Our guide to the NYT Crossword answers for December 18, 2024, is here to assist you in completing today’s puzzle if you find yourself stuck on a clue. The NYT Crossword is a daily challenge that tests solvers’ vocabulary and knowledge. It’s one of the most popular crosswords globally, known for its tricky clues and clever wordplay. The puzzle appears in the print edition of The New York Times and is also available online.
NYT Crossword December 18, 2024 Answers
If you’re in need of help solving the NYT Crossword on 12/18/24, we’ve listed all the crossword clues below so you can easily find the answers you’re looking for. You can search for the specific clue and then click on it to view the answer. This format ensures that if you’re only seeking help for a few clues, you won’t spoil any other ones you’re still working on!
1A: Flower in a children’s rhyme NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) A bouquet of flowers typically given as a gift.
Answershow
Hint 2: Flower (noun)
- The reproductive organ of angiosperm plants, particularly one with prominent or vibrant parts.
- The peak period of success or productivity.
5A: One of 1,000 for Darryl Strawberry, for short NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) A run earned from the batter’s performance.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Strawberry (noun)
- A smooth, red birthmark.
- Any of several low-growing perennial plants with numerous runners, producing white flowers that give way to edible fruit with many small achenes scattered across the surface of a plump, red, fleshy berry.
8A: Computer connector NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- Television delivered via cable directly to the receiver.
- A medium for transmitting electrical or optical signals, or electrical power.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (verb)
- Send cables, wires, or messages via telegram.
- Secure with a cable.
13A: Orange-and-white rental NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Rental (noun)
- The act of making payment for the use of something, such as an apartment, house, or car.
- Property that is leased, rented, or let.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (adjective) Orange–a colour that falls between red and yellow, resembling the shade of a ripe orange.
15A: Middle-earth foe NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Middle (adjective)
- Equidistant from the extremes.
- Positioned neither at the start nor at the end of a sequence.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Middle (noun)
- An area roughly at the centre of a larger region.
- The central area of the human torso, typically at the front.
16A: Tropical vacation destinations NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Vacation (noun)
- Leisure time spent away from work for relaxation or enjoyment.
- The process of rendering something legally invalid.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Tropical (adjective)
- Pertaining to or located in the tropical region (the area on either side of the equator).
- Referring to weather or climate that is hot and humid, typical of the tropics.
17A: Orange soda brand NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (adjective) Orange–a colour that falls between red and yellow, resembling the hue of a ripe orange.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Brand (noun)
- A title assigned to a product or service.
- A mark of shame or notoriety.
18A: *Mendel studied them NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Mendel–an Augustinian monk and botanist whose research on breeding garden peas ultimately earned him recognition as the founder of genetics (1822–1884).
Answer: show
Hint 2: (adjective) Studied–created or characterized by deliberate intention or planning.
20A: *Disconcert mightily NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Disconcert (verb)
- Cause someone to feel embarrassed.
- Cause someone to lose their composure.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (adverb) Mightily–to a significant extent.
22A: Big night NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- The later part of the day, referring to the time when daylight wanes, from late afternoon until nightfall.
- In the Old Testament, Eve is described as Adam’s wife, the first woman, and the mother of humanity; she was created from one of Adam’s ribs and placed alongside him in the Garden of Eden.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Big (adjective)
- Freely offered.
- Extremely intense.
23A: Something studied by the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program, for short NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) An unidentified flying object, typically believed to have extraterrestrial origins.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to find today’s solution:
FOU
24A: Strong craving NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (verb) Long for something or someone who is absent.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (noun)
- A strong desire for something or to take action.
- The fundamental unit of currency in Japan, equivalent to 100 sen.
25A: Title for the supposed inventor of the sandwich NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) A British nobleman ranked below a marquess and above a viscount.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Supposed (adjective)
- Mainly based on guesswork rather than sufficient evidence.
- Uncertain or questionable.
27A: Cartesian conclusion NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Cartesian–an adherent of Cartesian philosophy.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Conclusion (noun)
- An event that brings something to an end.
- The conclusion reached through logical reasoning (such as the conclusion that follows from the major and minor premises of a syllogism).
29A: Throw in the trash NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- The act of tossing a coin.
- In sports, the action of passing the ball to a teammate.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve for today’s answer:
SOTS
31A: Tons NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Tons–a vast quantity or amount.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Alternative responses previously used:
- LOTS (4 letters)
- GOBS (4 letters)
- ALOT (4 letters)
- SCADS (5 letters)
- OCEANS (6 letters)
- OODLES (6 letters)
36A: Eros, to Aphrodite NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- The sacred word of God; the second person of the Trinity, incarnated as Jesus.
- A male child.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to find today’s answer:
NOS
37A: Olympian’s weapon NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) A fencing sword resembling a foil but with a heavier blade.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Olympian (adjective)
- Far exceeding what is typical in scale or extent.
- Relating to the region of Olympia in Greece or its people.
39A: Characteristic NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) A unique characteristic of your personality.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Characteristic (noun)
- A key characteristic or feature of something.
- Any quantifiable property of a device assessed under precisely defined conditions.
40A: Think before placing a bet … or what solvers must do to fully appreciate each starred clue NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Appreciate (verb)
- Be completely conscious of; understand fully.
- Cherish.
Answer: show
43A: “Take me to your leader” speaker NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- Anyone who is out of place in their surroundings.
- A person from another country; someone who is not a citizen of your country.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (adjective)
- Not inherent or originating from the fundamental nature of something.
- Belonging to or characteristic of a different place or region of the world.
44A: Amazon Handmade competitor NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (adjective) Handmade–crafted by hand or through a manual process.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (noun) Competitor–the competitor you aim to overcome.
45A: Main ingredient in many veggie hot dogs NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- A thin sauce made from fermented soybeans.
- An erect, bushy, hairy annual herb with trifoliate leaves and purple to pink flowers. It is widely cultivated for food, forage, and soil enrichment, particularly for its oil-rich, nutritious seeds. Originally native to Asia.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (noun) Veggie–edible seeds, roots, stems, leaves, bulbs, tubers, or unsweetened fruits from various herbaceous plants.
46A: *Book designer’s concern NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (verb) Provide explanatory notes or offer critical comments.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (noun) A printed note positioned beneath the text on a printed page.
48A: Hammer part NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) The part of a hammerhead opposite the flat striking surface, which can have various shapes.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Hammer (noun)
- A power tool used for drilling through rocks.
- The action of delivering repeated heavy blows.
50A: Sad sound NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- A convulsive gasp taken while crying.
- Derogatory terms used to address people who are foolish, annoying, or ridiculous.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Sound (noun)
- (Phonetics) A distinct sound unit of speech, regardless of whether it is a phoneme in any language.
- The personal experience of hearing something.
51A: Morel support? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- A cylinder forming a long, narrow section of something.
- A slender or elongated structure that supports a plant, fungus, or plant part or organ.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (verb)
- Halt the flow of a liquid.
- Direct inward.
53A: “Check back later,” in brief NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Later (adjective)
- Arriving at a later time or stage.
- At or towards a final or advanced phase of development.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Later (adverb)
- Occurring after a specified point in time.
- At a future moment or stage.
56A: Hypotheticals NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Different answers used in the past:
- WHATIFS (7 letters)
Answer: show
59A: Pep NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- A creative, dynamic style (particularly in writing).
- A strong ability for energetic action.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (noun) Pep–vibrancy and vitality
61A: *Ones with good aim NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Good (noun)
- That which is attractive, beneficial, or practical.
- Goods intended for trade or sale.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (adverb) Good–(Often used as a prefix) In a positive, correct, or satisfactory way, or to a high standard (with “good” being a nonstandard dialectical variant of “well”).
63A: *Mess that might be sticky NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- A situation or state in which you find yourself.
- A position within an organisation.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Sticky (adjective)
- Hot or warm, with humid conditions
- Having a sticky, adhesive-like quality.
66A: Makes tolerable NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Tolerable (adjective)
- Moderate or satisfactory.
- Able to be tolerated or endured.
Answer: show
67A: Change with the times NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (verb) Adapting or conforming oneself to new or different conditions
Answer: show
Hint 2: Change (noun)
- An occurrence where something shifts from one state or phase to another.
- A usually enjoyable change or variation.
68A: Deliverer of the speech “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence,” for short NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Deliverer–a teacher and prophet born in Bethlehem and active in Nazareth, whose life and teachings serve as the foundation of Christianity (c. 4 BC – AD 29).
Answer: show
Hint 2: (noun) Vietnam–a lengthy conflict (1954–1975) between the communist forces of North Vietnam, backed by China, and the South Vietnamese forces, supported by the United States.
69A: First name in cosmetics NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Name (verb)
- Assign a specific (typically proper) name to something.
- Provide or create a list by naming each item individually.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Name (noun)
- A lineage traced through male ancestry.
- An insulting or offensive term.
70A: Response during an eye exam NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (adjective)
- Deteriorated in health or physical condition.
- (Of lower quality, condition, or desirability compared to something else).
Answer: show
Hint 2: (adverb) – (Comparative of “ill”) in a less effective, successful, or desirable way.
71A: Cards NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Cards–a card game.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve for today’s answer:
DIS
72A: “Hey, I’ve got a secret …” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Secret (adjective)
- Not openly made known.
- Carried out with hidden aims or methods.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Secret (noun)
- Something that confounds comprehension and defies explanation.
- Knowledge restricted to a select group.
1D: Like eyes after a good cry NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (adjective)
- Abnormally swollen, typically due to the presence of fluids or gas.
- Inflated, often used to describe hairstyles or clothing.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Like (verb)
- Desire or choose to do something.
- Have an opinion or attitude towards; assess, evaluate, or regard.
2D: Midwest hub NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Midwest–the central region of the United States, often referred to as the heartland or the breadbasket of America.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Hub (noun)
- A hub of activity, interest, commerce, or transportation; a focal point around which events centre.
- The central part of a car wheel (or fan, propeller, etc.) through which the shaft or axle passes.
3D: Southwest point of the Texas Triangle NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Southwest–the southwestern United States, typically encompassing New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and California, and occasionally including Utah and Colorado.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (adverb) Southwest–in the southern-western direction.
4D: Fool, from the Yiddish NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Yiddish–a variety of High German incorporating Hebrew and other words, spoken by many Jews in Europe as a vernacular, and written in the Hebrew script.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Fool (noun)
- A person with poor judgment.
- A court jester employed to entertain a king or nobleman during the Middle Ages.
5D: Understood NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Understood (adjective)
- Suggested by or deduced from actions or statements.
- Completely understood in terms of intent, meaning, or explanation.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Different answers used in the past:
- ISEE (4 letters)
- GOT (3 letters)
- IGOTIT (6 letters)
- IGOTCHA (7 letters)
- IGOTTHAT (8 letters)
- SAW (3 letters)
6D: “It’s so c-c-c-old!” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Old (adjective)
- Experienced through years of practice.
- Belonging to an earlier era.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (noun) Old–bygone days (particularly in the expression “in days of yore”)
7D: Refreshment served with a spoon straw NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Refreshment (noun)
- Rejuvenating activity that restores your health and spirits through enjoyment and relaxation
- Light meals consisting of snacks and drinks
Answer: show
Hint 2: Spoon (noun)
- The amount a spoon can carry
- A utensil with a shallow, bowl-like container and a handle, used for stirring, serving, or scooping food
8D: Film buff NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Buff (verb)
- strike, beat repeatedly
- polish and make shiny
Answer: show
Hint 2: Buff (adjective)
- of the yellowish-beige color of buff leather
9D: Menace hiding in a basket of figs in “Antony and Cleopatra” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- Of southern Europe, similar to but smaller than the adder.
- The cobra was used by the Pharaohs as a symbol of their control over life and death.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve for today’s answer:
PAS
10D: ‘Sacre ___!’ NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Cheese containing a blue mold
Answer: show
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve for today’s answer:
BLUE
11D: Table expander NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- Looking through a book or other written material
- Producing leaves, of plants
Answer: show
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve for today’s answer:
ALEF
12D: Sylvan ____ (electropop duo) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (adjective) Sylvan–relating to or characteristic of wooded regions
Answer: show
Hint 2: Duo (noun)
- Two performers or singers who perform together
- Two items of the same kind
14D: Vegges out NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Out (adjective)
- Knocked unconscious by a heavy blow
- Excluded from use or mention
Answer: show
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve for today’s answer:
ZEALS
19D: Satanic NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- Morally objectionable behavior
- The quality of being morally wrong in principle or practice
Answer: show
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve for today’s answer:
LIVE
21D: Zapped with light NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Light (noun)
- The quality of being bright; emitting or reflecting light
- Characterised by an abundance of light or illumination
Answer: show
Hint 2: Light (adjective)
- Fragile and prone to fainting
- Characterised by moderation in indulgence
26D: Ophelia’s vengeful brother in “Hamlet” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) (Greek mythology) the father of Odysseus
Answer: show
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve for today’s answer:
ELATERS
28D: Eeyore-like NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (adjective) Showing a brooding ill humor.
Answer: show
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve for today’s answer:
ROMEOS
30D: Beginnings. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Answers used in the past:
- OUTSETS (7 letters)
- ROOTS (5 letters)
- ORIGINS (7 letters)
Answer: show
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve for today’s answer:
SETONS
32D: Gives permission to NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Permission (noun)
- The act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization
- Approval to do something
Answer: show
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve for today’s answer:
STEL
33D: Parts of many home inspections NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (adjective) Many–a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by `as’ or `too’ or `so’ or `that’; amounting to a large but indefinite number
Answer: show
34D: In good order NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (verb) Put (things or places) in order
Answer: show
Hint 2: (adjective)
- (Of hair) neat and tidy
- Large in amount or extent or degree
35D: Pike and Pine, in Seattle: Abbr. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Pike–a broad highway designed for high-speed traffic
any of several elongate long-snouted freshwater game and food fishes widely distributed in cooler parts of the northern hemisphere
Answer: show
Hint 2: (noun) Seattle–a major port of entry and the largest city in Washington; located in west central Washington on the protected waters of Puget Sound with the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier visible to the south and east; an aerospace and computer center; site of the University of Washington
36D: Brand of party cups NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (adverb) Without anybody else or anything else
Answer: show
Hint 2: (noun) A flight in which the aircraft pilot is unaccompanied
a musical composition for one voice or instrument (with or without accompaniment)
38D: Actress Amanda NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Actress–a female actor
Answer: show
40D: Lunchroom, casually NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Lunchroom–a restaurant (in a facility) where lunch can be purchased
Answer: show
Hint 2: (adverb) Casually–in an unconcerned manner
41D: Think outside the box NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (verb) Bring something new to an environment
Answer: show
Hint 2: Outside (noun)
- The region that is outside of something
- The outer side or surface of something
42D: Like many kids post-Halloween NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Halloween–the evening before All Saints’ Day; often devoted to pranks played by young people
Answer: show
Hint 2: (verb) Verb–prefer or wish to do something
47D: In memoriam piece NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) A notice of someone’s death; usually includes a short biography
Answer: show
Hint 2: Piece (verb)
- Repair by adding pieces
- Eat intermittently; take small bites of
49D: Play the host NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) A person who acts as host at formal occasions (makes an introductory speech and introduces other speakers)
Answer: show
Hint 2: (verb) Act as a master of ceremonies
52D: Sleeveless shirts, informally NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (adjective) Sleeveless–unproductive of success
Answer: show
Hint 2: (adverb) Informally–with the use of colloquial expressions
54D: Longtime Saints QB whose name has a windy homophone NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Homophone–two words are homophones if they are pronounced the same way but differ in meaning or spelling or both (e.g. bare and bear)
Answer: show
Hint 2: (adjective) Longtime–having existed or persisted or continued in a particular role or state for a long time
55D: Item in the plus column NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) A useful or valuable quality
Answer: show
Hint 2: Column (noun)
- An article giving opinions or perspectives
- Anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower
56D: You don’t have to tell me! NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Tell (verb)
- Give instructions to or direct somebody to do something with authority
- Give evidence
Answer: show
Hint 2: (noun) Tell–a Swiss patriot who lived in the early 14th century and who was renowned for his skill as an archer; according to legend an Austrian governor compelled him to shoot an apple from his son’s head with his crossbow (which he did successfully without mishap)
57D: Classic pet name NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Classic (adjective)
- Of or relating to the first significant period of a civilization, culture, area of study, etc.
- Well-known and long-established in form or style
Answer: show
Hint 2: Classic (noun)
- A creation of the highest excellence
- An artist who has created classic works
58D: Hollywood Boulevard sight NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (verb)
- Mark with an asterisk
- Be the star in a performance
Answer: show
Hint 2: (noun)
- A star-shaped character * used in printing
- The topology of a network whose components are connected to a hub
60D: “Rent” character based on a seamstress in “La Bohème” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Seamstress–someone who designs or repairs dresses.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (noun) Character–a formal reference from a previous employer to a prospective employer, outlining the individual’s qualifications and reliability.
62D: Hinged fastener NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) A fastening mechanism for a door or lid, where a hinged metal plate covers a staple and is secured with a pin or padlock.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (verb) To secure or lock with a hasp.
64D: Sending help? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun) Sending–the act of sending something, especially messages.
Answer: show
Hint 2: (noun) Help–a person who adds to the fulfillment of a particular need or towards an effort or purpose
65D: Not funny anymore NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (adjective)
- Skilled through extensive experience
- Belonging to an earlier time
Answer: show
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer:
