Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 22 March 2024, Friday (03-22-24). 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.
2020 sci-fi film with a palindromic title : TENET
The answer is "TENET" because it is a 2020 sci-fi film with a palindromic title, meaning it reads the same forwards and backwards.
A.P. subj. : LIT
The abbreviation "A.P." stands for Advanced Placement, and the subject often associated with this abbreviation is "LIT," short for Literature.
Article in El Mundo : LOS
The answer to "Article in El Mundo" is "LAS" because "LAS" is the plural form of the feminine article "LA" in Spanish. El Mundo is a Spanish newspaper, so the correct answer is "LAS" to match the feminine noun.
Assists on offense? : ABETS
The word "abets" means to assist or support, especially in a wrongdoing. In the context of the clue "Assists on offense?", "abets" fits as it suggests helping in a potentially negative or offensive action.
Aunt ___ (“Bel-Air” role) : VIV
Viv is the name of the character Aunt Vivian in the TV show "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." The clue is hinting at the character's name, which is Viv.
Black church initials : AME
AME stands for African Methodist Episcopal, which is a denomination of Christian churches that primarily consists of African Americans.
Building block of life : CELL
CELL is the right answer because it is the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms. It is often referred to as the building block of life because all living things are composed of one or more cells.
Capital southeast of Mecca : SANAA
"San'aa" is the capital city of Yemen, which is located southeast of Mecca.
Causes : LEADS TO
The word "Causes" is a verb that indicates something leads to a specific result or outcome, making "LEADS TO" the appropriate answer.
Cereal ___ : RYE
"Rye" is a type of cereal grain, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Cereal ___."
Childish retort : AM SO!
The answer "AM NOT!" is a common childish retort because it is a simple and emphatic way for a child to deny something or refute a statement. It is a short and direct response that fits the clue perfectly.
Clears : NETS
"Clears" is a verb that means to remove or get rid of something. "Erases" is a verb that means to remove or eliminate something by rubbing or wiping it out. Therefore, "Erases" is the right solution for the crossword clue "Clears".
Coming ___ : OF AGE
"Coming of age" is a common phrase used to describe the transition from childhood to adulthood. In this context, "of age" signifies reaching the age of maturity or becoming an adult.
Danny Aiello’s character in “Do the Right Thing” : SAL
The answer is "SAL" because Danny Aiello's character in "Do the Right Thing" is Sal.
Decide randomly : DRAW LOTS
"Draw lots" means to make a decision by selecting a random choice, often by drawing pieces of paper or other items. It fits the clue "Decide randomly" perfectly.
Farm team : OXEN
The answer "OXEN" is the right solution because oxen are often used on farms for tasks like plowing fields and pulling carts.
Festival closing act : HEADLINER
The "closing act" at a festival is often the main or most prominent performer, known as the "headliner."
Go clubbing? : GOLF
The clue "Go clubbing?" is a play on words where "clubbing" can refer to going to a club or using a club in a sport like golf. So, the answer "GOLF" fits both interpretations of the clue.
Go head-to-head : FACE OFF
"Go head-to-head" is a common phrase that means to compete directly against someone. "Vie" is a synonym of "compete," making it the correct answer to this crossword clue.
Half of a Melville title : MOBY-
The answer "MOBY-" completes the title "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville. The clue indicates that we only need the first part of the title, which is "MOBY-".
Handed out : DEALT
The word "dealt" can mean to distribute or hand out something, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Handed out."
Icebreaker tidbits : FUN FACTS
The answer "FUN FACTS" fits the clue "Icebreaker tidbits" because fun facts are interesting pieces of information that can help start conversations and break the ice in social situations.
Inapt response when somebody says “Happy birthday!,” presumably : SAME TO YOU
The answer "SAME TO YOU" is a common inapt response when somebody says "Happy birthday!" because it doesn't make sense to wish someone the same thing they just wished you, which is meant for a different occasion.
Indie pop duo Sylvan ___ : ESSO
Intricately plotted fiction : WEB OF LIES
The answer "WEB OF LIES" fits the clue "Intricately plotted fiction" because it implies a complex network of deceit and deception, similar to a well-crafted fictional plot with twists and turns.
Invalid : NULL
"NULL" is a term often used in programming to represent an invalid or missing value, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Invalid."
It’s in the neighborhood : GUESSTIMATE
July birthday celebrant : USA
The clue "July birthday celebrant" refers to the United States of America (USA) because the USA celebrates its birthday on July 4th, Independence Day.
Light shade : TINT
"TINT" is the right solution because a tint is a slight or pale shade of color, making it a synonym for "light shade."
Loses power : WANES
"WANES" means to decrease or diminish, which fits the clue "Loses power" as power can decrease or diminish over time.
Low-lying area : DALE
"VALE" refers to a low-lying area between hills or mountains. Therefore, it is a suitable solution for the given crossword clue.
Lowercase ones look like v’s : NUS
"NUS" is the right solution because when written in lowercase, the letters "n," "u," and "s" resemble the shape of the letter "v."
Modeling software, familiarly : CAD
CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design, which is a type of modeling software commonly used in engineering and architecture. In crosswords, "familiarly" often indicates an informal or shortened version of a word, making "CAD" the right answer for "Modeling software, familiarly."
Moved cross-country? : RAN
The clue is a play on words suggesting "moved" as in physically relocating, but the answer is actually "RAN" which means moving quickly or running.
Name on a Chinese menu : TSO
Newly immigrated, say : FIRST GENERATION
The term "first generation" is used to describe someone who is newly immigrated, as they are the first in their family to immigrate to a new country.
One of two in Mötley Crüe : METAL UMLAUT
The answer "METAL UMLAUT" refers to the two dots above the letter "u" in the band name Mötley Crüe. This is a common feature in heavy metal band names and is known as a metal umlaut.
One-named actress on “Parks and Recreation” : RETTA
The answer "RETTA" fits the clue because Retta is an actress known for her role as Donna Meagle on the TV show "Parks and Recreation" and she is commonly referred to by her first name only.
Option for emphasis : BOLD
The answer "BOLD" is the right solution because when you want to emphasize something in writing, you can make the text bold to make it stand out.
Parts of windmills : VANES
The answer "VANES" refers to the blades or sails of a windmill that catch the wind and cause the rotor to spin, generating energy.
Petty person? : ANIMAL LOVER
The answer "ANIMAL LOVER" fits the clue "Petty person?" because it plays on the word "petty" as in "pet" and suggests someone who loves animals.
Pie preference : EXTRA CHEESE
Place : SPOT
"Place" can be used as a verb meaning to put something in a particular position, which is synonymous with the word "put."
PowerPoint, perhaps : VISUAL AID
"PowerPoint, perhaps" is a clue that suggests a presentation tool, and a visual aid is commonly used in presentations to help communicate information visually to the audience. Therefore, "VISUAL AID" is the right solution.
Primary directive : VOTE!
unknown
Publishing bigwigs, for short : EDS
"EDS" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "editors" in the publishing industry.
Quattro + quattro : OTTO
"Quattro" is the Italian word for "four," and "quattro" + "quattro" equals "OTTO," which is the Italian word for "eight."
Reserved : ALOOF
"Reserved" can be synonymous with "aloof," which means distant or detached in manner. This word fits the clue well as someone who is reserved may also come across as aloof.
Ring bearer? : TREE
unknown
Scale range : ONE TO TEN
The phrase "ONE TO TEN" represents a scale range from 1 to 10, which is commonly used to rate or measure something on a scale of low to high.
Sets of values : MORAL CODES
unknown
Shortest of a group of 12 : LEO
The answer "LEO" is the right solution because it is the shortest month in a group of 12 months, as it has only 3 letters.
Slogan on a blue, pink and white pin : TRANS PRIDE
The colors blue, pink, and white are associated with the transgender pride flag, making "TRANS PRIDE" the correct answer.
Small storage space : CUBBY
"CUBBY" is the right solution because a cubby is a small, enclosed storage space typically found in classrooms, offices, or homes. It fits the clue "Small storage space" perfectly.
Some annual plans : HMOS
The answer "HMOS" stands for Health Maintenance Organizations, which are a type of annual health insurance plan.
Something to deliver, with “the” : … GOODS
The clue is asking for something to deliver with "the," which is often used before the word "goods" when referring to items being transported or shipped.
Something used to hunt and peck : BEAK
The answer "BEAK" fits the clue because birds use their beaks to hunt for food by pecking at it.
Southwest sch. known for its numerous online offerings : ASU
Arizona State University (ASU) is known for its extensive online degree programs and offerings, making it a popular choice for students seeking online education.
Staid : SOBER
The word "staid" means serious, settled, and dignified. "Sober" can be used to describe someone who is serious and sensible, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Stalemate : TIE
The word "TIE" can refer to a situation in a game or competition where neither side is able to win, resulting in a stalemate.
Tamil ___, India : NADU
"NADU" is the correct answer because "Tamil Nadu" is a state in India. "NADU" is a common suffix in Indian state names, making it a fitting answer for this clue.
The difference between who I was and who I am? : TENSE Down 1 Keepers
The answer "Keepers" fits the clue because "Keepers" can refer to things that are worth holding onto or preserving, like memories or important possessions.
They may be AA or A : BRAS
The answer "BRAS" fits the clue because bras come in sizes AA or A, which are sizes for small cup sizes.
Toast, say : CHAR
The answer "CHAR" fits the clue "Toast, say" because when you char something, like toast, you burn or scorch it slightly.
Tommy in the Hockey Hall of Fame : IVAN
The answer "IVAN" fits the clue because "Ivan" is a common first name and there is a hockey player named Ivan "Ching" Johnson who is in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Until now : EVER
The answer "TO DATE" is the right solution for the clue "Until now" because it means up until the present moment or up until the current date. It is a concise way to convey the intended meaning.
Water-loving dogs, for short : LABS
"Labs" is the right answer because "labs" is a common abbreviation for Labrador Retrievers, which are known for their love of water and swimming.
Winter coat : SNOW
___ Dutta, winner of the Miss Universe 2000 pageant : LARA
Lara Dutta is the correct answer because she is the winner of the Miss Universe 2000 pageant.
’60s peace org. : SDS
The answer "SDS" stands for Students for a Democratic Society, a prominent organization in the 1960s advocating for peace and social justice.