Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 20 February 2025, Thursday (02-20-25). 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.
0 : 00
The answer "NONE" fits the clue "0%" because "NONE" is a synonym for "zero" or "no amount," indicating that there is nothing present or available.
Alliance of 32 nations : NATO
NATO stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is an alliance of 30 nations. The clue likely includes the number 32 to throw off solvers, but the correct answer is still NATO.
Alternative to a spicy Dorito : TAKI
TAKI is an alternative to a spicy Dorito because TAKI is a brand of spicy rolled corn tortilla chips, similar to Doritos.
Ancient Mexican civilization : OLMEC
The Olmec were an ancient civilization in Mexico known for their giant stone heads and early development of complex societies in Mesoamerica. The answer "OLMEC" fits the clue "Ancient Mexican civilization" perfectly.
Architectural expansion : ANNEX
The word "annex" is commonly used in architecture to refer to an extension or addition to a building. It fits the clue "Architectural expansion" because an annex is a structure added to a main building to provide extra space or functionality.
Battletoads console, for short : NES
The answer is "NES" because Battletoads was a popular video game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) console.
Black gemstone : ONYX
"ONYX" is the right solution because it is a type of black gemstone commonly used in jewelry.
Blue man group member? : SMURF
The "Blue man group" is a performance art company known for its members painted entirely in blue. Similarly, Smurfs are fictional characters known for their blue skin. Therefore, the answer "SMURF" fits the clue "Blue man group member?" as it refers to a character with blue skin.
Broadband connection inits. : DSL
The answer to "Broadband connection inits." is "DSL" because DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line, which is a type of high-speed internet connection commonly used in households.
Certain tax : DUTY
The answer "DUTY" fits the clue "Certain tax" because a duty is a tax on goods that are imported or exported.
Chatted on the Gram, say : DM’ED
The answer "DM'ED" is the right solution because "DM" is short for "direct message," which is a way to chat on Instagram, often referred to as "the Gram."
Clear-cut : DISTINCT
The word "distinct" means clear-cut or easily distinguishable. In this context, "clear-cut" is a synonym for "distinct," making it the correct answer to the clue.
Cleared one’s plate, say : ATE
The clue "Cleared one's plate, say" is a hint that refers to finishing a meal. The answer "ATE" is the correct solution because it is the past tense of the verb "eat," which means to consume food. When someone clears their plate, it generally implies that they have finished eating.
Digital work fueled by machine learning, in brief : AI ART
The answer "AI ART" is the right solution because "AI" stands for artificial intelligence and "ART" stands for art, combining to refer to digital work fueled by machine learning.
Ending with home or bed : -STEAD
The word "-STEAD" can be added to the end of words like "home" or "bed" to create new words like "homestead" or "bedstead." This makes it a fitting answer to the clue "Ending with home or bed."
Enemy alliance of W.W. II : AXIS
The Axis powers, including Germany, Italy, and Japan, formed an alliance during World War II, hence the answer "AXIS" is the right solution.
Ex-N.B.A. star ___ Ming : YAO
Yao Ming is a former NBA star, and "YAO" is his first name.
Exam with a max. score of 528 : MCAT
The MCAT is a standardized exam for aspiring medical students, and it has a maximum score of 528.
Follower of the 32- : AZTEC
Friendly response, after “My” : … PLEASURE
The phrase "My pleasure" is a friendly response often used to express willingness or happiness in helping someone. So, the answer "...PLEASURE" fits the clue "Friendly response, after 'My'".
Go-ahead : NOD
"Nod" can mean a signal of approval or permission to proceed, which can be interpreted as a "go-ahead".
Hideaway : LAIR
The word "lair" is commonly used to describe a hiding place or a secret retreat, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Hideaway."
High pair : ACES
The term "high pair" in poker refers to having a pair of aces, which is the highest pair possible in a standard deck of playing cards. Therefore, "ACES" is the correct answer.
Home to many kings and queens : HOLIDAY INN
Hot spot : OVEN
The answer "HELL" is the right solution to the clue "Hot spot" because "HELL" is often associated with extreme heat and is commonly referred to as a place of intense heat and suffering.
Icy : ALOOF
The word "ALOOF" can be used to describe someone who is emotionally distant or cold, similar to the way ice can make something cold. So, "Icy" can be a synonym for "ALOOF."
Like an H.P. Lovecraft work : EERIE
"EERIE" is the right answer because H.P. Lovecraft's works are known for their unsettling and mysterious atmosphere, often described as eerie.
List trimmer : ET AL
"Et al." is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase "et alia," which translates to "and others." In a list, it is commonly used to indicate that there are additional unnamed items or people.
Locale depicted in Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights” : EDEN
The Garden of Earthly Delights is a painting by Bosch that depicts scenes from the Garden of Eden, making "EDEN" the correct answer.
Look down on : SCORN Down 1 Character profile?
Lowly worker : PEON
The term "peon" is commonly used to refer to a lowly or menial worker, making it the right solution for the clue "Lowly worker."
Lynchian or Felliniesque, say : CINEMATIC
The clue is asking for a word that describes something reminiscent of the styles of David Lynch or Federico Fellini, which are both known for their unique and surreal approach to filmmaking. The word "CINEMATIC" fits as it means relating to or characteristic of motion pictures, making it a suitable descriptor for works that evoke the styles of these iconic filmmakers.
Man : DUDE
"Dude" is a colloquial term often used to refer to a man in an informal or casual way. It fits the clue "Man" because it is a common slang term for a male individual.
Many social posts, informally : PICS
The answer "PICS" is short for "pictures," which is a common informal term used to refer to images or photos shared on social media platforms.
Move after a touchdown : TAXI
Network connections : NODES
"NODES" are points in a network where connections intersect or branch out. Each node can represent a device or a junction where data is transmitted. This makes "NODES" a fitting answer for the clue "Network connections."
Nine daughters of Greek myth : THE MUSES
The answer "THE MUSES" is correct because in Greek mythology, the Muses were nine goddesses who presided over the arts and sciences. They were considered the source of inspiration for artists, musicians, and poets.
Only character shown in the final 30 minutes of “2001 : A Space Odyssey”
The answer is "HAL" because HAL is the only character shown in the final 30 minutes of the movie "2001: A Space Odyssey."
Past its glory : FADED
The word "FADED" means something that has lost its brightness or glory over time, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Past its glory."
Pluck : NERVE
"Pluck" can mean courage or determination, which can be synonymous with "nerve."
Queen Elizabeth I has one named for her : ERA
The answer "ERA" is the right solution because Queen Elizabeth I's reign is known as the Elizabethan era in history.
Rooftop spinner : VANE
A vane is a device often found on rooftops that spins and shows the direction of the wind.
Round windows : OCULI
"Oculi" is the plural form of "oculus," which is a Latin architectural term for round windows commonly found in churches and other buildings.
San ___, Calif. : MATEO
The answer "San ___, Calif." is "JOSE" because San Jose is a city in California.
Say yes, say : RSVP
The clue "Say yes, say" is a play on words, suggesting that the answer is a phrase used to respond positively to an invitation. "RSVP" stands for "Répondez s'il vous plaît" in French, which translates to "Please respond" in English, making it the correct solution.
See 29- : -OFF
Sensational, on Broadway : BOFFO
"BOFFO" is a term commonly used in show business to describe something sensational or highly successful, especially in the context of Broadway theater. So, when the clue mentions "Sensational, on Broadway," the answer "BOFFO" fits perfectly.
Setting for several Herman Melville works : OCEAN
The setting for several Herman Melville works is the ocean because many of his famous novels, such as "Moby-Dick" and "Typee," take place at sea or involve maritime themes. The ocean is a central element in these works, shaping the characters and the stories.
Shamrock land : ERIN
"ERIN" is often used poetically to refer to Ireland, as it is derived from an old poetic term for the island. In this context, "Shamrock land" is a clue that hints at Ireland, making "ERIN" the correct answer.
Shelter on a tropical island, maybe : HUT
"HUT" is the right solution because a hut is a simple, small shelter commonly found on tropical islands. It fits the description of a basic dwelling that provides protection from the elements.
Singer Winehouse : AMY
Amy Winehouse was a famous singer known for her soulful voice and hit songs like "Rehab" and "Back to Black." Therefore, the answer "AMY" corresponds to the singer's first name.
Slated to be delivered (on) : DUE
"DUE" is the right answer because "slated to be delivered" indicates that something is expected or scheduled to arrive at a certain time, which is the definition of "DUE."
Stayed put : SAT
"Stayed put" is a clue indicating the past tense of the verb "sit." Therefore, the correct answer is "SAT," which is the past tense of "sit."
Stretch : STINT
"Stretch" can mean a period of time spent doing something. "Stint" is a synonym for a fixed or allotted period of work or activity, making it the right answer for this clue.
Strike caller : UMP
The term "ump" is short for "umpire," who is the one who calls strikes in baseball games.
Subreddits, for example : FORA
"Subreddits" is a plural term, so the answer should also be plural. "Fora" is the plural form of "forum," making it the correct answer.
Tats : INK
The word "INK" is the right answer because it is commonly used as a slang term for tattoos.
Texas city once known as “Six-Shooter Junction” : WACO
The answer is "WACO" because Waco, Texas was once known as "Six-Shooter Junction" due to its reputation for gunfights and lawlessness in the late 19th century.
This answer : FOURTEEN LETTERS (one off from “fifteen letters”)
The answer "FOURTEEN LETTERS (one off from 'fifteen letters')" fits the clue because it describes itself accurately - it is a phrase that consists of fourteen letters, which is indeed one less than the phrase "fifteen letters."
This clue : TWENTY-ONE ACROSS ( one off from “twenty across)
This crossword : WEDNESDAY PUZZLE (one off from “Thursday puzzle”)
Throw with great effort : HEAVE
The word "heave" means to throw with great effort, making it the correct solution to the clue.
Two of spades? : ESSES
ESSES is the answer because in a standard deck of playing cards, the two of spades has two S's in its name.
Use as a source : CITE
The answer "CITE" is the right solution because when you use something as a source, you cite it to give credit and show where the information came from.
Virtual storefront in an online marketplace : ETSY SHOP
The answer "ETSY SHOP" fits the clue because Etsy is an online marketplace where individuals can set up virtual storefronts to sell their products, making an "ETSY SHOP" a virtual storefront in an online marketplace.
What a budding musical artist hopes to land : RECORD DEAL
The answer "RECORD DEAL" fits because a budding musical artist hopes to land a contract with a record label to produce and distribute their music.
Who said “A dress is a piece of ephemeral architecture” : DIOR
This is the right solution because Christian Dior, a famous fashion designer, is known for the quote "A dress is a piece of ephemeral architecture."
With 43-, something never to be repeated… or a hint to the answers to the italicized clues : ONE-
The answer "ONE-" is the right solution because when combined with the answers to the italicized clues, it forms phrases that are all one-word answers with the prefix "one" attached, such as "one-liner," "one-night stand," and "one-way street."
Zip : ZERO
The word "zip" can mean "nothing" or "zero," which is synonymous with "none."
[Bada bing bada boom!] : [SNAP!]
The phrase "bada bing bada boom" is often associated with something happening quickly or easily, similar to the sound of a snap. Therefore, the answer "SNAP!" fits well with the clue.
___ Ferrante, author of the “Neapolitan Novels” : ELENA
Elena Ferrante is the author of the "Neapolitan Novels," so the answer to the clue is "ELENA."
___ Roy, Booker Prize-winning author, 1997 : ARUNDHATI
Arundhati Roy won the Booker Prize in 1997 for her novel "The God of Small Things."
___-relief : BAS
“Don’t have ___, man!” : A COW
“___ mia!” : MAMMA
"MAMMA" is the right solution because "___ mia!" is an Italian phrase that translates to "My mother!" in English, and "MAMMA" is a common way to refer to one's mother.