NYT Crossword hints and answer for February 17, 2025
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues78
Across39
Down39
ConstructorKate Hawkins and Erica Hsiung Wojcik
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
"Live ___" (Taco Bell slogan) (3)
Starts with M, ends with SMAS→
4A
Where you might "take a number" (4)
Starts with D, ends with IDELI→
8A
Tie named for a British horse racing venue (5)
Starts with A, ends with TASCOT→
13A
Valuable metals (4)
Starts with O, ends with SORES→
16A
___ masala (spicy Indian chickpea dish) (5)
Starts with C, ends with ACHANA→
17A
Memento-filled craft project (9)
Starts with S, ends with KSCRAPBOOK→
19A
Staffs (5)
Starts with C, ends with SCANES→
20A
Everything on a bagel, say (8)
Starts with T, ends with STHEWORKS→
22A
Broadway's ___-Manuel Miranda (3)
Starts with L, ends with NLIN→
23A
Abu Dhabi's country, for short (3)
Starts with U, ends with EUAE→
24A
Fast-food chain that serves Louisiana chicken (7)
Starts with P, ends with SPOPEYES→
27A
Ache (for) (5)
Starts with Y, ends with NYEARN→
29A
Lead-in to phone or ass (5)
Starts with S, ends with TSMART→
31A
Fluffy Chinese bread roll (3)
Starts with B, ends with OBAO→
32A
Hosp. area for critical cases (3)
Starts with I, ends with UICU→
34A
___-conscious (3)
Starts with E, ends with OECO→
35A
"None for me" (4)
Starts with P, ends with SPASS→
36A
1981 hit by Queen and David Bowie (13)
Starts with U, ends with EUNDERPRESSURE→
40A
“Check your ___ at the door” (sign for musical artists entering to record “We Are the World”) (4)
Starts with E, ends with SEGOS→
41A
Singer Grande, to fans (3)
Starts with A, ends with IARI→
42A
Big part of an elephant (3)
Starts with E, ends with REAR→
43A
Day-___ paint (3)
Starts with G, ends with OGLO→
44A
Insolent sorts (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSNOTS→
46A
Italian motor scooter (5)
Starts with V, ends with AVESPA→
50A
Child's urging to a horse (7)
Starts with G, ends with PGIDDYUP→
52A
___ chi (martial art) (3)
Starts with T, ends with ITAI→
54A
Blade on a boat (3)
Starts with O, ends with ROAR→
55A
Danish film director ___ von Trier (4)
Starts with L, ends with SLARS→
56A
Unwavering (8)
Starts with R, ends with ERESOLUTE→
58A
Menzel who has played a green witch and an ice princess (5)
Starts with I, ends with AIDINA→
60A
"Uh-huh, I bet" … or a literal description of what 17-, 24-, 36- and 50-Across all have (9)
Starts with Y, ends with TYEAHRIGHT→
61A
Cowboy's workplace (5)
Starts with R, ends with HRANCH→
62A
Competent (4)
Starts with A, ends with EABLE→
63A
"Not. Good." (4)
Starts with U, ends with HUHOH→
64A
Parts of a jigsaw puzzle that many people work on first (5)
Starts with E, ends with SEDGES→
65A
The Bay State: Abbr. (4)
Starts with M, ends with SMASS→
66A
Gate-keeping org.? (3)
Starts with T, ends with ATSA→
Down
1D
In the main (6)
Starts with M, ends with YMOSTLY→
2D
Main character on "All in the Family" or "Riverdale" (6)
Starts with A, ends with EARCHIE→
3D
One of tennis's Williams sisters (6)
Starts with S, ends with ASERENA→
4D
Messing around on set? (5)
Starts with D, ends with ADEBRA→
5D
Brings to mind (6)
Starts with E, ends with SEVOKES→
6D
Ones born between July 23 and August 22 (4)
Starts with L, ends with SLEOS→
7D
Pen filler (3)
Starts with I, ends with KINK→
8D
Opposite of refuse (6)
Starts with A, ends with TACCEPT→
9D
Layered rock (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESHALE→
10D
Snickers or Milky Way (8)
Starts with C, ends with RCANDYBAR→
11D
Air Force ___ (3)
Starts with O, ends with EONE→
12D
Profs' aides (3)
Starts with T, ends with STAS→
14D
Glimpsed (3)
Starts with S, ends with WSAW→
18D
Jump (on) (6)
Starts with P, ends with EPOUNCE→
24D
Walk back and forth nervously (4)
Starts with P, ends with EPACE→
25D
Simplicity (4)
Starts with E, ends with EEASE→
26D
"Please send assistance A.S.A.P.!" (3)
Starts with S, ends with SSOS→
28D
Clears (of) (4)
Starts with R, ends with SRIDS→
30D
___ badge (scout's award) (5)
Starts with M, ends with TMERIT→
33D
Planet beyond Saturn (6)
Starts with U, ends with SURANUS→
35D
Unadulterated (4)
Starts with P, ends with EPURE→
36D
Bumpy yellow fruit (4)
Starts with U, ends with IUGLI→
37D
Messing around, as with an instrument or ideas (8)
Starts with N, ends with GNOODLING→
38D
Item on a stage (4)
Starts with P, ends with PPROP→
39D
Rescuer (6)
Starts with S, ends with RSAVIOR→
40D
Ingredient in tempera or tempura (3)
Starts with E, ends with GEGG→
44D
Some dark red wines (6)
Starts with S, ends with SSYRAHS→
45D
Amazing deals (6)
Starts with S, ends with SSTEALS→
47D
Looked for (6)
Starts with S, ends with TSOUGHT→
48D
Rhetorical device used to tug at your heartstrings (6)
Starts with P, ends with SPATHOS→
49D
R&B's Franklin (6)
Starts with A, ends with AARETHA→
51D
Swing at a ball? (5)
Starts with D, ends with EDANCE→
53D
Fireplace remains (5)
Starts with A, ends with SASHES→
56D
Country music's McEntire (4)
Starts with R, ends with AREBA→
57D
Actress Lucy of CBS's "Elementary" (3)
Starts with L, ends with ULIU→
58D
Burning feeling (3)
Starts with I, ends with EIRE→
60D
Starchy tuber (3)
Starts with Y, ends with MYAM→
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 February 17, 2025?+
78 clues: 39 Across and 39 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Kate Hawkins and Erica Hsiung Wojcik and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: "Live ___" (Taco Bell slogan) (MAS); Where you might "take a number" (DELI); Tie named for a British horse racing venue (ASCOT).
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.
