Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 23 June 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.
Acclaim : GLORY
"Acclaim" is a synonym for praise or honor. "Glory" is a word often used to describe high praise or honor, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Agreeable answer : YES
The clue "Agreeable answer" is a hint that the answer should be something positive or affirming. "YES" is a simple and clear affirmative response, making it an agreeable answer.
Agreeable answer : YES
"Agreeable answer" is a common phrase used to indicate a positive response or affirmation. In this context, "YES" is the most straightforward and direct agreeable answer one can give, making it the right solution for the clue.
Animal’s retreat : LAIR Down 1 Chews like a chipmunk
The answer "LAIR" fits the clue "Animal's retreat" because a lair is a shelter or den where wild animals take refuge or retreat to.
Arabian Sea country : YEMEN
Yemen is a country located along the Arabian Sea, making it the correct answer to the clue "Arabian Sea country."
Asia’s North __ Sea : ARAL
The Aral Sea is located in Central Asia, which is in the northern part of the continent, making it Asia's North Aral Sea.
Ballet leaps : JETES
The answer to "Ballet leaps" is "JETES" because "jete" is a French ballet term that refers to a leap in which the dancer extends one leg forward and the other leg back, while jumping off the supporting leg.
Ballet leaps : JETES
"Jetes" is the correct answer because it is a term used in ballet to describe a type of leap where a dancer jumps from one foot to the other in the air.
Big top : TENT
"TENT" is the right solution because a "big top" is another term for the main tent used in a circus, where performances take place.
Campaign for office : RUN
"RUN" is the right answer because when someone is campaigning for office, they are actively running for that position by seeking votes and support from the public.
Capital on the Willamette River : SALEM
SALEM is the capital of Oregon and is located on the banks of the Willamette River. Therefore, it is the correct answer to the clue "Capital on the Willamette River."
Capital on the Willamette River : SALEM
Salem is the capital of Oregon and is located on the Willamette River.
Chicago paper, for short : TRIB
"Chicago paper" refers to the Chicago Tribune, a well-known newspaper in Chicago. Therefore, the shortened form "TRIB" is commonly used to refer to this publication in crossword puzzles.
Chinese philosophy : TAO
The answer "TAO" is the right solution for "Chinese philosophy" because Taoism is a prominent Chinese philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao, which means "the way" or "the path."
Christmas carol : NOEL
The word "Noel" is often used as a synonym for Christmas and is also the title of a popular Christmas carol.
Christmas carol : NOEL
The word "Noel" is a Christmas carol that is traditionally sung during the holiday season, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Christmas carol."
Cleveland’s state : OHIO
Ohio is the state where the city of Cleveland is located.
Cleveland’s state : OHIO
OHIO is the state where Cleveland is located.
Clock front : FACE
The front part of a clock that displays the numbers and hands is called the "face." It is where you can read the time.
Clock front : FACE
The front of a clock that shows the time is called the face.
Clodhopper : OAF
"OAF" is a synonym for "clodhopper," which means a clumsy or awkward person. In crossword puzzles, it's common for synonyms or related words to be used as answers.
Father of Jesus, familiarly : STJOSEPH
The answer "STJOSEPH" fits the clue "Father of Jesus, familiarly" because St. Joseph is often referred to as the foster father of Jesus in Christian tradition.
Fine-tunes : ADJUSTS
The word "fine-tunes" suggests making small adjustments or improvements. The answer "TWEAKS" fits this clue perfectly because it means to make minor changes or adjustments to improve something.
Fine-tunes : ADJUSTS
The word "fine-tunes" is a synonym for "adjusts," as both refer to making small changes or improvements to something to make it work better.
Free game pop-ups : ADS
The answer "ADS" fits the clue "Free game pop-ups" because ads are often shown as pop-ups in free games to generate revenue.
Give a hoot : CARE
The phrase "give a hoot" is an informal way of saying "care" or "be concerned." So, the answer "CARE" is the right solution because it matches the meaning of the clue.
Give a hoot : CARE
The phrase "Give a hoot" is a colloquial way of saying "care" or "be concerned." So, the answer "CARE" fits the clue.
Greet the day : RISE
"RISE" is the right answer because it means to get out of bed in the morning, which is a common way to greet the day.
Greet the day : RISE
"ARISE" is the right solution because it means to get up or wake up, which is a common way to greet the day.
Greet the day : RISE
This answer fits the clue because "rise" is a common way to describe getting out of bed in the morning and starting the day.
Handheld snack topped with salsa : TACO
TACO is a handheld snack that is commonly topped with salsa, making it the right solution for the clue.
Holiday lead-in : EVE
The answer "EVE" is the right solution because it refers to the day before a holiday, such as Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve. It is a common term used to indicate the day leading up to a holiday.
Holiday lead-in : EVE
The answer "EVE" is the right solution because it refers to the day before a holiday, such as Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve. It is commonly used as a lead-in to signify the day before a special occasion.
Holy namesake of a Lesser Antilles island : LUCIA
The Lesser Antilles island being referred to in the clue is Saint Lucia. Therefore, the answer "LUCIA" is the holy namesake of the island Saint Lucia.
Informal top : TEE
The clue "informal top" is a hint that the answer is a casual clothing item. A "tee" is a type of shirt, often made of cotton, that is considered informal or casual attire.
Join at the altar : WED
The answer "WED" fits the clue "Join at the altar" because "WED" is a common term used to describe the act of getting married, which often takes place at an altar.
Juice box insert : STRAW
The answer "STRAW" fits because a straw is commonly inserted into a juice box for drinking.
Keyboard key : ENTER
The answer "ENTER" is correct because it is a key on a keyboard that is used to input a command or confirm an action.
La __-Posay : L’Oréal brand
"La Roche-Posay" is a skincare brand that is owned by L'Oréal, making "L’Oréal brand" the correct answer.
Letter-shaped groove : T-SLOT
"T-SLOT" is the right solution because a T-slot is a type of groove or channel shaped like the letter T, commonly used in machinery and carpentry for securing parts or accessories with a T-shaped bolt or nut.
Like lit barbecue coals : HOT
The answer "HOT" fits the clue because lit barbecue coals are typically very hot in temperature.
Link letters : HTTP
The term "URL" stands for "Uniform Resource Locator," which is a sequence of characters that provides information about the location of a web page or resource on the internet. In a crossword puzzle, the clue "link letters" is likely referring to the letters that make up a URL, which are used to link to a specific webpage. Therefore, "URL" is the correct answer to this clue.
Link letters : HTTP
The answer "HTTP" refers to Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which is commonly seen at the beginning of website addresses as "http://" - making it the link letters used to access web pages.
Link letters : HTTP
The answer "HTTP" stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which is used to link letters in a web address.
Major shindig : EVENT
The answer "EVENT" fits the clue "Major shindig" because an event can refer to a large gathering or celebration, which is often what a shindig implies.
New Haven Ivy Leaguer : YALIE
"Eli" is a common nickname for students and alumni of Yale University, which is located in New Haven, Connecticut. Yale is one of the Ivy League schools, hence "New Haven Ivy Leaguer" is referring to a student at Yale, also known as an "Eli."
New Haven Ivy Leaguer : YALIE
YALIE is a slang term for a student or graduate of Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut. This answer fits the clue because it specifically refers to someone associated with Yale University.
New York NFLer : JET
The New York NFL team is called the New York Jets, making "JET" the right answer for the clue.
Not quite able to pay : SHORT
The word "short" can mean lacking enough money to pay for something, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Not quite able to pay."
Olympic diver Louganis : GREG
Greg Louganis is a famous Olympic diver, and "Greg" is a common short form of the name Gregory, which fits the clue.
Overused plot device : TROPE
"TROPE" is the right solution because a trope is a common or overused theme, symbol, or device in literature, film, or other forms of storytelling. It fits the clue "Overused plot device" as tropes are often used repetitively in storytelling.
Peter Fonda title role : ULEE
"Ulee" is the title role played by Peter Fonda in the movie "Ulee's Gold." The clue is asking for the title role, and "Ulee" fits the number of letters needed.
Places to pick up kittens : SCRUFFS
"Scruffs" are a common term for the loose skin on the back of a cat's neck, often used to gently pick up kittens.
Public relations pros, informally : SPIN DOCTORS
"Spin doctors" is a term often used to refer to public relations professionals who are skilled at presenting information in a way that shapes public opinion or perception. This answer fits the clue "Public relations pros, informally" because it accurately describes individuals in the PR field who specialize in manipulating information to influence public perception.
Raw minerals : ORES
"Ores" are raw minerals that are mined for valuable metals or other elements. They are typically found in the earth and must be processed to extract the desired material.
Ring-shaped reef : ATOLL
An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef that surrounds a lagoon partially or completely. Therefore, "Ring-shaped reef" is a fitting clue for the answer "ATOLL".
Ring-shaped reef : ATOLL
An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef, often enclosing a lagoon. The word "atoll" is commonly used to describe this specific type of reef formation, making it the correct answer to the clue "Ring-shaped reef."
Rock legend Joplin : JANIS
Janis Joplin is a famous rock legend known for her powerful and soulful voice. "Rock legend Joplin" is a clue that is looking for a four-letter answer, and "JANIS" fits perfectly.
Small fruit pie : TART
"TART" is the right answer because a tart is a small fruit pie with a shallow crust and typically no top crust. It is a common dessert that is known for its sweet and tangy flavor.
Smart-alecky : SASSY
The word "SASSY" fits the clue "Smart-alecky" because it means being bold, confident, and somewhat impudent in a playful or cheeky way.
Smart-alecky : SASSY
"SASSY" is the right answer because it means impudently bold or lively; full of spirit and cheek. It is often used to describe someone who is being smart-alecky or impertinent.
Smartphone messages : TEXTS
The answer "TEXTS" fits because messages sent and received on a smartphone are commonly referred to as "texts."
Soaker with jets : WHIRLPOOL TUB
The answer "WHIRLPOOL TUB" fits the clue "Soaker with jets" because a whirlpool tub is a type of bathtub equipped with jets that create a swirling motion in the water, providing a relaxing and massaging experience for the bather.
Spooky : EERIE
"EERIE" is the right solution because it is a synonym for spooky, meaning strange or frightening in an unsettling way.
Spooky : EERIE
The word "eerie" is a synonym for "spooky," meaning it creates a feeling of unease or fear.
Starter course, often : SALAD
The answer "SALAD" fits the clue "Starter course, often" because salads are commonly served as a first course in a meal. They are light and refreshing, making them a popular choice to start a meal.
Stock exchange launch, briefly : IPO
"IPO" stands for Initial Public Offering, which is the process of a private company going public by offering its shares to the public for the first time on a stock exchange. Therefore, "Stock exchange launch, briefly" refers to an IPO.
Supersmall : WEE
"WEE" is the right solution because it is a common synonym for "supersmall" in the English language.
Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor : SONIA
The answer "SONIA" fits the clue "Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor" because Sonia Sotomayor is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Tehran native : IRANI
The answer "IRANI" is the right solution because it refers to someone or something from Iran, and Tehran is the capital city of Iran.
The Byrds No. 1 hit whose lyrics come from Ecclesiastes, and what can be found at the starts of 20-, 27-, and 48- : TURN! TURN! TURN!
The Byrds' No. 1 hit song "TURN! TURN! TURN!" features lyrics taken directly from the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. The phrase "turn" can also be found at the starts of the answers to the clues at 20-, 27-, and 48- across in the crossword puzzle.
Tofu base : SOY
SOY is the right answer because tofu is made from soybeans.
Tricolor feline : CALICO CAT
The answer "CALICO CAT" is correct because calico cats have a tricolor coat with patches of white, orange, and black fur.
Tried to control, as a horse : REINED IN
The phrase "reined in" means to control or restrain, often used when talking about controlling a horse with reins.
Unexpected change in circumstances : TWIST OF FATE
This answer fits because a "twist of fate" refers to a sudden and unexpected change in circumstances.
Vulgar : CRUDE
"CRUDE" is the right solution for "Vulgar" because "crude" is a synonym for vulgar, meaning lacking refinement or taste.
Window shutter boards : SLATS
The answer "SLATS" fits the clue "Window shutter boards" because slats are the individual horizontal pieces that make up a window shutter.
Word puzzles involving quotations : ACROSTICS
An acrostic is a word puzzle where the first letter of each line spells out a word or message. In the case of word puzzles involving quotations, acrostics are often used to hide or reveal a quote by using the initial letters of each line to spell out the quote.
__ and repeat : RINSE
The phrase "___ and repeat" is commonly found on shampoo bottles, instructing users to rinse their hair and then repeat the shampooing process. Therefore, the answer "RINSE" fits the clue.
__ de Mayo : CINCO
__ de Mayo : CINCO
"CINCO" is the Spanish word for "five," and "Cinco de Mayo" is a holiday celebrated on the 5th of May. The answer "CINCO" fits the clue "__ de Mayo" as it directly corresponds to the date of the holiday.
__-Mex cuisine : TEX
"Tex-Mex cuisine" is a type of cuisine that blends traditional Mexican cuisine with American flavors and cooking techniques. Therefore, the answer to "__-Mex cuisine" is "TEX" because it refers to the state of Texas, which is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine.
__-Mex cuisine : TEX
"Tex-Mex cuisine" is a blend of Texan and Mexican culinary traditions, hence the answer "TEX" for "__-Mex cuisine".
__-Mex cuisine : TEX
The term "__-Mex cuisine" refers to a fusion of Texan and Mexican cuisine, hence the answer "TEX" representing Texas in this context.
“Let’s Make a Deal” choices : DOORS
In the game show "Let's Make a Deal," contestants choose between different doors to reveal a prize. Therefore, the answer "DOORS" fits the clue as it refers to the choices made on the show.
“No Strings Attached” boy band : NSYNC
NSYNC is a popular boy band known for their album "No Strings Attached." The clue is hinting at the name of the band, making NSYNC the correct answer.
“Riviera” actress Lena : OLIN
Lena Olin is a Swedish actress known for her role in the TV series "Riviera." Therefore, the answer to "“Riviera” actress Lena" is "OLIN."
“SNL” alum Cheri : OTERI
The answer "OTERI" fits the clue "“SNL” alum Cheri" because Cheri Oteri is a former cast member of the sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live," often abbreviated as "SNL."
“Toodles!” : SEE YA!
The word "Cheerio" is a British informal way of saying goodbye, similar to "Toodles." This makes it the right solution for the clue "Toodles."
“Toodles!” : SEE YA!
The answer "SEE YA!" is a casual way of saying goodbye, similar to "Toodles!" in a crossword puzzle context.
“Who does __!?” : THAT
The answer "THAT" fits the clue "Who does __!?" because the phrase "Who does that!?" is a common expression used to express surprise or disapproval at someone's actions.
“Whose __ Is It Anyway?” : LINE
The phrase "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" is the title of a popular improvisational comedy show. In this context, "line" refers to a line of dialogue or a prompt given to the performers.