NYT Crossword Answers: Get Hints and Solve All Clues

The answer "FBOMB" refers to the slang term for the highly explicit and "crude" F-word. "Drop" in the clue hints at its usage in speech, while "familiarly" indicates the common shorthand or colloquial way of referring to it. Hence, FBOMB fits perfectly.

ARUBA is the solution because it is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in the Caribbean. It's geographically the westernmost territory under Dutch sovereignty, lying west of other Dutch territories like Curaçao and Bonaire. The clue directly references its position relative to the Netherlands' territories.

CATAN is the solution because it refers to the popular board game The Settlers of Catan (commonly called Catan), which revolves around gathering and trading resources like wood, brick, sheep, wheat, and ore to build settlements and roads. The keyword "resources" directly points to its gameplay mechanics.

The answer is ENOS because, according to the Bible, Enos was the son of Seth, who was the third son of Adam and Eve. This makes Enos the grandson of Eve. The clue directly refers to this genealogy from the Book of Genesis.

The answer "PDF" fits because a PDF (Portable Document Format) file is a common type of digital attachment sent via email. These files are widely used for sharing formatted documents, making "many an attachment" an apt description for a frequently shared file type.

ANTONIO is the first name of Antônio Carlos Jobim, the Brazilian musician widely regarded as the "father of bossa nova." He was a leading figure in popularizing the genre with iconic compositions like "The Girl from Ipanema." The clue refers to his full name, making ANTONIO the correct answer.

The answer "LAIDIN" refers to a common basketball move where the player gently places (or "lays in") the ball into the basket, typically without much resistance, making it an "easy basketball shot." The clue directly describes the action involved in this type of play.

MMMDCCCLXXXVIII (3888) is the longest number writable in standard Roman numerals because Roman numeral rules cap at 3 of each symbol in sequence (e.g., MMM for 3000, CCC for 300, XXX for 30, and VIII for 8). Larger numbers use extensions like overlines, not standard numerals.

The clue "Spy" refers to the act of noticing or observing something. A synonym for this action is "SEE," as in "to notice or observe with one's eyes." It fits the definition directly without additional wordplay.

The clue "Use a roller on, as a jacket" suggests removing lint from clothing with a lint roller. The term "DELINT" directly describes the process of using a roller to remove lint or fuzz from garments like a jacket. Hence, "DELINT" is the precise and fitting solution.

ALEXA is Amazon’s popular digital assistant, integrated into devices like Echo. It answers questions, performs tasks, and controls smart home devices using voice commands. The clue directly points to a well-known virtual assistant, making ALEXA the fitting solution.

The phrase "In which opposites attract" refers to a scientific concept. An IONIC BOND forms when oppositely charged ions (positive and negative) attract each other. This is a wordplay clue, hinting at the fundamental chemistry principle where opposite charges create a bond, perfectly fitting the answer.

The clue "Flashy taekwondo moves" points to techniques known for their dynamic, spinning action and visual impact. SPINKICKS are a staple of taekwondo, involving a rotational kick executed with speed and precision. Their "flashy" nature perfectly fits the clue, aligning with the martial art's acrobatic flair.

The answer "YENS" works because "cravings" and "yens" are synonyms. Both words describe a strong desire or yearning for something. This is a straightforward clue without wordplay—simply substituting one word for another with the same meaning.

The clue "All right," folksily, suggests a casual or colloquial way of saying "all right." The answer, MKAY, is derived from a slurred or drawled pronunciation of "okay," often used humorously to mimic a folksy or informal tone, as in certain TV characters or dialects.

The clue "Super Mario ___" refers to a popular video game series. "Super Mario Kart" is a well-known title in the franchise, where players race in go-karts. The blank is filled with "KART" to complete the name of this iconic game.

The word "KOOK" is a slang term used to describe someone eccentric, unusual, or unconventional in behavior. It fits perfectly as the solution, as "Eccentric" directly defines the term in this concise and straightforward clue.

The answer "RISK" fits because a cybersecurity assessment evaluates vulnerabilities, threats, and overall potential "risk" to systems. In cybersecurity, "risk" is a key factor analyzed to determine exposure and likelihood of breaches, making it a central term for such evaluations.

This clue points to 26-Across, BID, which in context relates to a sorority pledge’s fateful day. DAY is the literal part of that phrase, the moment the bid is extended.

The song "Sixteen Tons," famously performed by Tennessee Ernie Ford, depicts the tough life of a coal miner. The lyrics discuss the grueling labor of mining coal and the struggles of being bound to a company store, making "COALMINER" the fitting answer for this clue about the worker in the song.

The clue "Cabin choice" refers to selecting a type of seating within a cabin, typically on an airplane. An "AISLE SEAT" is a common seating preference, chosen for easier access and mobility. The word "choice" points to a specific option within the seating arrangement.

The clue "Baby rhino" refers to the offspring of a rhinoceros. A baby rhinoceros, like many other large mammals (e.g., elephants, cows), is called a calf. Therefore, the correct answer is CALF. It’s a straightforward factual clue rather than a wordplay or pun.

The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) is a prominent agency within the Department of Justice (D.O.J.). Since it operates under the D.O.J., it fits perfectly as "Part of the D.O.J." in this clue.

MAUI is known as the "Valley Isle" due to the large valley between its two volcanic mountains, Haleakalā and the West Maui Mountains. This nickname highlights the island's unique geographical feature, fitting the clue perfectly. MAUI is also a prominent island in Hawaii, aligning with the clue's context.

The answer is LOIS because Lois Lowry is a renowned writer known for works such as The Giver and Number the Stars. The clue directly refers to her last name "Lowry," making LOIS the correct solution. This clue draws from her literary fame.

This clue hinges on wordplay. “Marks” here means physical marks left on a tree, not grades. Sap is what seeps out and leaves those marks — and it’s good because sap is vital to a tree’s health. The question mark flags the playful shift in meaning.

Egg creams and malteds are both classic soda fountain drinks. While egg creams are made with milk, seltzer, and chocolate syrup (and contain no egg or cream), malteds are similar but include malted milk powder for added flavor. Thus, "MALTEDS" serves as an alternative to egg creams.

This is a jokey cross-reference. ARTSY (54-Across) means pretentiously creative, and FARTSY is a playful, crude twist on that idea. The clue sends you to 54-Across because the joke only works if you already have ARTSY in place and see how the two entries relate.

The clue "Quaint contraction" refers to an old-fashioned or less commonly used contraction. "NEEDNT" is a contraction of "need not," which fits the "quaint" descriptor as it’s more formal and rarely used in modern casual speech, making it an appropriate solution.

This comes from the jokey phrase “ladies and germs,” a playful twist on “ladies and gentlemen” popularized by comedians like Milton Berle. The clue’s “jocularly” signals humor, not insult, pointing to the punchline version: GERMS.

The answer "GALBI" refers to a popular Korean barbecue dish made from marinated beef short ribs. In Korean cuisine, "galbi" literally translates to "rib." This clue directly points to the dish, making "GALBI" the correct solution for the rib-based Korean barbecue specialty.

The clue "Greet hospitably at the door" hints at a colloquial expression. "ASKIN" phonetically sounds like "asking in," which refers to inviting someone inside—a hospitable gesture when greeting them at the door. The wordplay uses the phrase's contracted sound for the answer.

The clue "Dough at a taquería" hints at wordplay. "Dough" is slang for money, and "taquería" (Spanish for taco shop) is the foreign language indicator. The currency in Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico is the PESO, plural PESOS. Hence, "PESOS" refers to money ("dough") at a taquería.

In The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, Rita is a Martha, a servant tasked with household duties like cooking and cleaning in Gilead's strict societal hierarchy. The clue refers to her role as a "servant" in the story, making RITA the correct answer.

The clue specifies "in Italian," so the answer must be an Italian word. "Cara" translates to "dear" or "beloved" in English when addressing a female, fitting the definition provided in the clue. It's often used affectionately in romantic or familial contexts.

Zinc dithiophosphate is a key additive in motor oil for reducing wear and tear on engines. STP is a well-known brand specializing in automotive products, including motor oil and additives that boost engine performance. Hence, STP matches the clue perfectly.

Equatorial Guinea, located near the equator, has a tropical climate characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity—making its weather predominantly wet. The clue directly describes this common climatic feature, aligning with "WET" as the concise solution.