Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 19 March 2025, Wednesday (03-19-25). 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.
2019 sci-fi film whose name means “to the stars” : AD ASTRA
"Ad Astra" is a Latin phrase that translates to "to the stars." The 2019 sci-fi film is titled "Ad Astra," making it the correct answer to the clue.
A little cleaner? : VAC
The answer "VAC" is short for vacuum, which is a type of cleaner. The clue "A little cleaner?" is a play on words, suggesting something that cleans a little, which fits the answer "VAC."
Article of headgear, informally : LID
"LID" is a common slang term for a hat or headgear. It is often used informally in everyday language, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Article of headgear, informally."
Astronomical event depicted visually in this puzzle : SUPERNOVA
The answer "SUPERNOVA" fits the clue because a supernova is an astronomical event where a star explodes and becomes extremely bright before fading away. In a visual puzzle, a supernova would likely be depicted as a bright, exploding star, making it the correct answer.
Astrophysicist ___ deGrasse Tyson : NEIL
Neil deGrasse Tyson is a well-known astrophysicist, and "Neil" is his first name. Therefore, the answer to the clue "Astrophysicist ___ deGrasse Tyson" is "NEIL."
Awards show attendee : NOMINEE
The answer "NOMINEE" fits the clue "Awards show attendee" because a nominee is a person who has been nominated for an award and would therefore attend the awards show to potentially receive the award.
Biblical vessel : ARK
The term "ARK" refers to the vessel built by Noah to save pairs of animals from the Great Flood in the Bible.
Big acronym in insurance : AFLAC
"AFLAC" is a big acronym in insurance because it is the name of a well-known insurance company that specializes in supplemental insurance policies, particularly known for its advertising featuring a duck.
Big gala : BASH
The word "bash" is often used informally to refer to a big, lively party or celebration, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Big gala."
Boast from a winner : I RULE!
The answer "I RULE!" fits the clue "Boast from a winner" because it is a confident statement asserting dominance or superiority, which is often expressed by someone who has achieved victory.
Broods : FRETS
"FRETS" can be a synonym for "broods" as it means to worry or be anxious about something. Both words convey a sense of being preoccupied or concerned about a particular issue or situation.
Brother in the Lemony Snicket books : KLAUS
Klaus is the correct answer because Klaus Baudelaire is one of the three main characters in the Lemony Snicket book series, "A Series of Unfortunate Events."
Chewy fruit-flavored candy … or a description of what’s depicted visually in this puzzle : STARBURST
The answer "STARBURST" fits the clue because it refers to a chewy fruit-flavored candy, which is also a description of what's depicted visually in the puzzle - a burst of stars.
Common eye ailment : STRAIN
"STRAIN" is the right solution because a common eye ailment can be eye strain, which is caused by prolonged use of the eyes, such as staring at a screen for too long.
Country whose flag has two green stars in the middle : SYRIA
The flag of Syria features two green stars in the middle, making "SYRIA" the correct answer to the clue.
Coxswain’s nightmare : LEAK
The answer "LEAK" is the right solution because a leak in a boat can be a nightmare for a coxswain as it can lead to sinking or other dangerous situations.
Credit for a hockey player : ASSIST
An "assist" in hockey is a credit given to a player who helps set up a goal by passing the puck to a teammate who then scores.
Day, in ancient Rome : DIEM
"Day" translates to "diem" in Latin, which was the language spoken in ancient Rome. Therefore, the answer to "Day, in ancient Rome" is "DIEM."
Disney snowman : OLAF
The answer to "Disney snowman" is "OLAF" because Olaf is the name of the snowman character from Disney's movie "Frozen".
Doohickeys : ITEMS
The term "doohickeys" is a colloquial term for unspecified objects or gadgets, which can be synonymous with "items". Therefore, "ITEMS" is the right solution for the clue "Doohickeys".
Dough dispensers : ATMS
The answer "ATMS" fits the clue "Dough dispensers" because ATMs dispense money, which is often referred to as "dough" as slang.
Entrepreneur Kevin of “Shark Tank” : O’LEARY
Kevin O'Leary is a well-known entrepreneur and television personality who appears on the show "Shark Tank." Therefore, the answer "O'LEARY" fits the clue "Entrepreneur Kevin of 'Shark Tank'."
Equals : PEERS
"Equals" is a present tense verb, so the answer should also be a present tense verb. "ARE" is the present tense form of the verb "to be" that matches the subject "equals."
Fake : STAGE
The word "phony" is the right answer because it means "fake" or "not genuine." It is a common synonym for fake and fits the clue perfectly.
Fateful day in ancient Rome : IDES
The Ides of March was a fateful day in ancient Rome when Julius Caesar was assassinated. "Ides" refers to the middle of the month in the Roman calendar, which is why it is the right answer.
German term of address : HERR
"HERR" is a German term that translates to "Mr." or "Sir," making it a common term of address in German-speaking countries.
Give something that extra oomph : MAKE IT POP
The phrase "make it pop" means to make something more vibrant, noticeable, or exciting, giving it that extra oomph. This answer fits the clue perfectly.
Good golf score : EAGLE
An "EAGLE" is a term in golf used to describe a score of two strokes under par on a hole. Therefore, a "Good golf score" can be referred to as an "EAGLE."
Hairy cousin of TV and film : ITT
"ITT" is the right solution because it is a hairy cousin of TV and film as it refers to the character Cousin Itt from the TV show "The Addams Family."
Haughty sound : SNORT
The word "SNORT" can be associated with a haughty sound made by someone to show contempt or disdain. It fits the clue well because a snort can convey a sense of superiority or arrogance.
Have the helm : STEER
STEER is the right answer because when you have the helm, you are in control of directing the course of a ship or vehicle, which involves steering it in the desired direction.
Internet instigator : TROLL
"TROLL" is the right solution because in the context of the internet, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory or off-topic messages online with the intent of provoking others. This behavior is often disruptive and aims to create conflict or upset others.
Invasive plant? : SPY
Karate awards : BELTS
The answer "BELTS" is the right solution because in karate, practitioners are awarded different colored belts to signify their skill level and progress in the martial art.
Kind of skate : INLINE
The answer "INLINE" is the right solution because it is a type of skate that has wheels in a single line, unlike traditional roller skates with wheels in pairs.
Lasting reminder : SCAR
The word "scar" fits the clue "lasting reminder" because a scar is a permanent mark on the skin that serves as a reminder of a past injury or trauma.
Make a lasting impression : ETCH
The answer "ETCH" is the right solution because when you etch something, you create a lasting impression by engraving or carving it into a surface.
Most populous inland city of California : FRESNO
Fresno is the most populous inland city of California because it has the highest population among all cities located inland in the state.
Org. concerned with plants : OSHA
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Part of many keyboard shortcuts : CTRL
"CTRL" is the right answer because it is a key commonly used in keyboard shortcuts to perform various functions like copying, cutting, and pasting. It is an essential key for navigating and executing commands on a computer.
Pitchers’ stats : ERAS
The answer "ERAS" stands for Earned Run Averages, which are statistics used to measure a pitcher's performance in baseball.
Place to load and unload : WHARF
"WHARF" is the right answer because a wharf is a structure built along the shore of a waterway where ships can load and unload cargo or passengers.
Place to sift crime evidence, for short : FBI LAB
The answer "FBI LAB" fits the clue because the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) has a laboratory where they analyze and sift through crime evidence.
Place to take a break : REST AREA
The answer "REST AREA" fits the clue "Place to take a break" because a rest area is a designated spot along a highway or road where drivers can stop to rest, use restroom facilities, and take a break from driving.
Poolside garb : BIKINI
"Bikini" is the right answer because it is a type of swimwear that is commonly worn poolside.
Puts the game away, so to speak : ENDS IT
The phrase "ends it" is a colloquial way of saying "puts an end to something," which fits the clue "Puts the game away, so to speak" as in finishing or concluding a game.
Redding of R&B : OTIS
Otis Redding was a well-known R&B singer, so "Redding of R&B" refers to Otis Redding. Therefore, the answer to the clue is "OTIS."
Schooner filler : ALE
The answer "ALE" is the right solution because a schooner is a type of beer glass and ale is a type of beer. Therefore, ale can be used to fill a schooner glass.
Secure, as a onesie fastener : SNAP IN
The answer "SNAP IN" fits because a onesie typically has snap fasteners that secure it in place, making it easy to put on and take off.
Short-spoken : TERSE
The word "terse" means sparing in the use of words, brief and to the point, which matches the clue "short-spoken."
Showed, as a program : AIRED
The word "aired" is commonly used to describe when a program is shown on television or radio.
Skills of the past : LOST ARTS
The phrase "Skills of the past" refers to abilities or crafts that were once commonly practiced but are now less common or forgotten, making them "LOST ARTS."
Smallest : LEAST
The word "least" is a comparative adjective that means smallest in size, amount, or degree. In the context of the clue "Smallest," "least" is the most fitting answer.
Sound of a raindrop : PLOP
The word "plop" is commonly used to describe the sound of a raindrop hitting a surface, making it the fitting answer to the clue "Sound of a raindrop."
Stun gun : TASER Down 1 Courtyards
The answer to "Stun gun" is "TASER" because a TASER is a specific brand of electroshock weapon commonly referred to as a stun gun.
The best of the best : CLASS A
"Class A" is a term used to refer to the highest quality or standard, making it synonymous with "the best of the best."
Thoroughly enjoyed oneself : HAD A BLAST
"HAD A BLAST" is the right solution because the phrase means to have a great time or to thoroughly enjoy oneself, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Throat ailment : STREP
The answer "STREP" fits the clue "Throat ailment" because strep throat is a common bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat.
Toronto winter hrs. : EST
The answer "EST" stands for Eastern Standard Time, which is the time zone observed in Toronto during the winter months.
Toy train, e.g. : SET
The answer "SET" fits because a toy train is often sold as a set, including the locomotive, train cars, and tracks.
Trespass : INTRUDE
The word "INTRUDE" means to enter a place or situation where you are not welcome or allowed, which is synonymous with "trespass."
Uber ___ : EATS
The clue "Uber ___" is referring to the food delivery service of Uber, which is called "Uber Eats". Therefore, the answer to the clue is "EATS".
Unfortunate trait for an aspiring composer : TIN EAR
"TIN EAR" refers to a lack of musical ability or an inability to hear musical nuances, which would be a hindrance for an aspiring composer.
What might keep you up at night? : BED SLAT
What teakettles do : HISS
When teakettles heat up, they often make a hissing sound due to the boiling water inside, making "HISS" the appropriate answer.
Where most of Turkey is : ASIA
"Most of Turkey is located in the continent of Asia, with a small portion in Europe. Therefore, the answer 'ASIA' fits the clue."
Winds its way (through) : SNAKES
The answer "SNAKES" fits the clue because snakes are known for moving in a winding or twisting manner, similar to how a path might wind its way through a forest or landscape.
___ guard : SHIN
The answer "SHIN" fits the clue "___ guard" because a shin guard is a protective gear worn to protect the shin during physical activities like sports.
___-devil : SHE
“Sho’ nuff” : YUP
The phrase "Sho’ nuff" is a colloquial way of saying "sure enough" or "definitely." "YUP" is a casual and slangy way of saying "yes" or "indeed," making it a fitting response to "Sho’ nuff."
“Star Trek” character who was named for a sea in the Philippines : SULU
Sulu is the correct answer because the character Hikaru Sulu from "Star Trek" was named after the Sulu Sea in the Philippines.
“That really stinks!” : DARN!
The answer "DARN!" fits the clue "That really stinks!" because it is an exclamation of frustration or disappointment, similar to saying "That really stinks!" in a milder way.
“What a pity!” : OH ME!
The word "alas" is an interjection used to express sorrow, regret, or disappointment, which makes it an appropriate answer to the clue "What a pity!" in a crossword puzzle.
“You sure about that?” : IS IT?
The answer "IS IT?" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to question or express doubt about something someone has said.