to a mythical creature associated with snowy, mountainous regions. A "cryptid" is a creature whose existence is suggested but not proven. The YETI, also known as the "Abominable Snowman," is a legendary ape-like being said to inhabit the Himalayas, fitting the description perfectly.

  • The answer is SOHO because it is a neighborhood in London mentioned in the lyrics of Warren Zevon's song "Werewolves of London." The line "I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand, walking through the streets of Soho in the rain" directly references this area.

  • The clue "Knock back a few" suggests drinking or consuming beverages, often alcoholic ones. "IMBIBE" means to drink liquids, particularly in a social or relaxed manner, aligning perfectly with the idea of "knocking back a few" drinks. Thus, the answer is IMBIBE.

  • The solution "MEANIE" fits because "big bully" refers to someone who is cruel or mean-spirited, often a petty term for such behavior. MEANIE captures this informal tone, aligning perfectly with the clue's simplicity and connotation of nastiness.

  • The clue "Aquarium diagnostic" refers to a test used to check the water quality in an aquarium. A pH test measures how acidic or basic the water is, which is crucial for the health of aquatic life. Hence, PHTEST fits the clue as the solution.

  • Oslo is the capital of Norway, and it lies near the 60th parallel north latitude, which circles the globe just slightly north of Oslo. This geographic clue directly points to Oslo as the correct answer, given its location and status as a world capital.

  • The answer "EDIFY" works because the word means to "enlighten" or "instruct," especially in a moral, intellectual, or spiritual sense. The clue and answer align directly, as "enlighten" refers to improving knowledge or understanding, which is the essence of edification.

  • The clue "Sorry, that's incorrect" is in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. "UHNO" phonetically represents the hesitant, informal spoken response one might say when correcting or indicating something is wrong. It matches the conversational tone implied by the clue.

  • IHOP stands for the International House of Pancakes, a popular restaurant chain specializing in breakfast foods like pancakes, waffles, and omelets. The clue asks for a "restaurant chain acronym," and IHOP fits perfectly as its well-known abbreviation.

  • The answer "LIFE" works because it forms common compound terms: "still life", a genre of art depicting inanimate objects, and "shelf life", the duration a product remains usable or saleable. Both involve the word "life," fitting the clue perfectly.

  • The answer is ICET because Ice-T, a rapper and actor, co-starred in the 1991 crime film New Jack City as Scotty Appleton, an undercover detective. The clue refers to Ice-T's prominent role in this movie, making it a straightforward connection to the actor.

  • The clue highlights a Spanish name within "business." If you look closely, the letters "INES" are hidden sequentially within the word "business." INES is also a common Spanish name, making it the perfect solution based on both the wordplay and the language context.

  • The answer "SNAP" fits the clue because it describes both a type of fastener (e.g., snap buttons) and mimics the sharp sound such fasteners make when closed. The word is onomatopoeic, directly imitating the sound, perfectly aligning with the clue's description.

  • The solution "REAR" fits the clue "Bring up" because "rear" can mean to raise or care for, as in raising children or animals. It also aligns with "bring up" in the sense of nurturing or fostering growth. This is a straightforward synonym-based clue.

  • The clue "Pot grower?" uses wordplay. "Pot" refers to the betting pot in poker, and "grower" hints at something that increases it. The answer "ANTE" represents the initial stake players contribute to grow the pot in card games. Hence, ANTE is the solution!

  • The clue "What contains a lot of darn stuff?" features a pun. "Darn" refers to mending holes in fabric, which is done with sewing tools. A SEWING KIT contains items like needles, thread, and scissors, essential for "darning" or fixing fabric—making it fitting and clever wordplay!

  • The clue references "Amigos" from the comedy film ¡Three Amigos! (1986), which features three main characters. A group of three is commonly called a "trio," making TRIO the fitting answer here. The quotation marks around "Amigos" hint at the specific group from the film.

  • The solution "PENN" refers to Penn Jillette, one-half of the famous magic duo Penn & Teller. They are renowned for their innovative and entertaining magic acts, making "Penn" a "big name in magic." The clue uses "big name" to signal a notable figure in the field.

  • The answer is DUFF because it's the fictional beer brand frequently featured on "The Simpsons." It's Homer Simpson's favorite drink, and its comically over-the-top marketing and presence in the show make it iconic. The reference to "The Simpsons" directly points to this well-known fictional beer.

  • The answer is HITE because Shere Hite was a prominent feminist sex educator and author, best known for "The Hite Report," a groundbreaking study on female sexuality published in the 1970s. Her work challenged societal norms and provided insight into women's sexual experiences. This firmly connects her name to the clue.

  • The clue "Pompous people" refers to individuals who act superior or look down on others. "SNOBS" fits perfectly as it describes such people who have an inflated sense of importance, often dismissive of those they consider inferior. The synonymy between "pompous" and "snobbish" makes this answer accurate.

  • The answer is PLACEBO because, in clinical trials, a placebo is a non-pharmacological substance (e.g., a sugar pill) given to control groups. It contains no active ingredients and is used to measure the actual treatment's effectiveness by comparison. It directly matches the clue's description.

  • The word "UNTROD" means "not walked on." Pristine land suggests untouched or unspoiled land, which aligns with the idea of land that hasn't been walked on or disturbed. Hence, UNTROD perfectly fits as the solution for "Pristine, as land."

  • PARADE is the answer because Veterans Day is commonly celebrated with parades to honor military veterans. These events feature marching bands, veterans' groups, and ceremonial displays to pay tribute to their service and sacrifices, making it a fitting solution for this clue.

  • The answer "ONEIDA" is incorrect for this clue. The Finger Lakes consist of 11 long, narrow lakes in central New York, and the "thumb" refers to CANANDAIGUA Lake, positioned like a thumb alongside the aligned "fingers" of the other lakes. It seems there may have been a mix-up with the clue or answer.

  • The answer "ELIS" refers to students or alumni of Yale University, an Ivy League school. Yale is fondly called "Eli" after Elihu Yale, a major benefactor. The plural form, "Elis," represents Yale community members, making it the correct answer to "Certain Ivy Leaguers."

  • The clue "Rags, e.g." refers to items like scraps of fabric or old pieces of material often used for cleaning or other purposes. "Cloths" is a general term for such fabric materials, making it the correct answer to this clue.

  • The clue "What a bargain hunter hopes to pay" refers to the desire of a bargain hunter to spend a reduced amount. The word "LESS" directly captures this idea, as it means paying a smaller or lower amount than usual, perfectly aligning with their goal of finding discounts or deals.

  • The clue "Ides of March rebuke" refers to the famous line from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. On March 15th (the Ides of March), Caesar is betrayed and asks, "Et tu, Brute?"—Latin for "And you, Brutus?" This makes ETTU the correct answer.

  • The clue "Depend (on)" directly points to the synonym "RELY." To "depend on" someone or something means to "rely" on them for support, trust, or assistance. Both terms are interchangeable in usage, making RELY the clear solution.

  • The clue "Old map inits." refers to abbreviated initials once commonly found on maps. USSR stands for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, a state existing from 1922-1991, which no longer appears on modern maps, making it an appropriate fit for "old map inits."

  • The clue refers to the pleasant and smooth sound a well-functioning car engine makes. "HUM" is an onomatopoeic word that mimics this steady, low, and rhythmic noise often associated with an engine running smoothly, signaling it's in good working condition.

  • The Toledo Mud Hens are a Minor League Baseball team classified as Triple-A (AAA), the highest level below Major League Baseball. "AAA" refers to this designation, commonly used to rank Minor League teams based on talent and proximity to the MLB level.

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NYT The Crossword Archive

Today’s NYT The Crossword Highlights

John Donegan’s pre-Halloween crossword sinks its fangs into a classic subject: Dracula! There’s no explicit revealer, but four fang-tastic theme entries—RIGHT OFF THE BAT, LIGHT ON HIS FEET, UPON REFLECTION, and RAISE THE STAKES—brilliantly tie to vampire lore with punny precision. Each clue is playful yet logical, striking a perfect Wednesday balance: solvable but not sleepy. The odd 14×16 grid feels deliberate, giving space for long themers without forcing junk fill. The southwest corner brings the toughest bite, but fair crossings make it satisfying to crack. A sharp, spirited seasonal puzzle, clever, consistent, and just spooky enough.

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