NYT Crossword hints and answer for March 29, 2025

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

Clues68
Across33
Down35
ConstructorChristina Iverson and Jacob McDermott

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

10A
Mortify (5)
Starts with A, ends with HABASH→
15A
Head honcho (9)
Starts with T, ends with ATOPBANANA→
16A
Short Japanese sword (5)
Starts with T, ends with OTANTO→
17A
Strong indication (9)
Starts with C, ends with NCLEARSIGN→
19A
Roost-er (3)
Starts with H, ends with NHEN→
20A
Gun (3)
Starts with R, ends with VREV→
23A
It might be flat but not sharp (4)
Starts with T, ends with ETIRE→
24A
Give the OK (5)
Starts with B, ends with SBLESS→
25A
What's got about an ounce of scents? (6)
Starts with S, ends with TSACHET→
28A
It requires a flipper (8)
Starts with C, ends with SCOINTOSS→
31A
Suffered, in a way (5)
Starts with A, ends with DACHED→
32A
One always seen in a fancy fur coat (9)
Starts with T, ends with TTUXEDOCAT→
33A
Part of an agenda (4)
Starts with I, ends with MITEM→
34A
Encircled (5)
Starts with O, ends with DORBED→
35A
Birdseed alternative, at times (4)
Starts with R, ends with ERICE→
36A
"That's absolutely fine" (9)
Starts with N, ends with SNOWORRIES→
38A
Pageant prize (5)
Starts with T, ends with ATIARA→
39A
Birthplace of the writer V.S. Naipaul (8)
Starts with T, ends with DTRINIDAD→
40A
Barreled (out) (6)
Starts with P, ends with DPEELED→
41A
Lint trap? (5)
Starts with N, ends with LNAVEL→
42A
"___ Got a Way" (Billy Joel hit) (4)
Starts with S, ends with SSHES→
43A
Casting experts? (7)
Starts with A, ends with SANGLERS→
46A
Lightly roast (3)
Starts with R, ends with BRIB→
49A
For real (5)
Starts with L, ends with TLEGIT→
50A
"Either way's fine with me" (9)
Starts with I, ends with EIDONTCARE→
53A
Divert (5)
Starts with A, ends with EAMUSE→
54A
Label on one Coca-Cola offering (9)
Starts with Z, ends with RZEROSUGAR→
55A
Itinerant one (5)
Starts with N, ends with DNOMAD→
56A
Cry from a cutthroat competitor (9)
Starts with E, ends with TEATMYDUST→

Down

1D
Reason to scratch one's head (4)
Starts with I, ends with HITCH→
2D
Part of a film (4)
Starts with R, ends with EROLE→
3D
Neon sign word (4)
Starts with O, ends with NOPEN→
4D
Magic org. (3)
Starts with N, ends with ANBA→
5D
Single alternative (7)
Starts with M, ends with DMARRIED→
6D
"___ here" (6)
Starts with I, ends with TINSERT→
7D
Like a mark (5)
Starts with N, ends with ENAIVE→
8D
Primary lang. of Gambia (3)
Starts with E, ends with GENG→
9D
Where to get into the nitty-gritty? (9)
Starts with S, ends with SSANDBOXES→
10D
Over (7)
Starts with A, ends with DATANEND→
11D
They help build characters (11)
Starts with B, ends with SBACKSTORIES→
12D
Standoffish, say (10)
Starts with A, ends with LANTISOCIAL→
13D
Floor (4)
Starts with S, ends with NSTUN→
14D
Brewer's need (4)
Starts with H, ends with SHOPS→
22D
"Don't believe me" (5)
Starts with I, ends with DILIED→
25D
Good Samaritan, say (5)
Starts with S, ends with TSAINT→
26D
One in need of some direction (5)
Starts with A, ends with RACTOR→
27D
Wrigley field? (10)
Starts with C, ends with MCHEWINGGUM→
28D
Like some steak (5)
Starts with C, ends with DCUBED→
29D
30D
Position (5)
Starts with S, ends with DSTEAD→
32D
Like many free samples (9)
Starts with T, ends with ETRIALSIZE→
34D
Taxonomic classification (5)
Starts with O, ends with RORDER→
37D
On the edge of one's seat (7)
Starts with R, ends with DRIVETED→
38D
Itsy-bitsy (7)
Starts with T, ends with YTEENTSY→
40D
The W.N.B.A.'s Caitlin Clark, for one (6)
Starts with P, ends with MPHENOM→
42D
Fashion portmanteau (5)
Starts with S, ends with TSKORT→
43D
___ Moore, author of "V for Vendetta" (4)
Starts with A, ends with NALAN→
44D
Jules Verne visionary (4)
Starts with N, ends with ONEMO→
46D
Soffritto-based sauce (4)
Starts with R, ends with URAGU→
47D
Parts of many $$$ portfolios (4)
Starts with I, ends with SIRAS→
51D
Raiders' org. (3)
Starts with D, ends with ADEA→
52D
It's a mouthful (3)
Starts with C, ends with DCUD→

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 March 29, 2025?+

68 clues: 33 Across and 35 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Christina Iverson and Jacob McDermott and edited by Will Shortz.

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

For example: Underground venues for some heavy-metal bands? (IRONMINES); Mortify (ABASH); Head honcho (TOPBANANA).

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

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