Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 29 June 2023, Thursday (06-29-23). Find all answers and solutions here.
We've also tries to explain why the answer is the correct solution for each clue.
We're not affiliated with New York Times in any way.
Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
"Free to pursue other opportunities," dysphemistically : AXED
The answer "AXED" fits the clue because it is a dysphemistic term meaning to be fired or let go from a job. It implies that someone is no longer free to pursue their current opportunity and must seek other options.
"Notorious" initials : RBG
The answer is "RBG" because those are the initials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a Supreme Court Justice who became well-known and notorious for her progressive views and advocacy for women's rights.
"Start running … now!" : OKGO
The answer "OKGO" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to give someone permission or encouragement to start running. It is a simple and concise way of conveying the idea of beginning to run immediately.
"You don't say!" : GOSH
The answer to "You don't say!" is "GOSH" because it is an expression of surprise or disbelief, often used in response to something unexpected or shocking.
America's first vice, so to speak : ADAMS
The answer "ADAMS" is the right solution because John Adams was America's first vice president.
Any Simpsons character : TOON
The answer "TOON" is the right solution because "TOON" is a slang term commonly used to refer to animated characters, and the characters in "The Simpsons" are animated.
Asylum seeker, maybe : REFUGEE
The answer "REFUGEE" is the right solution because an asylum seeker is someone who has fled their home country due to persecution or danger and is seeking refuge in another country. Therefore, "REFUGEE" accurately describes someone who is seeking asylum.
Big baddie : OGRE
The answer to "Big baddie" is "OGRE" because an ogre is often depicted as a large, fearsome, and evil creature in folklore and fairy tales.
Birthplace of Zeus, in Greek myth : CRETE
The birthplace of Zeus, according to Greek mythology, is said to be the island of Crete.
Borax, for one : CHEMICAL
The answer to "Borax, for one" is "CHEMICAL" because borax is a type of chemical compound.
Camera with an optical viewfinder, in brief : SLR
The answer "SLR" stands for "Single Lens Reflex," which is a type of camera that uses a mirror and prism system to allow the photographer to view the image through the same lens that captures the photo. This optical viewfinder distinguishes SLR cameras from other types, making "SLR" the correct solution.
Captain's emergency quarters : SEACABIN
The answer "SEACABIN" is the right solution because it refers to the emergency quarters on a ship that are specifically designated for the captain. It combines the words "SEA" (referring to the maritime setting) and "CABIN" (representing the living quarters).
Cat, vis-à-vis milk : LAPPER
The term "lapper" refers to a cat that drinks milk by lapping it up. Cats are known for their unique way of drinking liquids, and "lapper" accurately describes this behavior.
Catch, in a way : HEAR
The answer "HEAR" is the right solution because when we catch something "in a way," it often means we perceive or become aware of it through our sense of hearing.
Clubby order, for short : BLT
The answer "BLT" is the right solution because it is a popular sandwich made with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, and "clubby" refers to a type of sandwich typically served in clubs or restaurants. The abbreviation "BLT" is commonly used to refer to this specific sandwich.
Creator of U.S. flood maps : FEMA
The answer "FEMA" is the right solution because FEMA, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is responsible for creating and maintaining flood maps in the United States.
Crossbreeds smaller than ligers : TIGONS
The answer to "Crossbreeds smaller than ligers" is "TIGONS" because tigons are a hybrid cross between a male tiger and a female lion, and they are generally smaller in size compared to ligers, which are the offspring of a male lion and a female tiger.
Dedicated address? : ODE
The word "ode" is a type of poem that is dedicated to someone or something. Therefore, it can be considered a "dedicated address."
Demi ___ (Victoria's Secret offering) : BRA
The answer is "BRA" because "Demi" refers to a style of bra offered by Victoria's Secret.
Digs in the winter? : DEN
The answer "DEN" is the right solution because animals like bears and foxes often dig or create dens in the winter as a shelter to protect themselves from the cold weather.
Director Lee : ANG
The answer to "Director Lee" is "ANG" because it refers to the renowned director Ang Lee, known for films like "Brokeback Mountain" and "Life of Pi".
Dismissible : MERE
The word "mere" means something that is considered small, insignificant, or easily dismissed. Therefore, "mere" is the right answer for the clue "Dismissible."
Energy industry transport : COALER
The answer "COALER" is the right solution because it refers to a type of transport specifically used in the energy industry. Coalers are ships or trains that transport coal, which is a significant source of energy.
Equipment : GEAR
The word "gear" is often used to describe various types of equipment or tools. It is a commonly accepted term for a wide range of mechanical or electronic devices used for a specific purpose.
European capital that uses the Cyrillic alphabet : SOFIA
The answer is "SOFIA" because Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria, which is a European country that uses the Cyrillic alphabet.
Explicit : STATED
The word "explicit" means something that is clearly and directly expressed. The word "stated" also means the same thing - to express something clearly and directly. Therefore, "stated" is the right solution for the clue "explicit."
Facilitate : ENABLE
The word "enable" means to make something possible or easier to accomplish. This aligns with the clue "facilitate," which also means to make something easier. Therefore, "enable" is the right answer.
Fail to articulate, in a way : SLUR
The answer "SLUR" is the right solution because it means to fail to articulate or pronounce words clearly or distinctly.
Feature of the flags of Lebanon and Belize : TREE
The answer is "TREE" because both the flags of Lebanon and Belize prominently feature a cedar tree in the center.
First name in pilsners : STELLA
The answer "STELLA" is the right solution because it is a common first name and also the name of a popular brand of pilsner beer.
French clog … and the root of an English word meaning "disrupt" : SABOT
The French clog is called a "sabot." The root of the English word "sabotage," meaning "disrupt," comes from the French word "sabot." Therefore, "SABOT" is the correct answer.
Game of catch? : TAG
The answer to "Game of catch?" is "TAG" because in the game of tag, players chase and try to touch each other, just like catching someone.
Garment providing lower back support during pregnancy : BELLYBAND
The answer "BELLYBAND" is the right solution because it is a garment specifically designed to provide lower back support during pregnancy. It helps to alleviate discomfort and provides extra support to the growing belly.
Grubs, e.g. : BAIT
The answer to "Grubs, e.g." is "BAIT" because grubs are often used as bait in fishing.
Heap of junk : SCRAPPILE
The answer "SCRAPPILE" is the right solution because it refers to a collection of discarded or useless items, commonly known as junk. A "heap" implies a large quantity, and "scrap" refers to small pieces or fragments, often associated with discarded materials. Therefore, "SCRAPPILE" accurately describes a heap of junk.
Heavenly messengers, in Madrid : ANGELES
The answer "ANGELES" is the right solution because "heavenly messengers" is a clue that refers to angels. In Madrid, the word for angels is "ANGELES."
ID since the Great Depression : SSN
The answer "SSN" stands for Social Security Number, which is a unique identification number issued to individuals in the United States. Since the Great Depression, the government started using SSN as a means of identification for various purposes.
Lend a hand : PITCHIN
The answer "PITCHIN" is the right solution because it is a colloquial phrase that means to help or assist someone. It is often used in informal situations to indicate lending a hand or contributing effort.
Letters of interest : APR
The answer "APR" stands for Annual Percentage Rate, which is a common abbreviation used in finance to refer to the interest rate on loans and credit cards. Therefore, "Letters of interest" refers to the initials of Annual Percentage Rate, making "APR" the correct answer.
Luminance : SHEEN
The word "luminance" refers to the brightness or radiance of an object. "Sheen" is a suitable answer because it means a soft, glowing brightness or luster, which matches the concept of luminance.
Meas. roughly equivalent to a burning match : BTU
Member of the genus Vespa : HORNET
The answer to "Member of the genus Vespa" is "HORNET" because the hornet is a type of wasp that belongs to the Vespa genus.
Members of the genus Apis : BEES
The answer is "BEES" because members of the genus Apis refer specifically to honey bees, which are commonly known as bees.
Mexican beach resort, informally : CABO
The answer "CABO" is the right solution because it is a commonly used short form for the Mexican beach resort of Cabo San Lucas.
Network where "Impractical Jokers" originated : TRUTV
The answer is "TRUTV" because "Impractical Jokers" is a popular TV show that originated on the TRUTV network.
Odd fellows, informally : RANDOS
The answer "RANDOS" is the right solution because it is a slang term that means "random people" or "strangers." "Odd fellows" refers to people who are strange or unusual, and "informally" indicates that we are looking for a more casual or colloquial term. Therefore, "RANDOS" fits the clue perfectly.
Old-time poker : LANCE
One-sixth of the world's ground surface until 1991, in brief : USSR
The answer to the clue "One-sixth of the world's ground surface until 1991, in brief" is "USSR" because the USSR, also known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, was a country that occupied approximately one-sixth of the world's land area until its dissolution in 1991.
Org. supporting the Lovings in the 1967 Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia : ACLU
The ACLU, or American Civil Liberties Union, is the right answer because it is an organization known for advocating for civil rights and played a significant role in supporting the Lovings in the Loving v. Virginia case.
Oscar-winning director Kazan : ELIA
The answer is "ELIA" because it refers to Elia Kazan, a renowned director who won multiple Oscars for his work in film.
Patagonian prairie : LLANO
The answer to "Patagonian prairie" is "LLANO" because LLANO is a Spanish word that means "plain" or "prairie." Patagonia is a region in Argentina and Chile known for its vast grassy plains, which are referred to as "llanos" in Spanish. Therefore, LLANO is the correct answer for this crossword clue.
Period of concealed development : LATENCY
LATENCY is the right solution because it refers to a period of concealed development or hidden potential. It is commonly used in psychology to describe the stage where certain skills or abilities are present but not yet fully expressed or visible.
Phasmophobic's fear : GHOST
The answer to "Phasmophobic's fear" is "GHOST" because phasmophobia is the fear of ghosts.
Pigment made from iron ore : OCHER
The answer "OCHER" is the right solution because it is a pigment that is commonly made from iron ore.
Pilots : AVIATES
The word "aviates" is the correct solution because it is a verb that means "to fly an aircraft." Since pilots are the individuals who operate and fly airplanes, "aviates" accurately describes their role.
Poet whose Latin name relates to sheep : OVID
The Latin name for sheep is "ovis." The poet whose Latin name relates to sheep is "Ovid" because it sounds similar to "ovis."
Port tower : TUG
The answer to "Port tower" is "TUG" because a tugboat is a type of boat commonly seen in ports that helps maneuver larger vessels.
Provides lodging for : BILLETS
The answer "BILLETS" fits the clue "Provides lodging for" because "billet" can mean to provide accommodation or lodging for someone, typically in a military context.
Reacted purposefully when handed "the ball" : RANWITHIT
"RANWITHIT" is the right solution because it is a common phrase that means to take immediate action or responsibility when given an opportunity or task. In the context of the clue, "the ball" represents an opportunity, and "Reacted purposefully" suggests taking action, which aligns perfectly with the answer "RANWITHIT."
Runs through : STABS
The answer "STABS" fits the clue "Runs through" because it implies the action of piercing or penetrating something quickly and forcefully.
Secure, as an interview : LAND
The word "land" in this context means to secure or obtain something, such as securing an interview. It is a commonly used phrase to describe successfully achieving or obtaining a desired outcome.
Serious : GRAVE
The answer "GRAVE" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "serious". Both words convey the idea of something being significant, weighty, or solemn.
Sharing in a symbol of commitment … or what four rows in this puzzle are doing to form new phrases : EXCHANGINGRINGS
The answer "EXCHANGINGRINGS" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Sharing in a symbol of commitment." When two people get married, they often exchange rings as a symbol of their commitment to each other. In this puzzle, the four rows are coming together to form new phrases, just like two people coming together in marriage.
Sheath of connective tissue : FASCIA
The answer to "Sheath of connective tissue" is "FASCIA" because fascia is a tough, fibrous tissue that forms a sheath around muscles, organs, and other structures in the body. It provides support and protection to these structures.
Slip : ERROR Down
"Lapse" can mean a temporary failure or slip in concentration or memory. Therefore, it fits the clue "Slip".
Sweet-talk, maybe : WOO
The term "woo" is often used to describe the act of sweet-talking or trying to charm someone, especially in a romantic context. It is a concise and fitting answer to the clue.
They do bettors one better : RAISERS
The answer "RAISERS" is the right solution because it refers to individuals who increase the amount of a bet, surpassing the original bettors. They "raise" the stakes, hence the term "RAISERS."
Thomas Hardy title character : TESS
The answer to "Thomas Hardy title character" is "TESS" because Tess is the protagonist in Thomas Hardy's novel "Tess of the d'Urbervilles".
Tittle : DOT
The word "tittle" refers to a small mark or dot, often used in typography. Therefore, the answer "DOT" is the correct solution for this crossword clue.
Vehicle with a spotlight and municipal plates, most likely : COPCAR
The answer is "COPCAR" because a vehicle with a spotlight and municipal plates is typically a police car, which is commonly referred to as a "cop car".
Very tight squeeze : BEARHUG
The answer to "Very tight squeeze" is "BEARHUG" because a bear hug is a term used to describe a strong, tight embrace that can make someone feel constricted or squeezed.
Was clear as a bell? : RANG
The phrase "clear as a bell" is often used to describe a sound that is loud and distinct. In this crossword clue, the word "Was" indicates that we are looking for a verb. "RANG" is the past tense of the verb "ring," which means to emit a sound, particularly a bell. Therefore, "RANG" is the right answer as it fits the clue and captures the meaning of being clear and loud like a bell.
What many beachgoers do : BAKE
The answer "BAKE" is the right solution because many beachgoers enjoy sunbathing and getting a tan, which involves exposing their skin to the sun's heat and rays. This process is commonly referred to as "baking" in a figurative sense.
___ Productions (media company) : HARPO
The answer is "HARPO" because Harpo Productions is a well-known media company founded by Oprah Winfrey.