NYT Crossword hints and answer for December 16, 2025
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues78
Across39
Down39
ConstructorJason Reich
Today’s NYT Crossword clues, hints & answers
Every clue from this puzzle with a hint and the answer behind separate buttons, so you only see what you need. Click a clue for its own page.
Across
1A
Library acquisition (4)
Starts with B, ends with KBOOK→
5A
Insta and Snap (4)
Starts with A, ends with SAPPS→
14A
Roughly equivalent (to) (4)
Starts with A, ends with NAKIN→
16A
Maine-to-Florida hwy. (5)
Starts with U, ends with EUSONE→
17A
What shares a key with "(" on a keyboard (4)
Starts with N, ends with ENINE→
18A
Reason to buy a magazine, perhaps (10)
Starts with C, ends with YCOVERSTORY→
20A
Hockey feints (5)
Starts with D, ends with SDEKES→
22A
Like someone who knows everything about a niche subject, maybe (5)
Starts with G, ends with YGEEKY→
23A
Prefix with cache or tag (3)
Starts with G, ends with OGEO→
24A
Person in hot pants? (4)
Starts with L, ends with RLIAR→
26A
Name on a prestigious award (5)
Starts with N, ends with LNOBEL→
28A
It may be blond or pale (3)
Starts with A, ends with EALE→
31A
Disgusting (5)
Starts with G, ends with SGROSS→
33A
C-suite types (5)
Starts with E, ends with SEXECS→
36A
Last stop before security, often (8)
Starts with B, ends with KBAGCHECK→
38A
Words of communal support (6)
Starts with W, ends with EWECARE→
39A
Texter's "Then again …" (4)
Starts with O, ends with HOTOH→
40A
Groundbreaking 1988 Japanese animated action film (5)
Starts with A, ends with AAKIRA→
42A
Orchestra-tuning instrument (4)
Starts with O, ends with EOBOE→
43A
Negligent (6)
Starts with R, ends with SREMISS→
45A
Turnabout, they say (8)
Starts with F, ends with YFAIRPLAY→
47A
Tiny amount (5)
Starts with T, ends with ETRACE→
48A
Pay taxes via the internet (5)
Starts with E, ends with EEFILE→
49A
Air traveler's info (3)
Starts with E, ends with AETA→
50A
Drinks served at fountains (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSODAS→
52A
Govt. IDs (4)
Starts with S, ends with SSSNS→
54A
Down Under land: Abbr. (3)
Starts with A, ends with SAUS→
56A
Computer acronym since the 1960s (5)
Starts with A, ends with IASCII→
58A
Inventor Nikola (5)
Starts with T, ends with ATESLA→
62A
The IBM Simon Personal Communicator is considered the world's first one (10)
Starts with S, ends with ESMARTPHONE→
65A
Couple, in gossip (4)
Starts with I, ends with MITEM→
66A
"Aw, shucks!" (5)
Starts with O, ends with EOHGEE→
67A
Decorative pitcher (4)
Starts with E, ends with REWER→
69A
Lords' lands (5)
Starts with F, ends with SFIEFS→
70A
Tells (on) (4)
Starts with R, ends with SRATS→
Down
1D
Genesis or Yes (4)
Starts with B, ends with DBAND→
2D
Many a character in "The Grapes of Wrath" (4)
Starts with O, ends with EOKIE→
3D
Barnyard sound (4)
Starts with O, ends with KOINK→
4D
Prepare to be knighted (5)
Starts with K, ends with LKNEEL→
5D
Epitome of simplicity (3)
Starts with A, ends with CABC→
6D
Genre for Genesis or Yes, informally (8)
Starts with P, ends with KPROGROCK→
7D
Lead (the way) (4)
Starts with P, ends with EPAVE→
8D
Glossy finishes (6)
Starts with S, ends with SSHEENS→
9D
Active and enthusiastic sort (7)
Starts with B, ends with EBUSYBEE→
10D
Approx. (3)
Starts with E, ends with TEST→
11D
Easily found on the internet, say (10)
Starts with G, ends with EGOOGLEABLE→
12D
Memo heading (4)
Starts with I, ends with EINRE→
13D
Grammy-winning R&B artist whose stage name is said to have been inspired by "The Matrix" (4)
Starts with N, ends with ONEYO→
19D
Golden Age studio known for many Astaire/Rogers films (3)
Starts with R, ends with ORKO→
21D
You might heave a big one (4)
Starts with S, ends with HSIGH→
25D
Places (5)
Starts with A, ends with SAREAS→
27D
Mike in "Breaking Bad," for example (5)
Starts with E, ends with PEXCOP→
28D
Cancel, as a space launch (5)
Starts with A, ends with TABORT→
29D
Procrastinator's mantra (5)
Starts with L, ends with RLATER→
30D
What someone seeking validation might need (10)
Starts with E, ends with EEGOMASSAGE→
32D
Shallow boat with a square stern (5)
Starts with S, ends with FSKIFF→
34D
Neighbor of a Slovene (5)
Starts with C, ends with TCROAT→
35D
"Take it easy!" (5)
Starts with S, ends with ASEEYA→
37D
Brother to Groucho (5)
Starts with C, ends with OCHICO→
38D
Mournful cries (5)
Starts with W, ends with SWAILS→
41D
One in a box at the theater? (8)
Starts with R, ends with TRAISINET→
44D
Tranquilizes (7)
Starts with S, ends with SSEDATES→
46D
Penalty in Monopoly (4)
Starts with R, ends with TRENT→
48D
Artist known for his "impossible staircases" (6)
Starts with E, ends with RESCHER→
51D
Symbol of divine authority in hieroglyphics (3)
Starts with A, ends with PASP→
53D
Grab control of (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESEIZE→
54D
Words before a date (4)
Starts with A, ends with FASOF→
55D
Tentative greeting (4)
Starts with U, ends with IUMHI→
57D
The Hawkeye State (4)
Starts with I, ends with AIOWA→
59D
Show extreme fandom for, in slang (4)
Starts with S, ends with NSTAN→
60D
Give temporarily (4)
Starts with L, ends with DLEND→
61D
Ryan and Adams of Hollywood (4)
Starts with A, ends with SAMYS→
63D
Whistle blower or flag thrower (3)
Starts with R, ends with FREF→
64D
Hosp. hot spots (3)
Starts with E, ends with SERS→
How to solve the NYT Crossword
Fill the grid so that every Across and Down answer matches its clue. Numbered squares mark where answers begin. Theme answers, usually the longest entries, share a twist that the puzzle's title or a revealer clue explains. Thursday puzzles are known for rebus squares and other tricks that bend the normal rules.
Want the full method? Read our NYT Crossword strategy and tips, or check how to play the NYT Crossword on the hub.
NYT Crossword tips for tomorrow
- Start with Monday-level clues. Even on a Saturday, a handful of clues are straightforward. Find them and build outward from the crossings.
- Hunt for the revealer. A clue that references other entries or ends in "?" often explains the theme. Solving it first unlocks the long answers.
- Respect the day of the week. Thursday means tricks like rebus squares; Friday and Saturday mean long, clever fill with misleading clues.
Done for today? Try The Mini, The Midi, LA Times Crossword, all with hints first and answers behind a reveal.
Previous NYT Crossword puzzles
NYT Crossword FAQ
How many clues are in the NYT Crossword for December 16, 2025?+
78 clues: 39 Across and 39 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Jason Reich and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Library acquisition (BOOK); Insta and Snap (APPS); Start (BEGIN).
What time does the NYT Crossword come out?+
The next day's puzzle is released at 10:00 pm Eastern Time Monday to Friday and at 6:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Where can I find past NYT Crossword answers?+
Every puzzle in our archive has its own page with all Across and Down answers, plus a page for each clue. Click any date above.
