Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 16 August 2023, Wednesday (08-16-23). 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.
"All kidding ___ …" : ASIDE
The phrase "All kidding ___ ..." is a common expression used to indicate that someone is about to make a serious or sincere remark after joking around. The word that fits perfectly in this phrase is "ASIDE," which means a remark or comment made in addition to the main conversation. It signifies a temporary departure from the joking tone to address something seriously.
"Awesome!" : OOH
The phrase "Awesome!" is an exclamation used to express admiration or approval. "So cool!" is a similar exclamation that can be used in the same context, making it a fitting solution for the crossword clue.
"Data is the new ___" (popular wisdom in economics) : OIL
The phrase "Data is the new ___" is a popular saying in economics that compares the value of data to that of oil. Both data and oil are seen as valuable resources that can drive economic growth and innovation.
"Gladiator" star Russell : CROWE
The answer is "CROWE" because Russell Crowe is the actor who starred in the movie "Gladiator."
"Much Ado About Nothing" role : CLAUDIO
The answer to the clue "Much Ado About Nothing" role is "CLAUDIO" because Claudio is a character in William Shakespeare's play "Much Ado About Nothing".
"Wow!" : OMG
The clue "Wow" is a synonym for "amaze," which means to greatly surprise or astonish someone. Therefore, the answer is "AMAZE."
"___ nuit" : BONNE
The clue "___ nuit" is in French and translates to "good night." The French word for "good" is "bonne," making "BONNE" the correct answer.
2026 World Cup co-host : USA
The answer "USA" is the right solution because the United States is one of the co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup.
Able to feel : SENSATE
The word "sensate" means being able to feel or perceive sensations. It is the right solution because it directly matches the clue "able to feel."
Accepts a FedEx delivery, perhaps : ESIGNS
The answer "ESIGNS" is the right solution because when someone accepts a FedEx delivery, they often have to electronically sign for it. Therefore, "ESIGNS" accurately represents the action of accepting a FedEx delivery.
Architectural feature depicted between 7- and 8-Down : SPIRE
The answer "SPIRE" fits the clue because a spire is an architectural feature that is commonly depicted between two locations, in this case, 7-Down and 8-Down. It is a tall, pointed structure often found on top of buildings, especially churches or other religious structures.
Architectural feature depicted by this puzzle's arching circled letters : ONIONDOME
The answer "ONIONDOME" is the right solution because an onion dome is an architectural feature commonly found in Russian and Eastern European architecture. It is characterized by its bulbous shape, resembling an onion or a dome-shaped onion. In this puzzle, the arching circled letters form the shape of an onion dome, indicating that "ONIONDOME" is the correct answer.
Architectural features depicted by this puzzle's vertical circled letters : MINARETS
The vertical circled letters in the puzzle represent architectural features that are commonly found in mosques. These features are called "minarets," which are tall, slender towers typically located at the corners of a mosque. Therefore, "MINARETS" is the correct answer.
Attempt in cornhole : TOSS
The answer "TOSS" is the right solution because in the game of cornhole, players attempt to throw bean bags into the cornhole board. "TOSS" accurately describes the action of attempting to make a shot in cornhole.
Attempts to hit, as a shuttlecock : SWINGSAT
The answer "SWINGSAT" is the right solution because it accurately describes the action of attempting to hit a shuttlecock in badminton. The term "SWING" refers to the motion of the player's racket, and "AT" indicates the intent to make contact with the shuttlecock.
Baby wallaby : JOEY
The answer to "Baby wallaby" is "JOEY" because a joey is the term used to describe a baby wallaby.
Bring back to life : RENEW
The answer "RENEW" fits the clue "Bring back to life" because it means to make something new or fresh again, which can be applied to reviving or restoring something to its original state.
Builder of the monument depicted in this puzzle : SHAHJAHAN
The answer "Shahjahan" is the right solution because Shahjahan was the builder of the monument depicted in the puzzle, which is the Taj Mahal.
Caught up : ENSNARED
The answer to "Caught up" is "ENSNARED" because it means to be trapped or entangled, which accurately describes the state of being caught up in something.
Certain racetrack bet : EXACTA
The answer "EXACTA" is the right solution because it refers to a specific type of bet in horse racing where the bettor must correctly predict the first and second place finishers in the exact order.
Come up short : LOSE
The answer to "Come up short" is "LOSE" because when you come up short, you fail to achieve or obtain something, which is synonymous with losing.
Console with a motion-sensing remote : WII
The answer to "Console with a motion-sensing remote" is "WII" because the Wii gaming console is known for its unique motion-sensing remote controller.
Countess's counterpart : EARL
The answer to "Countess's counterpart" is "EARL" because an earl is a noble title that is equivalent to a countess in some countries.
Cricket club : BAT
The answer "BAT" is the right solution for the clue "Cricket club" because in the game of cricket, a bat is used to hit the ball.
Crowd favorite at karaoke, often : OLDIE
The answer "OLDIE" fits the clue because at karaoke, a crowd favorite is often an old or classic song that people know and love.
Dream state : REM
The answer to "Dream state" is "REM" because REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement, which is a stage of sleep where dreams often occur.
Educ. publishing division : ELHI
The answer to "Educ. publishing division" is "ELHI" because it is a common abbreviation for "elementary and high school education."
Entourage : POSSE
"Entourage" refers to a group of people who accompany and assist an important person. "Retinue" is a word that specifically means a group of attendants or followers who accompany a person of rank or importance. Therefore, "retinue" is the correct answer.
Extra point for a shooting foul, in basketball : ANDONE
The term "ANDONE" is commonly used in basketball to refer to a situation where a player is fouled while making a shot and still manages to score. In this case, an extra point is awarded to the player, making it the correct answer for the clue.
Family men : DADS
The term "family men" refers to individuals who are responsible for their families and actively involved in their care and upbringing. The word "DADS" is a common colloquial term used to describe fathers, who are typically seen as the primary family men in many households. Therefore, "DADS" is the right solution for the clue "Family men."
Focus of some cognitive therapy, for short : PTSD
The answer "PTSD" is the right solution because it stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is a mental health condition that can be the focus of cognitive therapy.
French film award : CESAR
The answer to "French film award" is "CESAR" because the Cesar Awards are the national film awards of France, similar to the Academy Awards in the United States.
Fries, to Brits : CHIPS
The answer to "Fries, to Brits" is "CHIPS" because in British English, "chips" refers to what Americans typically call "French fries."
Fusilli shape : HELIX
The answer "HELIX" is the right solution because fusilli is a type of pasta that is spiral-shaped, resembling a helix.
Go over : SPAN
The answer "SPAN" is the right solution to the clue "Go over" because "span" means to extend or reach across something, which can be interpreted as going over or crossing a distance.
Golf alternative, in brief : VWJETTA
Highly pleased with : PROUDOF
The answer "PROUDOF" fits the clue "Highly pleased with" because when you are proud of someone or something, you feel a strong sense of satisfaction and approval.
Home to the monument depicted in this puzzle : INDIA
The answer is "INDIA" because India is home to the monument depicted in this puzzle.
Key locale : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." is the right solution for the clue "Key locale" because "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, and a key locale is a place where abbreviations are commonly used.
Key with one sharp : Abbr.
The answer "Abbr." stands for abbreviation. In music notation, a key with one sharp is commonly represented by the letter "A" followed by a sharp symbol (#). Therefore, "Abbr." is the correct solution as it indicates the abbreviated form of the musical key with one sharp.
Kind of calendar : ADVENT
The answer "ADVENT" is the right solution because it is a type of calendar that counts down the days leading up to Christmas.
Knockout punch : LETHALBLOW
The answer "LETHALBLOW" is the right solution because it refers to a punch that is powerful enough to knock out an opponent. It combines the word "lethal," meaning deadly or fatal, with "blow," which signifies a forceful strike.
Lacks : HASNT
The answer "HASNT" fits the clue "Lacks" because it is a contraction of "has not," indicating a absence or absence of possession.
Less green, as a banana : RIPER
The answer "RIPER" is the right solution because when a banana becomes less green, it means it is becoming more mature and closer to being fully ripe.
Like many old fiddle tunes : Abbr.
Mediterranean fruit : OLIVE
The DATE is a fruit that is commonly grown in Mediterranean countries, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Mediterranean fruit."
Mononymous Grammy winner : ENYA
The answer "ENYA" is the right solution because Enya is a well-known musician who has won Grammy awards, and she is commonly referred to by her mononymous stage name.
Name that's an anagram of SEEM : ESME
The answer "ESME" is the right solution because it is an anagram of the letters in "SEEM." An anagram means rearranging the letters to form a different word, and in this case, "ESME" is a valid name that can be formed using the letters in "SEEM."
No. 2 in the statehouse : LTGOV
The answer "LTGOV" stands for Lieutenant Governor, who is typically the second-in-command in a state's executive branch. Therefore, "No. 2 in the statehouse" refers to the Lieutenant Governor.
Number of 69-Across surrounding the monument depicted in this puzzle : FOUR
The clue is asking for the number of 69-Across surrounding the monument depicted in the puzzle. The answer "FOUR" fits because there are four instances of the number 69 surrounding the monument.
Number of players on a netball team : SEVEN
The answer is "SEVEN" because a netball team consists of seven players on the court at a time.
Org. that reports to the attorney general : DEA
The answer "DEA" is the right solution because it stands for Drug Enforcement Administration, which is an organization that reports to the attorney general and is responsible for enforcing drug laws in the United States.
Part of a Latin 101 conjugation : AMAS
The answer "AMAS" is the right solution because it is the second-person singular form of the Latin verb "amare," which means "to love." In Latin 101 conjugation, this form is used when addressing someone directly, like saying "you love."
Peace, in Russian : MIR
The answer "MIR" is the right solution because "MIR" is the Russian word for "peace".
Pigeon coop : COTE
The answer to "Pigeon coop" is "COTE" because a cote is a small shelter or building where pigeons are kept.
Prefix meaning one-billionth : NANO
The prefix "nano-" is commonly used to indicate one-billionth of something. In the metric system, it represents a factor of 10^-9. Therefore, "NANO" is the correct solution for the clue "Prefix meaning one-billionth."
Prez with a famous ranch : LBJ
The answer to "Prez with a famous ranch" is "LBJ" because LBJ stands for Lyndon B. Johnson, who was a U.S. President and had a famous ranch called the "LBJ Ranch" in Texas.
Pritzker Prize-winning architect : PEI
The answer "PEI" is the right solution because I.M. Pei was a renowned architect who won the Pritzker Prize, which is considered the highest honor in the field of architecture.
Qatari leader : EMIR
The term "EMIR" refers to a Qatari leader because it is the title given to the ruler of Qatar.
Romp : EASYWIN
Santa ___ : ANA
The answer "ANA" fits the clue "Santa ___" because it completes the phrase "Santa Ana," which refers to the Santa Ana winds, strong and dry winds that occur in Southern California.
Shrub : BUSH
The answer to "Shrub" is "BUSH" because a bush is a low-growing woody plant with multiple stems.
Sight on a Norwegian cruise : FJORD
The answer "FJORD" is the right solution because a fjord is a narrow inlet of the sea between high cliffs or steep slopes, typically found in Norway. Therefore, it is a common sight on a Norwegian cruise.
Some loaves : RYES
The answer "RYES" is the right solution because rye is a type of grain that is commonly used to make bread, including loaves.
Stephanie of "Everything Everywhere All at Once" : HSU
Suffer from intense heat : SWELTER
The word "SWELTER" means to suffer from intense heat. It is a commonly used verb to describe the feeling of being extremely hot and uncomfortable.
Tesla, by birth : SERB
The answer "SERB" is the right solution because Nikola Tesla, the famous inventor and engineer, was born in Smiljan, which was then part of the Austrian Empire and is now located in modern-day Croatia. Tesla's ethnicity is Serbian, hence the clue "Tesla, by birth" leads to the answer "SERB".
The Mughal dynasty's reign, e.g. : ERA Down
The answer "ERA" fits the clue "The Mughal dynasty's reign, e.g." because an era refers to a period of time marked by significant events or a particular historical period. In this case, the Mughal dynasty's reign is a specific era in history.
Type of structure that this puzzle's theme is a grand example of : TOMB
The answer "TOMB" is the right solution because a tomb is a type of structure where a deceased person is buried. In the context of the puzzle's theme, it suggests that the theme revolves around grand examples of tombs.
Upright : ERECT
The answer "ERECT" is the right solution because it means upright or vertical in position.
Usurp : GRAB
The word "usurp" means to seize or take over someone's position or power without authority. The word "grab" also means to seize or take hold of something quickly and forcefully. Therefore, "grab" is the right solution because it captures the essence of seizing or taking over, which is what "usurp" means.
Weight of a paper clip, roughly : GRAM
The answer "GRAM" is the right solution because it is a unit of measurement commonly used to express the weight of small objects, such as a paper clip. It is a standard metric unit and is widely recognized in the context of weights and measurements.
What a QR code at a restaurant may lead to : MENU
The answer "MENU" is the right solution because a QR code at a restaurant typically leads to the digital menu, allowing customers to view the available food and beverage options.
Where Diamond Head is : OAHU
The answer "OAHU" is the right solution because Diamond Head is a famous volcanic cone located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.
Without a sole winner : TIED
The answer "TIED" is the right solution because when there is no sole winner, it means that two or more participants have the same score or result, which is commonly referred to as being tied.
Yeun who was the first Asian American nominated for Best Actor (2020's "Minari") : STEVEN
The answer is "STEVEN" because Steven Yeun was the actor who was the first Asian American nominated for Best Actor for his role in the 2020 film "Minari."
___ Faire (outdoor event) : REN
The answer "REN" is the right solution because "Ren Faire" is a common abbreviation for Renaissance Faire, which is an outdoor event celebrating the Renaissance period.
___ room : REC
The answer "REC" is short for "recreation," which is often used to refer to a room where people can engage in leisure activities.