NYT Crossword hints and answer for February 7, 2025

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

Clues68
Across28
Down40
ConstructorKelly Morenus

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
12A
Murder she wrote? (13)
Starts with C, ends with TCRIMENOVELIST→
14A
Bumping into someone, e.g. (15)
Starts with C, ends with RCHANCEENCOUNTER→
16A
Material that goes on a foundation (6)
Starts with P, ends with RPOWDER→
17A
What's holding up dessert? (4)
Starts with C, ends with ECONE→
18A
Chop (3)
Starts with A, ends with EAXE→
19A
Step on a shampoo bottle (5)
Starts with R, ends with ERINSE→
20A
Amps (up) (4)
Starts with P, ends with SPEPS→
22A
Grazing spaces (4)
Starts with L, ends with SLEAS→
23A
Buds (4)
Starts with P, ends with SPALS→
24A
Recognized (8)
Starts with O, ends with LOFFICIAL→
29A
It lightens things (6)
Starts with L, ends with YLEVITY→
31A
Cushion (7)
Starts with P, ends with TPROTECT→
32A
Divine (7)
Starts with F, ends with EFORESEE→
33A
At peace (6)
Starts with S, ends with ESERENE→
34A
Popular mode of transport in Dhaka (8)
Starts with R, ends with WRICKSHAW→
35A
___ Bunton a.k.a. Baby Spice (4)
Starts with E, ends with AEMMA→
36A
South Asian wood (4)
Starts with T, ends with KTEAK→
37A
Ergo (4)
Starts with T, ends with STHUS→
38A
Wild ___ (4)
Starts with W, ends with TWEST→
39A
Campus figures (5)
Starts with D, ends with SDEANS→
44A
Shakespearean prince (3)
Starts with H, ends with LHAL→
46A
Campus figure (6)
Starts with B, ends with RBURSAR→
47A
Every other day, say (15)
Starts with O, ends with SONAREGULARBASIS→
50A
Play with one's food? (13)
Starts with D, ends with RDINNERTHEATER→
51A
Sets off mayhem (11)
Starts with C, ends with TCAUSESARIOT→

Down

1D
10-legged crustacean (5)
Starts with P, ends with NPRAWN→
2D
Some garnishes (5)
Starts with R, ends with SRINDS→
3D
Announcer (5)
Starts with E, ends with EEMCEE→
4D
Does, perhaps (4)
Starts with D, ends with RDEER→
5D
Chemical suffix (3)
Starts with I, ends with EINE→
6D
Mask (7)
Starts with C, ends with LCONCEAL→
7D
Kojak and Friday, for two (6)
Starts with T, ends with STVCOPS→
8D
A long, long time (5)
Starts with A, ends with SAEONS→
9D
Down (4)
Starts with B, ends with EBLUE→
10D
Architect Maya (3)
Starts with L, ends with NLIN→
11D
Prove (9)
Starts with E, ends with HESTABLISH→
12D
"Parasite" actor ___ Woo-shik (4)
Starts with C, ends with ICHOI→
13D
Oil, slangily (8)
Starts with T, ends with ATEXASTEA→
14D
Medic's skill, for short (3)
Starts with C, ends with RCPR→
15D
Felipe VI, en España (3)
Starts with R, ends with YREY→
20D
Source of some smokiness in whiskey (4)
Starts with P, ends with TPEAT→
21D
Aid in keeping rain away from walls (5)
Starts with E, ends with SEAVES→
22D
Some sources of typhus (4)
Starts with L, ends with ELICE→
23D
Benefit (4)
Starts with P, ends with KPERK→
24D
Brief missions (3)
Starts with O, ends with SOPS→
25D
One way to illustrate (8)
Starts with F, ends with DFREEHAND→
26D
Unoriginal, as a plot (9)
Starts with F, ends with CFORMULAIC→
27D
Hot couples (5)
Starts with I, ends with SITEMS→
28D
John ___, longtime W.W.E. wrestler (4)
Starts with C, ends with ACENA→
29D
Secure (4)
Starts with L, ends with KLOCK→
30D
Tree with red berrylike fruit (3)
Starts with Y, ends with WYEW→
32D
Command (4)
Starts with F, ends with TFIAT→
36D
Campus protection (6)
Starts with T, ends with ETENURE→
37D
Poetic conjunction (3)
Starts with T, ends with OTHO→
38D
Topic for collective bargaining (5)
Starts with W, ends with SWAGES→
39D
Land that has no personal income tax (5)
Starts with D, ends with IDUBAI→
40D
Muse with a lyre (5)
Starts with E, ends with OERATO→
41D
Positive (5)
Starts with A, ends with TASSET→
42D
Depilatory brand (4)
Starts with N, ends with RNAIR→
43D
Campus figs. (3)
Starts with S, ends with SSRS→
45D
It might be open for lunch (4)
Starts with M, ends with UMENU→
46D
Uncle Remus title (4)
Starts with B, ends with RBRER→
48D
Minuscule messenger (3)
Starts with R, ends with ARNA→
49D
___ moment (3)
Starts with A, ends with AAHA→

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 7, 2025?+

68 clues: 28 Across and 40 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Kelly Morenus and edited by Will Shortz.

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

For example: Like the ending of a typical rom-com (PREDICTABLE); Murder she wrote? (CRIMENOVELIST); Bumping into someone, e.g. (CHANCEENCOUNTER).

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