Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 16 March 2024, Saturday (03-16-24). 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.
#iwokeuplikethis style : BED HEAD
The answer "BED HEAD" fits the clue "#iwokeuplikethis style" because "bed head" refers to messy or tousled hair that looks like how it would appear after waking up from sleep.
Accessories that sound like a snack brand : LEIS
The answer "LEIS" sounds like the snack brand "Lays." The clue is asking for accessories that sound like a snack brand, and "LEIS" fits the bill as it sounds similar to "Lays."
Alveoli, e.g. : SACS
The answer "SACS" fits the clue "Alveoli, e.g." because alveoli are small sacs in the lungs where gas exchange takes place.
Animal shelter slogan : ADOPT, DON’T SHOP
"ADOPT, DON’T SHOP" is the right solution because it is a common slogan used by animal shelters to encourage people to adopt pets in need of homes instead of buying from breeders or pet stores. It promotes the idea of giving shelter animals a second chance at a loving home.
Artisanal hamburger option : BRIOCHE BUN
The answer "BRIOCHE BUN" fits the clue "Artisanal hamburger option" because a brioche bun is a type of bread that is often used in upscale or artisanal burger creations due to its rich, slightly sweet flavor and soft texture.
Bench press muscles, familiarly : PECS
"Pecs" is short for pectoral muscles, which are the main muscles used during a bench press exercise. So, "Bench press muscles, familiarly" is a clue hinting at the shortened term for pectoral muscles, which is "PECS."
Big inits. in camping : KOA
KOA stands for Kampgrounds of America, a well-known chain of campgrounds across North America.
Booster, e.g. : DOSE Down 1 Elaborate
The answer "DOSE" fits the clue "Booster, e.g." because a dose can refer to a quantity of medicine or a booster shot for vaccination.
Break off : END
The word "end" can mean to break off or terminate something, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Break off."
Chihuahua, e.g. : STATE
City known as “The Soul of the Southwest” : TAOS
Taos is known as "The Soul of the Southwest" due to its rich history, unique culture, and vibrant arts scene. It is a popular destination for artists and tourists seeking a taste of the authentic Southwest experience.
Clinch, with “up” : SEW …
The word "sew" can mean to clinch or secure something by stitching it up, making it the correct answer for the clue "Clinch, with 'up'."
Clotting agent : PLATELET
Platelets are small cell fragments in the blood that help with clotting. When there is a cut or injury, platelets gather at the site to form a clot and stop the bleeding. Therefore, "Platelet" is the correct answer for the clue "Clotting agent."
Convincing scam video : DEEP FAKE
The answer "DEEP FAKE" fits the clue because a deep fake is a type of convincing scam video that uses artificial intelligence to manipulate and superimpose images and audio onto video content, often creating realistic but false portrayals of people.
Daisylike flower : ASTER
The answer "ASTER" fits the clue "Daisylike flower" because asters are flowering plants that have a similar appearance to daisies, with a central disc surrounded by petals.
Dog park? : FOOTREST
Drinks sometimes topped with whipped cream : MOCHAS
The answer "MOCHAS" fits the clue because mochas are a type of coffee drink that is often topped with whipped cream.
Entrance or exit of Target? : TEE
The entrance or exit of Target is where you would find a golf TEE, which is a small peg used to support a golf ball before it is hit.
Euphonious : MELODIC
The word "euphonious" means pleasing to the ear, and "melodic" is a synonym for pleasingly musical or tuneful. Therefore, "melodic" is the right solution.
Fantasy trilogy, familiarly : LOTR
The answer "LOTR" stands for "Lord of the Rings," a famous fantasy trilogy often referred to by its initials.
Farm mother : EWE
The answer "EWE" is the right solution because a female sheep is commonly referred to as a "ewe," making it the mother on a farm.
First name in children’s literature : SHEL
Shel Silverstein is a well-known author of children's literature, making "SHEL" the correct answer for "First name in children’s literature."
First part of an ancient Greek ode : STROPHE
"Strophe" is the first part of an ancient Greek ode that is sung while moving from right to left. It is a common term in poetry and fits the clue well.
Flag carrier of Panama : COPA
COPA is the flag carrier of Panama, which means it is the airline that represents Panama internationally.
Fluffy toy, familiarly : POM
The answer "POM" is the right solution because "POM" is a common nickname for a Pomeranian, which is a breed of fluffy toy dog.
Furniture wood : ELM
Elm is a type of wood commonly used in furniture making due to its durability and attractive grain pattern.
Geography classroom staple : US MAP
The answer "US MAP" fits the clue "Geography classroom staple" because a map of the United States is commonly found in geography classrooms to help students learn about the country's geography.
Go for it, slangily : SHOOT YOUR SHOT
The phrase "shoot your shot" is slang for taking a chance or making a bold move, often in the context of expressing romantic interest. This fits the clue "Go for it, slangily" perfectly.
Ijeoma ___, author of 2020’s “Mediocre : The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America”
It owes its kick to capsaicin : HOT SAUCE
The right answer is "HOT SAUCE" because capsaicin is the compound in chili peppers that gives them their heat, and hot sauce is made from chili peppers, which is why it owes its kick to capsaicin.
Let through : OKAYED
"Let through" is a clue indicating approval or permission. "OKAYED" means to give approval or consent, making it the right solution for this clue.
Like naysayers : OPPOSED
"Like naysayers" is a clue asking for a word that describes those who are against something. "Opposed" fits this description as it means to be against or in conflict with something.
Meeting, casually : SESH
"SESH" is a slang term for a casual meeting or gathering, often used among friends. In this context, "Meeting, casually" is a clue asking for a casual term for a meeting, making "SESH" the correct answer.
Metalworker’s union : SOLDER
"SOLDER" is the right solution because a metalworker often uses solder to join metal pieces together.
More fitting : APTER
"More fitting" is a comparative form where "apter" means more suitable or appropriate.
Name on a counter : GEIGER
unknown
Occasions to read letters : EYE TESTS
The answer "EYE TESTS" fits the clue "Occasions to read letters" because during an eye test, one reads letters on a chart to test their vision.
One of the five stages of grief : ANGER
The five stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. "Anger" is one of these stages, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Org. featured in the documentary series “Full Swing” : PGA
The PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) is featured in the documentary series "Full Swing" because it is a major organization in the world of golf, representing professional golfers and promoting the sport.
Power-saving mode : ECO
The answer "ECO" is the right solution because "ECO" is commonly used to refer to power-saving mode in electronic devices. It stands for economy or ecological mode.
Prove false : DEBUNK
"DEBUNK" means to expose the falseness or hollowness of a myth, idea, or belief. It directly relates to proving something false, making it the right answer for the clue.
Quick learner : SPONGE
"Sponge" is the right answer because a sponge absorbs things quickly, just like a quick learner absorbs new information easily.
Ren Faire rides : STEEDS
"Ren Faire rides" typically refer to horses that people can ride at a Renaissance Fair. Another word for a horse is a "steed," making "STEEDS" the correct answer.
Settle : PAY
"Settle" can mean to resolve a debt or payment, which is synonymous with "pay."
Sink feature : DISPOSAL
The answer "DISPOSAL" is the right solution because a disposal is a common feature found in kitchen sinks used for grinding up food waste.
Small bit of mint? : DIME
The word "mint" can refer to a place where coins are produced. A small bit of a coin is a "DIME," making it the right solution.
Sprays, say : WETS
The answer "WETS" is the right solution because one way to spray something is to wet it.
Stat : PRONTO
"Stat!" is a medical term meaning immediately or at once. "ATONCE" is a synonym of immediately or without delay, making it the right solution for the clue.
Stroll : AMBLE
"Amble" is a synonym for "stroll," both meaning to walk leisurely. It fits the number of letters required for the crossword answer and makes sense in the context of the clue.
Sweetie : BOO
"HON" is a term of endearment that is short for "honey", which is often used to refer to a loved one or a sweetheart. In crossword clues, "Sweetie" is a common indicator that the answer is a term of endearment, and "HON" is a popular crossword answer for this type of clue.
Takes care of : TENDS
"TENDS" is the right answer because it means to look after or care for something or someone. In this context, it fits the clue "Takes care of."
Talk Like a Pirate Day greeting : ARR!
"ARR!" is a common expression associated with pirates in popular culture, making it a fitting greeting for Talk Like a Pirate Day.
The “wire,” so to speak : LAST SECOND
The phrase "the wire" is often used to refer to a close finish in a race or competition. "Last second" is a common expression used to describe something happening at the final moment, making it a fitting answer for this clue.
Took the lead? : ERASED
The answer "ERASED" fits the clue "Took the lead?" because when you erase something, you are removing the lead (writing) from a surface.
Very, informally : REAL
The word "real" can be used informally to mean "very" in casual conversation. So, "Very, informally" could be clued as "REAL" in a crossword puzzle.
Wallop : PASTE
"PASTE" can be a synonym for "wallop" in the sense of hitting or striking with great force. Both words convey the idea of a powerful impact or blow.
Was in need of more : RAN LOW
"RAN LOW" means to be in short supply or running out of something, which fits the clue "Was in need of more" as it implies a shortage or deficiency.
Wined and dined : WOOED
"Wined and dined" is a phrase that often refers to someone being courted or romantically pursued. The word "wooed" means to seek the affection or favor of someone in a romantic way, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Without a compass, say : AMORAL
Word of elaboration : ALSO
"Word of elaboration" is a clue that is asking for a word that adds more information or emphasis to a statement. The word "ALSO" is often used to introduce additional information or points in a sentence, making it a fitting answer to this clue.
Word that, when searched, causes Google to display all results at an angle : ASKEW
The word "ASKEW" means not in a straight or level position, which is why when you search for it on Google, the search results are displayed at an angle.
___ Books, sci-fi/fantasy imprint : TOR
"TOR" is the correct answer because it is the well-known sci-fi/fantasy imprint of the publishing company Tom Doherty Associates.
“Let me play the world’s smallest violin for you” : NO ONE CARES
The phrase "Let me play the world's smallest violin for you" is often used sarcastically to show lack of sympathy or care for someone's complaints. Therefore, the fitting response to this would be "NO ONE CARES" to further emphasize the lack of concern.
“My pleasure” : GLAD TO DO IT
The answer "GLAD TO DO IT" fits the clue "My pleasure" because it conveys a sentiment of being happy or willing to help, similar to how one might respond with "My pleasure" when thanked for doing something.
“National Treasure” star : CAGE
The answer is "CAGE" because Nicolas Cage starred in the movie "National Treasure."
“To Kill a Mockingbird” theme : RACISM
The theme of "To Kill a Mockingbird" revolves around racism, as the novel explores issues of racial injustice and discrimination in the American South during the 1930s. The character of Atticus Finch defends an innocent black man accused of raping a white woman, highlighting the prevalent racism in society at the time.
“___ good!” : LOOKS
This crossword clue is asking for a word that completes the phrase "___ good!" The word "LOOKS" fits perfectly in this context, as in "Looks good!" to express that something appears pleasing or satisfactory.