Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 14 May 2025, Wednesday. 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.
36-’s realm : SEA
The answer "SEA" is the right solution because 36 is the numerical representation of the word "SEA" on a telephone keypad.
ABBA’s “__ Mia!” : MAMMA
The answer "MAMMA" fits the clue because the full title of the popular ABBA song is "Mamma Mia!" which is a musical and a movie.
Acid letters : LSD
The answer "LSD" is the right solution because LSD is a type of acid, and the letters in the word "LSD" stand for Lysergic acid diethylamide.
Actress Jessica : ALBA
The answer to "Actress Jessica" is "BIEL" because Jessica Biel is a well-known actress in the entertainment industry.
Actress Jessica : ALBA
Jessica Alba is a well-known actress in Hollywood, making her a common crossword answer for the clue "Actress Jessica."
Actress Jessica : ALBA
Jessica Alba is a well-known actress in Hollywood, making "ALBA" the correct answer for the clue "Actress Jessica."
Blood bank fluids : SERA
"SERA" is the plural form of "serum," which is a component of blood found in blood banks. Blood banks store different types of serums for medical purposes, making "SERA" a fitting answer for the clue "Blood bank fluids."
Blood bank fluids : SERA
"SERA" is the plural form of "serum," which refers to the clear, yellowish fluid that separates from blood when it coagulates. Blood banks store and use serums for various medical purposes, making "SERA" the correct answer for "Blood bank fluids."
Branch of Islam : SHIISM
"SHIA" is the right answer because it is a branch of Islam that believes Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, should have succeeded him as the leader of the Muslim community.
Branch of Islam : SHIISM
The branch of Islam known as Shia emphasizes the leadership of Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. This distinguishes it from the Sunni branch, which follows the traditional line of succession. "SHIA" fits the clue because it specifically refers to this branch of Islam.
Branch of Islam : SHIISM
"Shiism" is the right answer because it refers to one of the two main branches of Islam, the other being Sunni. Shiites believe that leadership should follow the line of Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad.
Brest friends : AMIS
"Amis" is the French word for friends, and since the clue is asking for a plural form of friends, "amis" is the correct answer.
Brief “Get it done!” : ASAP!
The answer "ASAP" is the right solution because it stands for "As Soon As Possible," which is a common abbreviation used to indicate urgency or immediacy.
Can compete with the best : HAS GAME
"Has game" is a colloquial phrase meaning someone is skilled or talented in a particular area, allowing them to compete with the best.
Certain business quota : SALES TARGET
The answer "SALES TARGET" fits the clue "Certain business quota" because a sales target is a specific goal set for a business to achieve in terms of sales revenue or quantity of products sold. It is a common term used in business to measure performance and set objectives for sales teams.
Chem class site : LAB
"Laboratory" is often abbreviated as "LAB," and it is a common location for chemistry classes to take place.
Civil rights activist Chavez : CESAR
Cesar Chavez was a prominent civil rights activist known for his work in advocating for the rights of farmworkers in the United States. The clue "Civil rights activist Chavez" is referring to him, making "CESAR" the correct answer.
Civil rights activist Chavez : CESAR
Cesar Chavez was a prominent civil rights activist known for his work in advocating for the rights of farmworkers in the United States. The clue "Civil rights activist Chavez" is a direct reference to him, making "CESAR" the correct answer.
Club with cucumber slices? : SPA
The clue suggests a place where cucumber slices might be used, which is a spa known for treatments like cucumber facials. Therefore, the answer "SPA" fits the clue.
Crooner Mel : TORME
The answer "TORME" fits the clue "Crooner Mel" because Mel Tormé was a famous singer known for his smooth vocal style, making him a well-known crooner.
Crooner Mel : TORME
TORME is the right solution because "Crooner Mel" refers to the singer Mel Torme, known for his smooth and velvety voice.
Declares : SAYS
The word "states" can mean to declare or express something, making it the right solution for the clue "declares".
Declares : SAYS
"SAYS" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "declares" in the context of making a statement or expressing something verbally.
Emmy-winner Waithe : LENA
Lena Waithe is a well-known Emmy-winning actress and screenwriter, making "LENA" the correct answer to the clue.
Fabrication : LIE
"LIE" is the right solution because a fabrication is a false statement or a lie. Both terms refer to something that is not true or made up.
Fabrication : LIE
The word "fabrication" can mean creating something false or untrue, which is synonymous with a "lie."
Farmyard bleat : BAA!
"BAA!" is the sound that a sheep makes, which is a common animal found in a farmyard.
Filmmaker Brooks : MEL
Mel Brooks is a well-known filmmaker in Hollywood, known for his comedic films such as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Therefore, the answer to "Filmmaker Brooks" is "MEL" as it refers to Mel Brooks.
Filmmaker Brooks : MEL
Mel Brooks is a well-known filmmaker in Hollywood known for his comedic movies such as "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Therefore, the answer to "Filmmaker Brooks" is "MEL."
Fisheye __ : LENS
The phrase "Fisheye" indicates that the answer is related to photography. A fisheye lens is a wide-angle lens that produces strong visual distortion intended to create a wide panoramic or hemispherical image. Therefore, the correct answer is "LENS."
Fishy fellow : MERMAN
The term "Fishy fellow" suggests a creature who is part fish. A merman is a mythical being that is half human and half fish, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Future JD’s exam : LSAT
The LSAT is the exam that future law students (JDs) need to take for admission to law school.
Golden Fleece vessel : ARGO
The Argo was the ship in Greek mythology that Jason and the Argonauts sailed on in search of the Golden Fleece. Therefore, the answer "ARGO" fits the clue "Golden Fleece vessel."
Greeted from afar : WAVED HI
The answer "WAVED HI" fits the clue "Greeted from afar" because waving is a common way to greet someone from a distance, and "HI" is a casual greeting.
Hash browns, e.g. : SIDE
The answer "SIDE" fits the clue because hash browns are commonly served as a side dish in a meal.
Heads : LEADERS
The word "heads" can refer to leaders or people in charge, making "LEADERS" the right answer.
HS class with many average lessons? : AP STATS
The answer "AP STATS" fits the clue because AP Statistics is a high school class that typically includes many average (STATS) lessons.
Immune response trigger : ANTIGEN
The answer to "Immune response trigger" is "ANTIGEN" because an antigen is a substance that can stimulate an immune response in the body.
Immune response trigger : ANTIGEN
An antigen is a substance that triggers an immune response in the body, making it the correct answer for the clue "Immune response trigger."
Lisa Bonet, to Zoë Kravitz : MOM
The answer is "MOM" because Lisa Bonet is Zoë Kravitz's mother.
MD workplaces : ERS
The abbreviation "ERS" stands for Emergency Rooms, which are workplaces for medical doctors (MDs) who provide urgent medical care.
MSU athlete : SPARTAN
The answer "SPARTAN" is correct because Michigan State University's sports teams are known as the Spartans, so an athlete from MSU would be referred to as a Spartan.
NASA or NASCAR : ACRONYM
The answer "ACRONYM" fits because both NASA and NASCAR are examples of organizations whose names are formed by the initial letters of other words.
O.K. Corral surname : EARP
The O.K. Corral shootout involved the Earp brothers, specifically Wyatt Earp. So, "Earp" is the correct surname for this clue.
Part of a bedding set : SHAM
"SHAM" is the right answer because a sham is a decorative pillowcase often used as part of a bedding set to add style to the bed.
Paving goo : TAR
"TAR" is the right solution because it is a sticky substance commonly used in paving roads and driveways.
PC game with Livin’ Large and Hot Date expansion packs : THE SIMS
"The Sims" is a popular PC game that has expansion packs called "Livin' Large" and "Hot Date," making it the correct answer to the clue.
Planets, poetically : ORBS
"ORBS" is a poetic term often used to refer to planets, making it the correct answer for the clue "Planets, poetically."
Planets, poetically : ORBS
"Orbs" is a poetic term often used to refer to planets due to their round shape.
Prohibits : BANS
The word "BANS" is a synonym for "prohibits," meaning to officially or legally forbid something.
Quick scribble : NOTE
The answer "NOTE" fits the clue "Quick scribble" because a note is a brief written message or reminder that can be quickly jotted down.
Roadie’s charges : AMPS
The answer "AMPS" is the right solution because roadies are responsible for setting up and managing musical equipment, including amplifiers (AMPS).
Secret passed down by Nonna, perhaps : PASTA RECIPE
The answer "PASTA RECIPE" fits the clue because a Nonna, or grandmother, often passes down family recipes, including pasta recipes, as a secret tradition within the family.
Some turnpike turnoffs : REST AREAS
The answer "REST AREAS" fits the clue "Some turnpike turnoffs" because rest areas are commonly found along highways or turnpikes, providing facilities for drivers to take a break, use the restroom, or have a meal.
Sports drink suffix : -ADE
The suffix "-ADE" is commonly added to the end of words to indicate a sweetened beverage, such as lemonade or Gatorade. In the context of a sports drink, the answer "ADE" fits the clue "Sports drink suffix" perfectly.
Sports drink suffix : -ADE
The suffix "-ADE" is commonly added to words to indicate a sweetened drink, such as lemonade or Gatorade. In the context of a sports drink, the answer "ADE" fits the clue "Sports drink suffix" as it is a common ending for many sports drink names.
Stressful situation : HOT SEAT
"HOT SEAT" is the right answer because it is a common expression used to describe a situation where someone is under pressure or scrutiny. It conveys the idea of someone being in a difficult or uncomfortable position, similar to experiencing stress.
Subscribe again : RENEW
The word "renew" means to subscribe again or extend a subscription. Therefore, "renew" is the right answer to the clue "Subscribe again."
Subscribe again : RENEW
The answer "RENEW" fits the clue "Subscribe again" because when you renew a subscription, you are subscribing again for a further period of time.
Sunshine State city : OCALA
The answer "OCALA" fits the clue "Sunshine State city" because Ocala is a city located in the state of Florida, which is known as the Sunshine State due to its warm and sunny weather.
Tetra- minus one : TRI-
The prefix "tetra-" typically means four, so when we subtract one from four, we get the prefix "tri-", which means three. Therefore, "tri-" is the correct answer to "Tetra- minus one."
Tetra- minus one : TRI-
The clue is asking for a prefix that means "minus one." The prefix "Tetra-" means four, so "Tetra- minus one" would be "TRI-," which means three.
Thompson of “Men in Black : International”
The answer "International" fits because the full title of the movie is "Men in Black: International," and Thompson is a main character in the film.
Ticket for a black diamond enthusiast : SKI PASS Down 1 Mil. no-show
The answer "SKI PASS" fits the clue "Ticket for a black diamond enthusiast" because a ski pass is a ticket that allows access to ski slopes, including those with black diamond trails that are more advanced and challenging.
Top rank in a tournament : ONE-SEED
The term "one-seed" refers to the top-ranked player or team in a tournament. It is derived from the practice of seeding, where participants are ranked based on their skill or previous performance. The "one-seed" is considered the strongest competitor and holds the highest ranking in the tournament.
Top rank in a tournament : ONE-SEED
The term "one-seed" refers to the top-ranked player or team in a tournament, typically based on their performance or seeding. In a tournament bracket, the one-seed is the highest-ranked competitor.
Twentysomethings? : ATMS
The clue "Twentysomethings?" is a play on words, hinting at machines that dispense money in twenties, which are ATMs.
Twitches : SPASMS
The word "twitches" is a synonym for sudden, involuntary muscle contractions, which are commonly referred to as "spasms." Therefore, "spasms" is the correct answer to the crossword clue.
Twitches : SPASMS
"SPASMS" is the right solution because it is a synonym for twitches, referring to sudden, involuntary muscle contractions or movements.
Up-and-comer, or a progression found in 29-, 23-, 20-, 9-, and 11-Down : RISING STAR
The answer "RISING STAR" fits the clue because it can refer to both an up-and-coming individual and a progression found within the answers to the listed Down clues, indicating a rising pattern or progression.
URL option : ORG
The answer "ORG" is the right solution because it is a common domain option for URLs, often used by non-profit organizations.
Verdi opera : AIDA
"AIDA" is a four-act opera by the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, first performed in Cairo in 1871. It tells the story of an Ethiopian princess, Aida, who is captured and brought to Egypt as a slave. The opera is known for its grand scale, beautiful arias, and powerful choruses. Therefore, "AIDA" is the right solution for the crossword clue "Verdi opera".
Verdi opera : AIDA
"Otello" is a famous opera composed by Giuseppe Verdi. The clue "Verdi opera" is a direct reference to this specific work, making "OTELLO" the correct answer.
Verdi opera : AIDA
"AIDA" is a Verdi opera that premiered in 1871 and is one of his most famous works. It is a popular choice for crossword puzzles due to its recognition and five-letter length.
Verdi opera : AIDA
The answer to "Verdi opera" being "AIDA" is correct because "Aida" is an opera composed by Giuseppe Verdi.
Vile smile : SNEER
"SNEER" is the right answer because a sneer is a facial expression that shows contempt or disgust, which can be considered a vile or unpleasant smile.
Vulcan salute giver : MR SPOCK
The Vulcan salute giver refers to a character from Star Trek known for giving the Vulcan salute, a hand gesture with a split between the middle and ring fingers. Mr. Spock, a character from Star Trek portrayed by Leonard Nimoy, is famous for giving this salute, making him the correct answer to the clue.
Window installer’s unit : PANE
"PANE" is the right solution because a window installer's unit refers to a single sheet of glass that is installed in a window frame, which is commonly known as a pane.
World Autism mo. : APR
The answer "APR" is the abbreviation for April, which is recognized as World Autism Awareness Month.
__ Case : White Castle purchase
The answer "White Castle purchase" fits the clue "__ Case" because White Castle is a fast-food chain known for its small, square hamburgers called sliders. Therefore, a purchase at White Castle would be referred to as a "White Castle purchase."
__ tai : MAI
The answer to "__ tai" is "MAI" because "Mai Tai" is a popular tropical cocktail.
__ tai : MAI
The answer "MAI" fits the clue "__ tai" because it completes the name of the cocktail "Mai Tai."
“Don’t try to do everything at once” : START SMALL
The answer "START SMALL" fits because when you start small, you are not trying to do everything at once, which is the advice given in the clue. It suggests beginning with manageable tasks or goals before tackling larger ones.
“Frozen” princess : ELSA
The answer to "Frozen" princess is "ELSA" because Elsa is the name of the main princess character in the Disney movie "Frozen".
“Frozen” princess : ELSA
The answer is "ELSA" because Elsa is the name of the princess from the Disney movie "Frozen."
“Gosh darn it!” : AW, RATS!
The answer "AW HELL!" fits the clue "Gosh darn it!" because it is an expression of frustration or annoyance, similar in tone and meaning.
“Gosh darn it!” : AW, RATS!
The phrase "aw, rats!" is a mild expression of annoyance or frustration, similar in meaning to "gosh darn it."
“I c-c-can’t feel my t-t-toes” : BRR!
This crossword clue is hinting at the sound someone might make when they are cold, which is "BRR!".
“I see now!” cries : AHAS
The answer "AHAS" fits the clue "I see now!" cries because "Ahas" is an exclamation often used to indicate sudden realization or understanding.
“I’m home!” : IT’S ME!
The phrase "It's me!" is commonly used when someone arrives home to announce their presence, making it a fitting answer to the clue "I'm home!"
“The Amateur” actor Malek : RAMI
Rami Malek is an actor who starred in the movie "The Amateur." Therefore, the answer to the clue is "RAMI."
“The Tortoise and the Hare” teller : AESOP
The answer is "AESOP" because Aesop is the ancient Greek storyteller credited with writing the fable "The Tortoise and the Hare."
“We try harder” car rental chain : AVIS
The answer is "AVIS" because "We try harder" is the well-known slogan of the car rental company AVIS.
“__ live and breathe!” : AS I
"__ live and breathe!" is an expression used to show surprise or disbelief. The answer "AS I" is used to emphasize agreement or confirmation, making it a suitable response in this context.
“‘O Sole __” : MIO
The phrase "‘O Sole __" is part of the song "O Sole Mio," where "Mio" means "my" in Italian. So, the answer to the clue is "MIO."
“… should the __ arise” : NEED
The phrase "should the __ arise" indicates a situation where something is required or necessary, making "NEED" the fitting answer.