Petri dish growth medium NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
AGAR (4 letters).
Agar is a gelatinous substance derived from seaweed, commonly used as a medium for growing bacteria in laboratory petri dishes. The clue directly references its scientific purpose.
Quick Tip: Agar is also used in cooking as a vegetarian gelatin alternative.
Turns red, say NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
DYES (4 letters).
“Turns red” refers to the process of adding coloring—dyes can turn materials, like fabric or hair, red. The verb “dyes” fits the clue.
Quick Tip: Common crossword indicator: "say" often means a synonym is needed.
Michael of "Superbad" NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
CERA (4 letters).
Michael Cera is an actor known for his role in "Superbad." This clue asks for his last name, a typical pop culture reference.
Overhaul NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
REDO (4 letters).
To "overhaul" something is to redo or make major changes; “redo” matches the meaning of starting over with improvements.
Quick Tip: Short, common words for renovation often work for "overhaul" clues.
European capital with canals NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
AMSTERDAM (9 letters).
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is famous for its extensive canal system, aligning perfectly with the clue's geography focus.
Quick Tip: Geography clues with "capital" often expect the city's name, not the country.
"Will Ruby go to prom with me?" NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
MYSOURCESSAYNO (14 letters).
This playful answer mimics the style of a Magic 8 Ball reply, indicating a negative prediction in a witty way.
Quick Tip: Novelty answers often appear in themed crossword puzzles.
Helpful skill for guessers NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ESP (3 letters).
ESP stands for “extrasensory perception,” the supposed ability to predict outcomes without logical reasoning—a useful skill in guessing games.
"Black-eyed" or "sugar snap" legume NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
PEA (3 letters).
"Black-eyed peas" and "sugar snap peas" are both types of legumes, and “pea” is the common term.
Take in NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ABSORB (6 letters).
To "take in" means to absorb—whether it’s a liquid, information, or experience, absorb fits the verb form.
Requires NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
NEEDS (5 letters).
To require something is to need it, making “needs” a direct synonym and classic crossword answer.
Quick Tip: When in doubt, try synonyms for straightforward clues.
"Despicable Me" protagonist NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
GRU (3 letters).
Gru is the main character and supervillain-turned-hero in the “Despicable Me” animated franchise; the clue refers directly to his name.
Appliance that may have different floor settings, for short NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
VAC (3 letters).
“Vac” is a common abbreviation for vacuum cleaner, a device with “floor settings” for various surfaces, making it a classic abbreviation clue.
Country between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
IRAN (4 letters).
Iran is located geographically between the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf, matching the clue’s geopolitical description.
Quick Tip: Always consider location clues for country names in world geography slots.
Comics dog with a big red tongue NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ODIE (4 letters).
Odie is the lovable, slobbery dog from the “Garfield” comic strip, famous for his big red tongue.
Quick Tip: Cartoon animal clues usually need just the pet’s name.
Singer with the 2011 #1 hit "Set Fire to the Rain" NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ADELE (5 letters).
Adele is the British superstar who had a chart-topping hit with the song "Set Fire to the Rain" in 2011; crossword clues often reference pop hits.
I repeat: "Will Ruby go to prom with me?" NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ASKAGAINLATER (13 letters).
“Ask again later” is a standard Magic 8 Ball response—just like the previous “Will Ruby go to prom with me?” clue, but a different answer from the ball’s phrases.
Fashion designer Spade NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
KATE (4 letters).
Kate Spade is a renowned fashion designer, best known for her line of handbags and accessories.
Quick Tip: Last names in fashion usually require first names in puzzles.
Pequod captain NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
AHAB (4 letters).
Captain Ahab is the infamously obsessed skipper of the Pequod in Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick.”
Third time's the charm: "Will Ruby go to prom with me?" NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
WITHOUTADOUBT (13 letters).
“Without a doubt” is another Magic 8 Ball answer, and here it rewards persistence—the third time Ruby is asked about prom.
Decrease in intensity NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ABATE (5 letters).
To “abate” means to decrease in intensity, often used for storms, emotions, or situations subsiding.
Swiss Army knives have many of these NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
USES (4 letters).
Swiss Army knives are multi-purpose tools with many functions, or "uses," making this answer both literal and concise.
Quick Tip: Plural word indicators like “many” often hint at answers ending in -S.
Encourage, with "on" NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
SPUR (4 letters).
To “spur on” is to encourage or motivate someone—a direct phrasal verb clue.
N, E, W or S NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
DIR (3 letters).
N, E, W, and S stand for the four cardinal directions; “DIR” is the common abbreviation for "direction."
Group that may have an organizational meeting in Sept. NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
PTA (3 letters).
PTA stands for Parent-Teacher Association, which often has meetings when the school year starts in September.
Author of "L'Île Mystérieuse" NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
VERNE (5 letters).
Jules Verne, French novelist, wrote “L’Île Mystérieuse” (The Mysterious Island), a classic adventure tale.
Solfège start NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
DOREMI (6 letters).
"Do, re, mi" are the first three notes in the solfège musical scale, common in music education.
Hairy Halloween costume NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
APE (3 letters).
An “ape” costume is a classic hairy choice for Halloween, referencing the animal’s physical traits.
Beethoven's "___ to Joy" NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ODE (3 letters).
“Ode to Joy” is the famous choral finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. The answer “ode” fills the blank.
Quick Tip: Classical compositions clues often use fill-in-the-blank for the word “ode.”
Provider of the answers at 16-, 32- and 37-Across NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
MAGICEIGHTBALL (13 letters).
The Magic Eight Ball gives playful answers like “Ask Again Later,” matching those themed answers.
Quick Tip: Meta clues about answer sources hint at game or toy references.
Completely immersed NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ENGROSSED (9 letters).
To be “engrossed” is to be fully absorbed or completely immersed in a task or activity.
Double Stuf cookie NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
OREO (4 letters).
The “Double Stuf” is a well-known variation of the Oreo cookie, featuring extra cream filling. “Oreo” is a common crossword staple.
Eye problem NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
STYE (4 letters).
A “stye” is a small, painful lump on the eyelid, caused by infection; it’s a classic short medical answer for crosswords.
A 2-1 record has one NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
LOSS (4 letters).
A sports record of 2-1 means two wins and one loss; “loss” completes the logic of the clue.
Quick Tip: Numeric records often relate to "win/loss" statistics in puzzles.
"Hey! Over here!" NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
PSST (4 letters).
“Psst” is a common way to get someone’s attention quietly or discreetly, fitting the clue’s conversational style.
It shares a 27-mile border with 27-Across NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ARMENIA (7 letters).
Armenia shares a short border with Iran (27-Across), fitting the geographic relationship described.
Erupting hot springs NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
GEYSERS (7 letters).
Geysers are hot springs that intermittently shoot water and steam into the air due to underground heat and pressure.
"New and improved" and "For a limited time only" NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ADSPEAK (7 letters).
“Ad speak” refers to language commonly found in advertisements, like “new and improved” or “for a limited time only.”
Kanga's kid in "Winnie-the-Pooh" NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ROO (3 letters).
Roo is the young kangaroo and Kanga’s child in the “Winnie-the-Pooh” stories.
Truth's alternative NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
DARE (4 letters).
In the game “Truth or Dare,” players choose to answer truthfully or take a dare—the two options given.
Where volleyball and racquetball were invented, in brief NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
YMCA (4 letters).
Both volleyball and racquetball have origins tied to the YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association).
Demonym suffix NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ESE (3 letters).
The suffix “-ese” is used in demonyms to form nouns and adjectives indicating people or things from a place, such as “Chinese” or “Japanese.”
Elm and Maple are common ones: Abbr. NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
STS (3 letters).
“Sts.” is the abbreviation for “streets”; Elm and Maple are both commonly used as street names in the U.S.
Grouch NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
CRAB (4 letters).
“Crab” is slang for a grouchy person; crosswords often use animal-to-human descriptive metaphors.
East Coast counterpart to Dreyer's in the freezer aisle NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
EDYS (4 letters).
Edy's is an ice cream brand known as Dreyer's in the western U.S. and Edy's in the east; this is classic brand trivia.
Trampled NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
RANOVER (7 letters).
To be “trampled” is literally to be “run over,” whether by feet or vehicles, fitting the clue's wordplay.
Lacking principles NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
AMORAL (6 letters).
Someone “amoral” lacks a moral sense, indifferent to right and wrong—straightforward vocabulary clue.
Elder son of Isaac NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ESAU (4 letters).
Esau is the elder son of Isaac and Rebekah in the Bible; Jacob is his younger brother.
Positive swings NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
UPS (3 letters).
“Ups” refer to positive changes or “swings” in fortune, mood, or the stock market, a classic plural noun clue.
More than 2,000 years ago, for short NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
BCE (3 letters).
“BCE” stands for “Before Common Era,” referencing dates more than 2,000 years ago on the historical timeline.
Quick Tip: “For short” signals abbreviations in crossword clues.
23andMe mailing NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
DNAKIT (6 letters).
23andMe is a genetic testing company that sends a “DNA kit” for home sample collection and analysis.
Martini or Negroni spirit NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
GIN (3 letters).
Both martinis and Negronis are cocktails that prominently feature gin as the base spirit.
"I can ___" NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
RELATE (6 letters).
“I can relate” is a common phrase expressing empathy or shared experience, fitting the blank in the clue.
Something you can be under when in court NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
OATH (4 letters).
In court, individuals may be placed “under oath,” meaning they are sworn to tell the truth.
Go extinct NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
DIEOUT (6 letters).
To “die out” means to become extinct; this phrasal verb matches the clue.
Somewhat NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ATAD (4 letters).
“At a tad” is a colloquial phrase meaning “somewhat” or “a little.” This slang-like phrase fits the clue context.
Ariana ___, Best Supporting Actress winner for 2021's "West Side Story" NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
DEBOSE (6 letters).
Ariana DeBose won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2021 remake of “West Side Story.”
Receipts NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
GATE (4 letters).
“Gate” is often added to a word to indicate a scandal or controversy, originating from “Watergate.” In internet slang, “receipts” refer to proof or evidence, related to calling out scandals.
Cries of enlightenment NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
AHAS (4 letters).
“Ahas” are exclamations made when someone suddenly understands something—often called “aha moments.”
Official authorization NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
WARRANT (7 letters).
A “warrant” is a legal authorization, often for arrest or search, fitting the clue perfectly.
Conference ___ (college athletic association) NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
USA (3 letters).
The clue refers to the USA College Athletic Association, filling the blank with “USA.”
Brouhahas NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
UPROARS (7 letters).
“Uproars” are noisy commotions or brouhahas, fitting the clue’s plural and synonym structure.
Dresses warmly, with "up" NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
BUNDLES (7 letters).
To “bundle up” is to dress warmly, usually in layers, matching the clue’s verb phrase.
Place to buy a fir at Christmas NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
TREELOT (7 letters).
A “tree lot” is a place that sells Christmas trees (often firs) during the holiday season; straightforward retail clue.
Elaborate NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ADD (3 letters).
To “elaborate” can mean to “add” more details or information; simple synonym logic fits here.
Tundras and deserts, e.g. NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
BIOMES (6 letters).
Tundras and deserts are types of biomes, or large ecological areas defined by climate and organisms.
___ de gallo (Mexican salsa) NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
PICO (4 letters).
“Pico de gallo” is a fresh Mexican salsa; “pico” completes the phrase in this food clue.
Scrutinize NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
VET (3 letters).
To “vet” is to scrutinize, examine carefully, or check credentials.
Like soufflés NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
EGGY (4 letters).
Soufflés are known for their high egg content, so “eggy” describes their main ingredient.
Bog NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
MIRE (4 letters).
A “mire” is a stretch of swampy or boggy ground; concise vocabulary fit.
"10 and up" preceder NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
AGES (4 letters).
“Ages 10 and up” is a common phrasing on board games, toys, and books for recommended age groups.
Degrees of success, for short? NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
PHDS (4 letters).
“PhDs” are academic degrees, and the clue uses “success” as a play on achievement in higher education; “for short?” signals abbreviation.
Course for becoming bilingual, for short NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ESL (3 letters).
ESL stands for “English as a Second Language,” a course designed to help people become bilingual.
Quick Tip: “For short” always indicates an acronym or abbreviation in crossword clues.
Prefix with -morphic NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
ISO (3 letters).
The prefix “iso-” means “equal” or “same” and is paired with “-morphic” to form “isomorphic,” meaning of the same form.
Noggin knock NYT Crossword Clue
Answer
BOP (3 letters).
A “bop” is a light tap or knock, commonly used as slang for hitting one’s head (“noggin”).
