Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 28 May 2025, Wednesday (05-28-25). 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.
41-Down’s “Top Hat” co-star : ASTAIRE
"41-Down" refers to the clue in the crossword puzzle. In the movie "Top Hat," Fred Astaire starred alongside Ginger Rogers. Therefore, the correct answer to the clue is "ASTAIRE."
62-’s “Top Hat” co-star : ROGERS
The answer "ROGERS" fits the clue because Ginger Rogers starred alongside Fred Astaire in the movie "Top Hat" in 1935.
Actresses Dunne and Ryan : IRENES
"Irenes" is the right solution because both actresses Irene Dunne and Irene Ryan were well-known in the entertainment industry, making them a fitting answer for the clue.
Anthem that ends “We stand on guard for thee” : O CANADA
This is the right solution because "O Canada" is the national anthem of Canada, and the lyrics include the line "We stand on guard for thee."
Astuteness : ACUMEN
The word "acumen" means keen insight or shrewdness, which is synonymous with astuteness.
Benjamin Franklin’s faith : DEISM
Benjamin Franklin was a Deist, which means he believed in a higher power that created the universe but did not intervene in daily life. "Deism" is the right answer because it accurately describes Franklin's religious beliefs.
Big name in the freezer aisle : EDY
EDY is the right answer because Edy's is a well-known brand of ice cream found in the freezer aisle of grocery stores.
Buying binge : SPREE
The word "spree" is commonly used to describe a period of indulgence or excessive activity, such as a shopping spree, where someone goes on a buying binge or splurge.
Cause of low vitality : ANEMIA
"ANEMIA" is the right solution because anemia is a medical condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue and low energy levels, hence causing low vitality.
Certain Nov. 11 honoree : ARMY VET
The answer "ARMY VET" fits the clue because on November 11th, Veterans Day is observed to honor military veterans, including Army veterans.
Cognizant : AWARE
The word "cognizant" means being aware or having knowledge of something, so the most fitting synonym for it is "AWARE."
Complement : ADD TO
"Complement" means something that completes or goes well with something else. In this context, "ADD TO" fits as the answer because adding something to a set or group can complement it by making it whole or enhancing it.
Concorde, e.g., for short : SST Down 1 Genre for Count Basie or Charlie Parker
The answer to "Concorde, e.g., for short" being "SST" is because Concorde was a supersonic transport aircraft, often abbreviated as SST, which stands for Supersonic Transport. For the clue "Genre for Count Basie or Charlie Parker," the answer is "JAZZ" because Count Basie and Charlie Parker are both famous jazz musicians, making "JAZZ" the appropriate genre for them.
Crossed off : X’ED OUT
"Crossed off" is a clue for the abbreviation of the word "crossed," which is "XED."
Decrease? : IRON
The answer "REDUCE" is the right solution because it means to make something smaller or decrease in size, quantity, or intensity.
Does some electrical work on : WIRES
The answer "WIRES" fits the clue "Does some electrical work on" because when you work on electrical systems, you often deal with connecting or fixing wires.
Eur. alliance : G-SIX
The answer "G-SIX" is short for "Group of Six," which is a European alliance.
F.D.R. program : TVA
The answer "TVA" stands for Tennessee Valley Authority, which was a program implemented by F.D.R. (Franklin D. Roosevelt) during his presidency. It was a New Deal program that focused on developing the Tennessee Valley region through infrastructure projects like dams and electricity generation.
First words of the day, perhaps : GOOD MORNING!
The phrase "GOOD MORNING!" is a common greeting that is often the first thing someone says when they start their day, making it a fitting answer to the clue "First words of the day, perhaps."
Holed up : HID
The word "holed up" suggests hiding or taking cover in a hole or shelter. The word "HID" is the past tense of "hide," which means to conceal oneself. Therefore, "HID" is the right answer for "Holed up" in the crossword puzzle.
Hosp. diagnostic : EEG
EEG stands for electroencephalogram, which is a diagnostic test used to monitor and record electrical activity in the brain. This test is commonly performed in hospitals to help diagnose various neurological conditions.
International airport serving Tokyo : NARITA
Narita is the name of an international airport serving Tokyo, Japan. It is one of the major airports in the Tokyo area and handles a large number of international flights.
It means little in Paris : PEU
"Peu" is the French word for "little," and in Paris, where French is spoken, "peu" means "little."
Keep after, say : NAG
"NAG" can mean to keep after someone persistently with constant reminders or complaints, which fits the clue "Keep after, say".
Kind of rock : ARENA
"ARENA" is the right answer because it is a type of rock music that is often performed in large venues called arenas.
Last words of the day, perhaps : NIGHTY NIGHT!
The phrase "NIGHTY NIGHT!" is often used as a playful and informal way to say goodnight, making it a fitting choice for the last words of the day.
Left off : OMITTED
The word "omitted" means left off or excluded, making it the correct answer to the clue "Left off."
Legal org. : ABA
The abbreviation "ABA" stands for the American Bar Association, which is a legal organization.
Like many a Swiftie : TEENAGE
The answer "TEENAGE" is the right solution because many Taylor Swift fans, known as Swifties, are teenagers.
Looked stunned, say : GAPED
"GAPED" is the right solution because when someone looks stunned, they might have their mouth open in surprise or shock, which is often described as "gaping."
Majorcan Mrs. : SRA
"SRA" is the abbreviation for señora, the Spanish equivalent of Mrs. in Majorca.
Mani-pedi material : EMERY
Emery is a type of abrasive material commonly used in nail files and buffers for manicures and pedicures. It helps to shape and smooth the nails, making it the perfect material for a mani-pedi.
Maritime : NAVAL
"Maritime" is a term related to the sea or naval matters. "Naval" specifically refers to things related to a navy or ships, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
More sound : SANER
"More sound" is a comparison clue where we are looking for a word that means more mentally healthy or rational. The word "saner" fits this definition as it means more mentally sound or rational than someone or something else.
Musical featuring the song depicted by this puzzle’s circled letters, familiarly : FIDDLER
The circled letters in the puzzle spell out "ROOF," which is a reference to the musical "Fiddler on the Roof." Therefore, the answer is "FIDDLER."
Name akin to Agnes : INEZ
The clue "Name akin to Agnes" is asking for a name that is similar to "Agnes." "Inez" is a name that is similar in sound and structure to "Agnes," making it the correct answer.
New Haven collegian : ELI
The answer to "New Haven collegian" is "ELI" because "Eli" is a common nickname for students attending Yale University, which is located in New Haven, Connecticut.
New Jersey city with a bridge to Staten Island : BAYONNE
The answer is "BAYONNE" because Bayonne is a city in New Jersey that is connected to Staten Island by the Bayonne Bridge.
Off-roader, in brief : ATV
The answer "ATV" stands for "All-Terrain Vehicle," which is commonly used for off-roading. Therefore, "ATV" is the right solution for the clue "Off-roader, in brief."
One attending orientation : NEW HIRE
The answer "NEW HIRE" fits the clue "One attending orientation" because a new hire is someone who is attending an orientation at a new job.
Out of the arms of Morpheus, so to speak : AWAKE
The phrase "Out of the arms of Morpheus" refers to waking up from sleep, as Morpheus is the Greek god of dreams. Therefore, the word "AWAKE" fits the clue as it means not asleep or conscious.
Part of Caesar’s boast : VENI …
The answer "VENI …" completes the famous boast "Veni, vidi, vici" attributed to Julius Caesar, meaning "I came, I saw, I conquered."
Philosopher known for paradoxes : ZENO
Zeno is the right answer because he was an ancient Greek philosopher known for his paradoxes, such as the famous Zeno's Paradoxes which deal with concepts like motion and infinity.
Pixar character who has trouble saying “anemone” : NEMO
The clue mentions a Pixar character who struggles to say "anemone," which is Nemo from the movie "Finding Nemo." The answer is "NEMO" because it fits the description given in the clue.
Proclivity : BENT
The word "bent" can mean a natural inclination or tendency towards something, which is synonymous with the word "proclivity."
Puff on an e-cig : VAPE
"VAPE" is the right solution because it is a common slang term for using an electronic cigarette, also known as vaping.
Question while pointing : HERE?
The answer "HERE?" fits the clue "Question while pointing" because when someone points to a location, they might ask "HERE?" to confirm if that is the correct spot.
Rare blood type, in brief : A-NEG
The answer "A-NEG" is the abbreviation for the rare blood type "A-negative." In crosswords, it's common to use abbreviations for brevity, making it the right solution for this clue.
Related to vision : OCULAR
"Optic" is the right solution because it is an adjective that directly relates to vision or the eyes. The word "optic" is commonly used in the context of eyesight and vision.
Rice-A-__ : RONI
The answer "RONI" fits the clue "Rice-A-__" because Rice-A-Roni is a well-known brand of boxed food products, and "RONI" is a common short form of "Roni."
Sholem , author of “Children of Abraham” : ASCH
ASCH is the right answer because Sholem Asch is the author of the book "Children of Abraham."
Small foresail : JIB
"JIB" is the right solution because a jib is a type of sail that is located at the front of a sailboat. It is smaller than the main sail and helps to control the boat's direction and speed.
Some gym reps : SIT-UPS
"SIT-UPS" are a type of exercise commonly done in the gym to strengthen the abdominal muscles. The clue "Some gym reps" suggests a type of exercise, making "SIT-UPS" a fitting answer.
Some sporty wheels, informally : ALFAS
"ALFAS" is a colloquial term for Alfa Romeos, which are known for being sporty cars.
Something to get the ball rolling : PUTTER
The answer "PUTTER" is a play on words, as a putter is a type of golf club used to hit a golf ball to get it rolling towards the hole.
Sounded like a brook : GURGLED
"GURGLED" is the right solution because it accurately describes the sound a brook makes, which is a bubbling or gurgling noise created by water flowing over rocks or obstacles in the stream.
Spearheaded : LED
The word "spearheaded" means to lead or initiate something, making "LED" the right answer as it is a synonym for "spearheaded".
Special ___ : AGENT
OPS stands for On-base Plus Slugging, which is a baseball statistic used to evaluate a player's overall offensive performance. In this crossword clue, "Special ___" is referring to a specific baseball statistic, making OPS the correct answer.
Starting place : POINT-A
The answer "POINTA" is the right solution because "starting place" refers to the initial point or location where something begins. In this case, "POINTA" represents the starting point, making it the correct answer.
Symbol on the back of a dollar bill : EYE
The symbol on the back of a dollar bill is the Eye of Providence, also known as the "All-Seeing Eye." It is often depicted as an eye inside a triangle and is a symbol of divine providence, representing the idea that a higher power is watching over us.
Terse admonition : DON’T!
The clue "Terse admonition" is asking for a short and direct warning or command. The answer "DON’T!" fits this description perfectly as it is a brief and clear way of telling someone not to do something.
Troopers, on a CB radio : SMOKEYS
"Smokies" is a slang term used on CB radios to refer to police officers or highway patrol troopers. This term comes from the Smokey Bear character, known for wearing a campaign hat similar to those worn by state troopers.
Turned aside : AVERTED
The word "averted" means to turn aside or prevent something from happening, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Turned aside."
Two tablets, e.g. : DOSE
The answer "DOSE" fits the clue "Two tablets, e.g." because a dose can refer to the quantity of medicine taken at one time, which can be two tablets.
Understanding : KEN
"Understanding" is a synonym for "knowledge" or "awareness." "Ken" is a less common word that means understanding or knowledge, making it a suitable answer for this crossword clue.
Waze suggestion : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, which is commonly used in crosswords to indicate that the answer will be an abbreviated word or term. In this case, "Waze suggestion" is often a route or direction, which can be abbreviated as "Abbr."
___ a soul : NARY
"NARY" is the right solution because it means "not a single one," making it a fitting completion for the phrase "___ a soul."
___ system (GPS device) : NAV
"NAV" is the right answer because it is a common abbreviation for "navigation," which is a key feature of a GPS device.
___ Terr., area from 1861 to 1889 : DAK
The abbreviation "DAK" stands for Dakota, which was a territory from 1861 to 1889.
“I swear!” : NO LIE!
The answer "NO JOKE!" fits the clue "I swear!" because it is a colloquial expression used to emphasize the truth or sincerity of a statement.
“One card left” : UNO!
The phrase "One card left" is referring to the popular card game UNO, where players say "UNO" when they have one card left in their hand.
“Sharp Dressed Man” band : ZZ TOP
ZZ Top is a famous rock band known for their hit song "Sharp Dressed Man." The clue is a direct reference to the band's popular song, making ZZ Top the correct answer.
“That’s my cue!” : I’M ON!
The phrase "That's my cue!" is often used to indicate that it's time for someone to start doing something. "IMON" is a shortened version of "I'm on," which is a common response to that phrase.