Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 28 June 2025, Saturday (06-28-25). 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.
A Big name in power ballads : CELINE
The answer "CELINE" is the right solution because Celine Dion is a big name known for singing power ballads.
A Bit of unisex attire : SARONG
A sarong is a piece of clothing that can be worn by people of any gender, making it unisex attire.
A Colorful treat on a stick : ICE POP
The answer "ICE POP" fits the clue "A Colorful treat on a stick" because an ice pop is a frozen dessert made by freezing flavored liquid around a stick. It is often brightly colored, making it a colorful treat.
A Crushing, in a way : MOONY
The answer "MOONY" fits the clue "A Crushing, in a way" because when you have a crush on someone, you might act dreamy or "moony" around them.
A Deer stalking aid? : SANTA TRACKER
A Enter into a spreadsheet : LOG
The answer "LOG" fits the clue because in a spreadsheet, you can enter data into specific cells by logging or inputting information.
A Exercise with Yang and Wu styles : TAI CHI
The clue mentions "Yang and Wu styles," which are two popular styles of Tai Chi, a form of exercise. Therefore, the correct answer is "TAI CHI."
A Fire-breathing antagonist of Mario in the Mario universe : BOWSER
Bowser is a fire-breathing antagonist in the Mario universe, known for kidnapping Princess Peach and causing trouble for Mario. The answer "BOWSER" fits the description given in the clue.
A Flier whose smallest species is called the dwarf bittern : HERON
The smallest species of heron is indeed called the dwarf bittern, making "HERON" the correct answer to the clue.
A Full of dense fog : SOUPY
The word "soup" is often associated with being thick and dense. So, "soup" + "y" (meaning having the characteristics of) gives us "soupy," which means full of dense fog.
A Home of the Atlantis and Peppermill casinos : RENO
The answer "RENO" fits the clue because Reno is a city in Nevada where both the Atlantis and Peppermill casinos are located.
A Hullabaloo : RACKET Down 1D Places to order les cassoulets
The answer to "A Hullabaloo" is "RACKET" because "hullabaloo" is a synonym for "racket", which means a loud and confusing noise. The answer to "Places to order les cassoulets" is "CAFES" because cafes are places where you can order and enjoy meals, including dishes like les cassoulets.
A Hungarian has 18 of them (yikes!) : CASES
The answer "CASES" fits because a Hungarian has 18 of them refers to the 18 grammatical cases in the Hungarian language.
A It’s a start : STEP ONE
The phrase "step one" is commonly used to indicate the first action in a process or plan, making it a fitting answer for the clue "A It’s a start."
A Killed time : DAWDLED
The answer "DAWDLED" fits the clue "A killed time" because dawdling means wasting time or moving slowly, which aligns with the idea of killing time.
A Layer of gold? : GOOSE
unknown
A Part of a ship that resembles a fin : KEEL
The keel is a part of a ship that runs along the bottom from front to back, resembling a fin in shape and function, helping the ship maintain stability and direction.
A Philosophy associated with 7- : TAO
The philosophy associated with "7-" is TAO because TAOISM is a philosophy that is often linked with the number 7 in Eastern traditions.
A Sap sucker : APHID
APHID is a type of insect that feeds on plant sap, making it a sap sucker.
A Shook hands, say : SEALED THE DEAL
The phrase "shook hands" often signifies reaching an agreement or coming to a mutual understanding, which is commonly referred to as "sealing the deal."
A Shot : KABLOOEY
A So far : TO DATE
The phrase "so far" indicates a period of time up to the present. "To date" is a similar phrase that means up to the present time.
A Stars’ org. : NHL
The abbreviation "NHL" stands for National Hockey League, which is an organization for professional ice hockey teams in North America. "A Stars" refers to the Dallas Stars, a team in the NHL.
A Sweet wine of California : ANGELICA
The answer "ANGELICA" fits the clue "A Sweet wine of California" because Angelica wine is a sweet fortified wine that originated in California.
A The travels of Marco Polo, e.g. : TREKS
The answer "TREKS" fits the clue because it refers to journeys or travels, and Marco Polo was known for his extensive travels and exploration. The word "treks" captures the essence of his adventurous expeditions.
A They focus on subjects of interest : CAMERA LENSES
unknown
A They have many faces : PRISMS
"PRISMS" is the right solution because prisms are geometric shapes that have many faces, typically at least three. The clue is hinting at the multiple faces of a prism, making "PRISMS" the correct answer.
A Thwarts : FOILS
The word "thwarts" is a synonym for "foils," meaning to prevent or hinder progress or success.
A Unveil, with “out” : TROT …
unknown
A Whines : CARPS
The word "whines" is a clue indicating a synonym for complaining or nitpicking. "Carps" is a word that means to complain or find fault, making it the right solution.
A Word after full or free : … RIDE
The word "full" or "free" can be followed by the word "ride" to form common phrases like "full ride" or "free ride".
A Works up a sweat : TOILS
The word "toils" means to work hard or labor, which fits the clue "Works up a sweat" as it implies putting in effort and exerting energy.
A “Bed-in for Peace” activist : ONO
The answer "ONO" is correct because Yoko Ono, a Japanese artist and peace activist, famously held Bed-Ins for Peace with John Lennon in the late 1960s as a form of nonviolent protest.
D Actress Gillan of “Doctor Who” : KAREN
Karen Gillan is a Scottish actress known for her role as Amy Pond on the TV show "Doctor Who." The clue specifies the show "Doctor Who," making the answer "KAREN" fitting for the actress Gillan.
D Boast from a prankster : GOT ‘EM!
The answer "GOT 'EM!" fits the clue "D Boast from a prankster" because it is a common phrase used to declare success after playing a prank on someone. It is a boastful statement indicating that the prankster has successfully fooled or tricked someone.
D Chop-chop : PRONTO
The clue "D Chop-chop" is a hint that we need a word for quickly or immediately. "Pronto" is an informal term that means "quickly" in Italian and Spanish, making it a fitting answer.
D Court promise : I DO
"I DO" is the right solution because in a court, when asked if they promise to tell the truth, witnesses typically respond with "I DO."
D Depictions of Arcadia : IDYLLS
The term "Idylls" refers to idealized or picturesque scenes, often associated with Arcadia in literature. In this case, "D Depictions of Arcadia" is a clue hinting at this specific type of imagery, making "IDYLLS" the correct answer.
D Doubles : CLONES
The answer "CLONES" fits the clue "D Doubles" because the letter D appears twice in the word "CLONES."
D Drop for the time being : TABLE
The letter "D" drops from the word "DATE," leaving "ATE," which is a synonym for "TABLE," meaning to postpone or set aside for the time being.
D Dungeons & Dragons, e.g., for short : RPG
The answer "RPG" stands for "Role-Playing Game," which is a type of game genre that includes Dungeons & Dragons.
D Form a lump : CLOT
The answer to "D Form a lump" is "CLOT" because a clot is a lump that forms in blood when it coagulates.
D Hands over : CEDES
"CEDES" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "hands over." In this context, "cedes" means to give up possession or control of something.
D It can keep the beat, in brief : CPR
"CPR" stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which can help maintain a steady rhythm or beat for someone in cardiac arrest. The clue is hinting at a short abbreviation for a medical procedure that can help save lives.
D Leaves mixed up? : SALAD
The clue "D Leaves mixed up?" is a wordplay clue where "D" stands for the letter "D" in the word "Leaves" and when you mix up "D" with "Leaves", you get "SALAD", which is a type of dish made with mixed up leaves.
D Light winds : OCARINAS
D Metaphor for a tedious tract of time : EONS
The word "EONS" is a metaphor for a long period of time, often used to describe something tedious or never-ending. It fits the clue because it suggests a vast expanse of time, making it a suitable answer.
D Midsummer head decorations : DAISY CHAINS
The answer "DAISY CHAINS" fits the clue "Midsummer head decorations" because daisy chains are typically made by stringing together daisies to create a decorative garland or wreath worn on the head, especially during the midsummer season.
D Most likely to succeed? : SOONEST
The clue "D Most likely to succeed?" is a wordplay clue where "D" is the Roman numeral for 500, so the answer "SOONEST" indicates the time closest to 500.
D Not needing elaboration : TACIT
The answer "TACIT" fits the clue "Not needing elaboration" because something that is tacit is understood or implied without needing to be explicitly stated.
D Offer of support in a #1 Bill Withers hit : LEAN ON ME
The answer "LEAN ON ME" fits the clue because it is a hit song by Bill Withers with the message of offering support to others. The phrase "lean on me" signifies providing help and being there for someone in need.
D Org. with toxicologists : EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is an organization that deals with toxicologists and environmental protection.
D Put into words : SPOKE
This answer fits the clue because "put into words" can be synonymous with "spoke," as speaking is a way of expressing something verbally.
D Receiver of a four-star review : TOUR DE FORCE
The answer "TOUR DE FORCE" fits because it means an impressive display or achievement, often used in reviews to describe something exceptional, like a performance or a film receiving a four-star review.
D Record qualifier : ASTERISK
The answer "ASTERISK" is the right solution because an asterisk (*) is commonly used as a qualifier in record-keeping to denote additional information or exceptions.
D Shade of green : KELLY
The answer "KELLY" is a shade of green commonly used in the name of the color "Kelly Green." It is a specific and well-known shade of green, making it the correct answer to the clue.
D Some tools for saddlers : AWLS
The answer "AWLS" fits the clue because an awl is a tool commonly used by saddlers for piercing holes in leather.
D State for “The Shawshank Redemption” : MAINE
Maine is the correct answer because "The Shawshank Redemption" is set in a fictional prison in Maine called Shawshank State Penitentiary.
D Tomb raider’s acquisition : RELIC
The term "acquisition" suggests obtaining or finding something. In the context of a tomb raider, they typically search for ancient and valuable objects, such as relics. Therefore, "RELIC" fits the clue "D Tomb raider’s acquisition" as it refers to something valuable that a tomb raider might find.
D Took too much of : HOGGED
The word "HOGGED" means taking more than one's share of something, which fits the clue "Took too much of" perfectly.
D Turtle-shelled flunky of 1- : KOOPA TROOPA
"1-" refers to the character Bowser in the Super Mario video game series. Koopa Troopas are turtle-like minions of Bowser, making them his "flunkies." Therefore, the answer "KOOPA TROOPA" fits the clue "Turtle-shelled flunky of 1-."
D Wedding presider of Greek mythology : HERA
Hera is the queen of the gods in Greek mythology and the goddess of marriage. As a wedding presider, she is a fitting answer to the clue.
D [I’m so mischievous!] : [HEE HEE!]
The answer is "[HEE HEE!]" because it is an onomatopoeic representation of mischievous laughter.
D “It’s over” : WE’RE DONE
The phrase "WE'RE DONE" is a common way to say "It's over," indicating the end of something, like a relationship or a task.
D “You made it!” : AT LAST!
The phrase "AT LAST!" is often used to express relief or excitement when something finally happens, like making it to a destination.