NYT Crossword hints and answer for December 5, 2025

Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.

Clues68
Across32
Down36
ConstructorJames McCarron

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
Home to Kotoka International Airport (5)
Starts with G, ends with AGHANA→
6A
11A
Can't-miss purchases? (13)
Starts with S, ends with SSEASONTICKETS→
14A
Words of caution (15)
Starts with D, ends with RDONTPOKETHEBEAR→
16A
Threshold (3)
Starts with E, ends with EEVE→
17A
Ties up (7)
Starts with E, ends with SENLACES→
18A
Coastal waterway (3)
Starts with R, ends with ARIA→
19A
Up (5)
Starts with R, ends with NRISEN→
22A
Colombian city of 2+ million (4)
Starts with C, ends with ICALI→
23A
Dutch artist Jan van der ___ (4)
Starts with M, ends with RMEER→
24A
Curtail (4)
Starts with S, ends with MSTEM→
25A
Stick in an orchestra (5)
Starts with B, ends with NBATON→
26A
Spot likely to smear (8)
Starts with A, ends with DATTACKAD→
28A
They aren't party people (6)
Starts with L, ends with SLONERS→
29A
Cut, as with a box cutter (4)
Starts with S, ends with TSLIT→
30A
"Fun-size" (4)
Starts with M, ends with IMINI→
34A
Words of retaliation (8)
Starts with T, ends with TTAKETHAT→
38A
Word with fire or false (5)
Starts with A, ends with MALARM→
39A
Hotel listing (4)
Starts with R, ends with ERATE→
40A
One and the other (4)
Starts with B, ends with HBOTH→
41A
Big name in chip production (4)
Starts with L, ends with SLAYS→
42A
Bundle (4)
Starts with P, ends with EPILE→
44A
Refuge (3)
Starts with A, ends with KARK→
47A
It's perfect (3)
Starts with T, ends with NTEN→
48A
52A
Something blocked by censors (5)
Starts with C, ends with ECURSE→
53A
1944 Pacific battle site (5)
Starts with L, ends with ELEYTE→

Down

1D
What clones share (7)
Starts with G, ends with TGENESET→
2D
It might be on a rack (3)
Starts with H, ends with THAT→
3D
Ski town that shares its name with a tree (5)
Starts with A, ends with NASPEN→
4D
"High" time (4)
Starts with N, ends with NNOON→
5D
6D
"Arrested Development," e.g. (6)
Starts with S, ends with MSITCOM→
7D
Pines (5)
Starts with A, ends with SACHES→
8D
Relatives of banjoleles (4)
Starts with U, ends with SUKES→
9D
Nebraska senator Fischer (3)
Starts with D, ends with BDEB→
10D
Repeat (7)
Starts with I, ends with EITERATE→
11D
Council, in Russian (6)
Starts with S, ends with TSOVIET→
12D
Got misty (6)
Starts with T, ends with DTEARED→
13D
Sea shanty singer (6)
Starts with S, ends with RSAILOR→
14D
Skin layer with hair follicles (5)
Starts with D, ends with ADERMA→
15D
Show stoppers, sometimes (5)
Starts with R, ends with SRAINS→
20D
22D
"Is this possible?!?" (7)
Starts with C, ends with ECANITBE→
24D
Take a little off the top (4)
Starts with S, ends with MSKIM→
25D
Dog treat (4)
Starts with B, ends with EBONE→
27D
Silent sort (4)
Starts with C, ends with MCLAM→
28D
Fancy (4)
Starts with L, ends with ELIKE→
30D
Kind of instinct (8)
Starts with M, ends with LMATERNAL→
31D
Mohamed ___, Egyptian soccer star (5)
Starts with S, ends with HSALAH→
32D
Shade of red (6)
Starts with C, ends with TCLARET→
33D
Big name in fast food (7)
Starts with R, ends with CRAYKROC→
34D
"Honor Thy Father" writer, 1971 (6)
Starts with T, ends with ETALESE→
35D
Argumentative (7)
Starts with H, ends with EHOSTILE→
36D
Get to (6)
Starts with A, ends with DATTEND→
37D
Minimal coverage provider? (5)
Starts with T, ends with GTHONG→
39D
Hearty steakhouse serving (6)
Starts with R, ends with ERIBEYE→
42D
Tricks (5)
Starts with P, ends with SPLOYS→
43D
Unwitting mark (5)
Starts with P, ends with YPATSY→
45D
46D
Raced (4)
Starts with T, ends with ETORE→
49D
Dot follower in academia (3)
Starts with E, ends with UEDU→
50D
Spicy (3)
Starts with H, ends with THOT→

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 5, 2025?+

68 clues: 32 Across and 36 Down. The puzzle was constructed by James McCarron and edited by Will Shortz.

What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+

For example: Home to Kotoka International Airport (GHANA); Many a wearer of a long robe called a thawb (SAUDI); Can't-miss purchases? (SEASONTICKETS).

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.

Today’s other puzzle answers

NYT Crossword guides