Our NYT Crossword guide for February 8, 2025, is here to help if you’re stuck on a tricky clue. The NYT Crossword is a daily puzzle that challenges solvers with clever wordplay and a broad range of vocabulary. As one of the most popular crosswords worldwide, it appears both in The New York Times print edition and online.
NYT Crossword Answers – February 8, 2025
If you need assistance solving today’s NYT Crossword (2/8/25), we’ve compiled a list of all the crossword clues and their answers. To avoid spoiling the puzzle, you can search for a specific clue and view only the answer you need. This way, if you’re only stuck on a few clues, the rest of the puzzle remains a challenge!
1A What may precede a blessing NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Precede (verb)
- Occur at an earlier time or date
- Move forward ahead of others in time or space
Answer:
Hint 2: Blessing (noun)
- A favourable or beneficial condition
- An official act of approval
6A School whose mascot is Big Al the elephant, informally NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Informally (adverb)
- Using casual or colloquial language
Answer:
Hint 2: School (noun)
- A sizable gathering of fish
- The duration of academic instruction; the time when classes are held
10A Studios, say: Abbr. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Say (verb)
- Include specific wording or phrasing
- Command or instruct someone with authority
Answer:
Hint 2: Say (noun)
- The opportunity to express oneself
14A Flattering sort NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Flattering (adjective)
- Presenting or portraying in a way that enhances appearance or appeal
Answer:
Hint 2: Sort (noun)
- A process of arranging items into groups based on a specific criterion
- A classification of things sharing a common characteristic or quality
16A Celebrity chef with a role in the 1995 film “Casino” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Celebrity (noun)
- The condition of being highly recognised and admired
- A person who is well-known to the public
Answer:
Hint 2: Casino (noun)
- A venue for gambling and entertainment
- A card game where players collect face-up cards from the table using matching cards from their hand
17A It gets inflated and goes straight to your head NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Inflated (adjective)
- Exaggerated beyond reality or reason
- Overly grand or pretentious, especially in speech or ideas
Answer:
Hint 2: Straight (adjective)
- Marked by honesty and fairness
- Strictly traditional or conservative
18A Prune NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Prune (verb)
- Remove unnecessary or unwanted elements
- Trim and maintain plant growth
Answer:
Hint 2: Prune (noun)
- A dried plum
19A Sedaris of “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Unbreakable (adjective)
- Cannot be broken, especially under normal conditions
Answer:
Hint 2: Schmidt (noun)
- A German statesman who served as Chancellor of Germany, born in 1918
20A Representation NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Representation (noun)
- The depiction of an idea or image in the mind
- The role of acting as an official delegate or agent
Answer:
21A Gas-infused coffee order NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Coffee (noun)
- A shade ranging from medium to dark brown
- A drink made by brewing ground coffee beans
Answer:
22A Kibitzes NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer.
BAGS
Answer:
23A Plant item used in early genetics experiments NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Genetics (noun)
- A field of biology focused on heredity and variations in living organisms
Answer:
Hint 2: Plant (noun)
- A non-moving living organism in the botanical world
- A facility used for industrial work or production
25A Foul moods NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Foul (verb)
- Cause or experience blockage
- Contaminate or make impure
Answer:
Hint 2: Foul (adjective)
- Marked with alterations or corrections, as in a manuscript
- Breaking established rules or moral standards
27A Keyboard shortcut for switching between Windows applications NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Switching (noun)
- The process of replacing or shifting one thing or position with another
Answer:
Hint 2: Keyboard (noun)
- A device with a set of keys, found on instruments like pianos and organs or machines like typewriters and computers
- A rack or holder designed to organise and store keys or locks
28A Good, in Italian NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Italian (noun)
- A person from Italy
- The Romance language spoken in Italy
Answer:
Hint 2: Good (noun)
- Something beneficial, valuable, or desirable
- Items bought and sold in trade
29A Assessment for dummies NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Assessment (noun)
- The process of evaluating a person, situation, or event
- The determination of value or classification of someone or something
Answer:
32A Capo, e.g. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Capo (noun)
- The leader of a division within an organised crime syndicate
Answer:
33A ___ Jin-won, Oscar-winning screenwriter for “Parasite” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer.
NAH
Answer:
34A Kind of rocket that launches satellites NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Rocket (noun)
- A firework that launches high into the sky
- A device that emits bright light into the air or is used to launch a lifesaving line or harpoon
Answer:
Hint 2: Rocket (verb)
- Rise suddenly and rapidly, like a rocket
- Propel using rocket power
35A Crunchy, chocolaty smoothie add-ins NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Smoothie (noun)
- A person who is confident and charming in a persuasive way
- A creamy blended beverage made from fresh fruit and mixed with yoghurt, milk, or ice cream
Answer:
37A ___ Larsen, Harlem Renaissance novelist NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Renaissance (noun)
- A resurgence of knowledge and culture
- A period in European history, spanning the 14th to mid-17th centuries, marked by a cultural and intellectual revival following the Middle Ages
Answer:
Hint 2: Novelist (noun)
- A person who writes novels
38A Leering sorts NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Leering (adjective)
- Describing a sideways glance that is suggestive or lascivious
- Conveying sly or malicious intent through a look
Answer:
39A Hairstyles celebrated in the Black Is Beautiful movement NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Celebrated (adjective)
- Well-known and highly respected
- Recognised for a distinguished history or achievements
Answer:
Hint 2: Beautiful (adjective)
- Pleasing to the senses or inspiring intellectual or emotional admiration
- Exceptionally pleasant, especially in reference to weather
40A Feels for NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the following letters to solve today’s answer.
SIETIP
Answer:
41A River through Bristol, England NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: England (noun)
- A part of the United Kingdom
Answer:
Hint 2: Through (adjective)
- Completed or finished
- Describing a route or journey that proceeds without stops or changes
42A Press NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Press (noun)
- A tightly packed gathering of people
- The print media involved in collecting and publishing news through newspapers and magazines
Answer:
Hint 2: Press (verb)
- To exert pressure in a burdensome or oppressive manner
- To push forcefully during childbirth to deliver the baby
43A Feeling associated with the color red NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Feeling (noun)
- The overall mood or ambiance of a place or situation and its impact on people
- A natural or instinctive perception of something
Answer:
Hint 2: Color (noun)
- Any substance used to add colour
- In physics, a property of quarks that influences their role in the strong interaction
45A Middle of a date NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Middle (adjective)
- Positioned at an equal distance from both ends or extremes
- Neither the first nor the last in a sequence
Answer:
Hint 2: Middle (noun)
- A central part within a larger area
- The central region of the human torso, typically the front
48A Unguarded NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Unguarded (adjective)
- Showing or experiencing a lack of caution
- Without protection or security
Answer:
49A Niche product of Coca-Cola and 7Up NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Product (noun)
- A collection of elements shared by two or more sets
- An item or result created through a process or by someone
Answer:
Hint 2: Niche (noun)
- A small hollow or recess
- A recessed or indented space within a structure
51A Teacup NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Teacup (noun)
- The amount of liquid a teacup can contain
- A small cup used for drinking tea
Answer:
52A [This might come in handy later …] NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Handy (noun)
- An American blues musician known for transcribing and publishing traditional blues music (1873–1958)
Answer:
Hint 2: Handy (adjective)
- Conveniently accessible
- Skilled in using one’s hands
53A Hill workers NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Hill (noun)
- An American railroad magnate (1838–1916)
- A raised mound in baseball where the pitcher stands
Answer:
Hint 2: Hill (verb)
- To shape or build into a mound
54A Big Board inits. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Big (adjective)
- Generous or willing to give freely
- Extremely strong or intense
Answer:
Hint 2: Big (adverb)
- In a boastful or self-important way
55A Like some high expectations NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Like (verb)
- Have a preference or desire for something
- Think about, evaluate, or regard in a certain way
Answer:
Hint 2: Like (adjective)
- Similar in appearance or characteristics, often used in combination
- Completely matching or identical in every aspect
1D Group that had a 40-year gap between its two most recent studio albums (1981-2021) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Between (adverb)
- Within the intervening space or time
- Positioned in the middle
Answer:
2D Study, study, study! NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Study (noun)
- A field of knowledge or academic discipline
- The act of focusing the mind on learning and understanding a subject, often through reading
Answer:
Hint 2: Study (verb)
- Examine or analyse thoughtfully
- Concentrate deeply on a subject, sometimes for spiritual reflection
3D Word with cow or Communion NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Communion (noun)
- The exchange of thoughts and emotions
- The practice of taking part in the Eucharist
Answer:
Hint 2: Word (noun)
- The sacred message of God, embodied in Jesus as the second person of the Trinity
- News or significant recent information
4D Lion : pride :: ___ : parliament NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Parliament (noun)
- A card game where players build sequences starting from sevens, with the goal of playing all their cards first
- A governing body responsible for making laws in certain nations
Answer:
Hint 2: Pride (noun)
- A sense of dignity and self-worth
- Excessive self-importance, considered one of the deadly sins
5D Snap, crackle or pop NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Crackle (noun)
- A pattern of fine cracks on the surface of glazed china
- A series of sharp, snapping sounds
Answer:
Hint 2: Crackle (verb)
- Produce a crackling noise
- Emit a crisp, crunching sound
6D Ties NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Answers used in the past:
- BINDS (5 letters)
- TETHERS (7 letters)
Answer:
7D “Days of Grace” memoirist, 1993 NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Grace (noun)
- An additional time granted beyond a deadline, during which penalties are waived
- A brief prayer of gratitude said before a meal
Answer:
Hint 2: Grace (verb)
- Possess or exhibit beauty in appearance
- Enhance attractiveness by adding decoration or colour
8D Providers of college courses? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: College (noun)
- A group of buildings that house a higher education institution
- An educational institution that offers degree programmes, often affiliated with a university
Answer:
9D Term of ___ NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Term (noun)
- The final stage of pregnancy when birth is near
- A sculpted bust or figure atop a square pillar, historically used as a boundary marker in ancient Rome
Answer:
Hint 2: Term (verb)
- To formally name or assign a specific designation
10D Common but often counterproductive response to a recurring problem NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Counterproductive (adjective)
- Having the opposite effect of what is intended, obstructing goal achievement
Answer:
Hint 2: Response (noun)
- A verbal reply that maintains a conversation
- A physical reaction triggered by a preceding stimulus or agent
11D What a button mushroom becomes when it matures NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Mushroom (noun)
- A towering cloud of debris and dust, resembling a mushroom, that forms after a large explosion, particularly a nuclear blast
- A type of fleshy fungus from the Basidiomycota group, featuring a cap atop a stalk, growing from an underground mycelium
Answer:
Hint 2: Mushroom (verb)
- Expand or develop rapidly
- Collect or harvest mushrooms
12D “Thelma & Louise” auto, informally NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Informally (adverb)
- Using casual or conversational language
Answer:
13D Rikishi’s sport NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Sport (noun)
- A person who participates in athletic activities
- (Maine, colloquial) A seasonal visitor who spends summers in Maine
Answer:
Hint 2: Sport (verb)
- Engage in lively or energetic play
- Show off or wear something with pride
15D Inexperienced gamers, in slang NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Inexperienced (adjective)
- Without practical knowledge or training
Answer:
Hint 2: Slang (verb)
- Deceive or trick someone
- Use harsh or vulgar language towards someone
21D 2010s satirical reality series starring comedian Fielder NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Satirical (adjective)
- Criticising human foolishness through humour or ridicule
Answer:
Hint 2: Comedian (noun)
- A performer who entertains by telling jokes and acting comically
- An actor who specialises in comedic roles
22D They may be dry or dirty NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Dirty (adjective)
- Acquired through illegal or unethical methods
- Marked with alterations or corrections, often making it untidy
Answer:
Hint 2: Dirty (verb)
- To soil or make unclean
24D Abbott and Costello in the film “Arrival,” informally NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Informally (adverb)
- Using casual or conversational language
Answer:
Hint 2: Arrival (noun)
- The achievement of a goal
- A person who has reached a destination
25D Title Toni Morrison character who lives in the Bottom NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Character (noun)
- A written reference from a previous employer outlining a person’s skills and reliability
- An individual with distinct traits, often exhibiting eccentric behaviour
Answer:
Hint 2: Character (verb)
- Etch or inscribe symbols or letters onto a surface
26D Calculated NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Answers used in the past:
- STRATEGIC (9 letters)
- SLY (3 letters)
Answer:
27D Many Fertile Crescent residents NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Fertile (adjective)
- Producing offspring or yield in great quantity
- Highly creative or intellectually productive
Answer:
Hint 2: Crescent (adjective)
- Shaped like a new moon
28D Covert field? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Covert (noun)
- A covering that hides or provides shelter
- A group of coots
Answer:
Hint 2: Covert (adjective)
- (Historically) A wife under her husband’s protection
- Hidden or secret; not openly displayed or practiced
29D Cookie brand whose name is stylized with an exclamation point NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Stylized (adjective)
- Designed with artistic conventions for effect rather than natural realism
Answer:
Hint 2: Exclamation (noun)
- A rhetorical expression of strong emotion
- A sudden, enthusiastic outburst
30D “Do the Right Thing” pizzeria NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Pizzeria (noun)
- A place where pizzas are prepared and sold
Answer:
Hint 2: Thing (noun)
- An unspecified matter or concern
- An act or deed
31D Org. whose workers usually wear gloves NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve for today’s answer.
SAT
Answer:
36D Once called NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Once (adverb)
- Happening a single time
- Referring to a past moment
Answer:
39D Turn away NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Away (adverb)
- Removed from consideration or focus
- No longer in one’s possession
Answer:
Hint 2: Away (adjective)
- (In baseball) Positioned on the far side of home plate from the batter
- Absent or having departed
40D Chef Jacques ___, holder of 16 James Beard awards NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Holder (noun)
- An individual possessing a cheque, note, bond, or title document, either personally or as a bearer
- A device designed to secure or support an object
Answer:
41D Nod, say NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Say (verb)
- To include specific wording or phrasing
- To command or instruct with authority
Answer:
Hint 2: Say (noun)
- An opportunity to express one’s thoughts or opinions
42D N.Y.C. attraction NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Attraction (noun)
- The ability to generate interest or appeal
- A performer who draws large crowds
Answer:
44D Pro sports team named for some of its equipment NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Equipment (noun)
- Tools or instruments required for a task or service
Answer:
45D Elegy, e.g. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Elegy (noun)
- A sorrowful poem expressing grief or mourning for the deceased
Answer:
46D What an orange dot might indicate in a chat NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Indicate (verb)
- To serve as a sign or symptom of something
- To point out a location, direction, person, or object, either literally or figuratively
Answer:
Hint 2: Orange (adjective)
- Having a hue between red and yellow, resembling the colour of a ripe orange
47D Only U.S. president other than J.F.K. to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Arlington (noun)
- A city located in northern Texas, situated between Dallas and Fort Worth
Answer:
Hint 2: President (noun)
- The leader who oversees meetings within an organization
- The individual serving as the head of state in the United States government
49D Fareed Zakaria’s channel NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Channel (verb)
- Act as a medium for transmitting something
- Direct or transfer from one person or place to another
Answer:
Hint 2: Channel (noun)
- A television network along with its broadcasts
- A bodily passage or tube lined with epithelial cells that carries a secretion or other substance
50D Target of some phishing scams: Abbr.NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Target (noun)
- The specific location aimed at for impact
- The intended goal believed to be achievable
Answer:
Hint 2: Target (verb)
- Aim or direct something toward a particular objective
