Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 17 March 2024, Sunday (03-17-24). Find all answers and solutions here.
We've also tries to explain why the answer is the correct solution for each clue.
We're not affiliated with New York Times in any way.
Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
A little crazy : DOTTY
"Dotty" can mean a little crazy or eccentric, making it a fitting answer to the clue "A little crazy."
Academic figures : DEANS
"DEANS" are academic figures because they are senior members of a school or university faculty who oversee academic programs and student affairs.
Actor Kutcher : ASHTON
Ashton Kutcher is a well-known actor, so "Actor Kutcher" is a clue that points to the answer "ASHTON."
Attraction in 69- designed to be a “city of the future” : EPCOT CENTER (in the southeast)
EPCOT CENTER in the southeast refers to the famous theme park located in Florida, known for its futuristic design and innovative attractions.
Attraction in 69- on the Extraterrestrial Highway : AREA FIFTY-ONE (in the southwest)
Area 51 is a highly secretive military base located in the southwest United States, near the Extraterrestrial Highway. It is known for its association with UFO sightings and conspiracy theories, making it an "attraction" for those interested in extraterrestrial phenomena.
Attraction in 69- overseen by the Navajo Nation : FOUR CORNERS (in the southwest)
The answer is "FOUR CORNERS" because it is a unique attraction located in the southwest United States where the borders of four states (Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico) meet at a single point. It is overseen by the Navajo Nation, making it a significant cultural and geographical landmark.
Attraction in 69- that once froze over for 30 hours in 1848 : NIAGARA FALLS (in the northeast)
The clue mentions "Attraction in 69-" which refers to Niagara Falls located in the northeast region of the United States. The additional detail about it freezing over for 30 hours in 1848 helps confirm the answer as "NIAGARA FALLS."
Attraction in 69- that withstands dozens of lightning strikes a year, familiarly : LADY LIBERTY (in the northeast)
The clue refers to the Statue of Liberty, located in the northeast of the United States. It is often referred to familiarly as "Lady Liberty" and is known for withstanding dozens of lightning strikes each year.
Attraction in 69- that’s almost 2,000 feet deep : CRATER LAKE (in the northwest)
The clue "Attraction in 69- that’s almost 2,000 feet deep" refers to Crater Lake, which is located in Oregon and is approximately 1,943 feet deep, making it almost 2,000 feet deep.
Attraction in 69- that’s part of America’s first national park : OLD FAITHFUL (in the northwest)
The clue mentions "America’s first national park," which is Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful is a famous geyser located in Yellowstone's northwest region, making "Old Faithful (in the northwest)" the correct answer.
Attraction in 69- where crocodiles and alligators uniquely coexist : EVERGLADES (in the southeast)
The Everglades is a unique ecosystem located in the southeast of the United States where crocodiles and alligators coexist. This makes it the correct answer to the clue provided.
Be on the decline? : SLED
"SLED" is the right solution because when you are on a sled going downhill, you are on the decline.
Biggest portion : LION’S SHARE
The phrase "lion's share" comes from Aesop's fable where the lion claims the largest portion for himself. It means the biggest or majority portion of something.
Bleep out : CENSOR
The word "CENSOR" means to bleep out or remove inappropriate content, making it the right answer for the clue "Bleep out."
Bomb : FLOP
"Flameout" can refer to a type of engine failure in which the flame in a jet engine is extinguished, causing the engine to shut down. This can be seen as a type of "bomb" in the sense that it causes a sudden and unexpected failure.
Bright pink shade : HOT MAGENTA
The answer "HOT MAGENTA" fits the clue "Bright pink shade" because magenta is a shade of pink that is vibrant and intense, often described as "hot" to emphasize its brightness.
British throne room? : LAV
The answer "LAV" is the right solution because it is a short form for "lavatory," which is a British term for a bathroom or restroom. The clue "British throne room?" is a play on words, suggesting that the answer is a room associated with British culture, which in this case is the bathroom.
Brut-ish? : SEC
"Brut-ish?" is a play on words that hints at the word "brutish." In this case, "SEC" is the right answer because it is a shortened form of "second," which is a unit of time, making it a clever and fitting response to the clue.
Buffet style : SELF-SERVE
"SELF-SERVE" is the right solution because buffet style dining typically involves customers serving themselves from a variety of food options laid out on a table or counter.
Buyer : VENDEE
"Buyer" is a term commonly used in legal contexts to refer to the person who purchases something, especially real estate. "Vendee" is a legal term that specifically refers to the buyer in a real estate transaction, making it the correct answer.
Came to : TOTALED
The clue "Came to" is a phrasal verb that means "regained consciousness." "Awoke" is the past tense of "awake," which means to stop sleeping or become conscious. Therefore, "Awoke" is the right solution.
Capital city founded by King Harald : OSLO
Oslo is the capital city of Norway and was founded by King Harald Hardrada in the year 1048.
Caribbean music genre : SOCA
Calypso is a music genre that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. It is characterized by its upbeat tempo, use of steel drums, and lyrics that often address social and political issues.
Cause of a driveway stain : OIL LEAK
The answer "OIL LEAK" fits the clue because oil leaks from cars can cause stains on driveways.
Children’s author Eric : CARLE
"Children's author Eric" refers to Eric Carle, a well-known author and illustrator of many beloved children's books such as "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." The answer "CARLE" fits the clue.
Citrus with a portmanteau name : TANGELO
Tangelo is a citrus fruit that is a hybrid of a tangerine and a pomelo, hence the portmanteau name.
Clinic liquids : SERA Down 1 Political party founded in Syria
The answer "SERA" fits the clue "Clinic liquids" because "sera" refers to the plural form of serum, which is a clear, yellowish fluid in blood. For the clue "Political party founded in Syria," the answer is "BAATH." It is the political party founded in Syria.
Collection during a church service : OFFERTORY
The answer "OFFERTORY" is the right solution because it refers to the part of a church service where collections are gathered from the congregation.
Colonized, as bees might : HIVED
The word "hived" refers to bees moving into a hive or establishing a colony in a hive. Therefore, "HIVED" is the correct answer to the clue "Colonized, as bees might."
Comedian Jimmy with a self-described “schnozzola” : DURANTE
Jimmy Durante was a famous comedian known for his large nose, which he affectionately referred to as his "schnozzola." Therefore, the answer to the clue "Comedian Jimmy with a self-described 'schnozzola'" is "DURANTE."
Confuse : ADDLE
"Addle" means to confuse or muddle, which makes it a fitting answer for the clue "Confuse".
Consider : HEAR
The word "consider" suggests thinking or evaluating something. "Deem" is a synonym for consider, meaning to judge or regard in a particular way. Therefore, "deem" is the right solution to the clue "consider."
Curt reprimand to a dog : BAD!
The answer "BAD!" is a curt reprimand to a dog because it is a common word used to scold or discipline a misbehaving dog.
Debauchee : ROUE
"Roue" is a term that specifically refers to a debauchee or a person who leads a life of indulgence and pleasure-seeking, especially in a sexual manner. It is a fitting answer based on the definition of the clue.
Default consequence, perhaps : REPO
The answer "REPO" is short for "repossession," which is a consequence of defaulting on a loan or payment.
Deliberated (on) : TOOK TIME
"Deliberated" means to carefully think about or consider something. "Took time" implies spending a significant amount of time considering something carefully. Therefore, "Took time" is a suitable answer to the clue "Deliberated (on)".
Diamond stat : RBI
"RBI" stands for "Runs Batted In," which is a statistic in baseball that measures the number of runs a player has caused by hitting the ball. It is often associated with power hitters who can bring runners home.
Didn’t swipe right? : STOLE
"Didn’t swipe right?" is a play on words, suggesting that the action of not swiping right on a dating app could mean the person "STOLE" something instead.
Directional heading? : OMNI-
"OMNI-" is the right solution because it is a prefix that means "all" or "every," indicating a direction that covers all possible directions.
Distributor of 1933’s “King Kong” and “Little Women” : RKO
RKO is the correct answer because RKO Radio Pictures was the film distributor for both "King Kong" and "Little Women" in 1933.
Division for a tennis match : NET/SET
The answer "NET/SET" is a play on words where "NET" refers to the physical division on a tennis court and "SET" refers to a unit of scoring in tennis matches. It cleverly combines both elements of a tennis match into a single answer.
Eclipse : OUTDO
The answer "BLOT OUT" is the right solution because an eclipse refers to the obscuring or covering of one celestial body by another. "BLOT OUT" means to completely cover or obscure something, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Either end of America? : SCHWA
The answer "SCHWA" is the right solution because the schwa sound is a central vowel sound found at either end of the word "America."
Eponymous saint of “Alamo City” : ANTONIO
The eponymous saint of "Alamo City" refers to Saint Anthony, whose name in Spanish is "San Antonio." Therefore, the correct answer is "ANTONIO."
Farm machine equipped with twine : BALER
A farm machine equipped with twine is a "baler" because a baler is a piece of equipment used to compress and bind materials such as hay or straw into compact, easily manageable shapes or bales.
Fictional archaeologist with a whip, familiarly : INDY
The answer "INDY" is the right solution because it is a common nickname for the fictional archaeologist character Indiana Jones, who is known for using a whip in his adventures.
Fish fittingly found in “anemone” : NEMO
The answer "NEMO" is the right solution because Nemo is a fish famously found in the movie "Finding Nemo" and anemone is where Nemo is found in the movie.
Flake, so to speak : BAIL
"Flake, so to speak" is a colloquial way of saying someone is bailing or backing out of a commitment or plan. Therefore, "BAIL" is the right answer.
Former L.A. center : SHAQ
"Former L.A. center" refers to a basketball player who used to play for a Los Angeles team and played the center position. "SHAQ" is the nickname of Shaquille O'Neal, a former center for the Los Angeles Lakers.
French eatery : BISTRO
"BISTRO" is the right solution because a bistro is a small, casual French restaurant that typically serves simple meals and wine.
General meeting place : WAR ROOM
Gives as a reference : CITES
"CITES" is the right answer because it means to refer to something as evidence or proof. In this context, "Gives as a reference" is a clue hinting at the action of citing a source or reference.
Googled oneself, e.g. : EGO-SURFED
"Ego-surfed" is the right solution because it refers to the act of searching for one's own name or online presence on the internet, typically out of vanity or curiosity.
Handled thing : AXE
The answer "AXE" fits the clue "Handled thing" because an axe is a tool with a handle that is used for chopping wood or other materials.
Handling things : ON IT
"ON TOP OF IT" means to be in control and managing things effectively, which fits the clue "Handling things."
Have down : KNOW
The phrase "have down" can be interpreted as knowing something or being familiar with it, making "KNOW" the right answer.
Heady? : CRANIAL
The word "heady" can refer to something related to the head or mind. "Cranial" is a term that specifically relates to the skull or head, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Heady?"
Improvises in a jazz group : SCATS
"Scats" is the right answer because it is a term used in jazz music to describe the improvisational vocal technique of singing nonsense syllables or wordless vocal sounds.
Informally agree to : SHAKE ON
The answer "SHAKE ON" fits the clue "Informally agree to" because shaking hands is a common gesture to signify agreement or a deal.
Insurance company whose name contains a diphthong : AETNA
AETNA is the right answer because it contains the diphthong "AE," which is a combination of two vowel sounds pronounced in one syllable.
It’s a trap! : BAIT
The answer "BAIT" fits because in this context, "It's a trap!" suggests that something is being used to lure or deceive, which is the purpose of bait.
Jazz group, for short : NBA
Letter-shaped beam : I-RAIL
The answer to "Letter-shaped beam" is "H-BAR" because an H-bar is a structural beam that is shaped like the letter H.
Like a stock quote? : TRITE
The clue "Like a stock quote?" is a play on words, suggesting that a stock quote might be overused or unoriginal, which can be described as "trite."
Literary friend of Sam, Merry and Pippin : FRODO
Frodo is the main character in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and is friends with Sam, Merry, and Pippin on their quest to destroy the One Ring.
Little rascals : BRATS
The term "IMPS" refers to mischievous or playful children, which perfectly fits the clue "Little rascals."
Locale of this puzzle’s attractions (really, all eight of them!) : THE NORTH/SOUTH EAST/WEST
The answer "THE NORTH/SOUTH EAST/WEST" is the right solution because it refers to all four directions (north, south, east, west) and indicates that the attractions in the puzzle are spread out in all directions.
Mail insert : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, which is commonly used in mail inserts like addresses or postal codes.
Many a lib : DEM
"DEM" is short for "Democrat," which is a common abbreviation used to refer to members of the Democratic Party in the United States.
Marble, e.g. : STONE
The word "ORB" is a synonym for a marble, as both refer to a spherical object.
Meditation aid : MANTRA
A mantra is a word or phrase repeated during meditation to help focus the mind and achieve a state of calm and concentration. It is a common meditation aid used to enhance the practice.
More crafty : SLIER
The word "slier" is the comparative form of "sly," meaning more crafty or cunning. It fits the clue "More crafty" as it describes someone who is even more devious or clever.
Music genre that emphasizes the offbeat : SKA
SKA is a music genre that emphasizes the offbeat by accentuating the upbeats or the offbeats in a rhythmic pattern. It is characterized by its syncopated rhythm and energetic sound, making it the correct answer for this clue.
Name of two “Groundhog Day” characters : PHIL
In the movie "Groundhog Day," the main character's name is Phil Connors, played by Bill Murray. Therefore, the name "PHIL" refers to the character Phil Connors from the movie.
Name that sounds like a letter : KAY
The answer "KAY" sounds like the letter "K."
Nigerian staple food : YAM
Yams are a common staple food in Nigeria and are widely consumed in various forms, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Nigerian staple food."
Not a good guy : CAD
CAD is a term used to describe a man who behaves in a dishonorable or untrustworthy way, making him not a good guy.
Noted name in 2005 news : KATRINA
Hurricane Katrina was a notable event in 2005, making "KATRINA" the right answer for the clue "Noted name in 2005 news."
Nothing special : SO-SO
The phrase "so-so" is often used to describe something that is neither good nor bad, meaning it is nothing special.
Occasion for fireworks : Abbr.
unknown
Often : A LOT
The word "often" is a synonym for "a lot," meaning something that occurs frequently or regularly.
One way to be cut : LOOSE
The answer "LOOSE" fits the clue "One way to be cut" because if something is loose, it can be cut or trimmed to make it tighter or more secure.
Originally called : NEE
"Originally called" is a common clue for the answer "NEE" because "nee" is a term used to indicate a woman's maiden name, which is the name she was originally called before marriage.
Owners of an infamous cow : O’LEARYS
The infamous cow mentioned in the clue is the cow that started the Great Chicago Fire, owned by the O'Leary family. Therefore, the answer "O'LEARYS" fits the clue.
Part of the spine : DISC
The answer "DISC" is correct because a disc is a cushion-like structure located between the vertebrae in the spine. It helps to absorb shock and allows for the spine's flexibility.
Pear variety : BOSC
BOSC is a type of pear known for its firm texture and sweet flavor, making it a common variety used in cooking and baking.
Perfect places : EDENS
The word "Edens" refers to the biblical Garden of Eden, which is often described as a perfect paradise. Therefore, "Perfect places" can be clued as "Edens".
Person living in London : ONTARIAN
Persuaded : SOLD
"SOLD" is the right answer because in this context, "persuaded" can mean convinced or influenced someone to agree or buy something, which is often associated with the act of selling.
Picture : SEE
The answer to "Picture" is "IMAGINE" because "IMAGINE" means to form a mental image or picture of something in one's mind.
Prepare (oneself) for a challenge : GIRD
"GIRD" means to prepare oneself for a challenge or difficulty, making it the right solution for the clue.
Pro ___ (for now) : TEM
"Pro ___ (for now)" is a common crossword clue where the answer is "TEM" because "pro tem" is an abbreviation for "pro tempore," which means "for the time being" in Latin.
Profitability metric, for short : ROI
ROI stands for Return on Investment, which is a common profitability metric used to evaluate the financial performance of an investment. It measures the gain or loss generated on an investment relative to the amount of money invested. So, "ROI" is the correct answer to the clue "Profitability metric, for short."
Quick boxing move : JAB
The answer "JAB" fits the clue "Quick boxing move" because a jab is a quick and straight punch thrown with the lead hand in boxing.
Scarfs (down) : BOLTS
The word "bolts" can mean to eat quickly and eagerly, which fits the clue "Scarfs (down)" as scarfing down food implies eating quickly.
School subjects? : STUDENTS
The answer "STUDENTS" fits the clue "School subjects?" because students are the subjects of a school, meaning they are the main focus or individuals being taught in a school setting.
Sea eagles : ERNS
"ERNS" are a type of sea eagle, also known as the white-tailed eagle.
Seller of over a billion Huggable Hangers on TV : HSN
The answer is "HSN" because HSN stands for Home Shopping Network, which is a TV channel where products like Huggable Hangers are sold.
Short hedge? : OTOH
unknown
Skipjacks and bluefins : TUNAS
"Tunas" are types of fish that include skipjacks and bluefins. Therefore, "Tunas" is the correct answer to the clue "Skipjacks and bluefins."
Small role for Paul Rudd : ANT-MAN
The answer is "ANT-MAN" because Paul Rudd played the superhero character Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Some clerical workers : PRIESTS
Some German rides : BMWS
The answer "BMWS" fits the clue "Some German rides" because BMW is a German car manufacturer, and "BMWS" is the plural form of BMW, referring to multiple German cars.
Spa service, in brief : PEDI
The answer "PEDI" is short for "pedicure," which is a common spa service involving care for the feet and toenails.
Spanish for “weight” : PESO
"PESO" is the Spanish word for "weight" and is also the name of the currency in several Spanish-speaking countries, such as Mexico and Argentina.
Steel boot feature : TOE CAP
The answer "TOE CAP" fits the clue "Steel boot feature" because a toe cap is a protective covering on the front of a boot that is often made of steel to protect the toes from impact or compression.
Steep : BREW
"BREW" can be a synonym for "steep" when referring to the process of steeping tea or coffee in hot water to extract flavor.
Stick in a cup : STIRRER
The answer "STIRRER" fits the clue "Stick in a cup" because a stirrer is commonly used to mix ingredients in a cup, such as stirring coffee or tea.
Stumbler or bumbler : OAF
The answer "OAF" is the right solution because an oaf is someone who is clumsy or awkward, which fits the description of a stumbler or bumbler.
Subgenre prefix : ALT-
"Subgenre" refers to a specific category within a larger genre. The prefix "ALT-" is commonly used to indicate an alternative or different version of something, making it a fitting choice for a subgenre prefix.
Sudden arrival : INRUSH
The answer "INRUSH" fits the clue "sudden arrival" because an inrush is a sudden flow or influx of something, making it a fitting term for a sudden arrival.
Supply for kindergarten drawers : CRAYONS
"Crayons" are commonly used by kindergarten children for drawing and coloring activities, making them a suitable supply for kindergarten drawers.
The right one is usually slower : LANE
The right answer is "LANE" because in a race or on a road, the right lane is typically used for slower-moving traffic.
The two wives and 20 children of Johann Sebastian : BACHS
The answer "BACHS" refers to the family of Johann Sebastian Bach, who had two wives and 20 children. The answer fits the clue because it accurately describes the family of the famous composer.
They’re very attached to their calves : SHINS
This answer works because "shins" are a body part that is physically attached to the calves.
Tic-tac-toe loser : O-X-O
Title character for Tyler Perry : MADEA
"MEDAE" is the title character in a series of films created by Tyler Perry. The character is portrayed as a tough, elderly woman who is known for her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude.
Touch gently : PAT/PET
The answer "PAT/PET" fits the clue "Touch gently" because both actions involve lightly touching something with your hand.
Turner on the radio : DIAL
"DIAL" is the right solution because "Turner on the radio" suggests physically turning a dial to change the radio station or adjust the volume.
Turning on the waterworks : TEARY
The word "teary" is often used to describe someone who is crying or becoming emotional, which fits the clue "Turning on the waterworks" as it refers to someone starting to cry.
Typical sock hopper : TEENER
The term "teener" is a slang word used in the 1950s to refer to a teenager, which is a typical attendee at a sock hop, a type of dance event popular in that era.
Universal, as a motor : AC/DC
The answer "AC/DC" refers to a type of electric current that can power universal motors, which are able to operate on both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC).
Unwrapped eagerly : TORE OPEN
The phrase "tore open" implies opening something quickly and eagerly, which fits the clue "unwrapped eagerly."
Voicer of Olaf in “Frozen” : JOSH GAD
Josh Gad is the actor who provided the voice for the character Olaf in the movie "Frozen."
What prices can do : SOAR
The answer "SOAR" fits the clue "What prices can do" because prices can rise quickly and sharply, just like something soaring into the sky.
Where dinars are spent : IRAQ
The currency used in Iraq is the dinar, so "Iraq" is where dinars are spent.
Wine menu section : ROSES
The answer "ROSES" is the right solution because it refers to the section of a wine menu that lists rosé wines.
Wood used to make chess pieces and pool cues : EBONY
The answer is "EBONY" because it is a type of wood known for its dark color and density, making it ideal for crafting chess pieces and pool cues.
Word before fly : HORSE/HOUSE
Work on something you love? : ODE
The clue is a play on words. "Work on something you love" suggests working on a poem, which is an ode.
Wyoming’s ___ Range : TETON
The Teton Range is a mountain range in Wyoming, making "TETON" the correct answer to the clue "Wyoming’s ___ Range."
Yellowish pigment : OCHRE
"OCHRE" is a yellowish pigment commonly used in art and painting. It fits the clue "Yellowish pigment" perfectly.
“Bulls get angry when they see the color red,” for one : MYTH
The clue is suggesting that bulls are provoked by the color red, which is a common myth. The answer "MYTH" indicates that this belief is not true.
“Hail,” in old Rome : AVE
The word "AVE" is a Latin word that means "hail" in English. In old Rome, "AVE" was a common greeting similar to saying "hello" today.
“I goofed,” in slang : MY B
The answer "MY B" for "I goofed, in slang" is correct because in slang, "my b" is short for "my bad," which is a common way to admit to making a mistake or error.
“Ivories” : KEYS
The term "ivories" is often used to refer to piano keys, as pianos traditionally had keys made from ivory. So, the answer "KEYS" fits the clue "Ivories".
“Life would be ___ if it weren’t funny” : Stephen Hawking
unknown
“Nature of a ___” (1991 Queen Latifah album) : SISTA
"SISTA" is the right solution because it fits the pattern of the clue "Nature of a ___" and is the title of the 1991 Queen Latifah album.
“No,” in a certain dialect : NAE/NAW
"NAE/NAW" is the right solution because "nae" and "naw" are dialectal variations of the word "no" commonly used in Scottish and Northern Irish dialects.
“Shoulda listened to me!” : I TOLD YA SO!
The phrase "ITOLDYA" is a contraction of "I told you" and is a common expression used to express frustration or annoyance when someone doesn't heed your advice. Therefore, it is the right solution for the clue ""Shoulda listened to me!"" in the crossword.
“Sup” : HEY
The word "HEY" is a casual greeting similar to "Sup". It fits the clue and is commonly used in informal settings.
“The lady ___ protest too much …” : DOTH
The phrase "The lady doth protest too much..." is a famous line from Shakespeare's play Hamlet. "Doth" is an archaic form of the verb "do," so the correct answer is "DOTH."
“Wait … what?” : HUH?
The answer "HUH?" is commonly used to express confusion or surprise, making it a fitting response to the phrase "Wait ... what?" in casual conversation.
“___ With Marc Maron” (podcast) : WTF
"WTF" is the correct answer because it is the abbreviation for the podcast "WTF with Marc Maron."