NYT Crossword hints and answer for December 13, 2025

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

Clues62
Across32
Down30
ConstructorGene Louise De Vera

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
Possible turnoff on a first date (9)
Starts with B, ends with HBADBREATH→
10A
Spicy shellfish dish (11)
Starts with C, ends with BCURRIEDCRAB→
12A
Yellow 5 and Red 40, for two (13)
Starts with F, ends with SFOODADDITIVES→
14A
City SE of Chicago (4)
Starts with G, ends with YGARY→
15A
"Cool beans!" (5)
Starts with N, ends with ONEATO→
16A
Grub (4)
Starts with E, ends with SEATS→
18A
"Knowing" without really knowing, for short (3)
Starts with E, ends with PESP→
19A
Shade of the gay pride triangle (7)
Starts with H, ends with KHOTPINK→
21A
Cry in many a horror film (3)
Starts with R, ends with NRUN→
22A
Actress Birch of "Hocus Pocus" (5)
Starts with T, ends with ATHORA→
24A
Robert Byrd was one for 51 years: Abbr. (3)
Starts with S, ends with NSEN→
25A
Abstain from (5)
Starts with N, ends with ONOTDO→
27A
Philippic (6)
Starts with T, ends with ETIRADE→
30A
Subs (7)
Starts with H, ends with SHOAGIES→
32A
Home heating component (7)
Starts with O, ends with KOILTANK→
33A
Dub (7)
Starts with E, ends with EENTITLE→
34A
Board of creatives? (7)
Starts with P, ends with EPALETTE→
35A
Countenance (4)
Starts with M, ends with NMIEN→
36A
Ready to dive in, say (5)
Starts with E, ends with REAGER→
38A
Streamlet (4)
Starts with R, ends with LRILL→
39A
Ticker tape?: Abbr. (3)
Starts with E, ends with GECG→
40A
First, second or third (7)
Starts with O, ends with LORDINAL→
42A
"___ won't!" (3)
Starts with N, ends with INOI→
43A
Shift shape (5)
Starts with M, ends with HMORPH→
45A
They travel through tubes (3)
Starts with O, ends with AOVA→
46A
"Dang it!" (5)
Starts with A, ends with NAWMAN→
51A
Obtain (6)
Starts with S, ends with ESECURE→
52A
Morning prayer (6)
Starts with M, ends with SMATINS→
53A
Doorbell sounds (5)
Starts with D, ends with SDONGS→
54A
Weapon that killed Medusa, in myth (5)
Starts with S, ends with DSWORD→

Down

1D
Harbor bobber (4)
Starts with B, ends with YBUOY→
2D
Wiz end? (3)
Starts with A, ends with DARD→
3D
Alternative to a snake (5)
Starts with D, ends with ODRANO→
4D
Fancy hotel amenities (6)
Starts with B, ends with SBIDETS→
5D
Orangutan, by another name (6)
Starts with R, ends with EREDAPE→
6D
Include later, as video footage (6)
Starts with E, ends with NEDITIN→
7D
Heed (5)
Starts with A, ends with NACTON→
8D
Part of TNT (3)
Starts with T, ends with ITRI→
9D
Order at a restaurant (4)
Starts with H, ends with EHAVE→
10D
Creator of some bubbles (14)
Starts with C, ends with DCORPORATEGREED→
11D
"Remember …" (14)
Starts with B, ends with DBEARTHATINMIND→
13D
Some of them may be forgiven (12)
Starts with S, ends with SSTUDENTLOANS→
14D
Be looped in (10)
Starts with G, ends with OGETTHEMEMO→
17D
School viewing? (10)
Starts with S, ends with GSNORKELING→
19D
Lost all patience (5)
Starts with H, ends with THADIT→
20D
Mourning peal (5)
Starts with K, ends with LKNELL→
23D
26D
Cousin of a wolverine (5)
Starts with O, ends with ROTTER→
28D
Pot user? (5)
Starts with E, ends with REELER→
31D
Birds also known as "little auks" (8)
Starts with S, ends with SSEADOVES→
32D
Sign of good reception? (8)
Starts with O, ends with SOPENARMS→
37D
Present (4)
Starts with G, ends with EGIVE→
40D
"Well, whoop-de-doo!" (5)
Starts with O, ends with NOHFUN→
41D
Rapper with the 2022 hit "Big Energy" (5)
Starts with L, ends with OLATTO→
44D
Not mucho (4)
Starts with P, ends with OPOCO→
47D
Sound from fans (4)
Starts with W, ends with RWHIR→
49D
A little work (3)
Starts with E, ends with GERG→

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 13, 2025?+

62 clues: 32 Across and 30 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Gene Louise De Vera and edited by Will Shortz.

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

For example: Possible turnoff on a first date (BADBREATH); Spicy shellfish dish (CURRIEDCRAB); Yellow 5 and Red 40, for two (FOODADDITIVES).

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