Our guide to the NYT Crossword for January 22, 2025, is designed to help you tackle today’s puzzle if you’ve hit a roadblock with some tricky clues. The NYT Crossword is renowned for its witty wordplay and challenging clues, making it a favourite for puzzle enthusiasts around the globe. It appears daily in The New York Times print edition and is also available online.
NYT Crossword Answers – January 22, 2025
If you’re in need of a little assistance with today’s puzzle, we’ve listed all the clues along with their solutions. You can easily find the answer by searching for the clue, allowing you to focus on the ones you need help with without revealing answers to other clues you may still be solving.
1A Org. of the main characters in “The Americans” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Main (adjective)
- Referring to a clause that can function independently as a complete sentence in terms of syntax.
- The most significant element.
Answer:
[spoiler]KGB[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Main (noun)
- A vast expanse of (salt) water.
- The primary pipe in a system responsible for distributing water, gas, or electricity, or collecting sewage.
4A What might rain down on opposing players NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Opposing (adjective)
- Marked by active hostility.
Answer:
[spoiler]BOOS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Might (noun)
- Physical power or strength.
8A Words before “Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Before (adverb)
- At an earlier time; previously.
- In or at the front.
Answer:
[spoiler]HELPME[/spoiler]
14A Drum location NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Location (noun)
- The identification of a place where something is situated.
- The act of placing something in a specific spot.
Answer:
[spoiler]EAR[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Drum (noun)
- A cylindrical shape that bulges, hollow with flat ends.
- A hollow cast-iron cylinder connected to the wheel, forming part of the brake system.
15A ___-Seltzer NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Seltzer (noun)
- A fizzy drink that is artificially carbonated with carbon dioxide.
- Naturally carbonated mineral water.
Answer:
[spoiler]ALKA[/spoiler]
16A Gamer’s likeness NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Likeness (noun)
- A resemblance in appearance, character, or nature between individuals or objects.
- An image or depiction of a person or thing.
Answer:
[spoiler]AVATAR[/spoiler]
17A It follows ka in the Spanish alphabet NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Alphabet (noun)
- The basic foundational stages of any subject (typically plural).
- A set of characters that includes letters and is used to write a language.
Answer:
[spoiler]ELE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Spanish (noun)
- The people of Spain.
- The Romance language spoken in Spain and many countries formerly colonised by Spain.
18A 500 sheets of paper NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: 500 (noun)
- The number resulting from multiplying one hundred by five.
Answer:
[spoiler]REAM[/spoiler]
Hint 2: 500 (adjective)
- Indicating a quantity of 500 items or units.
19A Barbershop stock NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Barbershop (noun)
- A place where men can have their hair cut.
Answer:
[spoiler]RAZORS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Stock (noun)
- The handle of a handgun or the rear part of a rifle or shotgun, or the support part of a machine gun or artillery.
- The goods available for sale in a shop.
20A Jay Gatsby, to Nick Carraway? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Nick (noun)
- A small cut or incision.
- A mark or dent made on a surface, often by impact.
Answer:
[spoiler]PLAYBOYBUDDY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Nick (verb)
- To make a small cut.
- To lightly cut with a razor.
23A Puffs NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Answer used in the past:
- WISPS (5 letters)
Answer:
[spoiler]TOKES[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer:
STOKE
24A Move slightly NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Move (verb)
- Provide a motivation for action
- Be engaged in activity
Answer:
[spoiler]BUDGE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Move (noun)
- The action of shifting from one location to another
- The act of relocating or changing your place of residence or business
25A Many ’90s music purchases NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Music (noun)
- A consequence for one’s actions
- Any pleasing and harmonious sounds
Answer:
[spoiler]CDS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Many (adjective)
- A quantifier used with count nouns, often preceded by “as,” “too,” “so,” or “that,” indicating a large but indefinite number
28A Chooses NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Answers used in the past:
- SELECTS (7 letters)
- ELECTS (6 letters)
- PICKS (5 letters)
- DECIDES (7 letters)
Answer:
[spoiler]OPTS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer:
POST
29A Company that once sold the Magic 8 Ball NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Magic (noun)
- An illusionary act, often regarded as magical by those who are easily deceived; any practice that calls upon supernatural forces.
Answer:
[spoiler]TYCO[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Magic (adjective)
- Relating to or exhibiting characteristics of supernatural abilities or powers.
30A Kipling or Keats NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Kipling (noun)
- An English author of novels and poetry, born in India (1865-1936).
Answer:
[spoiler]POET[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Keats (noun)
- An English Romantic poet (1795-1821).
31A Mare/hare pair? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Hare (noun)
- The meat of various species of rabbits or hares (wild or domesticated) consumed as food.
- A fast, shy, long-eared mammal, larger than a rabbit, with a split upper lip and long hind legs; its young are born with fur and open eyes.
Answer:
[spoiler]HORSEANDBUNNY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Hare (verb)
- To run swiftly, resembling a hare.
35A Spain and Portugal NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Portugal (noun)
- A republic in southwestern Europe, located on the Iberian Peninsula. Portuguese explorers and colonists in the 15th and 16th centuries established a vast overseas empire, including Brazil.
Answer:
[spoiler]IBERIA[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Spain (noun)
- A parliamentary monarchy in southwestern Europe, situated on the Iberian Peninsula. It was once a major colonial power.
37A Steakhouse order NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Steakhouse (noun)
- A restaurant that specialises in serving steaks.
Answer:
[spoiler]RIBEYE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Order (noun)
- (Usually plural) The rank, status, or position of a Christian clergyman within an ecclesiastical hierarchy.
- A commercial document used to request goods or services in exchange for payment, detailing specifications and quantities.
38A Horse-drawn party vehicle? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Vehicle (noun)
- Any inanimate object (such as a towel, money, clothing, dishes, books, or toys) that can carry infectious agents from one person to another.
- A means of transportation for people or goods.
Answer:
[spoiler]DRINKINGBUGGY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Horse (noun)
- A chess piece shaped like a horse’s head, capable of moving two squares horizontally and one vertically (or vice versa).
- Troops trained to fight on horseback.
42A Cuckoo NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Cuckoo (noun)
- A man who is foolish or incompetent.
- Any of several European and North American birds with pointed wings and a long tail.
Answer:
[spoiler]LOCO[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Cuckoo (verb)
- To repeat something monotonously, similar to how a cuckoo repeats its call.
43A The “A” of U.A.E. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Lumpfish (noun)
- A clumsy, thick-bodied fish from the northern Atlantic, with fused pelvic fins that form a sucker; its roe is used to make caviar.
Answer:
[spoiler]ARAB[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Generousness (noun)
- The quality of being willing to give money or time to others.
44A Morning TV host Kelly NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Morning (noun)
- The period of time from dawn until noon.
- The first light of the day.
Answer:
[spoiler]RIPA[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Kelly (noun)
- A United States circus clown (1898-1979).
- A United States dancer renowned for performances in many musical films (1912-1996).
47A Animal that sounds like you? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Animal (adjective)
- Characterised by the physical desires and instincts of the body.
Answer:
[spoiler]EWE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Animal (noun)
- A living organism distinguished by its ability to move voluntarily.
48A “___ intended!” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Intended (adjective)
- Planned for the future; engaged or betrothed.
- Resulting from one’s intentions.
Answer:
[spoiler]NOPUN[/spoiler]
50A Sneaky schemes NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Sneaky (adjective)
- Characterised by deceit.
- Marked by quietness, caution, and secrecy, with efforts made to avoid being noticed.
Answer:
[spoiler]RUSES[/spoiler]
51A Tennis format … or a description of some of the letters in 20-, 31- and 38-Across NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Description (noun)
- A statement that conveys something through words.
- A type or category.
Answer:
[spoiler]MIXEDDOUBLES[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Letters (noun)
- Scholarly knowledge or achievement.
- The culture of literature.
53A Noted name in suits NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Name (verb)
- To assign a specific (usually proper) name to.
- To list or mention individually; to provide the names of.
Answer:
[spoiler]ARMANI[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Name (noun)
- A family lineage based on male descent.
- A defamatory or insulting word or phrase.
56A Yaks NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Answers used in the past:
- WONTSHUTUP (10 letters)
- TALKSTOOMUCH (12 letters)
- JABBERS (7 letters)
Answer:
[spoiler]GABS[/spoiler]
57A Feeling induced by a total eclipse, perhaps NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Induced (adjective)
- Resulting from or triggered by external factors; not occurring naturally or spontaneously
Answer:
[spoiler]AWE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Feeling (noun)
- The overall mood or vibe of a place or situation and its influence on individuals
- An instinctive or innate comprehension of something
58A Grinned broadly NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Broadly (adverb)
- In general terms, without focusing on specific details or exceptions.
Answer:
[spoiler]BEAMED[/spoiler]
59A The “grand slam” of showbiz NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Grand (adjective)
- Describing behaviour that is remarkable and ambitious in scale or scope
- Referring to a person’s appearance or conduct; suited to someone of high rank or importance
Answer:
[spoiler]EGOT[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Grand (noun)
- A type of piano with strings arranged on a horizontal, harp-shaped frame, typically supported by three legs
- The number resulting from multiplying 10 by 100.
60A Souvenir for a Final Four team NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Souvenir (noun)
- An item of emotional significance
- A memento of past events
Answer:
[spoiler]NET[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Final (adjective)
- Irreversible and unchangeable
- Happening at or marking the conclusion or ending.
61A Box up NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Box (noun)
- A secluded space in a theatre or grandstand where a small group can observe the performance
- The driver’s seat in a coach
Answer:
[spoiler]ENCASE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Box (verb)
- Place something into a box
- Participate in a boxing match
62A Takes in NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Answers used in the past:
- EATS (4 letters)
- ADOPTS (6 letters)
- SNARES (6 letters)
- NETS (4 letters)
- DUPES (5 letters)
- ACCEPTS (7 letters)
Answer:
[spoiler]SEES[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer.
ESES
63A ___ Moines NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (Noun)
- A powerful synthetic estrogen used in medicine and as a feed additive for livestock and poultry.
- A non-steroidal compound with estrogen-like effects, previously used to treat menstrual issues but later linked to vaginal cancers in the daughters of women who were treated with it during pregnancy.
Answer:
[spoiler]DES[/spoiler]
1D Stick with NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Stick (noun)
- A cigarette made from rolled marijuana leaves
- A control lever used by a pilot to adjust the ailerons and elevators of an aircraft
Answer:
[spoiler]KEEPTO[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Stick (verb)
- To attach or adhere firmly
- To remain a loyal follower or supporter
2D Racehorse’s gait NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Racehorse (noun)
- A horse specifically bred for racing
Answer:
[spoiler]GALLOP[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Gait (noun)
- The speed of movement, particularly while walking or running
- A horse’s way of moving
3D Get a party going NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Going (noun)
- The act of leaving
- Euphemisms for death
Answer:
[spoiler]BREAKTHEICE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Going (adjective)
- Operating at full capacity
4D Zingers NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the following letters to solve today’s answer:
RBSAB
Answer:
[spoiler]BARBS[/spoiler]
5D Butter alternative NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Alternative (Adjective)
- Serving as a substitute for something else
- Requiring a decision between mutually exclusive options
Answer:
[spoiler]OLEO[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Alternative (Noun)
- One of several options, where only one can be selected
6D “Well, see ya!” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Well (Adverb)
- In a way that provides benefit or advantage
- (Often used as a combining form) In a good, proper, or satisfactory manner, or to a high standard (with “good” being a nonstandard dialectal variant of “well”)
Answer:
[spoiler]OKAYBYE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Well (Adjective)
- Resulting in a favourable outcome
- In good health, especially after recovering from illness or injury
7D Italian anise-flavored liqueur NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Italian (Noun)
- A person from Italy or a resident of Italy
- The Romance language spoken in Italy
Answer:
[spoiler]SAMBUCA[/spoiler]
8D Feature of golf and rugby, but not gymnastics or luge? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Gymnastics (Noun)
- A sport that involves exercises designed to showcase strength, balance, and agility
Answer:
[spoiler]HARDG[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Rugby (Noun)
- A type of football played with an oval-shaped ball
9D Dodge NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Dodge (Verb)
- To avoid or attempt to avoid carrying out, answering, or addressing duties, questions, or issues
- To make a quick movement in a different direction to avoid something
Answer:
[spoiler]EVADE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Dodge (Noun)
- A complex or deceptive scheme designed to deceive or evade
- A response that cleverly or deceptively avoids answering the question
10D Having little hustle NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Hustle (Noun)
- A fast-paced, active commotion
- A swindle involving cheating at gambling or convincing someone to purchase worthless property
Answer:
[spoiler]LAZY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Hustle (Verb)
- To sell or acquire something through energetic or dishonest means
- To move or cause to move in an energetic or busy manner
11D Bankable vacation, for short NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Bankable (Adjective)
- Suitable for approval by a bank
- Certain to yield a profit
Answer:
[spoiler]PTO[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Vacation (Noun)
- Leisure time taken away from work for rest or enjoyment
- The act of rendering something legally invalid
12D Tarnish NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Tarnish (Verb)
- To soil or stain, often due to exposure to air; also used metaphorically
Answer:
[spoiler]MAR[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Tarnish (Noun)
- A discoloration on a metal surface caused by oxidation
13D Hosp. areas NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Answers used in the past:
- ORS (3 letters)
- ICUS (4 letters)
Answer:
[spoiler]ERS[/spoiler]
21D “Just tell me which it is!” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Just (Adverb)
- (Used for emphasis) Absolutely
- Indicating accuracy or precision
Answer:
[spoiler]YESORNO[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Just (Adjective)
- Free from bias, favoritism, self-interest, or deception; adhering to established standards or rules
- Of high moral excellence
22D Japanese noodle NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Japanese (Adjective)
- Relating to Japan, its people, culture, or language
Answer:
[spoiler]UDON[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Japanese (Noun)
- A person from Japan or a resident of Japan
- The language spoken by the Japanese, often classified as Altaic
25D Locale of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Locale (Noun)
- The location or setting of an event or action (especially where a meeting takes place)
Answer:
[spoiler]CONEYISLAND[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Contest (Noun)
- An event where a winner is chosen from multiple participants
- A competition or struggle between rivals
26D Refute NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Refute (Verb)
- To disprove or challenge with argument, evidence, or proof
- To demonstrate that something is false or incorrect
Answer:
[spoiler]DENY[/spoiler]
27D Eye irritation NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Irritation (Noun)
- Hostile behavior that provokes anger or resentment
- A sudden display of anger
Answer:
[spoiler]STYE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Eye (Noun)
- The organ responsible for vision
- An area that is roughly at the centre of a larger region
29D Former Taiwanese president ___ Ing-wen NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: President (Noun)
- The official who leads and oversees meetings of an organization
- The individual serving as the head of state of the United States government
Answer:
[spoiler]TSAI[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Taiwanese (Noun)
- Any of the varieties of Chinese spoken in Fukien province
- A person from or residing in Taiwan
30D Eats that pair well with beer NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Pair (Noun)
- A set of two similar items regarded as a unit
- Two items of the same type
Answer:
[spoiler]PUBGRUB[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Pair (Verb)
- To organize into pairs
- To combine or group into pairs
32D Former N.B.A. star Smits, the “Dunking Dutchman” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Dutchman (Noun)
- A person from Holland or a resident of Holland
Answer:
[spoiler]RIK[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Former (Adjective)
- Relating to a previous time
- Belonging to the distant past
33D Wallop NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Wallop (Verb)
- To strike with great force
- To defeat thoroughly and completely
Answer:
[spoiler]DRUB[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Wallop (Noun)
- A powerful impact or strong effect
- A harsh or heavy blow
34D 1988 film for which Tom Hanks received his first Oscar nomination NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Received (Adjective)
- In line with the standard language usage of educated native speakers
- Widely acknowledged as true or deserving
Answer:
[spoiler]BIG[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Nomination (Noun)
- A formal proposal, typically at a political convention, suggesting a candidate for election
- The act of officially selecting a candidate
35D Not doing anything NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (Adjective)
- Unemployed
- Not currently in use
Answer:
[spoiler]IDLE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: (Verb)
- To remain inactive; to exist in a static state
- To operate without connection or remain idle
36D Part of your body that might be furrowed or raised NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Furrowed (Adjective)
- Characterized by long, narrow, shallow grooves or wrinkles on the surface
Answer:
[spoiler]BROW[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Raised (Adjective)
- Adorned with a pattern raised through pressure or embroidery
- Increased in quantity or intensity
39D Back of the neck NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Neck (Verb)
- To kiss, embrace, or caress with sexual affection
Answer:
[spoiler]NAPE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Neck (Noun)
- The part of the body connecting the head to the torso
- An opening in clothing designed for the neck, or the area of the garment near the neck
40D They are sometimes held too long NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: They (Pronoun)
- The plural form of he, she, or it. It is always used as a proper pronoun, not adjectively, and can sometimes refer to people without a clear antecedent.
Answer:
[spoiler]GRUDGES[/spoiler]
41D Item in a first-aid kit NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: First (Noun)
- The fielding position of the player stationed at the first base on a baseball team (counting counterclockwise from home plate)
- The designated time when something is meant to start
Answer:
[spoiler]BANDAGE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: First (Adjective)
- Indicating the initial unit in a sequence
- Serving to initiate or begin something
45D Humorous nickname for the largest player on your baseball team NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Humorous (Adjective)
- Filled with or marked by humor
Answer:
[spoiler]PEEWEE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Nickname (Noun)
- An informal or shortened version of a person’s given name
- A descriptive or affectionate name for a place or thing
46D Strengths NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (Noun)
- Anything of material value or usefulness that is owned by a person or company
Answer:
[spoiler]ASSETS[/spoiler]
48D Dressed to the ___ NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Dressed (Adjective)
- (Of lumber or stone) Trimmed and smoothed
- Clothed, especially in fine attire; often used in combination
Answer:
[spoiler]NINES[/spoiler]
49D See 50-Down NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Down (Noun)
- The English physician who first identified Down’s syndrome (1828-1896)
- Soft, fine feathers
Answer:
[spoiler]OXIDE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Down (Adjective)
- Completely understood
- Moving or extending from a higher position to a lower one
50D Develops iron 49-Down NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Iron (Noun)
- A household appliance with a flat metal base, heated to smooth out wrinkles in cloth
- A heavy, ductile, magnetic metallic element, typically silver-white when pure, that rusts easily; used in construction, tools, and weapons, and plays a role in oxygen transport in the blood
Answer:
[spoiler]RUSTS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Iron (Adjective)
- Exceptionally strong or durable
51D Fairy tale bear who apparently liked cold porridge and soft chairs NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Apparently (Adverb)
- Clearly or unmistakably (with “plain” often used informally for “plainly”)
- Based solely on what appears to be true
Answer:
[spoiler]MAMA[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Porridge (Noun)
- A soft dish made by boiling oatmeal, other grains, or legumes in water or milk until thickened
52D Thin woodwind NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Woodwind (Noun)
- Any wind instrument, except for brass instruments
Answer:
[spoiler]OBOE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Thin (Adjective)
- Lacking extra flesh
- Not dense or thick
53D 19th-century presidential nickname NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Presidential (Adjective)
- Appropriate for or characteristic of a president
Answer:
[spoiler]ABE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Nickname (Noun)
- An informal or shortened version of a person’s given name
- A descriptive or affectionate name for a place or thing
54D Stimpy’s cartoon friend NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Cartoon (Noun)
- A film created by photographing a sequence of cartoon drawings, creating the illusion of movement when shown rapidly
- A humorous or satirical illustration published in a newspaper or magazine
Answer:
[spoiler]REN[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Cartoon (Verb)
- To create cartoons or illustrations in a humorous or exaggerated style
55D ___ and cheese NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Cheese (Noun)
- An erect or spreading Old World perennial plant with clusters of rosy-purple flowers, introduced to the United States
- A solid food made by pressing the curd of milk
Answer:
[spoiler]MAC[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Cheese (Verb)
- Used in the imperative to mean “stop” or “get away”
- To wind something onto a cheese (a cylindrical shape, often used in reference to certain types of equipment)
