NYT Crossword December 30 2024 Answers (12/30/24)

Our guide to the NYT Crossword for December 30, 2024, is here to help you crack today’s puzzle if you’re stumped on a tricky clue. Renowned for its clever wordplay and challenging prompts, the New York Times Crossword is a daily favourite for puzzle enthusiasts worldwide. It appears both in the print edition of The New York Times and online.

NYT Crossword Answers for December 30, 2024

If you’re struggling with the NYT Crossword for 30th December 2024, we’ve compiled all the clues and answers below. Simply search for the clue you’re stuck on, and you’ll find the corresponding solution without accidentally revealing other answers you’re still working on!

1A: Brainy NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (adjective)

• Overly forward or audacious in behaviour.
• Marked by a natural aptitude and ease in learning.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (noun)

• A type of discomfort, often associated with injuries like burns, wounds, or sores.

6A: Wacky NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• A man who is utterly foolish or inept.
• A comic figure from traditional plays, known for mimicking others to create humour.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (adjective)

• Absurd or ridiculous.
• Resembling the traits or behaviour of a clown.

10A: Desktop computer that might run Sonoma or Sequoia NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Sequoia (noun)

• One of two towering coniferous trees native to California, capable of growing up to 300 feet tall; occasionally classified under the Taxodiaceae family.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Desktop (noun)

• In computing, the part of a graphical user interface where icons and windows are displayed.
• The flat surface at the top of a desk.

14A: Choir member NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• The overall essence or main idea of a statement or expression.
• The adult male singing voice that lies above baritone in range.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (adjective)

• Describing a musical instrument with a pitch range between alto and baritone or bass.
• Relating to or near the upper range of the natural adult male voice.

15A: Writer Wiesel NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Wiesel (noun)

• An American author of Romanian origin, a Holocaust survivor committed to preserving the memory of the Holocaust; born in 1928.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Writer (noun)

• Someone who creates books, stories, articles, or similar works as a profession.
• A person capable of writing and having produced written work.

16A: Forbidden NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Forbidden (adjective)

• Excluded from use or mention

Answer:

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

GOON

17A: Waiter’s imperative after bringing food NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Imperative (noun)

• A grammatical mood used to convey commands or influence the behaviour of the listener.
• An essential and urgent obligation or responsibility.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Imperative (adjective)

• Pertaining to verbs in the command-giving mood.
• Demanding immediate attention or action.

18A: Flower that reflects yellow when held under one’s chin NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• Any plant belonging to the Ranunculus genus.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Flower (verb)

• Produce or yield flowers.

20A: It might have a twist or hole NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Twist (verb)

• To move abruptly in a way that causes a sprain.
• To bend or deform a plastic object into a crooked or angular shape.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Twist (noun)

• A sudden strain affecting muscles or ligaments.
• The act of rotating or turning in place.

21A: What a sleeve covers NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• Any tool or device employed in combat or hunting.
• A structure or extension resembling a human arm.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (verb)

• To ready oneself for a military conflict.
• To equip with weapons or armaments.

22A: “Don’t worry about me!” NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Worry (verb)

• To occupy one’s thoughts.
• To feel concern about something.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Worry (noun)

• A person or thing that causes distress or anxiety.
• An intense feeling of unease or apprehension.

23A: Primitive timer NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Primitive (noun)

• A person living in an early stage of civilization.
• A mathematical expression from which another is derived.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Primitive (adjective)

• Created by someone without formal training; simplistic or naive in style.
• Not much evolved from, or characteristic of, an earlier ancestral form.

26A: Surface for doing exercises NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (verb)

• To twist or intertwine into a tangled mass.
• To alter the texture, making it matted or felt-like.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (noun)

• A frame or border that serves as a backdrop for a picture.
• A reinforced concrete foundation, typically laid on soft ground.

27A: Globes NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer:

BROS

Answer:

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28A: Going out romantically NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Going (noun)

• The act of leaving or departing.
• Euphemisms referring to death.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Going (adjective)

• Operating at full capacity or functioning.

32A: #1 pal NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Pal (noun)

• A close friend who joins in activities with others.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Pal (verb)

• To form a friendship; to treat someone in a friendly manner.

35A: Language suffix NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Suffix (noun)

• An affix added to the end of a word.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Suffix (verb)

• To add a suffix to a word.

36A: Father NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Father (noun)

• A title used to address priests in certain churches, particularly in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions; “Padre” is often used in the military.
• A male parent; also used as a term of address for one’s father.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Father (verb)

• To produce offspring through reproduction.

37A: Music genre prefix NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• The angular distance of a celestial object above the horizon.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Answer used in the past:

• NEO (3 letters)

38A: N.F.L. all-star game NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Star (verb)

• To mark with an asterisk.
• To play a leading role in a performance.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Star (adjective)

• Denoting the most prominent performer or role.

41A: Texter’s reaction to a joke NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Reaction (noun)

• In chemistry, a process where one or more substances are transformed into different substances.
• A bodily response triggered by a previous stimulus or agent.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Joke (noun)

• A humorous or absurd action performed for entertainment.
• An activity marked by light-heartedness and good humour.

42A: Some beers NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer:

LASE

Answer:

show

44A: Bathroom fixture NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Bathroom (noun)

• A room or building containing one or more toilets.
• A room in a residence with a bathtub or shower, typically including a washbasin and toilet.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Fixture (noun)

• The state of being securely attached or fixed in place.
• The process of restoring something to proper working condition.

45A: Clinks a glass and gives a speech to NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Glass (noun)

• A mirror, typically a small one used for personal grooming.
• A small refracting telescope.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Glass (verb)

• To enclose something with glass.
• To become glassy or acquire a glass-like appearance.

47A: Indian pastries with savory fillings NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Indian (noun)

• Any language spoken by Indigenous peoples of the Americas.
• A person who is a native or resident of India.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Indian (adjective)

• Relating to Native Americans, their culture, or their languages.

49A: Obnoxious person, informally NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (verb)

• To drive aimlessly in a car for enjoyment.
• To operate a vehicle.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (noun)

• The method or means through which an action is carried out.
• A person who is manipulated by others to carry out unpleasant or dishonest tasks.

50A: “All you need is love and a ___” (old saying) NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Saying (noun)

• A word or phrase commonly used by certain people in specific situations.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Need (verb)

• To require or have a necessity for something.
• To consider something essential, useful, or appropriate.

51A: Place for policy wonks NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Policy (noun)

• A written insurance contract or certificate.
• A rationale or course of action taken by a government, often based on a particular line of reasoning.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Place (noun)

• A position or role within an organization.
• A specific location defined by its relation to the surface features of a region.

56A: Huge to-dos NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: DOS (noun)

• An operating system stored on a disk.
• The U.S. federal department responsible for formulating and maintaining foreign policies.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Huge (adjective)

• Exceptionally large in size, amount, degree, or scope.

59A: “Sounds good!” NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Good (noun)

• Something that is pleasing, valuable, or useful.
• Commercial products or goods.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Good (adjective)

• Having a close or intimate relationship.
• Exerting a positive force or influence.

60A: Norse god of war and death NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Norse (adjective)

• Relating to Norway, its people, culture, or language.
• Pertaining to Scandinavia or its peoples and cultures.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Norse (noun)

• A person native to or residing in Norway.
• The northern branch of the Germanic language family spoken in Scandinavia and Iceland.

61A: Make logical sense … or what the ends of 18-, 23-, 38- and 51-Across do NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Logical (adjective)

• Founded on established statements, events, or conditions.
• Characterized by a well-organized, coherent, and aesthetically consistent relationship of elements.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Across (adverb)

• In a transversely directed manner.

63A: Grammarian’s concern NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Grammarian (noun)

• A linguist who focuses on the study of grammar and syntax.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Concern (verb)

• To occupy one’s thoughts.
• To be related or relevant to something.

64A: Troubles NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Answers used in the past:

• CARES (5 letters)
• NAGSAT (6 letters)
• WOES (4 letters)
• AILS (4 letters)
• WOE (3 letters)
• PERTURBS (8 letters)

Answer:

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

SILL

65A: Number of planets before Pluto was demoted NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• The number obtained by adding eight and one.
• One of the four playing cards in a deck featuring nine pips.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (adjective)

• Referring to a quantity that is one greater than eight and one less than ten.

66A: Food item that might come with lox NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Food (noun)

• Any solid substance used to provide nourishment, as opposed to a liquid.
• Anything that stimulates the mind or encourages thought.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Might (noun)

• Physical strength or power.

67A: El ___, Tex. NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer:

APOS

Answer:

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68A: Exhausted, metaphorically NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (adjective)

• Lacking physical sensation; numb.
• Insensitive or unresponsive, especially when followed by “to” (indicating a lack of human feeling).

Answer:

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Hint 2: (adverb)

• Suddenly and without prior warning.
• Completely and without reservation; often used informally for emphasis.

69A: Put forth, as effort NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Effort (noun)

• Serious and diligent activity aimed at achieving a goal.
• The application of physical or mental energy; hard work.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Forth (adverb)

• Moving forward in time, order, or degree.
• From a specific location, thing, or position (though “forth” is now considered obsolete in this context).

1D: Basketball star Curry NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Basketball (noun)

• A sport played on a court by two teams of five players, where points are scored by shooting the ball through an elevated hoop.
• An inflated ball used in the game of basketball.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Curry (verb)

• To give a tidy or neat appearance to.
• To season food with a blend of spices, typically associated with Indian cuisine.

2D: ___ Park, location of Edison’s first major laboratory NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Laboratory (noun)

• An area that resembles a laboratory, offering opportunities for observation, practice, and experimentation.
• A workplace dedicated to scientific research.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Edison (noun)

• A U.S. inventor known for creating the phonograph, incandescent electric light, microphone, and Kinetoscope (1847-1931).

3D: Type of pear NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Pear (noun)

• A tree native to the Old World, bearing sweet, gritty-textured, juicy fruit, cultivated in various varieties.
• The sweet, juicy, gritty-textured fruit, available in numerous varieties.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Type (noun)

• A person of a particular kind, often with many eccentric traits.
• All instances of the same symbol or category.

4D: Plant affliction that’s below ground NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Affliction (noun)

• A source of significant suffering and hardship.
• A state of distress or suffering caused by illness.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Ground (noun)

• The upper layer of earth where plants can grow, particularly regarding its quality or use.
• The background part of a scene or picture, lying behind the objects in the foreground.

5D: Attempt NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Attempt (verb)

• To make an effort or try.
• To begin an activity or undertaking.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Attempt (noun)

• The act of making an attack.
• A serious and diligent effort aimed at achieving something.

6D: Creatures that are actually black with white stripes NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Actually (adverb)

• In reality or fact.
• Used to suggest that the situation is contrary to what one might expect; surprisingly.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Stripes (noun)

• A V-shaped sleeve badge used to denote military rank and service.

7D: What grads become NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Become (verb)

• Experience a transformation or evolution.
• Improve or beautify the appearance of.

Answer:

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

LUMAS

8D: Tiny complaint NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Tiny (adjective)

• Extremely small.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Complaint (noun)

• A legal document outlining a wrong or offense (in criminal law).
• A persistent bodily issue or illness; a reason for complaining.

9D: Abominable Snowman NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Abominable (adjective)

• Clearly detestable or repulsive.
• Exceptionally unpleasant or disagreeable.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Snowman (noun)

• A figure shaped like a person, made from packed snow.

10D: Advances NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer:

ORDAINS

Answer:

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11D: Shirley Temple and Virgin Bloody Mary, for two NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Virgin (noun)

• In astrology, a person born under the sign of Virgo, which spans from approximately August 23 to September 22.
• The sixth sign of the zodiac, associated with this time period.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Virgin (adjective)

• In a state of sexual innocence or virginity.
• Being used or worked for the first time.

12D: H2O, in Mexico NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: H2O (noun)

• A binary compound that is a clear, colorless, odorless, and tasteless liquid at room temperature; freezes into ice below 0°C and boils above 100°C; commonly used as a solvent.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Mexico (noun)

• A republic located in southern North America, which gained independence from Spain in 1810.

13D: “I understand you” NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (noun)

• A reproduction of a written document, such as a legal or school record.
• Material intended for printing, excluding graphical content.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (verb)

• To reproduce or create an exact copy of something.
• To make a replica of.

19D: Character described by Austen as “a heroine whom no one but myself will much like” NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Described (adjective)

• Represented in words, often with precision and detail.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Character (noun)

• A formal reference or recommendation from a previous employer, detailing a person’s qualifications and reliability.
• A person of a particular type, often with distinct or eccentric traits.

21D: Canadian province that’s home to the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Province (noun)

• The area or territory that forms a part of a country’s administrative districts.
• The specific range or scope of your activities.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Canadian (noun)

• A river originating in northeastern New Mexico, flowing eastward through the Texas panhandle and becoming a tributary of the Arkansas River in Oklahoma.
• A person who is a native or resident of Canada.

24D: Grasp tightly NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (verb)

• To seize or hold firmly, as in a wrestling match.
• To immobilize, either with a fixed gaze or by inducing fear or awe.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (noun)

• A portable, rectangular container used for carrying clothes.
• The resistance encountered between a moving body and the surface it moves on, such as the friction between a car tire and the road.

25D: Meh NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Answers used in the past:

• SHRUG (5 letters)
• BLAH (4 letters)
• NOTSOGREAT (10 letters)

Answer:

show

29D: Units of force NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Force (noun)

• A law that is legally valid or enforceable.
• A group of individuals ready to follow orders.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Force (verb)

• To compel someone to act through pressure or necessity, whether physically, morally, or intellectually.
• To push someone into or out of a particular action or state, either literally or figuratively.

30D: Gait faster than a walk but slower than a canter NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (verb)

• To move at a moderate, brisk pace.
• To make someone trot.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (noun)

• A slow running pace.
• A direct, word-for-word translation used in learning a foreign language, often improperly.

31D: Snakelike fish NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Snakelike (adjective)

• Having a form or appearance similar to that of a serpent.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Fish (noun)

• In astrology, a person is born under the sign of Pisces.
• The twelfth sign of the zodiac, with the sun in this sign from approximately February 19 to March 20.

32D: Sheep sounds NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Sheep (noun)

• A submissive and impressionable person who prefers to follow rather than make independent decisions.
• A timid, defenseless individual who is easily exploited or taken advantage of.

Answer:

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

ABAS

33D: “Enchanted” girl in a Gail Carson Levine book NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Enchanted (adjective)

• Affected or influenced, as if by magic or charm.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Carson (noun)

• A U.S. frontiersman who guided Fremont’s expeditions in the 1840s and later served as a Union general during the American Civil War (1809-1868).
• A U.S. biologist known for her strong opposition to harmful pesticide use that endangered wildlife (1907-1964).

34D: Biomedical building blocks NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Building (noun)

• The business of restoring old buildings or building new ones.
• The process of creating or building something.

Answer:

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35D: Recede, as the tide NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (noun)

• A gradual decrease in size, strength, power, or number.
• The outward movement of the tide.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (verb)

• To flow back or retreat.
• To diminish or decline.

39D: Remove from office NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Office (noun)

• A position or role within an organization.
• The duties and tasks assigned or expected of an individual or group.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Remove (verb)

• To take away or eliminate something, either physically (by lifting, pushing, or taking off) or abstractly.
• To intentionally and premeditatedly cause the death of someone or something.

40D: Cry made while pointing NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (verb)

• To assume responsibility for or handle something.
• To trust or have confidence in someone or something.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (noun)

• The overall mood or atmosphere of a place or situation and its impact on individuals.
• The emotions conveyed through a person’s facial expression.

43D: No-goodnik NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Answers used in the past:

• BADEGG (6 letters)
• RAT (3 letters)
• LOUSE (5 letters)
• CAD (3 letters)
• JERK (4 letters)

Answer:

show

46D: Jazz combo instrument NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Instrument (verb)

• To compose or create an instrumental music score for.
• To officially address or prepare a legal document.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Instrument (noun)

• A device or tool used to produce musical sounds or tones.
• A means or method by which an action is carried out.

48D: Dish served from a crockpot NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (verb)

• To sulk or be silent, often out of frustration.
• To hold a grudge or nurture negative feelings.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (noun)

• Distress or agitation caused by ongoing worry.
• A dish, typically made by stewing meat or fish with vegetables.

49D: In stacks, like a wedding cake NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Stacks (noun)

• A large quantity or amount of something.
• A storage area in a library, typically consisting of numerous bookshelves where most books are kept.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Wedding (noun)

• A social occasion where the marriage ceremony takes place.
• The act or ceremony of getting married.

52D: Evil hench-animal in “The Lion King” NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Animal (adjective)

• Driven by physical desires and instincts.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Animal (noun)

• A living being distinguished by its ability to move voluntarily.

53D: “The early bird gets the worm,” for one NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Early (adverb)

• In a timely manner.
• Occurring at an initial stage.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Early (adjective)

• From a time long ago.
• At or near the start of a period or event, or before the typical or anticipated time.

54D: Landlocked African country NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Landlocked (adjective)

• Almost entirely surrounded by land, with no access to the sea.

Answer:

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Hint 2: African (noun)

• A person who is native to or resides in Africa.

55D: Prepared to propose NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Propose (verb)

• To suggest or recommend someone for a role, position, or honor.
• To ask someone to marry you.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Prepared (adjective)

• Having made the necessary arrangements or preparations.
• Equipped with the intellectual resources needed for a task.

56D: Wish for a romantic pairing between, in modern parlance NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (verb)

• To board a ship or vehicle.
• To transport goods or people for commercial purposes.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (noun)

• A ship or vehicle used for carrying passengers or cargo.

57D: Pepsi or Coke NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Coke (noun)

• Slang terms for cocaine.
• A trademarked brand of cola, Coca-Cola.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Coke (verb)

• To transform into coke (a type of fuel).

58D: Contents of a 23-Across NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Contents (noun)

• A list of sections (such as chapters or articles) and their starting pages.
• All the items or material contained within something.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Across (adverb)

• In a transverse direction.

62D: “How to ___ a ___” (common tutorial topic) NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: (noun)

• A social or professional connection.
• A fastener used to join or attach things together.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (verb)

• To end a game with an equal score or result.
• To form social or emotional bonds.

63D: Purple yam common in Filipino cooking NYT Crossword Clue 

Hint 1: Filipino (noun)

• The official language of the Philippines, derived from Tagalog and incorporating elements from other Philippine languages.
• A person from or residing in the Philippines.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Filipino (adjective)

• Pertaining to the Philippines, its people, or their traditions.