Our NYT Crossword guide for February 12, 2025, is here to help if you’re stuck on a clue. The NYT Crossword is a daily puzzle that challenges solvers with clever wordplay and a wide range of vocabulary. As one of the most popular crosswords worldwide, it appears in The New York Times print edition and is also available online.
NYT Crossword Answers for February 12, 2025
If you need assistance solving today’s puzzle, we’ve listed all the clues below so you can easily find the answers you need. Simply search for the clue you’re stuck on and select it to reveal the solution—this way, you can get help with specific clues without accidentally seeing answers you haven’t solved yet!
1A Mineral that shimmers NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Mineral (adjective)
- Made of non-living, inorganic material.
Answer:
Hint 2: Mineral (noun)
- A naturally occurring solid substance with a uniform structure and a specific chemical composition.
5A Bat around, as a kitten might NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Kitten (noun)
- A young domestic cat.
Answer:
Hint 2: Kitten (verb)
- To give birth to kittens.
10A Composer Stravinsky NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Stravinsky (noun)
- A Russian-born composer who moved to the United States in 1939 (1882–1971).
- Music composed by Stravinsky.
Answer:
Hint 2: Composer (noun)
- A professional who creates musical compositions.
14A Like much graffiti: Abbr. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Graffiti (noun)
- An informal or defiant marking or drawing on walls or rocks.
Answer:
Hint 2: Much (adverb)
- Often or in large amounts.
- To a great extent, though not entirely, when used before a noun phrase.
15A Belittle NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Belittle (verb)
- Make something seem less important or significant.
- Express disapproval or criticism.
Answer:
Hint 2: Answers used in the past:
- DECRY (5 letters)
- ADDLE (5 letters)
- DIS (3 letters)
- DEMEAN (6 letters)
16A Emperor named an enemy of the state in A.D. 68 NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Emperor (noun)
- A large, vividly coloured butterfly.
- A sizable moth found in temperate Eurasian forests, known for its heavily scaled, transparent wings.
Answer:
Hint 2: Enemy (noun)
- A hostile opponent, particularly a member of an opposing military force.
- A personal foe or rival.
17A Not admit NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Admit (verb)
- Grant permission to join or take part in something, including rights and responsibilities.
- Accept someone into a group or community.
Answer:
18A Aboveboard NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Aboveboard (adjective)
- Open, transparent, and truthful, without deception.
Answer:
Hint 2: Aboveboard (adverb)
- Done in a fair and honest way.
19A Neighbor of Indonesia, on a Risk board NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Indonesia (noun)
- A republic in Southeast Asia, consisting of over 13,000 islands, which gained independence from the Netherlands in 1945; a leading oil producer in the Far East and Pacific regions.
Answer:
Hint 2: Neighbor (verb)
- To live next to or near someone.
- To be situated close to or adjacent to something.
20A The NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer.
ELCITRAETINIFED
Answer:
23A Knocked off NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Off (verb)
- To deliberately and intentionally kill someone.
Answer:
Hint 2: Off (adverb)
- Away from a specific place, thing, or position.
- At a certain distance in space or time.
24A City that was a rival of ancient Sparta NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Sparta (noun)
- An ancient Greek city renowned for its military strength and dominance in the Peloponnesus before the 4th century BC.
Answer:
Hint 2: Rival (verb)
- To match in quality or skill.
- To compete against or challenge as an opponent.
25A Big mo. for eggnog sales NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Big (adjective)
- Generous or willing to give freely.
- Extremely intense or powerful.
Answer:
Hint 2: Big (adverb)
- In a proud or boastful way.
26A Cover story? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Cover (noun)
- A new recording of a song originally performed or popularised by someone else.
- A set fee charged by a restaurant or nightclub in addition to the cost of food and drinks.
Answer:
Hint 2: Cover (verb)
- To place something over another as a covering.
- To dress or wrap as protection from the elements.
29A Lee who directed “Gemini Man” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Directed (adjective)
- Under the control or guidance of a supervising authority.
- Having a particular direction, often used in combination.
Answer:
Hint 2: Gemini (noun)
- In astrology, a person born when the sun is in Gemini.
- The third zodiac sign, covering approximately May 21 to June 20.
30A Talks frankly NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Frankly (adverb)
- Used to emphasise sincerity or the speaker’s true feelings.
Answer:
Hint 2: Talks (noun)
- A discussion aimed at reaching an agreement.
36A Screen play? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Screen (verb)
- To shield, hide, or protect from danger or harm.
- To check or assess for disease or infection.
Answer:
Hint 2: Screen (noun)
- A sieve used to separate or grade particles in a material.
- A covering used for concealment or protection.
37A Singsong refrain NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Refrain (verb)
- To hold back from doing something.
- To abstain from consuming something.
Answer:
Hint 2: Refrain (noun)
- The section of a song where a soloist is accompanied by a group of singers.
38A Heating pad target NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Heating (noun)
- A system used to warm a building.
- The process of increasing in temperature.
Answer:
Hint 2: Target (noun)
- The specific spot aimed at for impact.
- A desired goal that is considered achievable.
39A Lead-in to -gram or -graph NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Lead-in (noun)
- The opening section of a story.
- A wire that connects an antenna to a receiver or a transmitter to a transmission line.
Answer:
Hint 2: Graph (verb)
- To depict using a graph.
- To plot data on a graph.
40A Pep rally cry NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Rally (noun)
- The act of gathering strength for another attempt.
- A large assembly aimed at inspiring enthusiasm.
Answer:
Hint 2: Rally (verb)
- To subject someone to continuous criticism or teasing.
- To summon military personnel for action.
41A Cousin of Inc. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Cousin (noun)
- The son or daughter of your aunt or uncle.
Answer:
Hint 2: INC (noun)
- A diverse alliance of groups formed in 1992, united in opposing Saddam Hussein’s government in Iraq, including Sunni and Shiite Arabs and Kurds aiming to establish a new government.
43A Doll who debuted in swim trunks NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Trunks (noun)
- Shorts or trousers that extend to or above the knee.
Answer:
Hint 2: Doll (noun)
- An informal term for a young woman.
- A small human-like figure used as a toy.
44A Success against all odds NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Success (noun)
- Someone known for achieving multiple accomplishments.
- The achievement of a desired outcome.
Answer:
Hint 2: Against (preposition)
- Positioned opposite, facing, or towards something; sometimes used with “over.”
48A Either of two for Mozart’s Queen of the Night NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Mozart (noun)
- A highly productive Austrian composer and child prodigy, renowned for mastering the classical style of his era (1756–1791).
- Music composed by Mozart.
Answer:
Hint 2: Queen (noun)
- A female monarch.
- A female cat.
49A “Take THAT!” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Take (noun)
- Revenue or profit generated from transactions like selling land or property.
- A continuous shot of a scene or part of a scene in photography or filmmaking.
Answer:
Hint 2: Take (verb)
- To have the capacity to hold or contain something.
- To remove something physical by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or to take away something abstract.
52A Flowing slowly NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Flowing (adjective)
- Structured or designed to minimise resistance to fluid movement.
Answer:
Hint 2: Flowing (noun)
- The movement typical of liquids or gases.
53A “Should that happen …” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Happen (verb)
- To encounter something unexpectedly, as if by chance.
- To take place or become a reality.
Answer:
57A Builders of 25,000+ miles of roads in South America NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: America (noun)
- A North American republic consisting of 50 states, including 48 contiguous states, Alaska in the northwest, and Hawaii in the Pacific; gained independence in 1776.
- The combined landmass of North America, South America, and Central America.
Answer:
59A TV’s DeGeneres NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer.
NEELL
Answer:
60A With 63-Across, where some journalism is located … or how to interpret the ends of 20-, 30- and 44-Across vis-à-vis the shaded squares NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Interpret (verb)
- To understand and give meaning to something.
- To comprehend and translate a language.
Answer:
Hint 2: Journalism (noun)
- Newspapers and magazines as a whole.
- The profession of reporting, photographing, or editing news for media outlets.
63A See 60-Across NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Answers used in the past:
- AWRY (4 letters)
- NEEDED (6 letters)
- TOTS (4 letters)
- CONTROL (7 letters)
- THECLOCK (8 letters)
Answer:
65A Exhaustion from work NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Exhaustion (noun)
- Severe depletion of energy and strength.
- A state of extreme fatigue.
Answer:
Hint 2: Work (verb)
- To make something consistent or uniform.
- To function as intended when used.
66A Without much hope NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Much (adverb)
- Often or in large amounts.
- To a significant degree, though not entirely, when used before a noun phrase.
Answer:
Hint 2: Much (noun)
- A considerable quantity or extent.
67A Green sauces NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Green (noun)
- A carefully maintained grassy area around a golf hole.
- An open space in a city or town used for recreation.
Answer:
Hint 2: Green (adjective)
- A colour between blue and yellow, resembling fresh grass.
- Inexperienced and easily misled or tricked.
68A Features of coins which make them harder to counterfeit NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Counterfeit (verb)
- To create a replica with the purpose of deception.
Answer:
Hint 2: Counterfeit (adjective)
- Fake or not authentic, made to resemble something of higher value.
1D Road safety org. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Safety (noun)
- A mechanism intended to prevent harm or accidents.
- A secure or protected place.
Answer:
Hint 2: Road (noun)
- A public pathway for travel or transportation.
- A route or method for reaching a goal.
2D “___ to Know” (1999 Marc Anthony hit) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anthony (noun)
- A Roman general who served under Julius Caesar during the Gallic Wars; later allied with Cleopatra but was defeated by Octavian at Actium (83–30 BC).
- A prominent U.S. suffragist who advocated for women’s rights (1820–1906).
Answer:
3D Tells private things NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Private (adjective)
- Kept undisclosed or unspoken.
- Related to deeply personal matters.
Answer:
Hint 2: Private (noun)
- The lowest-ranking enlisted soldier in the Army or Marines.
4D “How will we ever get out of this mess?” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Ever (adverb)
- Always, on every occasion.
- Used to intensify adjectives, meaning “very.”
Answer:
5D Satirist Michael NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Satirist (noun)
- A comedian or writer who employs irony, sarcasm, and ridicule.
Answer:
Hint 2: Michael (noun)
- In the Old Testament, the archangel who serves as the protector of the Jewish people.
6D Drive for, maybe NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Drive (noun)
- Striking a golf ball from a tee using a driver.
- Applying force to move something forward.
Answer:
Hint 2: Drive (verb)
- To push or compel something into or out of a state, physically or metaphorically.
- To exhibit specific characteristics when in motion.
7D ___ gap NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Gap (noun)
- A break or pause that disrupts continuity.
- An empty or open space between objects or within something.
Answer:
Hint 2: Gap (verb)
- To create an opening or space in something.
8D It’s east of the Urals NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Urals (noun)
- A mountain range in western Russia stretching from the Arctic to the Caspian Sea, traditionally marking the boundary between Europe and Asia.
Answer:
Hint 2: East (noun)
- The region encompassing Asian countries.
- The cardinal direction located at 90 degrees on a compass.
9D Half of octo- NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Half (noun)
- One of two equal sections of a whole that can be divided.
- One of two segments in certain games or performances, separated by a break.
Answer:
Hint 2: Half (adjective)
- Comprising one of two equal portions in amount or worth.
- Incomplete or partial.
10D Presidential seal, for one NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Presidential (adjective)
- Suitable for or characteristic of a president.
Answer:
Hint 2: Seal (noun)
- A member of a Naval Special Warfare unit trained in unconventional combat.
- A fastening material, often resin-based, that becomes pliable when heated and is used to secure documents, parcels, and letters.
11D Lizard mascot with a Cockney accent NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Cockney (noun)
- A person born in London’s East End.
- The distinctive dialect spoken by natives of London’s East End.
Answer:
Hint 2: Lizard (noun)
- A man who loiters in hotel lounges and bars, seeking women to support him.
- A reptile with an elongated body, typically two pairs of legs, and a slender tail.
12D Some campus grilling events? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Grilling (noun)
- Cooking food by exposing it directly to radiant heat, such as over a fire or beneath a grill.
Answer:
Hint 2: Campus (noun)
- An area of land where university buildings are located.
13D Spanish Steps locale NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Spanish (noun)
- The inhabitants of Spain.
- A Romance language spoken primarily in Spain and its former colonies.
Answer:
Hint 2: Locale (noun)
- The setting where an event or action takes place, especially a meeting location.
21D Small cut NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Small (adjective)
- Modest in size or quantity, yet adequate.
- Written in lowercase letters.
Answer:
Hint 2: Small (noun)
- A clothing size designed for a petite individual.
- The narrow section of the lower back.
22D Where a wedge may be used NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Used (adjective)
- Exploited or taken advantage of.
- Previously owned or utilised by someone else.
Answer:
Hint 2: Wedge (noun)
- A type of shoe heel that extends from the sole.
- A wooden block placed to stop a heavy object from moving or rolling.
26D Not to go NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer.
RFOEHRE
Answer:
27D ___ flash NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Flash (noun)
- A brief burst of light from a lamp used in photography.
- A moment so short it lasts only an instant, like a blink or heartbeat.
Answer:
Hint 2: Flash (verb)
- To move swiftly or suddenly.
- To shine or flicker intermittently.
28D When to wave the white flag NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: White (noun)
- A person of Caucasian descent.
- An American writer known for humorous essays (1899–1985).
Answer:
Hint 2: White (adjective)
- Pale in appearance due to illness or strong emotion.
- Exclusively designated for white individuals.
30D Guideline, in brief NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Guideline (noun)
- A comprehensive plan or explanation designed to help establish standards or decide on a course of action.
- A rule or principle that offers direction for proper conduct.
Answer:
Hint 2: Brief (noun)
- A legal document outlining the facts and legal arguments of a client’s case.
- A concise written summary or abstract.
31D Big ___ (longtime Red Sox nickname) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Big (adjective)
- Generous or willing to give freely.
- Extremely strong or intense.
Answer:
Hint 2: Big (adverb)
- In a proud or boastful way.
32D Some looks into space NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Space (noun)
- In printing, a type block without a raised letter, used to create gaps between words or sentences.
- The boundless expanse that contains everything in existence.
Answer:
Hint 2: Space (verb)
- To arrange or position things at set intervals.
33D ___ cap NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Cap (noun)
- A protective layer found on certain plants.
- The topmost section of a column that supports the entablature.
Answer:
Hint 2: Cap (verb)
- To be positioned at the highest point.
- To set a limit on quantity or amount.
34D Sole one-named Best Actress Oscar winner NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Winner (noun)
- Someone with a history of achievements.
- The participant who emerges victorious in a competition.
Answer:
Hint 2: Actress (noun)
- A female performer in acting roles.
35D Wee NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Answers used in the past:
- SMALL (5 letters)
- TEENY (5 letters)
- TINY (4 letters)
- ITTY (4 letters)
- TEENSY (6 letters)
- EENSY (5 letters)
- ITSY (4 letters)
Answer:
40D One leg curl, e.g. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Curl (verb)
- To twist or wind into coils or loops.
- To take on a curved, wavy, or kinked shape.
Answer:
Hint 2: Curl (noun)
- A circular or spiral shape, often seen in leaves or flower petals.
- An American chemist, known for discovering fullerenes alongside Richard Smalley and Harold Kroto, contributing to a new field of chemistry (born in 1933).
42D CBS drama for 15 seasons NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Drama (noun)
- A theatrical production created for actors to perform on stage.
- A situation filled with intense emotion or turmoil.
Answer:
45D Realms NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Answers used in the past:
- AREAS (5 letters)
- EMPIRES (7 letters)
- KINGDOMS (8 letters)
Answer:
46D Ka ___ (southernmost point in the U.S.) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Southernmost (adjective)
- Located at the farthest point to the south.
Answer:
Hint 2: Point (verb)
- To be directed or positioned in a specific way.
- To navigate a sailboat close to the wind.
47D Sign of a hound’s happiness NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Happiness (noun)
- A state of well-being marked by feelings of contentment to profound joy.
- The emotions felt when experiencing a sense of well-being.
Answer:
Hint 2: Sign (noun)
- A structure with a board for displaying advertisements.
- A noticeable indicator or clue suggesting something not immediately obvious.
49D Kind of lettuce NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Lettuce (noun)
- A slang term for money.
- Any plant belonging to the Lactuca genus.
Answer:
Hint 2: Kind (adjective)
- Pleasant and comforting in nature.
- Patient and forgiving, even in challenging situations.
50D Top NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Top (verb)
- Serve as the final or most significant part of something.
- Move past or over without touching.
Answer:
Hint 2: Top (noun)
- The initial portion of an inning when the visiting team is batting.
- A large canvas tent used to shelter the audience at a circus.
51D Shade in a barren landscape NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Barren (adjective)
- Lacking shelter or resources.
- Entirely devoid of something.
Answer:
Hint 2: Barren (noun)
- A desolate, uncultivable wilderness.
54D Undependable sort NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Sort (noun)
- A process of grouping items based on a specific criterion.
- A classification of objects sharing a common trait or quality.
Answer:
Hint 2: Sort (verb)
- Organise or categorize into specific groups.
- Assess for suitability or appropriateness.
55D Gives up the goods? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer.
LLSSE
Answer:
56D “Above us ___ sky” (“Imagine” lyric) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Lyric (adjective)
- Conveying strong emotions.
- Pertaining to a form of poetry that expresses feelings, often in a musical style.
Answer:
Hint 2: Lyric (noun)
- A brief poem with a songlike quality.
- The words of a popular song or musical performance.
58D Pesky little brat NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Brat (noun)
- A small sausage made from pork.
- A mischievous or unruly child.
Answer:
Hint 2: Pesky (adjective)
- Causing frustration or annoyance.
59D Observed NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Observed (adjective)
- Identified or concluded through scientific examination.
Answer:
61D Pop music’s Wham! or Erasure NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Erasure (noun)
- The act of removing or eliminating through erasing.
- A modification made by deleting or scraping off.
Answer:
Hint 2: Music (noun)
- A consequence or retribution for one’s deeds.
- Any sound that is melodious, pleasant, and harmonious.
62D Email signs NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Email (verb)
- Send messages electronically using a computer.
Answer:
Hint 2: Email (noun)
- A global digital communication system allowing users to compose and receive messages on their computers.
63D Inexpensive beer, informally NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Inexpensive (adjective)
- Affordable or priced reasonably.
Answer:
Hint 2: Informally (adverb)
- Using casual or conversational language.
64D Two-time Oscar winner Mahershala ___ NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Two-time (verb)
- Be romantically involved with two people simultaneously.
Answer:
Hint 2: Winner (noun)
- An individual with a history of achievements.
- The competitor who emerges victorious in a contest.
