Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 11 April 2025, Friday (04-11-25). 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.
Action figures from Hasbro : GI JOES
The answer "GI JOES" fits the clue because GI Joe is a popular line of action figures produced by Hasbro.
Activity with pints and points : BAR TRIVIA
The answer "BAR TRIVIA" fits the clue because it is an activity typically held in a bar where participants answer questions to earn points, often while enjoying pints of beer.
At the absolute back of the pack : DEAD LAST
The phrase "dead last" is a common expression used to describe being in the final position or farthest behind in a competition or race. In this context, it means being at the absolute back of the pack.
Boggy land : FEN
"Fen" is the right solution because a fen is a type of wetland that is characterized by having waterlogged soil. It is often boggy and marshy in nature, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Boggy land."
Bush nominee to the Supreme Court : ALITO
"ALITO" is the right answer because Samuel Alito was a nominee to the Supreme Court by President George W. Bush in 2005 and was confirmed as an Associate Justice.
Certain ephemeral social media post, informally : SNAP STORY Down 1 Makings of some homemade pipes
The answer "SNAP STORY" fits the clue "Certain ephemeral social media post, informally" because a "Snap Story" is a feature on the social media platform Snapchat where users can post photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. It is a common term used informally to refer to this type of post.
Characters’ trajectories : ARCS
The term "arcs" is commonly used to describe the development or progression of characters in a story, including their growth, change, or transformation over time. It refers to the trajectory of a character's journey or storyline.
Creature with over 200 tiny eyes along its shell : SEA SCALLOP
The answer "SEA SCALLOP" fits because a scallop is a creature with over 200 tiny eyes along its shell, which are actually simple eyes that help it detect light and movement.
Dose of unreality? : LSD
The clue "Dose of unreality?" is a play on words that hints at a hallucinogenic drug known for causing distortions in perception and reality, which is LSD.
Dropped, as a touchy subject : LEFT ALONE
The phrase "left alone" can mean dropping a touchy subject by not bringing it up or discussing it further.
Fabulizes : SPINS A YARN
"Fabulizes" is a synonym for "spins a yarn," which means to tell a story or tale, often in a creative or exaggerated way. So, "SPINS A YARN" fits the clue perfectly.
Fitting name for a girl born in October : OPAL
Opal is the birthstone for October, making it a fitting name for a girl born in that month.
French city whose last three letters are a French article : ARLES
The French city ARLES ends with the French article "les," making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Futzing (with) : TOYING
The word "futzing" means to tinker or play with something in a casual or aimless way. "Toying" is a synonym for playing with or handling something in a playful manner, making it the right solution for the clue.
Go on a full ride, say? : CARPOOL
The clue "Go on a full ride, say?" is a play on words where "full ride" could refer to a free trip, which is what a carpool is - a shared ride where passengers travel together in a car.
How Romeo dies, in the eyes of the audience : IRONICALLY
The answer "IRONICALLY" fits because Romeo dies just as Juliet is waking up, creating a tragic twist of fate or irony in the play.
It’s one step down from an F : E-FLAT
The answer "E-FLAT" is one step down from the musical note F. In music, moving one step down means going from F to E-flat.
Japanese “thank you” : ARIGATO
"Arigato" is the Japanese word for "thank you." In Japanese culture, it is a common and polite way to express gratitude.
Like Iceland’s weather most of the year : WINDY
The answer "WINDY" fits the clue because Iceland is known for its windy weather most of the year, making it a characteristic feature of the country's climate.
Like the night right before dawn, proverbially : DARKEST
The phrase "the darkest hour is just before the dawn" is a well-known proverb, meaning that things may seem most difficult or hopeless just before a situation improves. Therefore, "darkest" is the right answer for this clue.
Line accompanying a doorbell ring : IT’S ME
The phrase "IT’S ME" is commonly used when someone is identifying themselves after ringing a doorbell. It's a simple and common response when someone asks "Who is it?" or "Who's there?" in this context.
Longtime email provider : AOL
AOL is the right answer because it is a well-known email provider that has been offering email services for a long time.
Maryland’s state bird : ORIOLE
The Baltimore Oriole is the state bird of Maryland, making "ORIOLE" the correct answer to the clue "Maryland’s state bird."
Means of intel gathering : RECON
"RECON" is short for reconnaissance, which is a means of gathering information or intelligence. In the context of the clue, "Means of intel gathering," "RECON" is a common abbreviation for this type of activity.
Messy ___ (hairstyle) : BUN
The answer "BUN" fits the clue "Messy ___ (hairstyle)" because a bun hairstyle can sometimes appear messy, with hair gathered and twisted or pinned up in a casual or loose manner.
Michael who played Allan in “Barbie” : CERA
Michael Cera is the actor who played the character Allan in the "Barbie" movie.
Minor disagreement : SPAT
"SPAT" is the right solution because it is a common term used to describe a minor disagreement or quarrel between people. It fits the clue well and is a commonly used word in this context.
Morris who directed “The Thin Blue Line” : ERROL
Errol Morris is a well-known American filmmaker who directed the documentary film "The Thin Blue Line." Therefore, the answer to the clue is "ERROL."
Moved in bounds : LOPED
"Loped" is the right solution because it means to move in long, easy strides. This fits the clue "Moved in bounds" as loping is a type of movement that involves bounding or leaping forward.
Music genre that’s experimental yet radio-friendly : ALT-POP
"ALT-POP" is the right solution because it combines elements of alternative and pop music, creating a genre that is both experimental and appealing to a mainstream audience.
Neptune, e.g. : ICE PLANET
The answer "ICE PLANET" is correct because Neptune is a planet in our solar system known for its icy composition, making it an ice planet.
Not straight : LYING
"BENT" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "not straight." In this context, "bent" means curved or not in a straight line.
On the ___ : MEND
"On the lam" is a phrase that means to be on the run or in hiding, usually from the law. Therefore, the answer to "On the ___" is "LAM".
One into modeling at school : ART MAJOR
The answer "ART MAJOR" fits the clue "One into modeling at school" because an art major is someone who is likely to be studying and practicing various forms of art, including modeling with clay or other materials.
Ones in a war of words? : SLAM POETS
The clue "Ones in a war of words?" is a play on words that hints at poets who perform their work with passion and intensity, similar to a war of words. "SLAM POETS" are known for their dynamic and powerful spoken word performances, making them the fitting answer to this clue.
Ones lost in lust : SEXAHOLICS
The answer "SEXAHOLICS" fits the clue "Ones lost in lust" because sexaholics are individuals who have lost control over their sexual desires and impulses, often engaging in excessive or compulsive sexual behavior.
Org. that’s busy after disasters : FEMA
FEMA stands for Federal Emergency Management Agency, an organization that responds to disasters and provides assistance to those affected. Therefore, it is the organization that is busy after disasters.
P.G.A. Tour event : OPEN
The P.G.A. Tour event commonly referred to as "The Open" is one of the major championships in professional golf. The answer "OPEN" fits the clue as it is a well-known event on the P.G.A. Tour.
Party : GROUP
"Party" is a verb that means to enjoy oneself in a lively and noisy way, especially with drinking and dancing. "Carouse" is a synonym of "party," meaning to engage in a noisy and drunken celebration.
Passionate tributes : PAEANS
PAEANS is the right answer because a "paean" is a fervent expression of praise or tribute, making it synonymous with "passionate tributes."
Pilot returning to the air, e.g. : RERUN
The answer "RERUN" fits the clue because a rerun is a repeat broadcast of a previously aired television show, which is a pilot episode returning to the air.
Popeye’s fare : SPINACH
The answer "SPINACH" is the right solution because Popeye, a popular cartoon character, is known for eating spinach to gain strength.
Private affair : TRYST
The term "tryst" specifically refers to a private, romantic meeting between lovers. It is often used to describe a secret or discreet rendezvous, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Private affair."
Pushing boundaries : EDGY
The term "edgy" is often used to describe something that pushes boundaries or is provocative and daring. It fits the clue "Pushing boundaries" because it suggests being on the cutting edge or challenging conventional norms.
Richard Nixon or Mao Zedong, in a 1987 premiere : OPERA ROLE
The answer "OPERA ROLE" fits because Richard Nixon and Mao Zedong were characters in the opera "Nixon in China," which premiered in 1987.
Screen mover : CURSOR
The answer "CURSOR" is the right solution because a cursor is a visual indicator on a computer screen that shows where the user's input will be entered, and it can be moved around using a mouse or keyboard.
Sign of romantic chemistry : SPARK
"SPARK" is the right answer because it signifies a sudden, noticeable connection or attraction between two people, which is a common sign of romantic chemistry.
Sign of vitality : PULSE
The word "PULSE" is a sign of vitality because it refers to the beating of the heart, which is a vital sign of life.
Simple question written with two question marks : COMO ESTAS?
Site with shops from around the world : ETSY
Etsy is an online marketplace where independent sellers from around the world can set up shops to sell their unique handmade or vintage items. This fits the clue "Site with shops from around the world" perfectly.
Some attire worn with tights : TUTUS
The clue indicates that the attire is typically worn with tights, which points to ballet attire. Tutus are commonly worn by ballet dancers with tights, making it the correct answer.
Some pops : COCA-COLAS
The answer "COCA-COLAS" fits the clue "Some pops" because "pops" is a slang term for sodas, and Coca-Cola is a popular brand of soda.
Some real estate deals : RESALES
The term "RESALES" refers to the selling of properties that have already been sold before. In the context of real estate deals, "RESALES" specifically signifies transactions involving properties that are being sold again by a different owner.
Tends to : NURSES
"NURSES" can be a synonym for "tends to" as nurses often care for and tend to patients in a medical setting.
They’re high-pressure at their low points : OCEANS
The Earth's oceans have high pressure at their deepest points, such as the Mariana Trench. This makes "OCEANS" the correct answer for the clue "They’re high-pressure at their low points."
Things sometimes named after kings and queens : ERAS
The answer "ERAS" fits the clue because eras in history are often named after kings and queens, such as the Elizabethan Era or the Victorian Era.
Vulgarian : BOOR
"BOOR" is the right solution because a vulgarian is a person who is lacking in refinement or good manners, which is synonymous with being a boor - someone who is rude or insensitive in social situations.
Wanes : EBBS
The word "wanes" is a synonym for decreases or diminishes, which can be described as "ebbs," meaning declines or recedes.
What crossing your hands in front of your chest means in American Sign Language : LOVE
The sign for "LOVE" in American Sign Language involves crossing your hands in front of your chest to form the letter "X," symbolizing a hug or embracing someone you love.
What ice skaters might turn into? : AXELS
The answer "AXELS" is correct because an axel is a type of jump that ice skaters perform, so they might turn into axels while skating.
Word with mint or miss : NEAR …
The word "NEAR" can be combined with "mint" to form "NEARMINT" and with "miss" to form "NEARMISS," making it the right solution to the clue.
[Please keep scratching me!] : [PURR!]
The answer is "[PURR!]" because cats often purr when they are enjoying being scratched.
“Finish what you’re doing” : I’LL WAIT
The answer "I'LL WAIT" fits the clue "Finish what you're doing" because it suggests patience and indicates that the person will wait for the task to be completed before moving on.
“Sort by” option in a credit card history : DATE
The answer is "DATE" because in a credit card history, you can sort transactions by the date they occurred to track your spending over time.
“Uh-huh” : YUP
"Uh-huh" is an informal way of saying "yes", and "yep" is a synonym for "yes". Therefore, "yep" is a suitable answer for the clue "Uh-huh".
“You’re ___ something!” : ONTO
The phrase "You're ___ something!" implies being aware or catching on to something, which is why the correct answer is "ONTO."