Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 18 February 2024, Sunday (02-18-24). 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.
1994 single by Hole whose cover art depicts a miniature wedding dress and veil : DOLL PARTS
"DOLL PARTS" is the right solution because it is a single by the band Hole released in 1994, and the cover art of the single features a miniature wedding dress and veil, which corresponds to the clue given.
Absolutely devour : INHALE
The word "inhale" can be used metaphorically to mean to consume or devour something quickly and eagerly, just like how one would inhale food or drink.
Address : SPEAK TO
Airport screening inits. : TSA Down 1 Winter house-warming option
The answer is "TSA" because it stands for Transportation Security Administration, the agency responsible for airport screening. The answer is "TSA" because it is a common abbreviation for the Transportation Security Administration, the agency responsible for airport screening.
Arena seating sections : TIERS
"Tiers" are seating sections in an arena that are typically arranged in rows at different levels or heights, allowing for better visibility of the event happening in the arena.
At the earliest chance : ASAP
The answer "ASAP" stands for "As Soon As Possible," which means doing something at the earliest chance.
B-baller in Big D : MAV
The answer "MAV" is the abbreviation for the NBA team Dallas Mavericks, often referred to as the Mavs.
Barbecue grill fill : COALS
The answer "COALS" is the right solution because barbecue grills are often filled with burning coals to cook food.
Believer in Jah : RASTA
The answer "RASTA" is short for Rastafarian, which is a follower of the Rastafari movement that believes in Jah, a term for God in the movement.
Best Melodic ___ Performance (Grammy category) : RAP
unknown
Big Ten school that plays home football games at Beaver Stadium : PENN STATE
Penn State is a Big Ten school, and their football team plays home games at Beaver Stadium.
Body of water adjoining Korea Bay : YELLOW SEA
The Yellow Sea is the body of water adjoining Korea Bay, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Boos-y drink? : HATERADE
"Boos-y drink?" is a play on words suggesting a drink that one might consume when feeling upset or bitter, like "Haterade" which is a humorous term for a drink that fuels negative feelings or attitudes towards someone or something.
Bug : PESTER
The clue "Bug" is a synonym for "insect," which is a small, six-legged creature with a three-part body and often with wings. Therefore, "INSECT" is the right solution.
Camp bed : COT
"COT" is the right solution because a camp bed is often a lightweight, portable bed used for camping or other outdoor activities, and a cot fits this description.
Charge (with) : ENTRUST
The word "Charge" can mean to entrust someone with a task or responsibility, making "ENTRUST" the right answer.
Checkout unit : ITEM
The answer "ITEM" fits the clue "Checkout unit" because when you go to checkout at a store, you pay for each individual item you are purchasing.
Civil wrong : TORT
"TORT" is the right solution because in legal terms, a tort refers to a civil wrong that causes harm or loss to someone, leading to legal liability.
Clean hands, so to speak : INNOCENCE
The phrase "clean hands" often refers to having innocence or being free from guilt or wrongdoing. Therefore, the answer "INNOCENCE" fits the clue "Clean hands, so to speak."
Clenched, as teeth : GRITTED
The word "gritted" means to clench tightly, especially referring to teeth. It fits the clue "Clenched, as teeth" perfectly.
Comedy character who once asked the U.N. secretary general if Disneyland was part of the U.N. : ALI G
Ali G is a comedic character created and portrayed by British actor Sacha Baron Cohen. In one of his segments, Ali G famously asked the U.N. Secretary General if Disneyland was part of the U.N., showcasing his clueless and humorous persona.
Comics sound when something is snatched : YOINK!
The word "YOINK!" is often used in comics to represent the sound of something being snatched quickly.
Common jeans feature : RIP
The answer "RIP" is the right solution for the clue "Common jeans feature" because jeans often develop rips or tears over time from wear and tear.
Cornmeal cake : PONE
Counterparts of eves : MORNS
The clue is looking for a word that is a counterpart to "eves," which are the evenings. The word "morns" is the counterpart to "eves" as it refers to mornings.
Dance at a luau : HULA
HULA is the right answer because it is a traditional Hawaiian dance often performed at luaus, which are Hawaiian feasts or parties.
Delivery that can’t be returned : ACE
The answer "ACE" fits the clue because in a game of tennis, a serve that is not returned by the opponent is called an "ace."
Demographic group : COHORT
"COHORT" is a term often used in demographics to refer to a group of individuals who share a common characteristic or experience within a particular time frame. It is a common crossword answer for the clue "Demographic group."
Disorganized stack : HEAP
The word "heap" is commonly used to describe a disorganized stack of objects or items piled on top of each other. It fits the clue "Disorganized stack" because a heap typically suggests a messy or unorganized arrangement of things.
Dot on a die : PIP
The dots on a die are called pips. Each side of a standard die has pips representing the numbers 1 through 6.
Eschewed pork and shellfish, say : ATE KOSHER
The answer "ATE KOSHER" fits the clue because it means following a diet that adheres to Jewish dietary laws, which prohibit the consumption of pork and shellfish.
Excessively : TOO
"Excessively" means "to an excessive degree" or "more than is necessary, normal, or desirable." "Too" means "to a higher degree than is desirable, permissible, or possible; excessively." Therefore, "too" is an appropriate answer to the clue "Excessively."
Eyeballs, e.g. : ORBS
"ORBS" is a synonym for "spheres" or "balls," and "eyeballs" can be described as spherical in shape, making "ORBS" a fitting answer for the clue.
Feigns indignation : ACTS MAD
The answer "ACTS MAD" fits the clue "Feigns indignation" because "acts" means to pretend or behave in a certain way, and "mad" refers to being angry or indignant. So, "ACTS MAD" means pretending to be angry or indignant.
First Nations people : CREE
The answer "CREE" is the right solution because the Cree people are one of the First Nations groups in Canada.
Fit for a king : REGAL
"Fit for a king" is a phrase that suggests something is royal or majestic, which is synonymous with the word "REGAL."
Fitting a little tight : SNUG
The answer "SNUG" means fitting closely and comfortably, making it a good fit for the clue "Fitting a little tight."
Flight segment : STAIRSTEP
Game with big prizes : LOTTO
The answer "LOTTO" fits the clue "Game with big prizes" because lotto games typically offer large cash prizes to winners.
Goals : AIMS
The word "aims" is a synonym for "goals," as both refer to objectives or targets that someone is trying to achieve.
Golf tournament division : PAIRS
The answer "PAIRS" fits the clue "Golf tournament division" because in a golf tournament, players are often divided into pairs to compete together.
Hardly worth mentioning : TRIVIAL
The word "trivial" means something that is of little importance or significance, hence it fits the clue "Hardly worth mentioning" well.
Hindu wedding adornment that’s said to get darker the more the newlyweds love each other : HENNA
The answer is "HENNA" because henna is a natural dye used in Hindu weddings to create intricate designs on the bride's hands and feet, known as mehndi. The color of henna darkens over time, symbolizing the deepening love between the newlyweds.
Home screen array : APPS
The answer "APPS" fits the clue "Home screen array" because apps are typically arranged in a grid on a smartphone or tablet's home screen.
Home to the Great Ziggurat of Ur : IRAQ
Iraq is the correct answer because the Great Ziggurat of Ur is an ancient stepped pyramid located in the city of Ur, which is in present-day Iraq.
Hot herbal brew : SAGE TEA
SAGE TEA is a hot herbal brew commonly made by steeping sage leaves in hot water, making it the correct answer for the clue "Hot herbal brew."
ID whose first five digits are sometimes ignored : SSN
SSN stands for Social Security Number, and the first five digits of a SSN typically represent the geographical area where it was issued. In many cases, these first five digits are not necessary for identification purposes, so they are sometimes ignored.
Info you might send someone when you’re running late : ETA
"ETA" stands for "Estimated Time of Arrival," which is the information you would send someone when you're running late to let them know when you expect to arrive.
Involves : ENTAILS
The word "entails" means to involve as a necessary part or consequence. In this case, "Involves" is a synonym for "entails," making it the correct answer.
Its panhandle abuts British Columbia : IDAHO
Idaho is the right answer because it is a U.S. state that shares a border with British Columbia, a province in Canada. The northern part of Idaho forms a panhandle that abuts British Columbia.
Joins those on the stage : ENTERS
The answer "ENTERS" fits because it means to join those on the stage by coming onto it.
Keister : PATOOTIE
The word "keister" is a slang term for one's buttocks. "Bum" is another word for buttocks, making it the correct answer for this clue.
Lake house rental : CANOE
Lifesaving mission, for short : RESCUE OP
"RESCUE OP" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for a lifesaving mission, with "OP" standing for operation. It is often used in emergency situations where people or animals need to be saved.
Like a bathroom directly connected to a bedroom : EN SUITE
The term "en suite" is used to describe a bathroom that is directly connected to a bedroom, typically as part of a suite. So, "en suite" is the right answer to the clue "Like a bathroom directly connected to a bedroom."
Like Loki : NORSE
"Norse" refers to the mythology and culture of the ancient Norse people, which includes the god Loki. Loki is a prominent figure in Norse mythology, known for his trickery and mischief. Therefore, the answer "NORSE" accurately describes the connection between Loki and the mythology he belongs to.
Lithium-___ battery : ION
The answer "ION" fits because a lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery commonly used in electronic devices.
Little lifter : TEE
The answer "TEE" is the right solution because a tee is a small object used to lift a golf ball off the ground before hitting it.
Liven (up) : PEP
"Pep" is a synonym for energy or liveliness, so to "liven up" means to add energy or enthusiasm to something.
Lyft request : RIDE
The answer "RIDE" fits the clue "Lyft request" because when using the Lyft app, users request a ride to get from one place to another.
Man, woman and child, e.g. : NOUNS
The clue is referring to different types of people, which are all examples of nouns. In grammar, nouns are words that represent people, places, things, or ideas.
Marine predator often seen near shorelines : SAND SHARK
The answer "SAND SHARK" fits because sand sharks are a type of marine predator commonly found near shorelines, making it a suitable solution for the clue.
Mess hall patrons, in brief : GIS
The answer "GIS" stands for "General Issue," which refers to Mess hall patrons who are typically military personnel.
Modern ___ : ERA
The term "Modern ___" implies a specific time period, which is often referred to as an era. So, the answer "ERA" fits the clue.
More open to the elements : AIRIER
The word "airier" means having more air or ventilation, making it more open to the elements.
Much like : AKIN TO
"Much like" is a phrase that indicates similarity. "Akin to" is a synonym for "similar to," making it the right solution for this clue.
Mushroom added to ramen : ENOKI
"Enoki" is a type of mushroom commonly added to ramen dishes, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Musical artist Yoko : ONO
The answer "ONO" is the right solution because Yoko Ono is a well-known musical artist, primarily known for her avant-garde and experimental work.
Oktoberfest purchase : BIER
The answer "BIER" fits the clue "Oktoberfest purchase" because "bier" is the German word for beer, and beer is a popular beverage consumed at Oktoberfest celebrations.
Olympic gymnast Raisman : ALY
The answer "ALY" is the right solution because it is a common short form of the name Aly, which refers to the Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman.
One dropping amorous hints : FLIRTER
The answer "FLIRTER" fits the clue "One dropping amorous hints" because a flirter is someone who drops hints of romantic interest or engages in playful behavior to show attraction.
One fast-tracked in an interview pool : REFERRAL
The answer "REFERRAL" fits because in an interview pool, someone who is fast-tracked is often referred by someone else for consideration, hence the term "referral."
Only U.S. coin that does not explicitly indicate how many cents it’s worth : DIME
The dime is the only U.S. coin that does not have the word "cent" or "cents" written on it, even though it is worth 10 cents. This makes it unique among U.S. coins.
Orders more of than necessary : OVERSTOCKS
"Orders more of than necessary" is a clue indicating a term for buying excessive amounts of something. "Overstocks" fits this description as it means having more stock or inventory than is needed or can be sold.
Org. whose initials are aptly hidden in “foreign satellite interception” : NSA
The answer is "NSA" because the initials of "foreign satellite interception" spell out NSA, which is the abbreviation for the National Security Agency.
Org. with the phone number 1-800-TAX-FORM : IRS
The IRS is the Internal Revenue Service, a government agency responsible for collecting taxes in the United States. The phone number 1-800-TAX-FORM is associated with the IRS, making it the correct answer.
Perfume ingredient : ATTAR
Ketone is a type of organic compound commonly used in perfumes due to its strong and pleasant odor. Therefore, it fits the clue "Perfume ingredient".
Picture taker? : FRAME
The answer "FRAME" is the right solution because a "picture taker" can refer to a frame, which is used to hold and display a picture.
Piece of info : DATUM
The answer "DATUM" is the singular form of "data," which is a piece of information. In this context, "datum" refers to a single unit of information, making it an appropriate answer for the clue "Piece of info."
Place to pamper pets that purr : CAT SPA
The answer "CAT SPA" fits the clue because it refers to a place where cats can be pampered and groomed, similar to a spa for humans. It combines the idea of cats (pets that purr) with a luxurious setting for their care.
Port container : CARAFE
Powerlifter’s helper : SPOTTER
Spotter is the right answer because a spotter is someone who assists and ensures the safety of a powerlifter while they are lifting heavy weights.
President who campaigned on the slogan “Our best days still lie ahead” : BIDEN
Joe Biden campaigned on the slogan “Our best days still lie ahead” during the 2020 United States presidential election.
Proceeds : REVENUES
"Proceeds" often refers to the money earned from a sale or business activity. "Revenues" is a synonym for proceeds in the context of income or earnings, making it the correct answer.
Prudent : JUDICIOUS
"Prudent" means showing good judgement and being wise in making decisions. "Judicious" is a synonym for prudent, as it also means having or showing good judgement.
Purges : RIDS
The word "purges" means getting rid of something unwanted or harmful. The word "rids" also means getting rid of something. Therefore, "rids" is the right solution as it is a synonym for "purges."
Putting together : POOLING
The answer "POOLING" fits the clue "Putting together" because pooling means combining resources or efforts towards a common goal, which is essentially the act of putting things together.
Real pickle : SNAFU
The term "SNAFU" is slang for a chaotic or confused situation, which can be described as a real pickle.
Real-time PC exchanges : IMS
Really hurt : ACHED
The word "ached" means to experience a continuous, dull pain, which fits the clue "really hurt."
Record holder for most games played in the FIFA World Cup (26) : MESSI
Sea hawks : OSPREYS
The "Sea hawks" clue is a hint for a type of bird that is commonly found near bodies of water. Ospreys are also known as sea hawks because they are skilled hunters that primarily feed on fish from the sea.
Seat in the London Stock Exchange? : ARSE
The answer "ARSE" fits the clue because "ARSE" is a slang term for a seat, and it is also a cheeky play on words referencing the London Stock Exchange, which is known for its financial "bottom line."
See 13-Down : … THE GRAPEVINE
Sees red : BOILS
The phrase "sees red" is an idiom that means to become very angry or enraged. "Boils" is a synonym for becoming angry, making it the right solution for the clue.
Slow-cooked entrees : POT ROASTS
The answer "POT ROASTS" fits the clue "Slow-cooked entrees" because pot roasts are a type of dish that is traditionally cooked slowly in a pot or slow cooker, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
Snore loudly : SAW LOGS
"Saw logs" is a common expression that means to snore loudly. The sound of a chainsaw cutting through logs is often compared to the loud snoring noise that some people make while sleeping.
So … or a word following “so” : TRUE
The word "TRUE" can follow "so" to form phrases like "So true" or "So very true," making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Some kennel personnel : GROOMERS
The answer "GROOMERS" fits the clue "Some kennel personnel" because groomers are individuals who take care of and groom animals, which is a common task performed by personnel at a kennel.
Some rivers have them : DELTAS
"Deltas" are landforms at the mouth of a river where the river splits into smaller channels before flowing into a larger body of water. So, some rivers have deltas at their mouths, making "DELTAS" the correct answer.
Sound in “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” : MOO!
The answer "MOO!" is correct because cows make the sound "moo" in the song "Old MacDonald Had a Farm."
Spill (over) : SLOP
"SLOP" is a synonym for spill over, especially when referring to liquids or food. It fits the clue perfectly.
Stashed away : HID
The answer "CACHED" is the right solution because it means to store or hide something in a secret place. In the context of the clue "Stashed away," "CACHED" perfectly fits the definition.
Stressful work? : POEM
"POEM" is the right solution because in this context, "Stressful work?" is a play on words. A poem is a type of literary work that can be stressful to create due to the need for rhyme, meter, and conveying emotions effectively.
Strict sales limit, informally : ONE PER
The answer "ONE PER" is a common phrase used informally to indicate a strict sales limit of one item per person. It fits the clue perfectly.
Subject of 1960s-’70s addiction research : LSD
The answer is "LSD" because in the 1960s and '70s, LSD, a powerful hallucinogenic drug, was a subject of intense research and experimentation due to its effects on the mind and behavior.
Summer Olympics host between London and Tokyo : RIO
"RIO" is the right solution because the Summer Olympics were hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016, between London in 2012 and Tokyo in 2020.
Sun shield : VISOR
The answer "VISOR" fits the clue "Sun shield" because a visor is a protective brim or shield worn on a hat or cap to shade the eyes from the sun.
Texas A&M athlete : AGGIE
AGGIE is the right answer because Texas A&M University's sports teams are known as the Aggies.
The “A” of the ACT UP organization : AIDS
The "A" in the ACT UP organization stands for AIDS because ACT UP is an advocacy group that was formed in response to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. The group's full name is AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, hence the answer "AIDS".
Theater backdrop : SCRIM
"Scrim" is a type of theater backdrop that is made of a thin, open-weave fabric. It is often used to create special effects, such as appearing opaque when lit from the front and transparent when lit from behind.
They get high by the beach : TIDES
The tides are affected by the gravitational pull of the moon, and they rise and fall regularly along the beach, creating a high tide and a low tide.
Things that perceptive people might pick up : UNDERTONES
The answer "UNDERTONES" fits the clue because perceptive people can pick up on subtle or hidden meanings and emotions, which are often referred to as undertones.
Thunderous sounds : CLAPS
"CLAPS" can refer to the sound of thunder as it is a loud, sharp noise.
Tiny member of a swarm : GNAT
A gnat is a small insect that is often found in swarms, making it a tiny member of a swarm.
Trains above street level : ELS
"ELS" stands for Elevated Railways, which are trains that run above street level on elevated tracks.
Trigonometry units : RADIANS
The answer is "RADIANS" because radians are the standard unit of measurement in trigonometry, used to measure angles in a circle.
Turndowns : DENIALS
The word "turndowns" is a clue that indicates we are looking for words that mean "rejections" or "refusals." The word "NOES" is a plural form of "NO," which is a common way to express refusal. Therefore, "NOES" is the right solution for the clue "Turndowns."
Unnerves : JARS
"JARS" can mean to unsettle or disturb, which is a synonym for unnerves.
Variety commonly found in jellies and pies : CONCORD
The variety of grape commonly found in jellies and pies is "Concord" because Concord grapes are known for their sweet and flavorful taste, making them a popular choice for these types of desserts.
Variety that shares its name with a Mideast capital : MUSCAT
The variety "Muscat" is a type of grape that shares its name with the capital of Oman, a country in the Middle East.
Variety used to make Bordeaux wine : MERLOT
"MERLOT" is a variety of grape commonly used in the production of Bordeaux wine, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Wax figures? : BEES
What hits the ground running? : SOLE
The answer "SOLE" is a play on words where "sole" can refer to the bottom of a shoe, which hits the ground when someone starts running.
Windy part of a kite? : REEL
The "windy" in the clue is a hint to think about wind-related items. A reel is a device used to wind up the string of a kite, making it the correct answer.
With 61-Down, like some gossip … as represented phonetically by each set of shaded squares? : HEARD THROUGH …
The answer is "HEARD THROUGH" because the shaded squares spell out the word "HEARD" vertically and "THROUGH" horizontally, representing gossip being heard through different sources.
Word before dating or skating : SPEED-
The word "SPEED-" can be followed by "dating" to form "speed dating" and "skating" to form "speed skating," making it the right solution.
___-conscious : ECO
The term "eco-conscious" refers to being environmentally aware or mindful. "Eco" is a common abbreviation for "ecological" or "ecologically friendly," making it the right solution for the clue "___-conscious."
___-de-camp : AIDE
The answer to "___-de-camp" is "AIDE" because "AIDE" is a term used to refer to a military officer who serves as an assistant to a higher-ranking officer.
“Am I mistaken?” : IS IT NOT?
The answer "IS IT NOT?" is a way of asking "Am I mistaken?" in a formal manner. It fits the clue perfectly.
“Clifford the Big Red Dog” airer : PBS
PBS is the network that aired the TV show "Clifford the Big Red Dog."
“Don’t ___ me …” : QUOTE
The phrase "Don’t QUOTE me ..." is a common expression used when someone is sharing information that they are not completely sure about. The word "QUOTE" fits perfectly in the blank to complete the phrase.
“Gross!” : ICK!
The answer "UGH!" is the right solution because it is an expression of disgust or repulsion, which is often used when something is considered gross.
“I’m not working right now,” in email shorthand : OOO
The answer "OOO" stands for "Out of Office," which is commonly used in email shorthand to indicate that the sender is not currently working.
“My concern is …” : I FEAR …
The answer "I FEAR ..." fits the clue "My concern is ..." because the phrase "I fear" is often used to express worry or concern about something.
“Naw, no way!” : AIN’T SO!
The answer "AIN’T SO!" is a colloquial way of saying "No, that's not true", which matches the clue "“Naw, no way!”" in tone and meaning.
“That’s my goal” : I PLAN TO
The answer "I PLAN TO" fits the clue "That's my goal" because it indicates a future intention or aim, suggesting that the speaker has a plan to achieve a specific objective.
“Well, don’t wait out here!” : GO ON IN!
The answer "GO ON IN!" fits the clue "Well, don't wait out here!" because it is a common phrase used to encourage someone to enter a place or building instead of waiting outside.
“Whoop-de-___” : DOO
The phrase "Whoop-de-___" is often followed by "DOO" to convey a sense of excitement or enthusiasm. It is a common expression in informal language.