NYT Crossword January 4 2025 Answers (1/4/25)

Our guide to the January 4, 2025 NYT Crossword answers is here to assist you in completing today’s puzzle, especially if you’ve hit a roadblock. The NYT Crossword is a well-loved daily puzzle that challenges solvers’ language skills and vocabulary. Renowned for its tricky clues and clever wordplay, this crossword appears both in The New York Times print edition and online.

If you’re stuck on a clue from the January 4, 2025 crossword, you’ll find all the answers listed below. Simply search for the clue you’re working on and choose the correct answer. We’ve organized it this way to help you easily find specific solutions without spoiling any other clues you might still be solving!

1A: Home in the country? NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Country (noun)

• The land or area controlled by a nation.
• A political entity consisting of a group of people governed under a single authority.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Home (noun)

• (In baseball) A rubber slab where the batter stands, which must be touched by a base runner to score.
• A place or institution where individuals receive care and support.

10A: Red container, maybe NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Container (noun)

• An object designed to hold or store things, particularly a large metal box with standardized dimensions used for transferring goods between different forms of transport.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Maybe (adverb)

• Possibly, by chance.

14A: Second woman, after Kathryn Bigelow, to win a best director Oscar (2020) NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Director (noun)

• The individual who directs a musical ensemble.
• A person responsible for managing resources and overseeing expenses.

Answer:

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15A: ___ Huang, whose “Fresh Off the Boat” memoir was turned into an ABC sitcom NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Turned (adjective)

• In an undesirable or spoiled condition.
• Rotated around a central point or axis.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Sitcom (noun)

• A comedic drama centred on everyday situations that could occur in daily life.
• A humorous TV show based on relatable, everyday scenarios.

16A: Alternative to a chop or shank NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Shank (noun)

• A cylindrical part that forms a long, narrow section of an object.
• The lower portion of the leg in hoofed animals, extending from the hock to the fetlock.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Shank (verb)

• To strike a golf ball with the heel of the club, causing it to veer off course.

17A: Rage NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Rage (noun)

• A strong, intense desire for something.
• An enthusiasm or interest pursued with excessive passion.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Rage (verb)

• To act violently, as though consumed by extreme anger.
• To be destructive or intense, as with fires or storms.

18A: Shopping meccas of old  NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Shopping (noun)

• The act of looking for or purchasing goods and services.
• The items bought from stores.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Old (adjective)

• Experienced and skilled due to many years of practice.
• Belonging to an earlier time or period.

19A: Sauce named after a steward to Louis XIV NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Steward (noun)

• A person who assists passengers on an airplane.
• Someone responsible for managing buildings, grounds, or animals.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Sauce (verb)

• To enhance the flavour or appeal of something, making it more interesting.
• To behave in a bold or disrespectful manner towards someone.

21A: Hit entertainment org. in Vegas? NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Entertainment (noun)

• An activity that captivates attention and provides enjoyment.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Hit (verb)

• To forcefully strike something, causing it to move to a particular location.
• To deliberately and intentionally cause someone’s death.

22A: Informal suggestions NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Informal (adjective)

• Creating or promoting a cosy, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere.
• Not formally acknowledged or regulated.

Answer:

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23A: Historic founder of the Shakers NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Shakers (noun)

• A celibate, communistic Christian group in the United States.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Founder (verb)

• To fail completely or collapse.
• To break down, either physically or metaphorically.

26A: “Totally didn’t see that one coming,” sarcastically NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Sarcastically (adverb)

• In a manner that expresses sarcasm.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Coming (noun)

• The action of moving closer to something.
• The anticipated arrival, especially of something significant.

30A: Head shop purchase, nowadays NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Nowadays (noun)

• The current period of time, encompassing the present moment and an ongoing stretch of time.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Nowadays (adverb)

• In the present day or in contemporary times.

31A: Language spoken in northern New York NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Northern (adjective)

• Located in or directed towards the north.
• Originating from the north, particularly referring to wind.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Northern (noun)

• A dialect of Middle English that evolved into Scottish Lallans.

33A: What goes around in the Pacific? NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Around (adverb)

• Used to describe movement to various places or in an unspecified direction.
• In or toward a position or direction opposite to the current one.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Pacific (noun)

• The world’s largest ocean.

34A: [Back off!] NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Off (verb)

• To intentionally kill, with premeditation.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Off (adverb)

• From a specific thing, place, or position.
• At a distance, either in space or time.

35A: Supports NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Answers used in the past:

• TRUSSES (7 letters)
• BACKS (5 letters)
• ENDORSES (8 letters)
• AIDS (4 letters)
• GIRDS (5 letters)
• DEFENDS (7 letters)

Answer:

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

HOLDUPS

36A: Recording inits. NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Recording (noun)

• The process of creating a record, particularly an audio recording.
• A signal that stores or represents something that has been recorded, such as sound or a picture.

Answer:

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37A: ___ on one’s 38-Across NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (verb)

• To pretend to possess certain qualities or a particular state of mind.
• To act in an unnatural or affected manner.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (noun)

• An action or event that people carry out or bring about.
• A legal document that formalizes the outcome of discussions or decisions made by a committee, society, or legislative body.

38A: See 37-Across NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• Acting as a representative or agent for someone (typically expressed as “on behalf of” rather than “in behalf of”).
• For someone’s benefit or advantage (usually expressed as “in behalf of” with a possessive form, rather than “on behalf of”).

Answer:

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Hint 2: Across (adverb)

• Transversely 

39A: Name combining with El-, Eg- or Engel- NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Combining (noun)

• The process of bringing things together to create a new whole.
• An event or action that causes things to unite.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Name (verb)

• To assign a specific name, typically a proper noun.
• To list or mention individually by name.

40A: Just *done* with something NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Something (noun)

• An unspecified or unknown event.
• A substance or material that is not clearly defined or specified.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Just (adverb)

• Used for emphasis, meaning absolutely or precisely.
• Indicating exactness or accuracy.

42A: Development area NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Development (noun)

• The process of treating a photosensitive material to make an image visible.
• The act of improving land or water to make it more productive, profitable, or useful.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Area (noun)

• A specific part of an animal with a distinct function, often associated with a particular artery or nerve.
• A defined geographical region with no clear boundaries, often distinguished by its people, culture, or geography, and serving a particular purpose.

44A: Un animal del zodíaco NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Animal (adjective)

• Defined by bodily appetites and passions.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Animal (noun)

• A living organism capable of voluntary movement.

45A: Hip-hop group with the 1990 hit “100 Miles and Runnin'” NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Hip-hop (noun)

• A genre of African-American music from the 1980s and 1990s, where rhyming lyrics are chanted to musical accompaniment, with various forms of rap emerging.
• An urban youth culture linked to rap music and the fashion trends of African-American communities in the inner city.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Group (noun)

• A set with closure, associativity, an identity element, and an inverse for every element.
• A collection of entities or members considered as a unified whole.

46A: Truly awful NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Truly (adverb)

• Sincerely, without any pretense.
• Rightfully or justifiably.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Awful (adjective)

• Offensive, or malicious in nature (especially towards people).
• Eliciting a sense of fearful wonder or deep reverence.

50A: Fudge substitute NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Substitute (verb)

• To perform the role of a substitute.
• To take the place of someone or something.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Substitute (adjective)

• Serving or used as a replacement for another.
• Able to take on various roles or positions, especially on a team.

54A: “Holy oleo!” speaker NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Speaker (noun)

• An electro-acoustic device that transforms electrical signals into audible sound.
• A person who communicates using language, particularly one who delivers public speeches or talks extensively.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Oleo (noun)

• A spread primarily made from vegetable oils, used as a substitute for butter.

55A: Designation for some apartments NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Designation (noun)

• A word or set of words used to name, classify, or distinguish someone or something from others.
• The process of naming or identifying something.

Answer:

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57A: Vacuous NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (adjective)

• Extremely silly or stupid

Answer:

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Hint 2: Vacuous (adjective)

• Lacking meaning or impact.
• Lacking intelligence or thought.

58A: Creature whose name means “forest person” NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Creature (noun)

• A person who is manipulated by others to carry out unpleasant or dishonest tasks.
• A human being (with “wight” being an archaic term).

Answer:

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Hint 2: Forest (verb)

• To create or plant a forest on land that was previously not forested.

59A: Simon of “Shaun of the Dead” NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Simon (noun)

• An American economist and psychologist, known for pioneering cognitive science (1916-2001).
• An American singer and songwriter, born in 1942.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Dead (adjective)

• Lacking physical sensation; numb.
• (Followed by “to”) Lacking human feeling or sensitivity; unresponsive.

60A: Get carried along, in a way NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (adverb)

• Positioned on the back, shoulder, or across the hip.
• On a railroad flatcar.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (verb)

• To align or bring into proper position.
• To transport using a railroad car.

1D: Holder of the longest winning streak in N.C.A.A. men’s basketball history (88 games) NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Winning (adjective)

• Extremely attractive; captivating attention.
• Having achieved victory.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Winning (noun)

• Succeeding, often with significant effort or difficulty.

2D: High-piled style NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Style (verb)

• To assign or label with a specific identifying term.
• To adapt or present according to a particular fashion or style.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Style (noun)

• The prevailing trend or taste at a particular time.
• A distinctive and elegant manner of expression or appearance.

3D: Popular red Halloween costume NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Halloween (noun)

• The night before All Saints’ Day, often marked by pranks and mischief, especially among young people.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Popular (adjective)

• Designed or suited to appeal to the general public.
• (Of music or art) New and widely appreciated, particularly among young people.

4D: Ochlocracy, by another name NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Ochlocracy (noun)

• A political system where control is exercised by a mob; rule by the masses.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Another (adjective)

• Any one of various alternatives; some other option.

5D: “Take care” NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Take (noun)

• The income or profit generated from transactions, such as the sale of land or property.
• The act of capturing a photograph of a scene or part of a scene without interruption.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Take (verb)

• To be able to hold or contain something.
• To remove something tangible by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or to remove something abstract.

6D: Ancient figure called the “huey tlatoani” by his subjects NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Ancient (noun)

• A very old person.
• Someone who lived in ancient times.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Ancient (adjective)

• Belonging to a distant past, particularly before the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
• Extremely old.

7D: “___ Came to Me” (2023 rom-com) NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (pronoun)

• This or that woman; the female being referred to or implied; the female animal, or a personified object considered feminine.

Answer:

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

HES

8D: Maker of the 900 in ’94 and the 9-3 in ’99 NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Maker (noun)

• A business involved in the production of a particular product.
• Terms used to refer to the Judeo-Christian God.

Answer:

show

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

ABAS

9D: Join the team? NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Join (verb)

• To be or become united, connected, or linked.
• To become a part of or a member of a group or organization.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Join (noun)

• A set that includes all and only the members of two or more given sets.
• The way in which things come together, creating a connection.

10D: Music stand NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Music (noun)

• The consequence or punishment for one’s actions.
• Sounds that are pleasing and harmonious.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Stand (verb)

• To tolerate something or someone unpleasant.
• To maintain one’s position, be steadfast, or remain upright.

11D: David Stern’s successor as N.B.A. commissioner NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Commissioner (noun)

• A government official or administrator.
• A member of a commission.

Answer:

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Hint 2: David (noun)

• A French neoclassical painter who supported the French Revolution (1748-1825).
• The patron saint of Wales, believed to have lived around 520-600.

12D: L or M, but not N or O NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• The current state of affairs.
• Any sticky substance used to fill pores in surfaces or to stiffen fabrics.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (verb)

• To cover, stiffen, or coat a porous material with a glutinous substance like size or sizing.
• To adjust something to a suitable size.

13D: Collapse, with “over” NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Collapse (verb)

• To experience a nervous breakdown.
• To break down, either physically or metaphorically.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Collapse (noun)

• The act of falling or throwing oneself down.
• A sudden failure of function or total physical exhaustion.

15D: Things sent from some online accounts NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Things (noun)

• Any movable possessions, particularly items of clothing.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Online (adjective)

• Operating on a regular route in a railroad, bus, or airline system.
• Connected to or accessible through a computer network.

20D: Kickstarter activity NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Activity (noun)

• An organic process occurring within the body.
• The condition of being active.

Answer:

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23D: Portmanteau term for airplane fuel NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Portmanteau (noun)

• A large suitcase made of stiff leather.
• A new word created by combining two existing words and their meanings.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Airplane (noun)

• An aircraft with fixed wings, powered by either propellers or jets.

24D: Traffic figure, in brief NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Traffic (noun)

• Social or verbal exchange, often followed by “with.”
• The act of buying and selling, particularly in illegal trade.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Traffic (verb)

• To engage in illegal dealings.
• To trade or deal in commodities.

25D: Iconic bit of media merch NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• A popular item often seen at fundraising events, this bag proudly promotes public radio and is known for its durable design.

Answer:

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26D: Tiny swine NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Swine (noun)

• Sturdy, short-legged omnivorous animals.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Tiny (adjective)

• Extremely small.

27D: Room for a meal, perhaps NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Perhaps (adverb)

• Possibly, by chance.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Room (noun)

• Space allowing for movement.
• An area within a building, enclosed by walls, floor, and ceiling.

28D: Writer of 1929’s “Letters From a Father to His Daughter” while imprisoned NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Imprisoned (adjective)

• Being held in captivity.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Letters (noun)

• Academic or scholarly achievements.
• The world of literature and literary culture.

29D: Essences NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Answer used in the past:

• NATURES (7 letters)

Answer:

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32D: Hesitant response to “Is that you?” NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Hesitant (adjective)

• Lacking decisiveness or the ability to act or decide quickly and firmly.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Response (noun)

• A spoken reply in a conversation.
• A bodily reaction triggered by a stimulus or agent.

35D: Premium service with discounts on rides NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Service (verb)

• To mate with.
• To be used or provided for a particular purpose, like a utility.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Service (noun)

• A method or act of serving.
• A complete set of tableware, such as silverware or dishes, for use at the table.

39D: Babe in the woods? NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Woods (noun)

• A dense area filled with trees and other plants.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Babe (noun)

• A very young child, typically from birth to 1 year old, who hasn’t started walking or talking yet.

41D: Oath activity NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Activity (noun)

• An organic process occurring within the body.
• The condition of being active.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Oath (noun)

• A profane or obscene expression, often used to express surprise or anger.
• A solemn promise, especially to tell the truth in a legal context; lying under oath can lead to prosecution for perjury.

43D: Like some country singers’ voices NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Country (noun)

• The land or territory governed by a nation.
• A group of people organized politically under a single government.

Answer:

show

46D: Word with round or power NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (verb)

• To become intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
• To initiate movement or prompt action.

Answer:

show

Hint 2: (noun)

• A mechanism that functions as a switch.
• An accidental misstep that may lead to a fall or injury.

47D: Perfect over time NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (verb)

• To refine or make something perfect.
• To sharpen using a honing tool.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (noun)

• A fine-grit whetstone used for sharpening tools like razors.

48D: Refuse to eat? NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Refuse (verb)

• To deny entry or membership.
• To express unwillingness or rejection.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Refuse (noun)

• Discarded food, typically from a kitchen or meal preparation.

49D: Spelling seen in credits NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Credits (noun)

• A list of acknowledgements for those who contributed to the creation of a film, typically shown at the end.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Spelling (noun)

• The process of arranging letters to form words according to accepted conventions.

51D: “___ chance” NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Chance (noun)

• A possibility arising from a favorable combination of circumstances.
• The likelihood of future success.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Chance (verb)

• To encounter something or someone by accident.
• To take a risk with the hope of a positive outcome.

52D: Cook’s offering with chips? NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Offering (noun)

• The act of donating to a church or charity.
• Something presented, such as a proposal or bid.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Cook (verb)

• To manipulate or alter, often with the intent to deceive.
• To prepare food by applying heat.

53D: Many a charity run NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: Charity (noun)

• A compassionate and forgiving attitude towards others.
• A European perennial plant with pinnate leaves and bright blue or white flowers.

Answer:

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Hint 2: Many (adjective)

• Refers to a large, indefinite number of countable items, often used with words like “as,” “too,” “so,” or “that.”

56D: Jokester NYT Crossword Clue

Hint 1: (noun)

• A humorous person who makes jokes.

Answer:

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Hint 2: (verb)

• To cause something to move repeatedly from side to side.