Here's all New York Times Crossword answers for 20 September 2023, Wednesday (09-20-23). 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.
1971 hit for the Carpenters : SUPERSTAR (SUPERPOWER & STAR POWER)
The answer "SUPERSTAR" is the right solution because it was a hit song by the Carpenters in 1971.
1972 hit for Elton John : ROCKET MAN (ROCKET POWER & MANPOWER)
The answer "ROCKET MAN" is the right solution because it is a well-known hit song by Elton John that was released in 1972.
1986 hit for Steve Winwood (and a 2019 hit for Whitney Houston) : HIGHER LOVE (HIGHER POWER & LOVE POWER)
The answer "HIGHER LOVE (HIGHER POWER & LOVE POWER)" is the right solution because it fits the clue "1986 hit for Steve Winwood (and a 2019 hit for Whitney Houston)". Both Steve Winwood and Whitney Houston had successful versions of the song "Higher Love" in their respective years.
2015 hit for Little Mix : BLACK MAGIC (BLACK POWER & MAGIC POWER)
The answer "BLACK MAGIC" is the right solution because it is a hit song by the British girl group Little Mix, released in 2015.
A.I., e.g. : TECH
The answer "TECH" is short for "technology", and A.I. stands for "artificial intelligence", which is a type of technology. Therefore, "TECH" is the right solution.
All-night dance party : RAVE
The answer to "All-night dance party" is "RAVE" because a rave is a type of large, high-energy dance party that typically lasts all night long.
Announcement from the cockpit, for short : ETA
The answer to "Announcement from the cockpit, for short" is "ETA" because ETA stands for Estimated Time of Arrival, which is a common announcement made by pilots to inform passengers of the expected time for reaching their destination.
Be litigious : SUE
The answer "SUE" fits the clue "Be litigious" because "sue" is a commonly used term for taking legal action against someone, usually in a court of law.
Breathwork might help relieve it : STRESS
The answer "STRESS" is the right solution because breathwork techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, are known to help relieve stress.
Camouflage : HIDE
The answer to "Camouflage" is "HIDE" because hiding helps to blend in with the surroundings and makes it difficult to be seen.
Campaign grp. : PAC
The answer to "Campaign grp." is "PAC" because PAC stands for Political Action Committee, which is a type of organization that supports and raises funds for political campaigns.
Canine warning : ARF!
The answer "ARF!" is a representation of the sound a dog makes. It is commonly used as a canine warning in crossword puzzles.
Captain Morgan offering : RUM
The answer "RUM" is the right solution because Captain Morgan is a well-known brand of rum.
Castle defense : MOAT
The answer to "Castle defense" is "MOAT" because a moat is a wide, deep trench filled with water that surrounds a castle, acting as a protective barrier against intruders.
Celebrate Thanksgiving, maybe : OVEREAT
The answer "OVEREAT" is the right solution because during Thanksgiving, it is common for people to indulge in large and excessive meals, eating more than they normally would.
Children’s author Blyton : ENID
The answer to "Children's author Blyton" is "ENID" because Enid Blyton was a popular British author known for her children's books.
Convinced about : SOLD ON
The phrase "sold on" is commonly used to mean convinced or persuaded about something. In this context, it indicates being convinced about a certain idea or belief.
Creatures that are often catadromous, meaning they live in fresh water and breed in salt water : EELS
EELS are the right answer because they are known for their catadromous behavior, which means they spend most of their lives in fresh water and migrate to the ocean to breed.
Deck divided into the Major and Minor Arcana : TAROT
The deck divided into the Major and Minor Arcana is commonly known as the Tarot deck. The Tarot deck is used for divination and is composed of 78 cards, with the Major Arcana representing significant life events and the Minor Arcana representing everyday experiences.
Ending with shop or weight : -LIFTER
The answer to "Ending with shop or weight" is "-LIFTER" because it can be added to the word "shop" to form "shoplifter" and to the word "weight" to form "weightlifter." In both cases, "-lifter" refers to someone who takes or lifts something without permission or someone who lifts heavy weights as a sport.
Fan : ADMIRER
The word "fan" is a colloquial term for someone who admires or supports a person, team, or thing. Therefore, "ADMIRER" is the right solution as it directly relates to the clue.
Footwear to knock around in : MOCS
The answer "MOCS" is short for "moccasins," which are a type of comfortable footwear that can be worn for casual or leisure activities. They are often used for knocking around or walking around in a relaxed manner.
Garlicky shrimp dish : SCAMPI
The answer to "Garlicky shrimp dish" is "SCAMPI" because scampi refers to a popular Italian-American dish made with shrimp that is cooked in a garlic butter sauce.
Gifted : TALENTED
The word "gifted" is often used to describe someone who possesses exceptional natural abilities or talents. The word "talented" is synonymous with "gifted," making it the right solution for this crossword clue.
House sitter’s responsibility, perhaps : PET
The answer to "House sitter’s responsibility, perhaps" is "PET" because one of the common responsibilities of a house sitter is taking care of the homeowner's pets while they are away.
Implied : MEANT
The word "meant" is the right answer because it implies something is intended or suggested without being explicitly stated.
Ingredient in Roman concrete : ASH
The answer to "Ingredient in Roman concrete" is "ASH" because ash was commonly used as a pozzolan in Roman concrete. It acted as a binding agent when mixed with lime and water, resulting in a durable and strong construction material.
Intentions : AIMS
The word "AIMS" is the right solution because it means "intentions" or "purposes". It is a concise and accurate answer that fits the clue.
Israel’s national tree : OLIVE
The olive tree is considered the national tree of Israel because it has significant cultural and historical importance in the region. Olives are a staple of the Mediterranean diet and have been cultivated in Israel for thousands of years. The tree is also mentioned numerous times in religious texts, making it a symbol of peace and prosperity in the country. Therefore, "OLIVE" is the correct answer to the clue "Israel's national tree."
It has small orbits : ATOM
The answer to "It has small orbits" is "ATOM" because an atom consists of a nucleus with electrons orbiting around it in specific energy levels or orbits.
Italian cornmeal dish : POLENTA
The answer to "Italian cornmeal dish" is "POLENTA" because polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from cornmeal.
Like AB negative, among all blood types : RAREST
The answer "RAREST" is the right solution because AB negative is the rarest blood type among all blood types.
M.S.G. athlete : KNICK
The answer to "M.S.G. athlete" is "KNICK" because the New York Knicks, a professional basketball team, play their home games at Madison Square Garden (M.S.G.).
Marisa ___, portrayer of Aunt May in the Marvel Universe : TOMEI
The answer is "TOMEI" because Marisa Tomei is the actress who portrayed Aunt May in the Marvel Universe.
Michelle Obama ___ Robinson : NEE
The word "nee" is used in crossword puzzles to indicate a woman's maiden name. In this case, Michelle Obama's maiden name is Robinson, so "nee" is the correct answer.
Model Carangi : GIA
The answer "GIA" is the right solution because Gia Carangi was a famous American fashion model in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The clue refers to her by using her last name, "Carangi," and the answer is her first name, "Gia."
Neighbor of Francia : ESPANA
The neighbor of Francia refers to the country that is next to or adjacent to Francia. "España" is the Spanish name for Spain, which is located next to France, making it the correct answer.
Nibble at : NOSH ON
The answer "NOSH ON" fits the clue "Nibble at" because "nosh" is a slang term meaning to eat or snack, and "on" indicates that the action is being performed on something. Therefore, "NOSH ON" means to casually eat or nibble on something.
One of a famous septet : SIN
The answer "SIN" is the right solution because it is one of the seven deadly sins, making it part of a famous septet.
One who cries “Foul!” : REF
The answer "REF" is short for referee, who is the person responsible for enforcing the rules and calling fouls in various sports.
Onetime capital of Poland : KRAKOW
The answer to "Onetime capital of Poland" is "KRAKOW" because Krakow was the capital of Poland from the 11th century until the late 16th century.
Orbitz listings : FARES
The answer to "Orbitz listings" is "FARES" because Orbitz is a travel booking website, and fares refer to the prices or costs of transportation, such as flights or train tickets.
Own up (to) : COP
The answer "COP" is the right solution because it is a common slang term meaning to admit or confess to something. It is often used in the phrase "cop to," which means to own up or take responsibility for something.
Pillow cover : SHAM
The answer "SHAM" is the right solution because a pillow cover is often referred to as a sham.
Private Insta conversations : DMS
The answer "DMS" stands for "direct messages," which are private conversations on Instagram.
Ray of light : SUNBEAM
The answer "SUNBEAM" is the right solution because a ray of light emitted from the sun is commonly referred to as a "sunbeam".
Record amount of Oscars won by a single film : ELEVEN
The answer "ELEVEN" is the right solution because it represents the record number of Oscars won by a single film.
Rowing machine, informally : ERG
The answer "ERG" is the right solution because "ERG" is a commonly used abbreviation for ergometer, which is a rowing machine.
Saclike structures produced by fungi : ASCI
The answer "ASCI" is the right solution because ASCI are sac-like structures that are produced by fungi, specifically by the group of fungi known as ascomycetes. They are responsible for producing and releasing spores for reproduction.
Sailboat apparatus : RIG
The answer "RIG" is the right solution because it refers to the apparatus or equipment used to support and control the sails on a sailboat. It is a common term used in sailing to describe the system of ropes, wires, and other components that help to manipulate the sails and adjust their position.
Scant : MEAGER
The word "scant" means limited or insufficient. The word "meager" also means limited or lacking in quantity or quality. Therefore, "meager" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "scant".
Sea dogs : TARS
The term "sea dogs" is a colloquial expression used to refer to sailors or seafarers. The word "TARS" is a slang term for sailors, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Sheep genus : OVIS
The answer to "Sheep genus" is "OVIS" because Ovis is the scientific genus name for sheep.
Slow rock song with an emotional vocal delivery … whose start can follow each half of 17-, 31-, 44- and 63- : POWER BALLAD
The answer "POWER BALLAD" is the right solution because it fits the clue description. A power ballad is a slow rock song known for its emotional vocal delivery. The clue also hints that the start of the answer can follow each half of certain numbered clues, indicating that "POWER" can be found after the first half of 17-, 31-, 44-, and 63-.
Something Maggie is always seen with on “The Simpsons” : PACIFIER
The answer "PACIFIER" is the right solution because Maggie, a character on "The Simpsons," is always seen with a pacifier in her mouth.
They have time on their hands : CLOCKS
The answer "CLOCKS" is the right solution because clocks are objects that measure and display time. People often say "time is on their hands" when they have a lot of free time available. So, "They have time on their hands" is a playful way of hinting at clocks as the answer.
Tiny pest : FLEA
Ants are small insects that are commonly considered pests, as they often infest homes and gardens. Therefore, "Tiny pest" is an appropriate clue for the answer "ANT".
Top : BEST
The word "top" is often used to refer to the best or highest quality. Therefore, "BEST" is the right answer as it means the highest or most excellent.
Top-tier invitees : A-LIST
The term "A-list" is commonly used to refer to the most important or influential people in a particular field or industry. In the context of the clue, "top-tier invitees," the answer "A-LIST" fits perfectly as it represents the group of individuals who would receive the highest level of invitation or recognition.
Treats, as leather : TANS Down 1 “It’s me again!”
The answer to "Treats, as leather" is "TANS" because tanning is a process used to treat leather and make it more durable.
Useful shot against a volleyer : LOB
The answer "LOB" is the right solution because a lob is a useful shot against a volleyer. A lob is a high, arching shot that is hit over the opponent's head, making it difficult for them to reach and return the ball. This strategy is often used to counter a volleyer who is positioned close to the net.
Wake-up calls : ALARMS
The answer "ALARMS" is the right solution because it refers to the devices that are used to wake people up in the morning. They make a loud noise or sound to alert individuals and help them wake up on time.
Who blows thar? : SHE
The answer "SHE" is the right solution because "thar" is a dialectal pronunciation of "there." In this context, "Who blows thar?" is a play on words, where "blows" refers to the action of making a sound or emitting air. "She" is a pronoun commonly used to refer to a female, and it sounds similar to "thar." Therefore, "She" is the appropriate answer to the clue.
Word with clam or trunk : STEAMER …
The word "STEAMER" is the right solution because it can be combined with the words "clam" or "trunk" to form familiar compound words. For example, "clam steamer" refers to a pot used for steaming clams, and "trunk steamer" refers to a type of travel trunk that was popular in the past.
___ Elise Goldsberry, portrayer of Angelica Schuyler in the original “Hamilton” cast : RENEE
The answer is "RENEE" because Renée Elise Goldsberry is the full name of the actress who portrayed Angelica Schuyler in the original cast of the musical "Hamilton".
___ Quimby, Beverly Cleary heroine : RAMONA
The answer is "RAMONA" because Ramona Quimby is the name of the heroine in the books written by Beverly Cleary.
___-country (music genre) : ALT
The answer "ALT" is short for "alternative" and is commonly used to describe the music genre "alt-country."
“Handle” of a pumpkin : STEM
The answer is "STEM" because the stem is the part of a pumpkin that you can hold onto, or "handle", when carrying or carving it.
“Insecure” star Rae : ISSA
The answer is "ISSA" because "Insecure" star Rae's first name is Issa.
“Once Upon a Mattress” prop : PEA
The answer "PEA" is the right solution because in the musical "Once Upon a Mattress," Princess Winnifred proves her royalty by feeling a pea through multiple mattresses. The prop of the pea is a key element in the story.
“So long!” : ADIOS!
The answer "ADIOS!" is the right solution because it is a common way to say "So long!" in Spanish.
“This is ___ of the emergency …” : A TEST
The answer "A TEST" is the right solution because the phrase "This is ___ of the emergency ..." is commonly followed by "A TEST" in emergency drills or simulations.