NYT Crossword December 28 2024 Answers (12/28/24)

Our guide to the NYT Crossword answers for December 28, 2024, is here to help you solve today’s puzzle if you’re feeling stuck. The New York Times Crossword is a daily challenge that tests solvers’ knowledge and vocabulary, renowned for its tough clues and clever wordplay. Available both in print and online, this popular puzzle is a favourite among crossword enthusiasts worldwide.

If you’re in need of assistance with the December 28, 2024, NYT Crossword, we’ve compiled all the clues and answers below. You can easily find the specific clue you’re working on and check the corresponding answer. This format allows you to focus on just the clues you need help with without accidentally revealing solutions to others you’re still solving!

1A: Fans flip for it NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Flip (noun)

• The action of tossing a coin.
• An acrobatic maneuver where the body rolls over the head (either forwards or backwards) and returns to an upright position.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Flip (verb)

• To quickly browse through a book or other written material.
• To change direction, attitude, or course of action.

11A: Deflection technique NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Deflection (noun)

• The movement of a measuring instrument’s pointer or pen from its initial zero position.
• The degree to which a propagating wave is bent.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Technique (noun)

• Proficiency in mastering basic principles through practice and experience.
• A practical approach or method applied to a specific task.

13A: Iconic accessory worn by 1-Down NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Accessory (noun)

• An item of clothing or personal item worn or carried that is not part of the main outfit.
• A supplementary element that enhances functionality or capability.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Accessory (adjective)

• Assisting or supporting in the commission of a crime.
• Providing additional support or reinforcement.

15A: Acts human, proverbially NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Human (noun)

• Any living or extinct member of the Hominidae family, distinguished by advanced intelligence, the ability to speak clearly, and an upright posture.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Human (adjective)

• Possessing qualities or characteristics typical of humans, as opposed to those of animals or deities.

16A: Medical container NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Medical (adjective)

• Relating to Aesculapius or the practice of healing.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Medical (noun)

• A comprehensive physical examination, involving various tests based on the individual’s age, gender, and health condition.

17A: Infamous bushranger Kelly NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Infamous (adjective)

• Widely known, typically in a negative light.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Kelly (noun)

• A United States circus clown (1898–1979) and a dancer renowned for her performances in numerous musical films (1912–1996).

19A: Hand-drawn frame NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Drawn (adjective)

• Displaying signs of exhaustion or distress due to overwork, worry, or suffering.
• Having curtains or draperies closed or drawn shut.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Frame (noun)

• A set of assumptions and standards that regulate behavior and provide it with meaning.
• In baseball, one of the nine periods of play where each team takes its turn to bat.

20A: Posthumous title NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (verb)

• To officially declare a deceased person a saint.
• To regard as sacred.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (noun)

• A person of extraordinary holiness.
• A model of excellence or perfection, unmatched by any other.

22A: Far from floor-reaching NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (noun)

• A skirt that is very short in length.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (adjective)

• Describing women’s clothing with a hemline that falls above the knee.

23A: One for the books, in brief? NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Brief (noun)

• A document outlining the facts and legal points of a client’s case.
• A condensed summary or abstract.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Brief (adjective)

• (Of clothing) extremely short in length.
• Concise and to the point.

24A: Hurt NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Hurt (noun)

• The act of causing harm or injury to something or someone.
• Damage or loss.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Hurt (verb)

• To experience physical pain.
• To cause emotional distress or make someone miserable.

25A: Feature of English, but not Chinese NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: English (noun)

• An Indo-European language from the West Germanic branch, serving as the official language of Britain, the United States, and most Commonwealth countries.
• The people of England.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Feature (noun)

• A notable characteristic or aspect of something.
• The main (full-length) film in a movie theater program.

26A: Narrative thread NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Narrative (noun)

• A message that recounts the details of an event, action, or series of events, presented through writing, drama, film, or as a radio or television program.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Narrative (adjective)

• Relating to or defined by the telling of a story.

27A: Classic red rubber dog toyNYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Rubber (noun)

• An eraser made from rubber (or a synthetic material with similar properties), often attached to the end of a pencil.
• A waterproof overshoe designed to protect shoes from water or snow.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Rubber (verb)

• To coat or treat something with rubber.

28A: Get lost NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Lost (adjective)

• Engrossed in thought.
• Beyond the grasp of the senses or the mind.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Lost (noun)

• Individuals who are near death.

29A: Manage NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Manage (verb)

• Watch and direct
• Carry on or function

Answer:

show

Hint 2: Answers used in the past:

• RUN (3 letters)
• OVERSEE (7 letters)
• SEETO (5 letters)
• STEWARD (7 letters)
• COPE (4 letters)
• OPERATE (7 letters)

31A: Call to a crew NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Crew (noun)

• An informal group of friends.
• An organized team of workers.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Crew (verb)

• To work as a member of a crew.

32A: Letter-shaped apparel NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Letter (noun)

• The standard characters of the alphabet used to represent speech.
• An award given for participation in a school sport.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Letter (verb)

• To mark with letters or inscribe letters on something.
• To write or print using letters.

33A: Unit cost? NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (verb)

• To grant the use or occupation of something under a contractual agreement.
• To rent out for money.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (noun)

• An opening created by force, such as by pulling something apart.
• The extra return gained from cultivated land compared to the poorest land under similar conditions.

34A: Tree creature of fiction NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Creature (noun)

• A person who is controlled by others and used to carry out unpleasant or dishonest tasks.
• A human being; “wight” is an old-fashioned term.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Fiction (noun)

• A deliberately fabricated or unlikely story.
• A literary work created from imagination, not necessarily based on factual events.

36A: Wanting NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (adjective)

• Insufficient in quantity to satisfy a need.
• Characterized by brusque or curt behaviour.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (verb)

• To deceive someone by not returning the correct amount of money.
• To cause a short circuit in.

37A: Singles, say NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Singles (noun)

• Badminton played with one player on each side.
• Tennis played with one player on each side.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Say (verb)

• To express or contain a specific wording or form.
• To give authoritative instructions or direct someone to do something.

38A: Juilliard offering, in brief NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (noun)

• A master’s degree in fine arts

Answer:

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Hint 2: Offering (noun)

• The act of donating to the funds of a church or charity.
• An offering, such as a proposal or bid.

39A: + or – NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (noun)

• A contact point on an electrical device (such as a battery) where electric current enters or exits.
• A square-shaped plot of land.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (verb)

• To propel using a pole.
• To deoxidize molten metals by stirring them with a wooden pole.

40A: Compromises NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (noun)

• Pain caused by a sudden change in pressure.

Answer:

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41A: Birth control option NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (noun)

• A contraceptive device made of bent plastic or metal, inserted through the vagina into the uterus.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer:

DUI

42A: Simple operation NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1:(verb)

• Calculate the total of
• Be a synopsis of

Answer:

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Hint 2: (noun)

• The ultimate total
• A set that includes exactly all the elements from two or more specified sets

43A: Jenkins known as “The First Lady of Children’s Music”

Hint 1: Known (adjective)

• Apprehended with certainty

Answer:

show

Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer:

LEAL

44A: Kind of vaccine NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (noun)

• The type of RNA that transfers genetic information from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosome sites for protein synthesis in the cell.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Answer used in the past:

• SALK (4 letters)

45A: Sesquipedalia NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (noun)

• Long, complex terms that might cost you a pretty penny to use in conversation.

Answer:

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50A: Some celebrity memorabilia NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Memorabilia (noun)

• Items or objects that serve as a reminder of significant or memorable events.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Celebrity (noun)

• The condition of being famous and highly praised; a person who is widely recognized.

51A: Current from currents NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Current (noun)

• A continuous movement of a fluid, typically caused by natural forces.
• The flow of electricity through a conductor.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Current (adjective)

• Happening now or relevant to the present time.

1D: Guinness’s second-most-portrayed literary character in film, after Dracula NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Portrayed (adjective)

• Depicted visually through sketches, designs, or lines

Answer:

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Hint 2: Character (noun)

• A formal endorsement from a previous employer to a prospective one, detailing the individual’s qualifications and reliability
• A person with distinctive qualities, often marked by eccentric traits

2D: Target scores NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Scores (noun)

• A vast quantity or numerous amount

Answer:

show

Hint 2: Target (noun)

• The specific point or area to be hit
• The objective aimed for, considered achievable

3D: They start with coin tosses, in brief NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Start (verb)

• Begin or initiate
• Protrude outward

Answer:

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Hint 2: Start (noun)

• The scheduled moment when something is meant to begin
• A marker indicating the beginning point of a race or game

4D: Singer in the family? NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (noun)

• A person who works (or supplies workers) during a strike
• An individual considered despicable or contemptible

Answer:

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Hint 2: (verb)

• To replace someone on strike in their job
• To disclose information about someone

5D: Schedule inits. NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Schedule (noun)

• A plan that organizes activities or events in relation to time.
• A list of specific times when events are intended to take place.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Schedule (verb)

• To create a schedule; arrange the timing and location of events.
• To plan or arrange for an event or activity.

6D: What are you doing? NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (noun)

• Finding a solution to a problem

Answer:

show

Hint 2: Other answers used in the past:

• HEY (3 letters)
• NONONO (6 letters)

7D: First trimester woe, informally NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Trimester (noun)

• A span of three months, particularly one of the three stages in human pregnancy.
• One of the three terms that make up an academic year.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Informally (adverb)

• Using casual or everyday language.

8D: Bothered NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Bothered (adjective)

• Caused to show discomposure

Answer:

show

Hint 2: Answer used in the past:

• IRKED (5 letters)

9D: Part of some superhero names NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (noun)

• A girl or young woman with whom a man is in a romantic relationship.
• A young female individual.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Part (noun)

• The effort put in by an individual to achieve a result.
• The tasks and responsibilities assigned to, required of, or expected from an individual or group.

10D: What’s left of F1 NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Left (noun)

• The hand located on the left side of the body.
• The area of the outfield to the left of the catcher.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Left (adjective)

• Not exhausted or consumed.
• Designed for use with the left hand.

11D: “Sorry, that’s the last one” NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Sorry (adjective)

• Regrettable; unfortunate.
• Bringing about sadness or disappointment.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Last (verb)

• Endure for a certain period of time.
• Survive and avoid death.

12D: One asked “to change his ways,” per a 1988 hit NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Change (verb)

• Set aside, relinquish, or leave for something else.
• Cause something to alter; make it different; bring about a transformation.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Change (noun)

• An occurrence where something transitions from one state or phase to another.
• A difference that is typically positive or beneficial.

13D: Label that first signed the Rolling Stones NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Signed (adjective)

• Referring to the language used by the deaf.
• Bearing a handwritten signature.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Rolling (noun)

• A long, resonant sound, such as thunder or the ringing of large bells.
• The act of moving something using wheels.

14D: Sources of retirement income NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Income (noun)

• The monetary gain, whether earned or unearned, accumulated over a specific period.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Retirement (noun)

• A period of withdrawal for prayer, study, or meditation.
• The condition of having withdrawn from one’s profession or occupation.

18D: Paleolithic, for example NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• The practice of limiting food consumption or avoiding specific types of food.
• A legislative body in certain nations (e.g., Japan).

Answer:

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Hint 2: (verb)

• Consume food in moderation for health or weight-loss purposes.
• Adhere to a dietary regimen for health reasons.

20D: Strong draft NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (adjective)

• Possessing robust physical strength, accustomed to enduring fatigue or challenges.
• Reliable and trustworthy.

Answer:

show

Hint 2: (noun)

• A clothing size designed for individuals who are large or heavyset.
• A rich, dark, full-bodied ale crafted using pale malt, roasted unmalted barley, and sometimes caramel malt with hops.

21D: Hilda or Zelda, to Sabrina the Teenage Witch NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• The sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

Answer:

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Hint 2: Teenage (adjective)

• Being of the age 13 through 19

22D: Beverage that begins with a bee? NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• An American anthropologist (1901–1978) renowned for her research on adolescence and sexual practices in Polynesian cultures.
• An American philosopher (1863–1931) recognised for his contributions to pragmatism.

Answer:

show

Hint 2: Beverage (noun)

• Any liquid suitable for drinking

24D: Hybrid sportswear NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Sportswear (noun)

• Clothing designed for athletic activities or casual use.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Hybrid (noun)

• A word formed by combining elements from different languages (e.g., “monolingual,” which has a Greek prefix and a Latin root).
• (Genetics) An organism resulting from the crossbreeding of genetically distinct parents or stock, often involving different varieties, breeds, or species of plants or animals.

25D: Gear that’s a homophone of 25-Across NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Homophone (noun)

• Two words that share the same pronunciation but differ in meaning, spelling, or both (e.g., bare and bear).

Answer:

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Hint 2: Across (adverb)

• In a transverse direction.

28D: Fringe : British English :: ___ : American English NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: British (noun)

• The inhabitants of Great Britain.

Answer:

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Hint 2: English (noun)

• A West Germanic language of the Indo-European family, serving as the official language of Britain, the United States, and many Commonwealth nations.
• The people of England.

30D: Snakes were famously driven from it, in legend NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Famously (adverb)

• Exceptionally well-known or widely recognised.

Answer:

show

Hint 2: Driven (adjective)

• Compelled to act by moral obligation or deeply motivated to achieve success.

31D: Impart NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (verb)

• To grant or impart a quality.
• To provide something temporarily or allow its use for a limited period.

Answer:

show

Hint 2: Answers used in the past:

• LENDS (5 letters)
• BESTOW (6 letters)

32D: There are nine in a shot glass: Abbr. NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Glass (noun)

• A mirror, typically a lady’s dressing mirror.
• A small telescope that uses lenses to focus light.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Glass (verb)

• To encase in glass.
• To take on a glass-like, shiny appearance.

33D: World’s highest-paid athlete in 2024 NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Athlete (noun)

• A person trained to compete in sports

Answer:

show

Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer:

LARDOON

35D: Cues for applause NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Applause (noun)

• A demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together

Answer:

show

37D: One side of a deal NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• Someone who promotes or exchanges goods or services for money

Answer:

show

40D: Lightheaded? NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• A pale grayish-yellow to almost white color.
• A person with fair skin and hair.

Answer:

show

Hint 2: (adjective)

• Having light-colored skin and hair, typically accompanied by blue or gray eyes.

43D: High-strung NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (adjective)

• Being in a tense state

Answer:

show

Hint 2: High-strung (adjective)

• Being in a tense state.

44D: Bit of dust NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Dust (noun)

• The remnants of something that has been shattered or demolished.
• A fine, powdery substance like dry earth or pollen that can be carried by the air.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Dust (verb)

• To scatter lightly.
• To lightly cover with a thin layer of a substance.

46D: Major inits. in biomedical research NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• An agency within the Department of Health and Human Services dedicated to using science to advance knowledge and enhance human health; it is the primary biomedical research agency of the federal government.

Answer:

show

Hint 2: Research (verb)

• Investigate
• Make an effort to discover in a systematic and scientific way.

47D: Clock, e.g. NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Clock (verb)

• To record the time or duration of an event or action, or to track the performance of a person within a specific time frame.

Answer:

show

Hint 2: Clock (noun)

• A device that displays the time of day.

48D: Corinthian character NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet

Answer:

show

Hint 2: Character (noun)

• A formal letter of recommendation from a previous employer to a prospective employer, outlining the individual’s qualifications and reliability.
• A person of a particular type, often characterized by numerous eccentric traits.

49D: “Neat!” NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• A joke that is perceived as exceptionally humorous.

Answer:

show

Hint 2: (verb)

• To leave a strong impression.