Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 12 May 2025, Monday. Find all answers and solutions here.
We've also tries to explain why the answer is the correct solution for each clue.
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Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
Alma __ : MATER
"Mater" is the Latin word for mother. In the phrase "Alma Mater," alma means nurturing or fostering, so "Alma Mater" refers to a school or university where one has studied or graduated from, often seen as a nurturing or fostering motherly figure.
Amt. that may be “heaping” : TSP
The abbreviation "TSP" stands for teaspoon, which is a unit of measurement commonly used in recipes. When measuring ingredients like sugar or flour, you may see the instruction to add a "heaping teaspoon," indicating that the ingredient should be piled slightly above the rim of the spoon.
Beaut : LULU
The term "GEM" can be used as a slang word to refer to something or someone beautiful or excellent, hence it fits the clue "Beaut" as a synonym.
Beaut : LULU
Bestowed upon : HANDED TO
The answer "HANDED TO" fits the clue "Bestowed upon" because when you hand something to someone, you are giving or bestowing it upon them.
Brand with an Organic Blonde Tea Latte variety : TAZO
Tazo is a well-known brand that offers an Organic Blonde Tea Latte variety, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Cacao container : POD
The answer "POD" is the right solution because cacao beans are often found inside cacao pods.
Cacophony : DIN
The word "cacophony" means a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds. The word "din" means a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise. "Din" is a synonym of "cacophony", making it the right solution for the crossword clue.
Cacophony : DIN
"DIN" is the right answer because "cacophony" means a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds, which can be described as a loud and continuous noise - just like a "DIN."
Clue category : WEAPON
Colonnade trees : ELMS
The answer to "Colonnade trees" is "ELMS" because elms are commonly planted in rows to form colonnades.
Colonnade trees : ELMS
The answer "ELMS" is correct because elms are commonly planted in rows to create colonnades, providing a shaded walkway.
Conked with a curveball : BEANED
"BEANED" is the right answer because in baseball slang, when a batter is hit by a pitch, especially a curveball, it is referred to as being "beaned."
Date night flick : ROMCOM
The term "ROMCOM" is short for romantic comedy, which is a popular genre of movies often watched on date nights.
Dee Dee of punk rock : RAMONE
The answer "RAMONE" fits the clue "Dee Dee of punk rock" because Dee Dee Ramone was a founding member and bassist of the punk rock band the Ramones.
Disappointing turnout : NO ONE
The answer "NO ONE" fits the clue "Disappointing turnout" because when no one shows up to an event or gathering, it can be described as having a disappointing turnout.
Docs who perform tonsillectomies : ENTS
"ENTs" stands for Ear, Nose, and Throat doctors, who are medical professionals specialized in treating conditions related to the ear, nose, and throat, including performing tonsillectomies.
Domino dimple : PIP
The answer "PIP" is the right solution because a domino dimple is a small raised dot or bump on a domino, and "PIP" is a term commonly used to refer to these dots on dominoes.
Electric toothbrush brand : GLEEM
Fashion magazine that went digital-only in 2022 : INSTYLE
The answer is "INSTYLE" because InStyle magazine transitioned to a digital-only format in 2022, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Foil alternative : EPEE
The clue "Foil alternative" is a hint for a type of sword used in fencing. An epee is a type of fencing sword, making it the correct answer.
Foul territory? : STY
The clue "Foul territory?" is a play on words, hinting at an area where foul animals like pigs might be found. A sty is a pen or enclosure for pigs, making it the correct answer.
Fury : RAGE
"Ire" is a synonym for "fury" or "anger."
Fury : RAGE
The word "fury" means intense anger, and "anger" is a synonym of fury. Therefore, "anger" is the right solution for the crossword clue "fury".
Fury : RAGE
"Ire" means anger or fury, making it a suitable answer for the clue "fury".
Fury : RAGE
"IRE" is a synonym for fury or anger. It is a common crossword answer for this particular clue.
Fury : RAGE
The word "fury" is a synonym for intense anger or rage, making "ANGER" the appropriate answer.
Fury : RAGE
"RAGE" is synonymous with "fury," as both words describe intense anger or violence. In crossword puzzles, it's common for clues to provide synonyms or related words to lead solvers to the correct answer.
Fury : RAGE
"IRE" is another word for anger or fury. It is a common crossword answer for the clue "Fury" due to its synonymy with strong anger.
Fury : RAGE
The answer "WRATH" fits the clue "Fury" because "wrath" is a synonym for intense anger or fury.
Fury : RAGE
"RAGE" is synonymous with "fury," both describing intense anger or violent behavior. In crossword puzzles, answers are often chosen based on their similarity in meaning to the clue, making "RAGE" a fitting response to the clue "Fury."
Hebrew prophet : HOSEA
The answer "HOSEA" is the right solution because Hosea is a well-known Hebrew prophet mentioned in the Bible.
Hebrew prophet : HOSEA
HOSEA is the right solution because Hosea was a Hebrew prophet mentioned in the Bible, known for his prophecies and teachings.
Hiker’s graphic : MAP
The answer "MAP" fits the clue "Hiker’s graphic" because hikers often use maps to navigate trails and find their way in the wilderness.
Home of Tulane University, for short : NOLA
The answer "NOLA" is the right solution because "NOLA" is a common abbreviation for New Orleans, Louisiana, where Tulane University is located.
Initial perfume scents, or what can be found in the answers to the starred clues : TOP NOTES
The answer "TOP NOTES" is the right solution because in perfumery, "top notes" refer to the initial scents that are perceived when a perfume is first applied. In this crossword, the starred clues refer to words that can also mean "initial" or "first," making "TOP NOTES" the appropriate answer.
Italian fashion house : ARMANI
The answer to "Italian fashion house" is "PRADA" because Prada is a well-known and highly regarded Italian luxury fashion brand.
Italian fashion house : ARMANI
The answer "PRADA" fits the clue "Italian fashion house" because Prada is a well-known luxury fashion house based in Italy, known for its high-end clothing, accessories, and footwear.
Italian fashion house : ARMANI
Giorgio Armani is a well-known Italian fashion designer and founder of the fashion house Armani. The name "ARMANI" fits the clue "Italian fashion house" perfectly.
Lotus-__ : EATER
unknown
Mai __ : cocktail
The answer to "Mai __" is "cocktail" because "Mai Tai" is a popular tropical cocktail made with rum, orange liqueur, lime juice, and other ingredients.
Mai __ : cocktail
The answer to "Mai __" being "rum drink" is correct because the phrase "Mai __" commonly refers to the cocktail "Mai Tai," which is a tropical drink made with rum.
Mai __ : cocktail
The answer "Mai __" is "cocktail" because the full name of the cocktail is "Mai Tai." The clue is hinting at the popular tropical drink, which is often just referred to as a "Mai Tai."
Mediocre, in Gen Z slang : MID
"MID" is the right solution because in Gen Z slang, "MID" is often used to describe something that is mediocre or average.
Mental flashes : IDEAS
The answer "IDEAS" fits the clue "Mental flashes" because ideas can come to mind quickly and unexpectedly, similar to how flashes of light or insight occur.
Mental flashes : IDEAS
The term "mental flashes" suggests sudden thoughts or inspiration, which are commonly referred to as "ideas." This makes "IDEAS" the right solution for this crossword clue.
Mock mercilessly : DERIDE
"Mock mercilessly" is a clue that indicates making fun of someone in a harsh or cruel way. The word "DERIDE" means to mock or ridicule someone, especially in a contemptuous or dismissive manner, making it the right solution to the clue.
Mystical glow : AURA
The word "aura" is commonly used to describe a mystical or supernatural glow that surrounds a person or object. It fits perfectly with the clue "mystical glow" and is a commonly used term in this context.
Mystical glow : AURA
The word "aura" is commonly associated with a mystical glow or energy that surrounds a person or object, making it the correct answer for the clue "Mystical glow."
Mystical glow : AURA
The answer "AURA" is the right solution because a mystical glow is often associated with a person's aura, which is believed to be a distinctive atmosphere or quality.
Neighborhood where the Brooklyn Dodgers played : FLATBUSH
Flatbush is the neighborhood in Brooklyn where the Brooklyn Dodgers played at Ebbets Field.
Nile vipers : ASPS Down 1 Abbr. before a summary
ASPS are a type of venomous snake commonly found in Africa, including along the Nile River. This makes "ASPS" the correct answer for the clue "Nile vipers."
Nile vipers : ASPS Down 1 Abbr. before a summary
The abbreviation "Abbr." is often used before a summary to indicate that it is an abbreviation. Therefore, the answer to "Abbr. before a summary" is "ASPS".
Not for children : RATED-R
The term "RATED-R" is commonly used to indicate that a movie is not suitable for children under 17 without adult supervision, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Not for children."
Novelist Hemingway : ERNEST
Ernest Hemingway was a famous novelist known for his works such as "The Old Man and the Sea" and "A Farewell to Arms." Therefore, the answer "ERNEST" fits the clue "Novelist Hemingway."
Old Pan Am rival : USAIR
The answer "USAIR" is the right solution because USAir was a major airline that was a competitor of Pan Am in the past.
Opp. of withdrawal : DEP
"Opp. of withdrawal" is a clue looking for the opposite of withdrawal, which is deposit. "DEP" is the shortened form of deposit, making it the correct answer.
Overwhelming feeling : AWE
"AWE" is the right answer because an overwhelming feeling is often described as a sense of wonder, admiration, or reverence, which are all emotions associated with the word "awe."
Paging device : BEEPER
"BEEPER" is the right answer because a paging device is a small electronic device used to receive messages or notifications, and a beeper is a common type of paging device that emits beeping sounds to alert the user of an incoming message or call.
Patron of sailors : ST ELMO
Saint Elmo is the patron saint of sailors, also known as Saint Erasmus. He is invoked against storms and is considered a protector of those at sea.
Patron of sailors : ST ELMO
St. Elmo is the patron saint of sailors and also of abdominal pain. This is the right solution because St. Elmo is commonly associated with protection for those at sea.
Patti LuPone role : EVITA
"EVITA" is the right answer because Patti LuPone originated the role of Eva Perón in the musical "Evita" on Broadway in 1979.
Poetic nightfall : E’EN
"E'EN" is a shortened poetic form of "evening," which is a synonym for nightfall. It is a common abbreviation used in poetry and literature.
Rain delay cover : TARP
"TARP" is the right answer because during a rain delay, baseball fields are often covered with a tarp to protect the infield from getting wet.
Reject : SPURN
"Reject" means to refuse or dismiss something. "Spurn" is a synonym that means to reject with disdain or contempt. Therefore, "spurn" is the right solution for this clue.
San Diego State athlete : AZTEC
The term "AZTEC" refers to the San Diego State University sports teams, which are known as the Aztecs. This makes "AZTEC" the correct answer for the clue "San Diego State athlete."
Shopping cart unit : ITEM
The answer "ITEM" fits because in a shopping cart, each product added is considered an item.
Signify approval of, as a Reddit post : UPVOTE
The answer "UPVOTE" is the right solution because on Reddit, users can show their approval of a post by clicking the upvote button, which increases the post's visibility and ranking on the platform.
Six years for a U.S. senator, e.g. : TERM
The answer "TERM" fits because a U.S. senator serves a term of six years in office.
Slanted type : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." in a crossword puzzle stands for abbreviation. In this case, "Slanted type" is often abbreviated as "Ital." for italics.
Soil, water, or wind, e.g. : NATURAL RESOURCE
The answer "NATURAL RESOURCE" fits because soil, water, and wind are all examples of resources provided by nature that are essential for human survival and economic development.
Solo scholar : TUTEE
"TUTEE" is the right answer because a solo scholar is someone who is being taught by a tutor, making them the tutee.
Spike Lee’s employer : Abbr.
The answer is "NBA" because Spike Lee is known for his courtside presence at New York Knicks games, who are a team in the NBA (National Basketball Association). "Abbr." in the clue indicates that the answer should be abbreviated.
State-run game : LOTTO
The answer "LOTTO" fits the clue "State-run game" because lotteries are often run by state governments.
Stephanie’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” role : ROSA
"Rosa" is the right answer because Stephanie Beatriz plays the character Rosa Diaz on the TV show "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."
Stick fast : ADHERE
The term "stick fast" means to adhere firmly or stick closely. Therefore, the answer "ADHERE" fits the clue because it means to stick fast or hold firmly.
Stole steers : RUSTLED
"RUSTLED" is the right solution because it is a term often used to describe the act of stealing cattle, specifically steers, in the context of farming or ranching.
The “T” of SAT : TEST
The "T" in SAT stands for "Test," as SAT is an abbreviation for Scholastic Assessment Test.
To the __ degree : NTH
The phrase "to the nth degree" is a common expression meaning to the utmost or highest degree. In crossword puzzles, "NTH" is used as a shorthand way to represent an unspecified or unknown number or degree. Therefore, "NTH" is the correct answer for the clue "To the __ degree."
To the __ degree : NTH
"NTH" is often used in mathematics to represent an unspecified or unknown number in a sequence. In the phrase "To the Nth degree," it means to the highest or greatest possible extent.
To the __ degree : NTH
"NTH" is used in mathematics to represent an unspecified or unknown number in a sequence, making it a fitting answer for "To the __ degree," indicating an unspecified or indefinite extent.
Traditional tales : LORE
"Lore" is the right solution because it is a common word used to refer to traditional tales, knowledge, or customs passed down through generations.
Traditional tales : LORE
"Lore" refers to traditional knowledge or stories passed down through generations. In this context, traditional tales are often referred to as "lore," making it the correct answer.
Treat as the same : EQUATE
"EQUATE" means to treat as the same or equivalent. In this case, the clue "Treat as the same" is a synonym for "equate", making it the correct answer.
U.S. president who wrestled at Yale : TAFT
William Howard Taft was the U.S. president who wrestled at Yale before becoming president.
Union agts. : REPS
The abbreviation "agts." stands for "agents." In this context, "Union agts." refers to representatives (REPS) of a union.
Unlace, say : LOOSEN
The word "unlace" means to undo or loosen the laces of something like a shoe. So, "LOOSEN" is the right answer as it means to make something less tight or secure, like untying laces.
Wearing nothing : NUDE
"Nude" is the right solution because it is a common term used to describe someone who is not wearing any clothes.
Winter hrs. in Las Cruces : MST
MST stands for Mountain Standard Time, which is the time zone observed in Las Cruces during winter months.
Word of support : YEA
"YEA" is a word that can be used to show support or agreement, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Word of support."
ZZ Top hit with the lyric “Silk suit, black tie” : SHARP DRESSED MAN
The clue mentions a lyric from a ZZ Top hit that describes a well-dressed man, which fits the answer "SHARP DRESSED MAN" perfectly.
__ Bach : fictional “forgotten son” of classical music
The answer "Bach" fits the clue because Johann Sebastian Bach is a well-known classical composer, and the clue refers to a fictional "forgotten son" of classical music, suggesting a made-up relative of Bach in the context of the puzzle.
“How does that __ you?” : GRAB
The word "grab" can be used in the context of "How does that grab you?" meaning "How does that appeal to you?" or "How do you feel about that?" It is a common phrase used to gauge someone's reaction or interest.
“Nerts!” : DRAT!
"DRAT!" is a common expression of annoyance or frustration, similar to "Nerts!" Both are used to express disappointment or irritation, making "DRAT!" a fitting answer to the clue "“Nerts!”".
“No problem!” : I SURE CAN!
“So funny!” : HA HA!
The answer "HA HA!" is the right solution because it represents the sound of laughter, which is often used to express amusement or finding something funny.
“The Brutalist” actress Laird : EMMA
Emma Laird is an actress known for her role in the TV series "The Brutalist," making "EMMA" the correct answer for the clue.
“__ it or lose it” : USE
The phrase "use it or lose it" means that if you don't use something, you may lose the opportunity or ability to do so. In this context, the answer "USE" fits perfectly as it completes the phrase.